Going the distance in real estate?

Yesterday I ran in the L.A. Marathon.  Finishing a marathon can be a fun event. As with life, and in real estate, for me it's about the experience.  This year with a brand new course, and 26,000 participants. 

We jogged though the best and the worst of L.A. neighborhoods. In addition we passed some of the cities famous landmarks.

 As much as I loved seeing the finish line after pounding the payment for hours, it's the journey that is the real payoff.  This year I took some photos along the way.

The goal, to always finish, period, even if I have to limp across the finish line. Always at the back of the pack, I'm an official member of the "caboose club", this year it was mostly walking. Ha, for referring to many activity as running, my apologies to the real rainer runners here!And to those of you in cold country, sorry about complaining about temp,  but a little warm for the distance.

Some of my random thoughts and experiences yesterday:

1. First 2 miles, up hill grade "Why am I doing this?" Mile 3, downhill grade, picking up the pace a bit, maybe a better time this year?
2. Passing the famous Hollywood Bowl, no Gatorade at the water station,
3. Unusually warm (12-15 degrees higher than normal) day, on Hollywood Blvd., feeling the heat, mostly walking, but I know I'll finish. Taking photos, talking a little on the cell to occupy the time.
4. Passed another water-station, no water this time, (inexcusable) the first of 2 "poop-out" vans go by, it was looking good to me.
5. Met my "banana team" (family) juice, banana & orange slices, a huge boost, thanks! I'm one of the lucky ones who have support.
6. Keep moving, come across a few others feeling the heat and pain, and share my oranges. L.A.F.D. providing a cool shower from fire hoses.
7. Received a phone call from Heidi Franklin, fellow rainer, looking for a referral agent.  Poop-out van goes by again, this time completely full. Wondering if I can make it myself. Who cares about the time?   Lynda just finish, I told myself.
8. Met family again, mile 21, another huge boost, this time with pretzels.  Mile 23, shared my 5 pretzels with a few others in need.  Almost there, now I know I'll finish.  Promise myself, I'll train better next time. You know, sort of like have everything ready a day or two before the next listing appointment.

I was also touched by other participants I met along the way.  The soldier in the photo was part of a military group marathoning (yes in those boots) to honor others who gave their lives all from his unit in Iraq. Their names were printed on the back of his shirt. I also met another gentleman, a Sgt. Major who lost his sight in Iraq, he was doing the marathon with family members.

As always,  I'm in the race for the duration, just like real estate. Yet as we know r.e. has a huge turn-over.   While others come and go, for many of you it's not a hobby, not something we dabble in, it's our profession and our livelihood.  And with training, and help of others along way we can make it, and go the distance.

Photos include pre-race crowd, luxury L.A. area home, L.A. MemorialColiseum-former home of the Olympics-a, my family at mile 21, sister Deb, myself, sister Carol, fellow-rainer Marlene Bridges & brother-in-law Grant, today my, "banana crew", they are multiple marathoners themselves.  

Any thoughts? I've learned so much from fellow rainers, I'd love to hear from you.

Lynda, still in training so many ways...