As a claims attorney at Lawyers Mutual, Laura Loyek helps attorneys navigate some of the most difficult moments in their professional lives – offering guidance, perspective, and solutions when mistakes happen.

Outside the office, she embraces a different kind of challenge, running half marathons across the country as part of an ambitious quest to race in all 50 states. With 18 states already checked off her map, Laura’s journey is fueled by the same qualities that define her work – perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to putting one foot in front of the other, no matter the obstacle.

In this month’s spotlight, Laura shares how running became a lifelong passion, what she’s learned from chasing a 50-state goal, and why the journey matters just as much as the finish line.

LM: How long have you been with Lawyers Mutual, and what initially drew you to this role?

Laura: I joined Lawyers Mutual in April 2009, so I recently celebrated my 17th anniversary. I was drawn to the role because of the opportunity to help attorneys navigate risk management, ethics, and substantive legal issues. Being a lawyer for lawyers feels meaningful and rewarding.

LM: What do you enjoy most about your work as a claims attorney?

Laura: I get to work with and learn from talented lawyers across the state – both our defense counsel and our insureds. I genuinely enjoy thinking through the legal and ethical questions, and no two matters are alike. I started out handling real estate claims in 2009 following the recession, and over the past six to eight years I’ve shifted to working primarily on estate claims, which opened up an entirely new practice area for me.

LM: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of helping lawyers navigate difficult situations?

Laura: Making the initial call to report a mistake can be incredibly difficult. Attorneys may be feeling significant stress and embarrassment. Some are genuinely losing sleep over errors and the impact on their clients. But once that call is made, they’re no longer facing the situation alone.

That’s the part of the job I find most meaningful. I can help carry some of that burden. I remind attorneys that they are not the first person to face this kind of problem – even the very best lawyers make mistakes. We work together to find solutions, connect with defense counsel in their area who can help, and see it through to resolution.

Discovering Running

LM: Outside of work, you’re an avid runner. How did you first get into running?

Laura:  I started in high school, running track and cross country. I wasn’t particularly coordinated, but running was a natural fit – a good way to manage stress, stay active, and be part of a team. I also discovered early on that determination and mindset carry you a long way in running, even without a lot of natural athletic ability.

LM: Do you remember your first race? What was that experience like?

Laura: My first half marathon was the Indy Mini (part of the Indianapolis 500 Festival) when I was 16. It’s a big event in central Indiana where I grew up. I had never run more than five or six miles leading up to race day. Teenage energy got me through. I finished feeling great and set a personal record I’ve never beaten since. But I was so sore the following morning that I had to crawl out of my bedroom.

LM: At what point did running become a serious hobby for you rather than just exercise?

Laura: It was a gradual process, with some significant gaps along the way. After that first half marathon, it was 11 years before I ran another one, and then 13 more years until the next. I’ve been running consistently since 2018. I returned to it when my kids were young because it felt like the most efficient way to exercise. I could put on my shoes and head out the door, no gym commute or a class schedule to juggle.

I’ve kept going for a variety of reasons. Having a concrete goal – a race on the calendar – provides the structure and motivation I need. I like the process of having a training plan, checking off workouts, and seeing improvement. That kind of clear progress isn’t always available in other areas of life.

In a life that often feels overscheduled and overwhelming, I enjoy the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. It’s hard on hot, humid summer days or mornings when I don’t want to get up, but I try to remember that I’m fortunate to be able to do this. I’ve also built friendships through Fleet Feet, Raleigh Galloway, and Team Pace of Me training groups. The Raleigh running community is large and welcoming.

Most of all, running is something I do entirely for myself. I’m not competing for a podium finish. I set my own goals and challenge myself to do the best I’m capable of on a given day. Marathoner Meb Keflezighi put it well: “Most of us have enough areas in our lives where we have to meet others’ expectations. Let your running be about your own hopes and dreams.” Running is a space I carve out to reconnect with myself, away from the other demands on my time and attention.

The 50-State Running Goal

LM: You’ve set the impressive goal of running races in every state in the U.S. How did that idea first come about?

Laura: At the end of 2019, my son gave me a push-pin map of the United States that says “Been There, Ran That.” At that point, I had run races in three states but hadn’t seriously considered trying to visit all fifty. A few months later, COVID shut down in-person racing, along with most everything else. When races resumed, I decided to take on the challenge and add some pins to that map.

The goal has helped me stay motivated through changes and challenges in recent years. My fastest race times are likely behind me, and some health issues have forced me to adjust expectations. When the pace slows, it can be hard to know how to measure progress or what to work toward. The 50-state challenge shifts my focus from performance to experience. I still push myself on race day, but I’m equally excited about the opportunity to explore a new place.

LM: How many states have you completed so far?

Laura: I finished my 18th state, Minnesota, in June.

LM: What counts for a state—does it have to be a certain race distance?

Laura: Since this is my own goal, I’ve set my own parameters. My current rules are that the race has to be at least a half marathon, it can only count for one state even if it crosses a border, and it should start and finish in the same state.

LM: Do you choose races based on the location, the course, or the experience?

Laura: I keep a spreadsheet of potential races. Some are bucket-list events I’ve had my eye on for years: the Covered Bridges Half Marathon in Vermont; Newport, Rhode Island; Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas. Other times the decision is more practical, based on what fits the calendar. Now that I’ve covered most of the Southeast, it’s harder to find races that work as a weekend trip.

Adventures on the Road

LM: What are some of the most memorable races or locations you’ve experienced so far?

Laura: Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Miami have been my favorites. Each of these cities has a distinct character and excellent food! I’ve run on the tracks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Churchill Downs in Louisville. In West Virginia, I did a trail race through New River Gorge that was stunning and extremely challenging. In Huntsville, Alabama, the course went through the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. And in Memphis, the route passed through the St. Jude Hospital campus – one of the most moving and inspirational experiences I’ve had during a race.

LM: Has running taken you to places you might never have visited otherwise?

Laura: Yes, the majority of the cities where I’ve raced are places I had never spent time before. Running can be a great way to explore a new place. Over 13 miles, you pass through a variety of neighborhoods, interact with volunteers and spectators, and absorb details that you can’t get from a car window.

LM: Have you met other runners who are also pursuing the 50-state goal?

Laura: I usually find a few other 50-staters at every race, and it’s fun to compare notes – how many states have you done, where are you headed next, which race did you run in this state, what’s been your favorite so far. There’s a nice camaraderie among people working toward the same goal.

LM: Do you typically travel for races on your own, or with friends or family?

Laura: A combination. Having family at the finish line and running with friends are both wonderful. But I also travel alone fairly often, and I love that too. As the mom of two busy teenage boys, having a couple of days where I’m only responsible for myself is a treat.

Training and Discipline

LM: What does a typical training week look like when you’re preparing for a race?

Laura: I usually run four days a week, averaging around 20 miles. Saturday is my long run, and I include one harder effort during the week – generally something with speed intervals or hills. I also do Pilates and strength training to complement the running and (hopefully!) reduce injury risk.

I appreciate the ebb and flow of the training cycle. I build mileage gradually leading up to a race, take time off to recover afterward, then repeat the process the next season. It gives the year a useful rhythm.

LM: How do you stay consistent with training while balancing the demands of a legal career?

Laura: Figuring out the logistics and fitting everything in is often the hardest part – sometimes more demanding than the running itself. Morning runs are my preference. It’s less likely to happen if I leave it for later in the day. I also try to stay flexible. I run during my son’s soccer practices and on greenway trails near the office after work. Whatever the week allows!

LM: Do you have any race-day rituals or traditions?

Laura: The morning of a race, I always have the same breakfast – iced coffee and peanut butter banana toast or a bagel. Everything is laid out the night before. Dinner the evening before is always something easy on the stomach, followed by a stretch routine.

I also prepare myself mentally for the inevitable low point. In every race, there is a moment when running seems very dumb and I just want to stop. I try to go in with a mantra I can repeat to myself when that happens. Usually something like “strong and steady.”

Looking Ahead

LM: Which states are you most excited to run in that you haven’t checked off yet?

Laura: This past weekend I was excited to race in Duluth, Minnesota. It’s a large event, with close to 20,000 participants, and the course follows the shore of Lake Superior. I’ve never visited the Southwest or Pacific Northwest, so I’m eager to get to those regions. And, of course, Alaska and Hawaii are on the list!

LM: When you eventually complete your 50th state, how do you plan to celebrate?

Laura: I’m trying not to get too far ahead of myself. I can typically fit in three or four races a year, and the math may not work out for me to finish all fifty. But I’m okay with that. The point is to see how far I can get and appreciate each race along the way.

Fun Finish

LM: What’s your favorite post-race reward meal?

Laura: My go-to meal is burgers or pizza. Most races offer beer at the finish line (even at 9am), but I prefer to celebrate with a margarita.

LM: Do you run with music, podcasts, or just the sound of your footsteps?

Laura: I’ll listen to music before a race, but once I’m running I prefer to just be with my thoughts. I like the uninterrupted time to work through things in my head, or to get out of my head and just take in my surroundings. I do most of my longer training runs with a group and the conversation helps make the miles go by faster.

LM: If one of your Lawyers Mutual colleagues wanted to start running, what advice would you give them?

Laura: I think people often get caught up in worrying that they can’t be “real” runners. People who jog, run slowly, or alternate running and walking are all runners. I’ve used run-walk intervals for years because it helps me go faster and feel better.

Start small. You don’t need to be able to run a half marathon or 5K on day one. Begin with a minute and build from there. It takes some time to feel comfortable, but it does get easier. There are excellent training programs designed for beginners, and running groups are a good way to find people at a similar stage and stay accountable.