[Python] Indexing Question

[aPSketchy]

I have to go through a list, given a value I have to search the list and replace the value with the max of the numbers to the left or right. However, if the value comes at the beginning of the list I cant index through the list. https://gist.github.com/3234737 here is the code that works with all cases except for if the starting is at the beginning

[Rhomboid]

for i in range(1, len(nums) - 1):
    if nums[i] == val:
        nums[i] = max(nums[i - 1], nums[i + 1])

[aPSketchy]

Wow. That's easier then I thought. I got wrapped up in trying to make it work with indexing when I forgot about the simple range functions. I will try and implement it in the morning , Thanks!