I didn’t set out to become a runner for fitness goals or race medals. I started running to clear my head. After long days in the courtroom, whether working as a public defender, private attorney, or serving as a judge, I found myself mentally exhausted but still full of thoughts I couldn’t turn off. One evening, I laced up my shoes and hit the pavement. I wasn’t fast, I didn’t go far—but something shifted. I felt more grounded, more focused. From that point on, running became part of how I processed the pressure and pace of legal life.

The legal profession demands a lot from your brain. You’re constantly juggling deadlines, high-stakes decisions, and the emotional weight of people’s real lives. It’s easy to get burned out or disconnected. But running gave me a place to reset—a space to breathe, think, and reflect. Over time, I’ve learned that physical fitness isn’t just good for your body—it’s a lifeline for your mind, especially in this line of work.

The Weight of Legal Work

Working in the legal system, particularly in small-town or rural areas, means carrying a lot on your shoulders. You might be handling dozens of cases at once, meeting with people at some of the lowest points in their lives, or delivering decisions that impact families for years to come. It’s a job that demands clarity, compassion, and an unshakable focus—and all of that takes a toll over time.

I’ve found that physical activity, especially running, helps lighten that mental load. There’s something about moving your body—getting your heart pumping and your lungs working—that allows your thoughts to sort themselves out. It’s as if the act of running physically pulls stress out of your mind and leaves space for clearer thinking.

Running as a Form of Therapy

No, running doesn’t replace therapy or professional mental health support. But it does play a big role in mental wellness. When I run, I’m not focused on arguments or rulings. I’m listening to my feet hit the pavement, the rhythm of my breathing, and the world around me. Some runs are quiet, peaceful, and reflective. Others are intense, fueled by frustration or stress. But every time, I come back with a clearer head and a better perspective.

For people in the legal field, especially those who work in high-stress environments like public defense or the judiciary, finding that outlet is essential. We’re not built to carry everything alone. Running gives me a space to decompress, to reset emotionally, and to come back to the work with a clearer sense of purpose.

Discipline on the Road and in the Courtroom

There’s a reason so many lawyers, judges, and leaders gravitate toward endurance sports. Running requires discipline—the same kind of daily commitment it takes to be effective in a courtroom. You can’t skip the hard work, whether you’re training for a half-marathon or preparing for trial. You have to show up when it’s cold, when you’re tired, and when you’d rather be doing something easier.

That consistency, that drive to keep improving, mirrors the mindset needed for success in law. There are no shortcuts. Just steady work, long-term vision, and the grit to keep going even when it’s tough. The more I’ve run, the more I’ve come to appreciate how much physical habits shape mental strength.

Creating Space for Reflection

One of the unexpected benefits of running is the way it creates room for reflection. Some of my best ideas, clearest decisions, and most honest self-assessments have come while jogging down a quiet road or through a wooded trail. In a profession where it’s easy to get caught up in urgency and pressure, having time to think without distractions is a gift.

I’ve used runs to prepare for hearings, think through ethical dilemmas, or process difficult outcomes. Other times, I don’t think about work at all—I just enjoy the rhythm of moving forward. Both are valuable. Both give me what I need to return to the job with more patience and perspective.

Encouraging Others in the Profession

If there’s one thing I’d recommend to anyone working in law, it’s to find some form of physical activity that helps you decompress. It doesn’t have to be running. It could be walking, biking, swimming, or hitting the gym. What matters is having a regular outlet that allows you to clear your mind and care for your body at the same time.

Too often, legal professionals fall into the trap of thinking self-care is a luxury. It’s not. It’s a necessity. You can’t serve your clients, your court, or your community if you’re running on fumes. And for me, running has been one of the most effective tools to avoid burnout and stay mentally sharp.

Final Thoughts

Running started as a way to blow off steam. Over time, it’s become a core part of how I stay focused, healthy, and balanced in a profession that asks a lot from its people. In law, we’re expected to be composed, rational, and ready at all times—but that doesn’t mean we don’t carry stress or need support.

For me, lacing up and heading out for a run isn’t about competition—it’s about clarity. It’s where I find space to think deeply, breathe fully, and reset for whatever challenge comes next. And in a world where the pressure never really stops, having that kind of space makes all the difference.