The Athlete's Lawyer

Leesburg lawyer Doug Landau at the Loudoun Lyme finish line, where participants learned about Tick Borne Illness prevention and treatment

The 3rd Annual Loudoun Lyme 5K was held in the drizzle to raise awareness and money to help find a cure for Lyme disease – the number one tick-borne illness in the United States. The Loudoun Lyme 5K Run, Walk and 1Mile Fun Run took place this Sunday at Loudoun Valley High School in Purcellville, Virginia.

Participants young and old learned a great deal about lyme disease and other insect borne illnesses.  The Loudoun Lyme 5K also featured a 1 mile fun run, children’s activities as well as an information fair to educate the public about Lyme disease, its causes, symptoms and treatments.  Managing only 8th (2nd in his age group) on the rolling loop course, Landau was intrigued by the bug repellent clothing for sale, as well as some of the other exhibitors wares.  Loudoun County lawyer Landau also learned that context matters when using medical abbreviations and scientific terminology, as explained in tomorrow’s post !

“With a denial rate of almost 60%, the NFL’s disability board’s stats rival that of the the Federal Social Security Disability system,” notes Herndon Virginia injury and workers comp lawyer Doug Landau.  Following the heart-breaking series in the Washington Post, Landau was struck at the high incidence of disabling injury mirrored by the large number of litigated claims.  As described by Mel Owens, a former NFL player who is now a California lawyer, “The NFL is in the hurt business. In workers comp they will end up paying for the players’ brains, hearts and livers, as well as orthopedic injuries ,and it’s expensive. But they [the league owners] don’t want to pay at all.”  The NFL Players Association has accused the league of systematically opposing players’ workers compensation claims across the country.

Locally, experienced workers comp lawyers note that the NFL team owner’s Modus Operandi is to contest claims; often bringing team doctors and trainers to testify against the disabled players.  In light of these facts and the great disparity between the players who have contracts that provide for long-term medical care as compared to those whose careers were shorter or less generous, lawyer Landau suggests that a larger fund for future medical care should be something that every team and player contributes to inn proportion to their profits, salary and bonuses.  Otherwise, the burden of caring for these former “Monday Night Football” heroes will fall to the Federal Social Security Disability System or charitable organizations.

At the ALS runs for Lou Gehrig’s Disease in Coconut Grove, Florida, Herndon injury lawyer (and University of Miami Law School alum) Doug Landau won his age group in the 5km race

The Annual Coconut Grove ALS races and Walk for Lou Gehrig’s Disease enabled Triathlon Trial Lawyer Doug Landau to test his fitness on his former South Florida stomping grounds.  Landau and his University of Miami Law School running buddies used to race in the Grove and throughout Dade and Broward Counties. The 12th annual ALS athletic event gave runners and walkers a chance to experience vibrant and picturesque Coconut Grove as the sun is coming up. Race proceeds are allocated to assist patients in the tri-county area living with ALS. Working closely with the medical community, the race has helped people with ALS obtain the proper care and equipment that they would not otherwise have been able to afford.

Landau again won his age group in the 5km. despite a lackluster time and 27th finish out of over 700 finishers.  Mrs. Landau ran the 10km despite late celebrations for their daughter, who graduated from “the U” the day before and gave the commencement address. Lawyer Landau promises to work harder on his fitness in order to bring his 5km times down below 20 minutes.

Triathlon Trial Lawyer Doug Landau, shown at a HPC Computrainer Class, copped a cash prize for first place in his age group at the Westfield Sprint Triathlon held at Cub Run and Westfield High School in Chantilly Virginia

The Westfields Business Owners Association, Community Involvement Committee (WBOA-CIC) along with the Westfield H.S. and the Cub Run RECenter came together to support a great race event in Chantilly, Virginia.  The Westfields Sprint Triathlon race distances were: Swim 275 yards – Bike 12 miles – Run 5k.   Triathlon Trial Lawyer Doug Landau finished in the top 10, and despite a rather pedestrian run leg, won his age group.  The Herndon injury lawyer was surprised to receive a certificate and a cash prize today.  Lawyer Landau was not able to stay for the awards, and so the money came Read the rest of this entry »

Chilly conditions in Chantilly Virginia greeted competitors in the first Westfields Sprint Triathlon at Cub Run Rec Center

Making use of the wonderful facilities at Cub Run Recreational Center, Westfields High School and the Westfield Conference Center, the race directors of the first Westfields Sprint Triathlon were able to conduct a quality race that was fun for competitors of all levels.  With plenty of friendly volunteers and chip timing for accurate splits, the Westfields Tri had something for everyone.  The Westfields Triathlon teamed up with Share Our Strength organization to help end childhood hunger in the USA and in particular right here in Virginia.

Race entry fees helped fund a generous donation to support the end of childhood hunger. The race began just after 7 AM, and though the day was sunny, the temperature was Read the rest of this entry »

Finishing a run safely requires planning for the conditions and thinking of safety BEFORE you head out the door

Having run into a trash can while running late at night on the Mount Vernon Trail alongside the George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, Virginia, I commend Brooks Running Shoes, Illuminite and Knuckle Lights for sponsoring National Running Safety Month. This time of year there are many road races celebrating New Years Eve.  I remember watching (from the warmth of my sister’s apartment!) when my mother and sister ran the New York City Midnight Run.  While Central Park was well-lit, most night-time running poses increased risk due to hidden street surface defects.  The sponsors of Read the rest of this entry »

Bikers, runners, skaters, roller bladers and walkers travelling through the Town of Herndon, Virginia enjoy the W&OD Trail in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties

W&OD Trail Crossing Improvements at Crestview Drive, were one of the topics at the Herndon Town Council work session.  Biking and running on the W&OD near the Landau Law Shop is of especial interest to Herndon and Reston safety lawyer Doug Landau.  The Town’s objectives were to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety through signage, road treatment enhancements and adherence to traffic laws. Solutions included several design proposals, including installing Read the rest of this entry »

NYC parking receipts have safety tips to protect cyclists from needless injury

While visiting New York City last week, Virginia Doug Landau paid for parking at a street parking machine.  To his surprise, the receipt that must be displayed in the front driver’s window to avoid a parking ticket had safety information that is intended to prevent needless injury to cyclists.  The receipt, shown to the right, educates and reminds motorists to look out for bicycle riders when opening doors and making turns.  The parking receipt also gives the LookNYC.org web site which has helpful information, including

Safety Tips

•     Ride in a straight line, obey traffic signs and signals, and do not weave in and out of traffic. Riding predictably reduces your chances of a crash with a motor vehicle.
• Look, signal and look again before changing lanes or making a turn. Establish eye contact with drivers. Seeing a driver is often not enough. Make sure drivers see you before executing a turn or riding in front of a turning car.
• Watch out for car doors. Be prepared for the possibility that a car door may be opened in your path. When possible, leave room between yourself and parked cars (3 feet is generally recommended) so that you can avoid a door that opens unexpectedly.
• Stay visible. Wear brightly colored clothing for daytime riding. At night, use reflective materials and lights.
• Use Your bell. Your bell alerts drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists to your presence, it is required by law.
• Don’t wear earphones. By law you may wear one earbud, but keeping your ears clear is a much safer choice.
• Wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law for children age 13 or younger and working cyclists, helmets are a good idea for cyclists of all ages.

Laurie Corkey and Doug Landau at the Herndon Turkey Trot running race. Laurie also ran the Marine Corps Marathon and was all smiles over 6the grassy Herndon Golf Course.

With over 800 runners, the annual Herndon Turkey Trot drew runners of all ages to the Herndon Community Center and Golf Course. Even a gimpy “triathlon trial lawyer” like Doug Landau was able to enjoy the warm weather and running on the soft grass of the fairways and cinders of the W&OD Trail. Though he has not done any run training since September and not raced since the BumpAss Virginia Sprint Triathlon in October, Landau managed to pass almost 700 racers, as he started in dead last in order not to worsen his plantar fascitis. The Triathlon Trial Lawyer is not signed up for any other races this year or next, as he continues with therapy and deep water running.

One of the aspects of the Herndon Turkey Trot race that lawyer Landau appreciates, in addition to the varied running surfaces and post-race festivities, is the fact that you can use the Herndon Community Center facilities afterwards to shower, sauna, change, swim, lift or stretch. Not many races enable you to come home clean and dry !

Hopefully some runners will also participate in next month’s “Jack Corkey Memorial Aquathon,” which takes place Saturday evening, December 8th, at the Herndon Community Center. The Aquathon is a 1/2 mile pool swim followed immediately by a 1/2 mile pool run, with footwear, in water up to the chest ! Warm up at 6:15 PM, Race starts at 7 PM (RAIN OR SHINE !!!) If you have any questions, please e-mail Doug Landau or call (703)-796-9555. All participants get a pair of legal briefs (boxer shorts) and there will be prizes for the winners.

Herndon Virginia trial lawyer Doug Landau after getting treatment in the Richmond Sprint Triathlon Medical Tent

Here’s the facts, since the Reston Triathlon 9/9/12, I have not engaged in ANY run training on dry land.  AND, even though I raced in several 5kms and Sprint Triathlons in order to get in the minimum 5 races in the Virginia Triathlon Series, I have not done ANY running since 10/7/2012 !!!

In fact, Greg Hawkins of Set Up Events helped carry me from the finish line at the Richmond Sprint race to the medical tent, where my foot was taped.  I have been using night splints, wearing new SuperFeet shoe inserts and rolling the arch of my foot with balls.  I visited with Reston Virginia Foot Doctor Steve Gordon who thoroughly tested, examined and x-rayed my foot.  Dr. Gordon confirmed that my plantar fascitis, dormant and healed for 17 years, was back with a vengence.  Since my season is now over, I am taking it easy.  Unbelievably, I have not signed up for any Fall road races and am not signed up for any races in 2013 !

While I am injured (plantar fascitis) and cannot run, I am doing more riding, swimming & “Aquajogging” ! I am getting pruney ! I’d rather have been competing at the Triathlon World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand, but perhaps another time…  I hope to be well enough for the Jack Corkey Memorial all water Biathlon December 8th and to see you there !