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I was one of the crazies that ran in the inaugural Modesto Marathon Sunday. I say crazies, because there are always a few people who tell me I'm crazy. I proudly claim that title. (Doug would no doubt argue I'm crazy for lots of other reasons besides running marathons.)

It was a perfect morning for a run. It was 47 degrees at 5:35 a.m. when I hopped in my friend's car to head to the start line. It was a treat to roll out of my own bed and drive the .7 miles to the start area. Usually I have to drive a few hours or take a plane to run a marathon; but here was one in my own backyard, literally.

I hung out near the main entrance to the MID with some of my Team in Training friends until  6:50 a.m. when we made our way to the start line. As I waited for the start, I looked around and saw a sea of familiar faces; neighbors, friends and co-workers. It was awesome to see so many friendly faces. I'm used to seeing 20,000 very unfamiliar faces.

The gun sounded and everyone took off. I started my watch as I crossed the start line and thought, "here goes nothing...for the fourth time." 

I obsessed over this race like I've obsessed over the three other marathons I've run. I worry about how much I run the week of the race, what I ate, how much I ate, how I slept...it goes on and on. Phantom pains pop up and I over-analyze every inch of my training.

This marathon, without a doubt, was my most relaxed training ever. My longest run was 16 miles when it should have been 20. I took extra days off and didn't cross-train. I could give you a laundry list of reasons why this should have been my worst race.

But it wasn't. The course was nice, winding through downtown, Graceada Park, the college neighborhood and out into the orchards. It was a clear day so I could see the mountains to the west; a rare and lovely site.

There were lots of volunteers, dressed in Cal Trans orange shirts, handing out water, Gu and Gu Brew. Some rode around on bikes cheering. There were encouraging words written on signs along the road and also from the spectators. Doug and the girls made it out to multiple spots to cheer for me and even managed to go home, have a snack, watch a show and head back out to greet me at mile 23.

I felt fantastic the entire run. I didn't check my watch but could feel I was running a steady pace. I kept chugging along with a grin on my face, even when I had to run back up the Briggsmore overpass. Nothing was going to get me down.

As I ran down Ninth St. near O St., a stranger yelled, "You're almost there!" Runners joke about hating to hear that because it is almost never true. But when I turned the corner onto M St., I saw the Finish steps away and broke out in a grin.

And much to my shock, I ran a personal record on Sunday. 4:36:32. It was a great day and a great event. Thanks to ShadowChase Running Club for daring to put on a marathon and thanks to Modesto for supporting it. I can't wait to do it again next year.