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Never stop exploring opportunities to move and improve. At 40 I was challenged by my male co-workers to run a 5-mile marathon relay. I had never run in my life, nor did I have any desire. I purchased a pair of “used” running shoes and thought that would be the end of my running career.

But it wasn’t, I was hooked. The “runner’s high” is addictive. Fast forward almost three decades and I’ve run 12 marathons, many half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks and Trail Runs. Taking on a race requires focus, commitment, perseverance, and determination to finish what you’ve started. No different than committing to purge the “stuff” in your home in order to make a move. I live by these values both personally and professionally.

In my 50s, I took care of my parents; one wheelchair bound after a stroke, and one with vascular dementia. Running was my savior then and still is today. It provides me with “my time” to be outdoors early in the morning, so I clear my head and solve any issues I’m trying to address. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and it’s a great exercise at the same time.

I spent several years sharing my passion as a running coach for one of the county’s running groups. I love sharing my passion and knowledge for running and real estate, in addition to making new friendships along the way. Listening to others with compassion and an empathetic ear on a run, when you think you can’t go one more mile, brings a great sense of accomplishment for mind and body, while serving my community. I think it’s no different than getting a seller past overwhelm―into escrow and closing the sale of their home, just when they thought it couldn’t be done.

Now at 68, I would say it’s more of a jog than a run, but I still have the passion, determination, and conviction to keep moving to stay healthy. I want to be that 80-year-young woman crossing the finish line and getting first place, even if I’m the only runner in my age group.

I’ve made several career changes in my lifetime but running has been my constant moving meditation. I’d love to hear from you or meet up to run, jog, or walk along the coastline, or one of San Diego’s wonderful trails.

Patti Gerke is a Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) and a Certified Residential Specialist® (CRS®). For the past 21+ years she has specialized in working with seniors and their family members, utilizing her compassionate perseverance to provide guidance, assistance, and expertise when selling their home. She’s lived in Carlsbad for 38 years with her husband. Find Patti at patti@pattigerke.com.