Delfino Calderon: Crossing the Finish Line of His First Marathon!
- CARAruns
- 26 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Member Spotlight - Delfino Calderon
After surviving two heart attacks and finding inspiration from his daughter, Delfino Calderon made some life changes that began with running. What started as a path toward better health soon grew into passion, fueled by the support of the Marquette Park Run Crew. This year, Delfino completed his first marathon through CARA's allotted Entries for Equity for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. His journey toward becoming a marathoner is an inspiration to the community. We got a chance to catch up with Delfino following his major accomplishment.
Q: How did you first get into running?
A: After my second heart attack, I knew I needed to change my habits and be healthier. My daughter Rubi was in cross country and that inspired me, so I started running.
Q: How did you get involved with the Marquette Park Run Crew?
A: I was running with a friend who introduced me to the group. I knew him as “Don Francisco.” He motivated me early on, and I stayed with the MPRC.
Q: What did it mean to you to receive a spot through Entries for Equity for CARA?
A: It was nice and made me proud that my efforts got me recognized. Helping Dominique with anything I could, and motivation and inspiring others made them notice me.
Q: Why is access and representation in running important to you?
A: It’s important to have all communities stay active and healthy and to spread those habits to their communities.
Q: Before running the Chicago Marathon, what was your furthest race distance?
A: Before the Chicago Marathon, I would do a number of half marathons, but recently I did the Ready to Run 20 Miler, which set a new record at the time.
Q: What was your training like leading up to the marathon?
A: Getting consistent with running was a bit of a challenge at first. Once I got into the habit, it was simply routine and never giving up. Thankfully, before I started running I had been sober for many years and so the diet change (eating healthier) was just another step in my healthy journey.
Q: How did your run crew support you through the process? Any specific moments that stand out?
A: The crew has always motivated me to stay consistent and has always encouraged me. The attention I get from everyone is inspiring. They all recognize the discipline and dedication I put into running.
Q: Take us through race morning. What was going through your mind at the start line?
A: Waking up, all I was thinking was that I had to finish the race. Telling my body to not give up near the end. I was confident with 20 miles, but more than that, I had to encourage myself I could. At the start line, I was thrilled with how many people were present and excited to run! I saw people getting nervous, but I had to remind myself that I worked hard for this race and I knew I wouldn’t cramp or give up at the end.
Q: What were your favorite moments on the course? Any emotional highs?
A: I think my favorite moment was when the spectators were screaming my name as I was running. The children were high fiving me as I was going along and encouraging me the entire time. All the support along the course was great. I remember a stranger gave me some creams and said it was for the legs, and that actually helped me a lot; so much help from everyone.
Q: What did it feel like to cross the finish line of your first marathon?
A: It was emotional! I was so happy that all my efforts in training paid off. It was all worth it.
Q: How has running, and now becoming a marathoner, impacted your life?
A: It made me realize that even though things might seem impossible, if you work hard at it, nothing is impossible. It also shows me that if I can do it, anybody can do it.
Q: What does being part of the Marquette Park running community mean to you?
A: To be a participant with so many motivated people is wonderful. When new members join, to inspire them and motivate them fills me with joy.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who has faced barriers to accessing marathon running?
A: I would tell them that anything is possible as long as you have the will and and are persistent with your goals. Without strong will and persistence, you can’t be consistent. Remember to train, change dieting habits, and to let you body rest and heal, but never quit. Consistency is key.
Q: Any race goals now that you’ve got a marathon under your belt?
A: I want to continue racing and training more to run a better time in the marathon. I also want to participate in other marathons across the country and around the world.
Q: Who would you like to thank or give a shoutout to for supporting your journey?
A: I would like to thank the Marquette Park Run Crew and everyone who supports me in my training. The sponsors deserve all the thanks; their selflessness makes all this possible.