Habitual Routine

For our eighth and final episode of Habitual Routine, we chat with Lauren Nazarieh.  Lauren, a lifelong New Yorker from Kew Gardens, Queens, began running through circumstance. With gym closures and indoor activities non-existent, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed athletes outside creating a whole new group of people discovering the transformative power of running. After her grandfather passed away due to COVID-19 and the stressors of a pandemic, Lauren was looking for an outlet to help process the difficult emotions of a turbulent world. After her first race at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K in June of 2021, she was hooked and decided to take on the TCS New York City Marathon, only a year after taking her first running steps.  We talk to Lauren about the journey of finding running, her deep roots as a New Yorker, and the excitement and emotions around running a marathon in her city.  Thanks to Mastercard for supporting this episode of the podcast. Mastercard wishes runners of the TCS New York City Marathon a wonderful journey to the finish line. Your determination inspires us all to Start Something Priceless!

For our seventh episode of Habitual Routine, we chat with two runners: Sara Kate Gillingham and David Kane. On Valentine's Day 2017, Sara Kate became a living donor when she gave 60% of her liver to her friend David. Because of this donation, David, a lifelong athlete, runner, and triathlete, was able to regain his life after a form of cancer had sidelined him and prompted an immediate need for a liver transplant. More than four years after the surgery, they will be running the TCS New York City Marathon together. Prior to her surgery, Sara Kate was always a more casual runner, but she decided to take on this marathon alongside David. She hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to consider becoming a living donor. We talk to Sara Kate and David about the journey of giving and receiving a transplant, the feelings and concept of gratitude on both sides, and why running the TCS New York City Marathon will be an incredible experience for both. Thanks to Abbott for supporting this episode of the podcast. There is nothing more breathtaking than running the streets of Manhattan and finishing off a 5K at the most iconic finish line in the world! Run the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K on Saturday, November 6 with NYC cheering you on. Registration is open for anyone, and this race is a 9+1 qualifier. Not able to make it in-person for the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K? No problem. You can still join the 50 Years Running celebration wherever you are in the Virtual Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K Powered by Strava happening right now through November 7. Visit NYRR.org and sign up today. Thanks to Michelob ULTRA for supporting this episode of the podcast. Michelob ULTRA is proud to be the official beer sponsor of the New York Road Runners and the TCS New York City Marathon. There’s no better way to celebrate the TCS New York City Marathon than with an ice cold Michelob ULTRA. Join us on race day in NYC at Ryan’s Daughter, Murphy’s Law American Trash, Bar Coastal and Finnegan’s Wake or in Brooklyn at Charleston Bar, The Gibson, Lake St., Turkey’s Nest, Kilo Bravo, Propaganda Bar, and Irish Haven. It’s only worth it if you enjoy it! Drink Responsibly.

For our sixth episode of Season 3, we chat with Intisar Abdul-Kader. Intisar is on a mission to prove that Black, Muslim, hijab-wearing woman can do anything, and is living proof of that mission. The London-based runner has already completed four marathons and climbed 5,364 meters above sea level to Mount Everest’s base camp. She joined a Facebook group called Surviving Hijab after its founder reached out to her and she feels hijab-wearers need to be more seen than ever. Intisar also lives with multiple sclerosis and is running for the MS Society. We chat with Intisar about her journey as runner, how she believes running can continue to be a more inclusive space, and how her journey living with multiple sclerosis has never slowed her down. Spoiler alert: She just ran a half-marathon personal best! Follow Intisar. Thanks to Tata Consultancy Services and Honey Stinger for supporting this episode of the podcast. Tata Consultancy Services is proud to be the title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, and the first-ever Premier Partner of New York Road Runners. Download the official app, powered by TCS, for exclusive race content for both in-person and virtual runners—including “Marathon City: 3D Map,” a new AR feature that allows runners to view the course, the change in elevation, and projected finish times. Honey Stinger is proud to be the Official Nutrition Partner of the TCS New York City Marathon. Honey Stinger provides the fuel you need to push harder and go farther before, during, and after training and race day. Their great tasting products are made with honey and are rich in carbohydrates and antioxidants. Shop at home with 30% off all Honey Stinger products. Use code RunNY2021 at checkout and tap into natural sport nutrition to help you prepare, perform, and recover daily. *Applies to one-time purchases, one use per customer. Code is active through November 14, 2021.

For our fifth episode of Season 3, we chat with Maria Solis Belizaire. Maria is the founder of two nationally known run clubs; Latinos Run and Latinas Run. Launched in New York City, Latinos Run is an international organization that promotes running as way to improve physical and mental health in the Latino community and has a global audience serving over 25,000 runners. Latinas Run was created as a safe space for Latinas to connect and inspire each other through running or other fitness related activities. This free group is a platform to empower one another and have healthy dialogues and is open to women of all colors and backgrounds. We chat with Maria about how an unbought URL inspired a club that now serves tens of thousands of people, how representation is a catalyst for movement, and why she believes the TCS New York City Marathon is the best marathon in the world. Follow Maria. Follow Latinos Run. Follow Latinas Run. Thanks to Volvo Cars for supporting this episode of the podcast. Register today for the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon and Run for Volvo Cars Sweepstakes. Whether you participate in-person or virtually, you can enter for the chance to win your dream Volvo. Learn more at www.runforvolvocars.com

For our fourth episode of Season 3, we chat with Maria Jose Estrada Martinez. The 50th running of the New York City Marathon holds extra significance for Maria, as it also marks the 25th anniversary of her grandfather, Luis Martinez Nuñez, completing the marathon. Since a young age, she has treasured the stories her grandpa shared of his running experiences. Never a runner herself, Maria was motivated to take up her grandfather’s passion as a way to relieve stress induced by the challenges of raising two young children while isolating at home during the pandemic. Until her grandfather passed early this year from COVID-19, he served as her inspiration and running coach, helping her through the early parts of her marathon training. We talk to Maria about the excitement of being a new runner, the impact her grandfather had on her running journey, and how one race can connect and strengthen two generations of a family. Thanks to New Balance for supporting this episode of the podcast. Celebrate the 50th running of the New York City Marathon with exclusive New Balance gear. For those colder running days, consider the warmer jackets and vests made with New Balance Heat technology to help keep you warm. There are plenty of offerings to meet every runner's needs shop the black and gold collection now – visit newbalance.com.

For our third episode of Season 3, we chat with Danny Su. Danny Su is a resident of Brooklyn, New York and is running this year’s Virtual TCS New York City Marathon. After getting into running following a difficult breakup, Danny used running as a way to find balance, manage depression, and set a goal. Professionally, Danny is a parks architect and has designed over five New York City parks. He discusses his passion for helping create and build recreation space for New Yorkers. We talk to Danny about the role of running in maintaining his mental health and well-being, how his love of running and being outside translate into creating recreation space for New York City communities, and his unique and exciting plans for his Virtual TCS New York City Marathon. Thanks to Gatorade Endurance for supporting this episode of the podcast. Think all hydration & nutrition products are the same? Think again. Backed by over 50 years of research, Gatorade Endurance delivers the fluids and nutrients that athletes need to perform at their peak. As a proud sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, Gatorade Endurance has our athletes covered to keep you hydrated and fueled while training and racing. It’s not just fuel, it’s fuel to unlock your best, start to finish. Want to know where to buy locally? Visit the store locator at GatoradeEndurance.com.

Welcome back to Season 3 of Habitual Routine! For this season, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto will be focusing on telling stories of runners who will be joining us for the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon. For our second episode of Season 3, we chat with Thomas Valles. Thomas was the top runner on the 1987 McFarland High School cross country team, a team that overcame the odds and significant challenges to win the 1987 California state championship, a story portrayed in the 2015 Disney film McFarland, USA. We talk to Thomas about what it’s like to see your life in film, why mentors are important, and why he’s excited for the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon as he raises funds for Team Sam, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy's fight to end Duchenne, a progressive, fatal muscle disorder for which there is no cure. Thanks to Hospital for Special Surgery for supporting this episode of the podcast. Hospital for Special Surgery is proud to be the official hospital of the New York Road Runners and the TCS New York City Marathon. Looking to set your next PR this TCS New York City Marathon? HSS can help! Check out their performance services and special NYRR member discounts on the NYRR member discount dashboard or check out hss.edu.

Welcome back to Season 3 of Habitual Routine! For this season, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto will be focusing on telling stories of runners who will be joining us for the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon. For our first episode of Season 3, we want to honor and memorialize the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We speak with David Drake, a Battalion Chief for the FDNY, and hear his story and journey of running as he prepares for the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon. In fall 2001, David had just gotten married and had a newborn daughter. He was working as a firefighter, training for his FDNY lieutenant test that October. But then September 11th occurred. His lieutenant test was postponed until the following February, and he was called in to work as a member of the World Trade Center Recovery Team for the entire month of November. For 12 hours every day that month, he dug up and cleared rubble where the towers once stood, finding bodies and much more. The 2021 TCS New York City Marathon will be David’s third New York City Marathon and we discuss training, his time in the FDNY, and why New York is the best marathon in the world. Thanks to New Balance for supporting this episode of the podcast. New York business doesn’t stop for the weather. Take a modern approach to cold-weather solutions with the adaptable, all-day comfort of HeatLoft and Heat running apparel. Lightweight, heat-retaining, and fast-drying performance for real life conditions. Visit newbalance.com to grab your 2021 Official TCS New York City Marathon gear.

In recognition of Pride Month, on the final episode of season two of Habitual Routine, the NYRR team celebrates and discusses the ways to support transgender and gender nonconforming runners. While it may feel like rainbow flags and celebrations much of the time during the month, the team wanted to bring continued attention to the unfortunate discrimination occurring for transgender and gender non confirming athletes particularly in youth sports. In our ‘HOW ‘segment, Annick and Roberto chat with Lauren Lubin. Lauren is a Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Expert and most recently an Executive Producer of We Exist: Beyond the Binary, an award-winning documentary that promotes gender identity awareness and equality specifically for gender non-confirming individuals. And in our ‘WHY’ segment, Shaquana chats with Caleb LoSchiavo, a public health PhD candidate, LGBTQ health advocate, and transgender athlete about how he uses running in his life. Follow Lauren and check out We Exist: Beyond the Binary. Follow Caleb. Thanks to Front Runners New York and Mastercard for supporting this episode. Front Runners New York is a running club for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and those who are allies. Celebrate your pride and show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community by participating in the Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run 6K in Central Park on June 26. If you're not in the New York area, sign up and run the Virtual Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run 5K anytime, anywhere June 25-30. The first Pride Run held in Central Park in 1982, was a landmark race and marked the start of an enduring collaboration among Front Runners New York, New York Road Runners, and the City of New York. The race continues to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride and the ongoing movement toward equality, diversity, and inclusiveness. Find out more at www.nyrr.org. Start Something Priceless by securing your entry to the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon with Mastercard. Visit www.priceless.com and search ‘Marathon’ to learn how you can participate in the 50th anniversary of this race and join other runners in achieving a major life goal. Plus, 100% of sale amount will go to Conservation International, a US 501 (c)(3) organization in support of the Priceless Planet Coalition. This offer is exclusive to US Mastercard cardholders. Terms and conditions apply. Quantities are limited.

In celebration of Global Running Day, we share why the world runs—literally. Annick, Roberto, and Shaquana share stories from runners across the globe covering all seven continents (and even dabble in some outer space running from our friends at NASA) to explore the many reasons why humans run. We all know running is transformative but hearing runners from every corner of the globe and beyond puts into perspective the unbridled power of simply putting one foot in front of the other. Storytellers: Dinée Dorame, Tiwa ancestral territory also known as Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, North America (Follow Dinée & Grounded Podcast) Luisa Ines Rivas Diaz, Santiago, Chile, South America (Follow Luisa) Runar Gundersen, Dramman, Norway, Europe (Follow Runar) Rethabile Qekisi, Soweto, South Africa, Africa (Follow Rethabile) Batkhishig Lkhagvadorj, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Asia (Follow Achilles International Mongolia) Christie Dawes, New Castle, Australia (Follow Christie) Sha Jessie Mao, Beijing, China telling the story of Antarctic running Sunita Williams, NASA astronaut telling the story of running a marathon in space (Follow Sunita) Join NYRR and thousands of people around the world that share your passion for the sport and run our free one-mile virtual race. Run the Virtual NYRR Global Running Day 1M Powered by Strava anywhere, anytime between June 1 and 6. Visit nyrr.org to sign up now!

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, on episode seven the NYRR team discusses the integration of running into your current mental health and wellness regimen and how and why it’s important for you as a runner and a person. In our “how” section, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto chat with Stacey Younge, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, owner of Sixth Street Wellness, and New York City-based runner. Stacey specializes in individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma and uses a strengths-based approach to work through challenges. She is a strong believer in self care and community care and uses running as her preferred form of movement and part of her own care routine. The group chats with Stacey on the importance of recognizing mental health, and how to implement that recognition into your current wellness routine. In our “why” section, Shaquana chats with Michelle Wheeler, professional wheelchair athlete, mental health counselor, and single mother on why she uses running as part of her mental health routine and how she is instilling that practice with those around her. Michelle will be participating in the professional wheelchair division at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K on June 12. The Mastercard New York Mini 10K is our first regularly scheduled race back since March 2020, our first pro field since the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon and we can't wait to get back to racing! Thanks to New Balance for supporting this episode of the podcast. For New Balance, running is more than a physical activity – it’s a path toward resilience, confidence and joy. Our partners at New Balance believe running activates your mind and body in ways that have powerful effects on your life. Follow along @NewBalanceRunning on Instagram as they share more about this important initiative from their team and community.

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, on episode six the NYRR team discusses how community activists are using running as a vehicle to support and protect the AAPI community and explores the why behind the historic legacy of two-time New York City Marathon champion and 2012 New York Road Runners Hall of Fame inductee Miki Gorman. In our “how” section, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto chat with Victoria Lo, the founder of {chinatown} runners, on how she is using running to bring support, awareness, and love to protect and preserve the Chinatowns and AAPI-centric neighborhoods in New York City and beyond. In our “why” section, Shaquana chats with Danielle Nagel, daughter of running legend and two-time winner of the New York City Marathon Miki Gorman. Danielle discusses her mother’s journey of growing up in Japan and China before moving to the U.S., beginning to run her mid-30s, and quickly reaching the pinnacle of women’s marathoning with back-to-back wins at the 1976 and 1977 New York City Marathons, leading and inspiring a wave of elite female runners on two sides of the globe. Thanks to Volvo Cars for supporting this episode of the podcast. Volvo Cars is excited to hit the pavement with the Virtual Volvo Cars Brooklyn Half. Chances are, you’ll be sharing the streets of Brooklyn or wherever you are running around the world with cars and runners. Volvo Cars are designed to help protect people in and around the car, with detection technology that keeps an eye out by using high-tech cameras and sensors, which can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid a collision. Volvo Cars - for everyone’s safety.

With the world celebrating Earth Day this week, in episode five we discuss sustainability, particularly through the lens of our running. We’ll dive into how and why runners in our community and NYRR, as an organization, are working toward a more sustainable future. In our “how” segment, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto discuss what sustainability looks like for runners and races, and how it affects us all. They chat with Aly Criscuolo, Manager of Environmental Sustainability at NYRR, about the future framework of NYRR’s approach to sustainability as an organization. And in our “why” segment, Shaquana chats with father and son Jonathan and Simon Cane. Jonathan is a runner and coach based in NYC. His 9-year old son, Simon, inspired by his science class, decided to run every day to school to be more environmentally friendly. We’ll hear from them both on how they use running to make the world a cleaner place. Thank you to our partners Gatorade Endurance and Tata Consultancy Services for supporting this episode: Spring training is in the air, and there’s no better time to experiment and find the right fuel for your personal goals. Whether you’re training for a virtual or in-person race, Gatorade Endurance makes it easy for athletes to try out their new products and flavors, with the Endurance Formula hydration we know and love. Use their new store and product locator on www.GatoradeEndurance.com for a quick fuel pick up at your local Dick’s Sporting Goods or Run Specialty retailer. TCS is committed to investing in sustainability, currently working to reduce their Carbon Footprint in their roster of sponsored sporting events using digital innovations. For more on how TCS is focusing efforts on sustainability, visit www.tcs.com/corporate-sustainability.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, an important month of recognition and celebration at New York Road Runners as our organization could not exist without the year-round assistance of tens of thousands of volunteers to help us serve runners. In episode four, the NYRR team discusses all things volunteering. In our “How” segment, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto interview Mary Haskins, Senior Manager of Volunteer Operations at NYRR, as she offers us some behind-the-scenes glimpses at what volunteering looks like at the TCS New York City Marathon. And in our “Why” segment, Shaquana chats with Harvey Klein, a veteran NYRR volunteer who has volunteered at the New York City Marathon for over 40 years. Harvey discusses his role as a volunteer ham radio operator, assisting in the extremely important race-day communications that are integral to executing the race successfully and safely. Thanks to our partner Poland Spring for supporting this episode of the podcast. Get your favorite beverages delivered straight to your door by ReadyRefresh®! Save up to 50%  off your first reoccurring order and get three FREE cases of Poland Spring® 100% Natural Spring Water .5L 24-pack when you use the exclusive coupon code MARATHON for NYRR. *Visit ReadyRefresh.com to sign up today! Register for the 2021 Virtual Volvo Cars Brooklyn Half Powered by Strava and bring Coney Island to your own course whether you are in New York City or across the globe. Test your endurance with 13.1 miles anytime between May 15 through 23. Run for the Medal to earn a medal shipped right to your door anywhere in the world or join the free tier just for the Love of Running. Sign up today at https://www.nyrr.org/Races/VirtualVolvoCarsBrooklynHalfRunForTheMedal.

After the one-year anniversary of the global pandemic hitting New York City, the NYRR team discusses the journey for runners returning to exercise post COVID-19. From a training perspective in our “How” segment, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto chat with Dr. Jordan Metzl, a sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery, about how any runner living through this global pandemic should approach running or getting back to running post COVID with their health and safety top of mind. In our “Why” segment, Shaquana chats with Ann Scanlon, a Florida-based runner who was diagnosed with COVID-19 last fall. Ann discusses her symptoms, motivation, and plans to run the Virtual United Airlines NYC Half and cross the finish line nearly six months to the day from her diagnosis. She heard from every doctor she saw that she wouldn’t run again, but as a native New Yorker she was determined to prove them wrong, and she did. Thanks to our partners at TCS and Hospital for Special Surgery for supporting this episode of the podcast. TCS is proud to be New York Road Runners’ premier partner and Official Technology Sponsor of the Virtual United Airlines NYC Half. When reality is virtual, This Run unites us. Stay connected and experience exclusive race content, including “Sounds of the Streets”—an energizing race day playlist and audio experience, our virtual medal, a spectator toolkit, and more by downloading the Official Virtual United Airlines NYC Half app, Powered by Tata Consultancy Services. Take your training to the next level with HSS Sports Performance services through special promotional pricing available exclusively to NYRR members by emailing HSSPERFORMANCE@HSS.EDU or calling (646)797-8005.

In episode two, the NYRR team discusses two experiences of running as a woman. From a training perspective in our “how” segment, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto discuss the role the menstrual cycle plays in sport performance by chatting with Dr. Ellen Casey from Hospital for Special Surgery to dive deeper in the science of period tracking. In our “why” segment, Shaquana chats with Coach Asteria Howard, former member of the Bolivian and Venezuelan national teams and current NYRR Team for Kids and Striders coach. Asteria discusses her drive to win as a girl growing up in Bolivia, her international running career, and her lifetime of coaching runners of all ages and abilities. Learn more about Hospital for Special Surgery's Women's Sports Medicine Center.  Follow Coach Asteria Howard. Thanks to our partners at New Balance and Mastercard for supporting this episode of the podcast. Get your New York City Gear for anywhere. Shop the United Airlines New York City Half collection at newbalance.com. Available for domestic purchases only within the United States. Let three of the world’s top marathoners motivate you to get running. Head over to priceless.com and search ‘New York Road Runners’ to learn more.

In episode one, the group explores motivation from two perspectives. First, through the lens of the athlete and motivation, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto discuss and break down the challenges of running and provide practical and specific ways to stay motivated. Second, Shaquana, a program coordinator at NYRR, chats with Gary Corbitt, a running historian and the son of Ted Corbitt, the founding president of New York Road Runners and a pioneer of long distance and ultra running. Ted amassed over 200,000 miles in his running career and kept meticulous notes on his training and performance. Shaquana and Gary discuss Ted's “why” and the motivation behind the miles. Follow Gary Corbitt. Check out Gary’s work at tedcorbitt.com. Check out our Rising New York Road Runners Virtual Events.

On the 12th and final episode of Habitual Routine, join Coach Annick Lamar as she chats with marathon legends and New York City Marathon champions Shalane Flanagan and Meb Keflezighi. Shalane and Meb provide last-minute tips to help you prepare for your virtual marathon on the final weekend of racing by exploring two specific topics: being present in racing and the trials and tribulations of marathon running. Both champions deep-dive into how presence—often called “being in the moment”—has allowed them to make it through their very best and most challenging marathon performances. In addition, they discuss how as former professional athletes, they now have the opportunity to reflect and open up a bit more about the human and emotional elements of marathon running beyond the physical training. Follow Shalane Flanagan. Follow Meb Keflezighi. Experience high-quality sound — without headphones. That’s the magic of Bose Frames Tempo: high-performance sport sunglasses with a revolutionary Bose Open Ear Audio™ design that allows you to hear your music and your surroundings at the same time for a workout unlike any other. With a sweat- and weather-resistant design, a durable, lightweight nylon frame, and soft, silicone nose pads, Tempo is designed for comfort and performance. It’s the sound you expect from Bose with everything you need from sport sunglasses. Visit bose.com to learn more. Want to run the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon? Title sponsor, Tata Consultancy Services, is giving away an entry to one lucky runner! To enter, download the official Virtual TCS New York City Marathon app, take a selfie wearing a virtual medal and tweet it with three tags: @TCS_NA, #ThisRunNYC and #Sweepstakes by November 2nd. No purchase necessary and rules are at on.tcs.com/sweeps.

On the 11th episode of Habitual Routine, join Coach Annick Lamar as she provides all the necessary preparation in a full race-day checklist to prepare you for a successful Virtual TCS New York City Marathon. Annick uses the collective learnings from our first season, focused on virtual marathoning, to discuss the categories of race logistics (including a nutrition chat with Abbott Nutritionist Pamela Nisevich Bede), mental preparation, and finally, as you will be your own official race timer, a super important breakdown of your “tech list, checklist.” Then, Annick chats with Jacqueline Murphy, multi-time virtual marathon finisher, to discuss her reflections and best practices that will surely assist and inspire you with your own race-day preparations. Follow Pamela Nisevich Bede. Follow Jacqueline Murphy. TCS is proud to be New York Road Runners’ premier partner and title sponsor of the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon. When reality is virtual, This Run unites us. Stay connected and experience exclusive runner and spectator content by downloading the Official Virtual TCS New York City Marathon app, Powered by Tata Consultancy Services. Be a part of the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon festivities—without running 26.2 miles! Between October 25 and November 1, take on the Virtual Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K anytime, anywhere in the world. Sign up here.

On the 10th episode of Habitual Routine, join Coach Annick Lamar as she breaks down the physiological and mental benefits of tapering as you near the end of your virtual marathon training. First, Annick chats with Heidi Skolnik, MS, CDN, FACSM, from The Women’s Sports Medicine Center at Hospital for Special Surgery, to deep-dive into what exactly is happening to your body during the tapering period why and how it will benefit your marathon performance and enjoyment. Then, Annick chats with professional runner Steph Bruce about the obstacles that might pop up during this final window of training and how to mentally manage them to help you prepare for your virtual race day. If you want to learn more about Sports Performances Services at Hospital for Special Surgery, visit here. Follow Steph Bruce. This year the TCS New York City Marathon is going virtual. It may look different, but the spirit of the race runs on. Gear up for race day with the lightweight and aggressive FuelCell RC Elite. Pairing the high energy return of a FuelCell midsole with the efficiency of a carbon fiber plate, this racing flat is a smart choice for half to full marathon racing. The shoe has a streamlined synthetic upper, with a comfortable traditional collar. Minimal overlays help to keep the weight low while providing strategic support.  Stay tuned for official race gear as well as a custom version of the New Balance FuelCell RC Elite shoe. The Achilles Mongolia Chapter is organizing a physical marathon for the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon with one hundred members, guides and volunteers. Join to support and watch these incredible athletes on their virtual marathon journey with live streaming coverage beginning at 9:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, October 23rd on Achilles International social channels.