Accidental Cross Country Runner Turns Into CIM Ambassador: How Ivan Casillas Found His Place at the Starting Line

For many runners, the path to endurance sports begins with a clear goal or burning passion. For Ivan Casillas, it started with complete confusion in a high school gymnasium. “I had no idea what cross country was,” Ivan recalls about his freshman year introduction to running. “I’m sitting there and before I know it, the coach says, go change, we’re going off. So I’m running maybe three, four miles in basketball shorts, a T-shirt, and basketball shoes. And I’m thinking, “How am I here?” Here is going from a beginner marathon runner to an ambassador for one of the largest marathons in the country.

That accidental beginning to becoming a runner would eventually lead Ivan to become a three-time CIM (California International Marathon) finisher and current CIM ambassador. His story proves that there’s truly a spot at the starting line for every body and every background, regardless of how you discover your love for running.

Finding Running Again After Life Changes

As a first-generation Latino, Ivan found many aspects of American school sports completely new to him. After high school, running took a backseat to other priorities until 2016, when a major life change opened new doors. “When I left the job where I had been at for 10 years, I was commuting down to the Bay Area and it was a really long commute,” Ivan explains. “By moving, it allowed me to gain four hours of my day back.”

Those four extra hours became the catalyst for what Ivan calls his “fitness journey.” He initially started with weights and cardio at the gym, but it wasn’t until 2019 that running truly captured his heart. The San Francisco Giants race series came to Sacramento, and Ivan decided to sign up for his first official 5K race.

“That race went better than I expected it to go,” Ivan reflects. “It was challenging, but I thought, well, I just started this and what if I do this? There’s so much to learn in such a learning curve with running.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The Power of Small Goals and Big Dreams

That first 5K finish opened Ivan’s eyes to possibilities he hadn’t considered before. He remembers wanting to tackle the Bay to Breakers six-mile race, thinking it seemed impossible at the time. “I was so excited about running that I would tell somebody, go run an ultramarathon, you know, without training,” he laughs about his perspective then.

His all-or-nothing personality led to some early mistakes. Ivan admits to putting in “big mileage, running around 10 miles, day after day, no rest days” without proper knowledge about training. This approach led to injuries in 2019 that sidelined him for extended periods. “I couldn’t run more than 50 yards before my leg gave out,” he remembers about his lowest point.

The journey taught him valuable lessons about patience and proper training. After following his doctor’s advice to start physical therapy and taking a more measured approach, Ivan slowly built back his running foundation. The 2021 Santa Rosa 5K became his comeback race, proving to himself that he could run pain-free again.

Marathon Dreams and Secret Training

In 2022, a casual conversation with his training partner Albert changed everything. “Somehow a marathon came up. And he says to me, that’s a bucket list item. I’d like to do that,” Ivan recalls. When CIM sold out before Ivan could register, he thought his marathon dreams were postponed. Then fate intervened through a stranger who couldn’t make the race and transferred their entry to Ivan.

With just 12 weeks to train, Ivan kept his marathon preparation surprisingly private. “Very few people knew about me training for CIM. Literally only a handful of people. Even my boss didn’t know until the weekend of the race,” he admits. This wasn’t about shame or fear of failure, but rather a desire to focus without external pressure.

“I wanted to do this without the cloud over it and the questions about me chasing a goal,” Ivan explains. “I followed the plan to the T. We’re talking about being in Disneyland on vacation, and I’ve got six miles to run at 3:30 in the morning before we go to Disneyland all day.”

His dedication paid off. Ivan completed his first CIM in 2022, marking a major milestone in his running journey. “It didn’t really set in that I was running a marathon until mile 20 or so,” he remembers about race day.

Running as Family Legacy and Community Impact

Perhaps the most meaningful moment came after that first marathon finish when Ivan’s son asked, “Do you think I could run a marathon?” His son, who runs cross country and has already matched Ivan’s 5K time, now dreams of completing both a marathon and an ultra.

This family connection drives much of Ivan’s motivation. “Everybody says that they would die for their kids, but how many of us will live for them?” he reflects. This philosophy sparked his initial fitness journey in 2016 when his mother was diagnosed with cancer and he lost a close friend to medical complications.

As a Hispanic runner, Ivan understands the importance of representation in endurance sports. “I’m predisposed to all these things because of being Hispanic,” he notes about health conditions like pre-diabetes and high blood pressure. His commitment to running serves not just his own health, but also as an example for his community and family.

Discovering the Power of Running Community

For the first six years of his running journey, Ivan trained almost exclusively alone. It wasn’t until about a year ago that he discovered the transformative power of running clubs. “I wasn’t until last year that I really discovered run clubs and how beneficial they are,” he says.

Ivan now regularly participates with groups like Woodland Woodchuckers and Corremos Sacramento, and his experience has taught him the importance of inclusive club culture. “I’ve been to some clubs that weren’t as inclusive as they could have been,” he observes. Drawing from his own experience of feeling isolated as a newcomer, Ivan makes it a point to welcome new runners.

“If I know for a fact it’s somebody’s first time or I haven’t met them and I get a chance, I do try to introduce myself to them and sort of break that ice because I’ve been there,” he explains. This approach reflects what he calls his father’s golden rule: “How would you feel if you were in their position?”

ADVERTISEMENT

From Runner to Ambassador

Ivan’s commitment to the sport and community has been recognized through his selection as a CIM ambassador. Having completed three CIM marathons, he now helps promote the race that gave him his marathon debut. “I can’t imagine not running CIM ever again,” he states with conviction.

His training philosophy has evolved from his early all-or-nothing approach to a more balanced perspective. He listens to an eclectic mix of music while running, from banda and Luis Miguel to country and techno, adjusting his playlist to match his desired pace. His post-long-run recovery often includes cup noodles with chicken broth instead of water, a simple pleasure that works for his busy schedule.

Advice for New Runners

For those just starting their running journey, Ivan offers straightforward wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The running community is there to help, so don’t be afraid to ask for it. People are more willing to help or point you in the right direction than you think they are.”

His approach emphasizes the supportive nature of the running community. He shares examples of experienced runners connecting newcomers with trail recommendations and training advice, proving that the sport’s culture extends far beyond individual achievement.

Ivan’s running mantra, adopted after his first CIM, captures his philosophy perfectly: “The pain that you’re feeling now is nothing compared to the joy that is coming.” This mindset has carried him through three marathon finishes and continues to fuel his passion for the sport.

The Ongoing Journey

Today, Ivan continues to balance his role as father, runner, and community member. His son remains just one second faster than him in their family time trials, a friendly competition that keeps both motivated. With another CIM on the horizon and his ambassador duties, Ivan’s story continues to evolve.

His journey from confused high school freshman runner to accomplished marathoner proves that endurance sports truly offer space for everyone. Whether you stumble into running by accident or discover it during a life transition, the path forward is always available for those willing to take the first step.

Ivan Casillas’ story reminds us that our starting point doesn’t define our destination. Sometimes the most powerful journeys begin with the simplest question: “What if I could do this?” For Ivan, that question led from a high school cross country meeting to the finish line of multiple marathons, creating a legacy that extends far beyond his own achievements to inspire his family and community along the way.

ADVERTISEMENT