Personal Passions: Cycling The Tour de France

About two and a half years ago, Trish Nash had foot surgery that put the kibosh on her exercise routine. “I was a runner and suddenly had to find another sport to take its place,” says the broker with EXIT Realty Las Vegas. “A loan officer and industry friend invited me to go cycling, and I was converted.” Nash bought a used track bike and has “taken it to the point that I’m a hard-core weekend warrior.”
After riding in a few century rides (100 miles), Nash decided to take her passion a step further. “I signed up with Trek Travel for an overseas ride through Provence. They take you through many of the same areas that the Tour de France riders go through,” she says.
The 10-day trip included six days of cycling through various regions outside of Paris. But, what made the greatest impact was Mount Ventoux. “It’s 17 miles, all uphill, and the only part of the Tour de France that Lance Armstrong has never won. I was determined to do it. Unfortunately, half way up my back started going into spasm, and I had to ride back down, but it taught me a valuable lesson,” she says. “Hills always intimidated me so even getting as far as I did inspired me,” she says.
And, believe it or not, her cycling has improved her business. “I work hard during the week. In the REO world, we’re graded based on the amount of closings we can get done by month end. When I’m cycling, it’s a stress reliever. Now, when I’m going up a hill, I push and push and that’s how it is the REO world. I know if I just push a little harder—make one more phone call—it may mean the difference between the lender funding the deal on time or not. Cycling has helped me be more disciplined and sharper in my abilities.”
Because Nash works in the REO world, she doesn’t use her hobby as a marketing tool. “They don’t care about my personal life, they just care what my close ratio is,” she laughs. But, she says, “It’s a great conversation piece when I’m talking to asset managers. It gives us a human connection.”
Overall, Nash finds that cycling really helps her to be more focused and clear minded. “It gives me an outlet for my stress and it’s something I’m committed to. The type of business we’re in is stressful, so be open minded and consider pursuing a hobby that can bring you away from that stress.”