Set the Pace

New York Road Runners
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NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instuctor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

  1. Writer, Marathoner, Record-Breaker: Nicholas Thompson and “The Running Ground”

    13 HR AGO

    Writer, Marathoner, Record-Breaker: Nicholas Thompson and “The Running Ground”

    Race week is finally here! And just in time for this weekend's 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, joins Rob and Becs for a conversation about his newly published book “The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports,”. Exactly the inspiration you need before your weekend run, Thompson's book explores how running shaped his relationship with his father, helped him navigate ambition and aging, and instilled lifelong discipline. He shares insights on the parallels between writing and running, and the lessons he learned from the sport, including training for his first marathon in 2005 and earning the American age-group record in the 50K in 2021. He opens up about how his father’s lack of discipline, which led him to die “a bankrupt tax fugitive running a brothel in Southeast Asia,” motivated him to take the opposite path by finding purpose through structure and focus. This Sunday, Thompson will toe the line for his 12th New York City Marathon and is hopeful that his son will join him at the start line in the future for some healthy father-son competition.Watch 26.2 on YouTube!The Ultimate 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Race Entry Sweepstakes!Apply for TFK for the 2026 TCS New York City MarathonFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    53 min
  2. Everything You Need to Know About This Year's TCS New York City Marathon

    23 OCT

    Everything You Need to Know About This Year's TCS New York City Marathon

    With race day just a little over a week away, New York Road Runners’ Chief Event Production Officer and TCS New York City Marathon Race Director Ted Metellus joins Rob and Becs to give runners all the inside information on this year’s TCS New York City Marathon. Ted breaks down key logistics—from picking up your bib at the Expo to getting to the start on Staten Island. He also highlights the many exciting events leading up to race day, including the TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony Presented by United Airlines, the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K, and the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff. His advice to runners is to plan ahead, stay flexible, trust your training, and enjoy the journey. And for this week’s Member Moment, Meb talks to Michael Alcaide better known as “MTK or “Mike the Korican,” representing his Korean and Puerto Rican roots. He’s the founder of the Global Running Crew and a three-time Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star finisher. Download the AppSee the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon Medal RevealNew York Roadrunners, Set The Pace Watch Party at the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K How to change your emergency contact info here: https://help.nyrr.org/s/article/How-do-I-update-my-emergency-contact-informationFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 14m
  3. This Episode Could Save A Marathon Runner's Life

    20 OCT

    This Episode Could Save A Marathon Runner's Life

    An Insider's Guide to the Medical Operation at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. n this episode of Set the Pace, Rob interviews Dr. Matt Friedman, the national medical directory of CrowdRx, the team responsible for the medical operation at the TCS New York City Marathon and other New York Road Runners events. Dr. Friedman talks about the year-round planning that goes into supporting runners on their 26.2-mile journeys; covering everything from medical tents and emergency response teams to hydration, heat safety, and warning signs runners should be aware of. He shares important safety tips for runners taking on the marathon, including what to do if you’re not feeling 100% and why learning hands-only CPR can save lives. Whether you’re running, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, this conversation offers essential insights.    Learn more at www.nyrr.org/marathonrunnersafety  Details on how to change your emergency contact info here: https://help.nyrr.org/s/article/How-do-I-update-my-emergency-contact-information FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min
  4. 2025 NYRR Hall of Fame Inductee Jenny Simpson’s Latest Adventure

    16 OCT

    2025 NYRR Hall of Fame Inductee Jenny Simpson’s Latest Adventure

    This week, Rob and Becs welcome back to the show Jenny Simpson, a 2025 NYRR Hall of Fame inductee. Jenny has played a pivotal role as an ambassador and special advisor to Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s free youth running program. A three-time Olympian and 11-time U.S. national champion, she dominated the iconic 5th Avenue Mile with a record eight victories. Jenny recently retired from professional racing after finishing the 2024 New York City Marathon and shares her latest adventure—a 50-state running road trip with her husband, Jason, to celebrate local running communities. Plus, Meb talks with Shivaii Nikam, who joined the NYRR Youth Ambassadors program back in 2019, and is now a junior at Brooklyn Technical High School and a member of the school’s cross country and track teams. Meb also speaks with Mohammed Saad, a physical therapist with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a member of the performance team conducting running mechanics assessments to help athletes prevent injuries.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 19m
  5. Special Live Episode with Meb to Kick Off Chicago Marathon Weekend

    11 OCT

    Special Live Episode with Meb to Kick Off Chicago Marathon Weekend

    Tune into this live episode of Set the Pace during the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend as Rob interviews the legendary Meb Keflezighi, who shares his experience running Chicago in 2003 with the goal to run sub 2:12. Then Meb turns the tables and interviews Rob about training for his own Chicago moment. Also joining the podcast is Al Hamood, the president and chief financial and administrative officer of Culligan International. Under his leadership, Culligan continues its commitment to sustainability and community impact—most recently partnering with New York Road Runners as the official hydration partner of the TCS New York City Marathon. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  6. Paralympic Medalist Ali Truwit Takes on Her First TCS New York City Marathon

    9 OCT

    Paralympic Medalist Ali Truwit Takes on Her First TCS New York City Marathon

    Paralympic silver medalist and newly announced 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Team Inspire runner Ali Truwit joins Rob and Becs this week. A former Yale swimmer, Ali survived a shark attack in 2023 that led to the devastating loss of her left foot. Then, less than a year later, Ali qualified for Team USA, winning two silver medals and setting American records at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Ali opens up about learning to live with fear, rebuilding her athletic identity, and training with a running blade. She also shares the mission behind her foundation, Stronger Than You Think, which helps provide prosthetics to young women and girls. She’s now setting her sights on completing her first TCS New York City Marathon. Plus, for this week’s Member Moment, Meb talks to Amina Garau, who discovered her love for racing after moving from Sardinia to New York City in 2018, where she ran her first NYRR race, the Italy Run. She co-founded the NY World Runners team, helping others train and prepare for their first marathons. 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Team InspireNew York Road Runners Expands Sustainability Efforts for 2025 TCS New York City MarathonSupport Ali and Stronger Than You ThinkFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr
  7. Cole Cook on Running Marathons and Fundraising for a Life-Changing Cause

    2 OCT

    Cole Cook on Running Marathons and Fundraising for a Life-Changing Cause

    On this week’s episode, Rob interviews Cole Cook, a filmmaker and the younger brother of Alicia Keys. Cole will run this year’s TCS New York City Marathon for Keep a Child Alive (KCA), a charity that Keys co-founded in 2003 to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa and that now has a global mission to support children facing the most challenging circumstances. KCA's executive director, Antonio Ruiz-Giménez, joins Rob and Cole to discuss the organization’s heroic efforts to address critical needs like education, food security, and emergency relief for children. This will be Cole’s fourth TCS New York City Marathon, and he’s proud to be part of a team of over 200 KCA runners across multiple races. He says his sister will likely be following his race from afar—but there’s always a chance she’ll surprise him and show up in person! Also in this episode, Meb interviews first-time marathoner and NYRR member Enedina Cruz, who’s running on November 2 for NYRR Team for Kids.  Learn more about KCA here: https://www.keepachildalive.org/New York Road Runners Celebrates Record-Breaking Economic and Community Impact - https://www.nyrr.org/media-center/press-release/2025_0930_nyrrfy25impact FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  8. “Wicked” Star Jordan Litz Prepares for His First TCS New York City Marathon

    25 SEPT

    “Wicked” Star Jordan Litz Prepares for His First TCS New York City Marathon

    Joining Rob on this episode of Set the Pace is Jordan Litz, a Broadway actor and singer currently starring in “Wicked” as Fiyero. Originally from California, Jordan trained to be an Olympic swimmer, competing in the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials. He’s built a career on stage with performances in national tours and regional productions before making his Broadway debut. Off the stage, he’s an avid runner who recently took first place in the Broadway Mile at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, raising money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This November, Jordan will be running his first marathon at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon and on that day, he plans to perform in two “Wicked” shows! For this week’s Member Moment, Meb talks to Taurean Wiggins of Harlem Run. Taurean’s passion for running comes with a passion for his community and about seeing his neighbors challenge themselves and thrive on the run.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    56 min
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About

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instuctor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

Information

  • Creator
    New York Road Runners
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    141
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 New York Road Runners
  • Show Website
    Set the Pace

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