For the inaugural running of this race, it was pretty nicely put together. The weather was perfect and the aid stations were plentiful. The course itself was about as scenic and interesting as it could be for Stockton. If anyone was counting on seeing palm trees based on the race logo, we passed them in front of the pawn shop on Pacific Avenue. My goal going in was sub 2, a pretty long way from the 2:12 I ran in Modesto, but I've been training with a group through Fleet Feet and felt prepared enough to do it. All I wanted was to see the number 1 in front of my time. excitement I had a plan: Take it easy. Go out at about 9:30, relaxed, ease into it, then kick it in and run negative splits the second half. At take off I was so excited, happy, energized by the hometown crowd, all I was doing was telling myself to slow down and back off. I found the pace and settled into the rhythm. Mile 1 passed by, 9:06. NOT THE PLAN! I panicked. I could hear myself describing th...