Making the Most of it

I wanted to post a link here to my friend Toby Tanser's blog. He is a super-cool human being, making the most of his love for people, running and the value of each human life. I always enjoy reading about his friendships and adventures in Kenya, the center of the distance running world.

Toby decided a while back to build a hospital for the people in Kenya who lack many of the basics in daily life, from shoes to healthcare. He has undertaken the goal of raising $15 million, although he'd never tell you that he's doing is almost single-handedly from his apartment in NYC.

I have loads of respect for people who do good things for others, without much fanfare or personal gain -even if it's not $15 million at a time.

http://www.tanser.org/

Turkey Day is Coming!!! Start Running...Right Now!!

Come out on Thanksgiving morning and run with your friends, neighbors and entire community. It's an ideal time to run - right before consuming several thousand calories!

3 miles sounds tough, but my 11 year old ran almost 2 miles in her first attempt ever! I'm sure with the added push from the crowd you can run/walk for 30-40 minutes.

Katie and I are going to make a date out of it, complete with coffee and a quiet breakfast. It will be a great way to start the holidays. Can't wait!!

Click on this blog post title for the registration form.

Real Estate and The Marathon

In the last two years, Katie and I have both developed a love of running. For Katie, the thrill is in the quiet time away from the demands of our home life - 5 (perpetually hungry) kids, a small mountain of laundry, occasionally forgetful husband, etc. She always comes home from a run feeling better than when she left and thinking about when she can get out for another 5 miles. Last year, she ran her first marathon... no small feat for a mother of five!


For me, running is a little different. I really enjoy the numbers, the competition, and the improvement. I don't mind the solitude, but those of you that know me can understand that I'd be very happy to chat all the way along.


Two weeks ago, I ran the Chicago Marathon. 18 weeks of training, lots of worry about injury and certainly some sacrifice in family time. All those hours by myself gave me time to think about my life, my career and my family. It turns out that running and real estate actually have a lot in common!


Out on the road, the good days are really good. I often felt light, fast and unstoppable- like I could run forever! Other days out there were a real slog - rainy, cold wet ones when it seems like I'd have done just as well to call it a day without ever getting out the door.


Over time and with experience, you realize you have to have both kinds of days. The common thread is clear. Perseverance is an essential quality and one that no marathoner or successful real estate agent can do without.

6th Annual Ivory Crockett Run 4 Webster - Oct. 3

This fun event is named for Ivory Crockett, who went to Webster Groves High School from 1962-1966. For a period of time beginning in 1974, he was "The World's Fastest Man" (our very own Usain Bolt!), owning the world's record for covering the 100-yard dash in 9 seconds.

My wife and I love to be a part of local races like this in Webster, Kirkwood and Glendale (WKG), either by sponsoring these great events financially, volunteering (which I don't do nearly enough), or actually running in them. It's really fun to race through the neighborhoods and see our friends and neighbors who love to run as much as we do. I especially like that this event offers a 110-yard dash for kids under 12.

Last year, more than 500 people participated in the race and this year should be another great turnout. Click on the title of the blog post to be connected to the registration information, or contact the Sports Medicine and Training Center at 314-961-3787!