California International Marathon Race Report

Post Race Report

By: Jesse Armijo

The perfect calm after the storm was the scenario as: Jenny, Arlene, Justin, Sal, Brett, Brant, Corey, Zach, Mike, Chris V. and myself were thinking as we looked out into the parking lot of the hotel lobby.  Any rememorence of a rain storm was only seen by the droplets of water on all the cars, indicating that a perfect race day was ahead.  The temperature was perfect, there was no wind, and everything was set for unicorn-like race conditions as everyone was guzzling coffee and got ready to head out to the starting line of the 2017 California International Marathon.  Many of us took the buses to the start, and a few were dropped off 2 miles from the start, which made the journey feel like a pleasant warm-up.  Once race officials counted down the last few minutes for people to make their way into their corral, we wouldn’t see each other until the finish.  A few of us were fortunate enough to get in some strides and shake-outs at the starting line before the race.  Sal was the first Duke I saw in a sea of skinny runners doing their nervous strides, then I saw Corey and we participated in the same ritual as everyone else - more running before we run.  With 3 minutes until gun time, we got behind the starting line, said our awkward “Good Luck” to those around us and waited for the 10 second countdown… and then the Gun went Off!

The rest was history but shouldn’t be defined by our black-and-white times that we produced out on the course.  Each member of our team could write a novel of their very own experience; as I assure you, most will not want to share their trials and tribulations that occurred over 26.2 miles of racing.  And I don’t want to speak for everyone, because even with some in depth conversations I had with all my teammates, it still would not justify the incredible effort that was performed last Sunday morning.  All I can say is that, without the camaraderie of our team, or the support of our loved ones, we would not have been so proud to hobble away from that race with so much joy.  From our fastest finisher - Justin and his incredible time, to our last member to cross the line - Arlene with her outstanding PR, you could see the team connection that was displayed.  Justin waited for me to finish, then hugged, then we waited for our next teammate… this formula would play out in the crammed finish line area as race officials and volunteers were trying to escort us away.  We all just wanted to see the success of our teammates finish with such pride.  Once the abundance of our Dukes singlet multiplied and ran rampant; or should I say wobbled rampantly in the finish line area, volunteers let us be as we waited for everyone to finish.  Even the smiling faces of Brant and Jenny made their way over, as they were in the relay team which took 2nd overall for coed. The grueling distance of the marathon even gave Corey a smile when he hobbled over to meet us after dropping out due to the combination of his shoes, his speedy pace, and the distance. But those tribulations were no match for the proud support of the team and the respect we all had for him and his first attempt at racing the marathon.

As it may seem, this wasn’t so much of a race report with performances being highlighted but more of a conviction of our support for one another and how incredibly lucky we are to have trained and race with each other. I can now speak for everyone when I say, “Go Duuuuuuukes!”  Onward to our next great adventure...   

Post race smiles & food!

We came. We ran. We had some serious fun! Until next time CIM!

Justin 2:24.25
Jesse 2:25.50
Sal 2:31.27
Brett 2:33.37
Chris Valicka 2:34.12
Zach 2:43.49
Mike 2:45:36
Arlene 2:59.13
And of course our relay team - Jenny and Brantley coming in at 2:59.30 taking 24th overall and 2nd open Co-Ed!