Featured Club Member – Sarah Modlin MM 16050

Featured Club Member Sarah Modlin MM 16050
How I Started Running
My running journey began in late 2018 when I embarked on a weight loss journey. At that time, I couldn’t even run for a full minute. Determined, I set a goal to run a mile—no matter how long it would take me. It took over three months to reach that first mile, and when I did, it was a moment of immense pride. For the first time, I truly felt that I was stronger than I had believed.
Running became even more essential to me during the COVID-19 pandemic when my gym closed. With no access to a gym, I forced myself to run outdoors for longer periods. It wasn’t easy, but I quickly found myself reaching double-digit distances!
Why I Continue to Run
This is a question I’ve grappled with for years, and I still find it difficult to fully answer. But I’ve come to realize that what I love most about running is its difficulty. Between finding time in my busy schedule, pushing through sweat, and powering up hills, it’s not an easy sport. But overcoming these challenges—especially in marathons—builds character and inner strength. That’s why I keep going.
Why Marathons in Particular?
When I reflect on my life, I see that while I’ve been relatively successful, I’ve never had to work incredibly hard for things. In school, I maintained an A-B average without putting in much effort—I was naturally good at it. I was able to get by with minimal work.
Marathons, however, are a whole different ball game. With marathons, I can’t just “get by” with doing the bare minimum. My first marathon taught me an important lesson: there’s no cramming for a marathon. To succeed, I have to consistently put in the effort and train. This is especially true for me, as I often run marathons back-to-back. Maintaining my health and staying dedicated to training is critical to ensuring my success.
Why Run Marathons in Each State? When Did I Become a Marathon Maniac?
Many people dream of visiting every state, but few have a clear idea of what they want to do once they’re there. Adding marathons to the mix makes my goal feel monumental. Each state has its own challenges—whether it’s distance, terrain, or elevation—which requires resilience.
As for becoming a Marathon Maniac, I initially thought it was a group of people who were a little too extreme for me. But as I grew more confident in my running abilities, I decided to test my limits. I officially became a Marathon Maniac after completing three marathons in 90 days—two of them in just 16 days (Leading Ladies in August, Colorado Springs in September, and Grand Rapids in October). I felt strong and a little crazy!
The craziest thing I did as a Marathon Maniac was running marathons on both Saturday and Sunday—one in Hartford and the other in Baystate. It was intense, but it pushed me to new heights.
Conclusion
I have no plans of slowing down. Running, and especially marathons, gives me a sense of accomplishment that few other things can. What I’ve come to appreciate about running is that it’s a sport for everyone. Unlike team sports such as basketball or volleyball, running is something you can do solo. Yet, you’re never truly alone—runners and supporters are all around you, making the journey more meaningful.
Sarah tracks her races on her Maniac My Races page, it can be found HERE<< Good luck at the races, and be sure to say hello!

Be sure to wear some identifying MM HF gear at the races and cheer each other on!

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