Jim Silva: Modesto Marathon will be here soon so it’s time to get moving

Breaking news, illness and vacation got in the way of writing. But I’m back to my column and back training for another marathon. At least that’s the plan.

I went onto the Modesto Marathon website last week and was startled to see that the event is only 12 weeks away.

I’ve committed to train with Team In Training – the running organization that helps raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – for the March 20 race.

I can’t say I’m going to run the marathon. But I can say that I’m committed to training for it. I think I’m in good enough shape that 12 weeks will be enough to have me prepared for the 26.2 miles.

As I wrote in the last column, I’ve had a hard time making a commitment to running the full marathon. But I’m going for it. I will keep you posted on how my training is going over the next few months.

The new year is always a natural time to commit to making a change. I’m making my commitment today and hoping it pays off with a good run in the Modesto Marathon. Of course, if you are looking to commit to become more fit, consider the Modesto event – there’s also a half-marathon, 5K, and relay.

Meanwhile, there’s been a lot going on over the past few weeks on the local running scene:

▪ The Modesto Marathon was recently announced as the Road Runners Club of America California State Marathon Championship event.

According to the Modesto Marathon Facebook page, the goal of the RRCA Championship Event Series is to shine a spotlight on well-run events and to award top performing runners in the open, masters (40-plus), grand masters (50-plus), and senior grand masters (60-plus) categories for both men and women.

This is yet another great honor for our local race, which is a Boston Marathon qualifier and has drawn rave reviews for being a well-run event with a flat, fast course.

▪ Another exciting event for local runners was the grand opening at Fleet Feet Modesto on Dec. 21.

The store is at 427 Standiford Ave. in the Frontier Town shopping center.

If you’re looking for good exercise gear, I suggest you check it out.

▪ The Modesto Spirit of Giving Jingle Bell 5K Run & Walk was held Dec. 12 and by all accounts the event was a success.

According to the ShadowChase club’s results page, more than 1,400 runners and walkers participated in the 5K event.

The sixth annual event raised money for the City of Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department’s Leisure Bucks program, which offers financial assistance to low-income children, seniors and individuals with disabilities, giving them access to recreational activities citywide. Portions of the proceeds also went to the Modesto Gospel Mission.

I ran the 5K several years ago and it’s fun. You even race against the Grinch! Make sure to consider participating next year.

ShadowChase awards banquet

The local running (and walking) community is blessed to have the ShadowChase club, which helps put on great events including the Modesto Marathon.

The group’s annual awards banquet will be held Jan. 23 at the SOS Club at 819 Sunset Ave. It’s a night of dinner, dancing, prizes and recognition. Cost is $25 per person and here’s the schedule: Drinks at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6; awards at 7.

If you’re a local runner or walker, you should consider joining ShadowChase.

I need your help!

If you know about an upcoming fitness event, whether it’s running, biking, sports or any other fitness-related event, make sure to let me know.

You can email the pertinent information – who, what, when, where – and contact information to jsilva@modbee.com.

This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 9:48 AM with the headline "Jim Silva: Modesto Marathon will be here soon so it’s time to get moving."