Run Strong Run PodcastRunning Through Grief, Finding Community & Why Everyone Should Run a Marathon with Ivan Casillas
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What does it take to go from your first marathon to becoming someone who helps inspire an entire running community?
In this episode of the Run Strong Run Podcast, I sit down with my friend Ivan Casillas, whose marathon journey began at the California International Marathon (CIM) in 2022 and has grown into something much bigger than chasing personal records.
Ivan shares how he went from training the hard way—believing every run had to be fast—to discovering that patience, consistency, and community are what truly make marathon training rewarding.
We also have a heartfelt conversation about losing his father unexpectedly and how running became an important part of processing grief while continuing to move forward.
Whether you're training for your first marathon, wondering if you're capable of running 26.2 miles, or simply need encouragement to keep showing up, this episode will remind you that every runner belongs.
In this episode, we discuss:
How Ivan found his way to his first California International Marathon
Lessons learned after completing four CIM marathons
Why marathon training rewards patience—not perfection
Running through grief after the unexpected loss of his father
The power of community and the Corremos Sacramento Run Club
Why slower runners deserve the same celebration as every other finisher
Fueling strategies beyond just gels
Why Ivan believes everyone should run a marathon at least once
How to overcome fear before signing up for your first marathon
🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube.
Memorable Quote
"Figure out why you want to run a marathon... then sign up and do it."
Connect with Ivan
📲 Instagram: @simply_thicc
Resources Mentioned
🏃 Download my Beginner's Guide to Running
🏃 Follow me on Instagram: @runstrongrun
🎙️ Subscribe to the Run Strong Run Podcast
⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a friend who's dreaming about their first marathon.
Support the show
Welcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast! The show where I, Stephanie Dunlap, empower runners of all levels to lace up, chase their dreams, and cross every finish line stronger than ever. To join the discussion live, follow me on Instagram @runstrongrun, TikTok @runstrongrun, Facebook @runstephstrongrun or on my website at runstrongrun.com
About Stephanie:
Stephanie is a beginner run coach, marathon pacer, and your number-one cheerleader! Stephanie went from couch potato to marathoner in 2012 and "Run Strong Run" was born. Since running her first marathon, she's run over 60 full marathons! Stephanie believes that ALL runners count from the fast to the back of the pack. In Stephanie's words, "If you run, you are a runner!"
