I started running again this spring – I haven’t really run since law school (gosh, that’s getting further and further away). For my first big event, I’m training for the Philadelphia Marathon’s Rothman Institute 8k – it’s in November and it is a great event for me to work towards. It’s a daunting challenge but I am really excited (hey, if you’re in Philly, why not join me for the race? race organizers are expecting a full house).
Let me put that in perspective a little bit. Since law school, I have gotten married, opened a law firm, started blogging and had three children, among other things. I am tired, overscheduled and out of shape. I enjoy eating cheese and bacon. I am clearly not the poster child for Runners World. Running is not something that easily slips into my schedule or my lifestyle.
Nonetheless, I have been, for a couple of months, dragging my butt out of bed every morning around 5am to go for a run or walk with friends. I can tell that it’s paying off – I no longer get winded going up “the hill.” Running a mile doesn’t freak me out anymore – I can now manage 5k nicely. I will not be qualifying for the Olympics by any stretch of the imagination but I may make a respectable finish at the 8k (I just don’t want to finish last).
But why running? Why now?
I’m not quite sure. While training, I saw this quote and was struck by it:
Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?’ – Peter Maher
And maybe that’s why I run: I love a challenge. I love the sense of accomplishment when I start something and finish.
It’s much the same reason why I opened my law firm and started my tax blog. I want to get up every day and be excited about what I do. Tax policy to me is exciting and interesting and challenging. It would be a lot easier to just go to the office, do my work, and come home – but what would be the fun in that?
I love thinking about new ideas, answering questions from readers and finding out what my peers have to say about tax. I read every comment on my blog – you guys offer great food for thought. It keeps me on my toes, for sure.
When I’m writing, I often have much of the same thought processes as I do when running – this idea that I have to try a little harder, go a little further. At the end, just as when I cross that finish mark, I love looking at a post and thinking that maybe I contributed a little to the conversation in the blogosphere this morning.
Writing, like running, keeps me strong.
So please keep stopping by and leaving your comments. Always feel free to leave suggestions – I’m always open for new topics and new series.
And off of the blog track, I’d love to hear from my readers: What is it that says to you each day: ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?’
As a writer, my questions is, do you carry a digital voice recorder while you’re running in case a great idea/wave of inspiration hits while on a run?
Great post…and kudos to you for taking up running again and planning for the 8K.
Awesome. I too was struck by the ‘run’ bug. Last fall our town announsed a mini so i started training in January. I finished, wlaking half of it, but i finished. I actually enjoyed the event (much more than the training) so i am signing up for next year. It was a lot more fun than you envision, no matter how much it hurt.
Keep it up, good for you!
I really appreciate that you take the time to write the blog. I am just a mom of 5 who does our own taxes….not a “professional” at all! I love reading your thoughts and pondering your questions and ideas. Keep writing!
great post. I’m waiting for a knee op so I can’t run at the moment but as a writer, the fridge is far too close.
So I can identify. Keeping motivated and meeting others going for the same goal is the great thing about running, that’s apart from the positive effect on your shape of course.
Keep it up!
Donna
I have a question about IRC 199-the Domestic Production Deduction. I’m in Central California which is farm country. Most farmers use contract labor for harvesting, etc and my question relates to those contractors. Are they (the contrators) entitled to a Section 199 deduction because they are part of the production process-much like a building sub-contractor is able to claim the deduction? Or, are they merely “service providers” and not qualified for the deduction?