Set the Pace

This week Rob is joined by Sara Vaughn, the top American woman finisher at this year's TCS New York City Marathon where she delivered an impressive performance with a time of 2:26:56. She was a late addition to the race after being sidelined by Covid in the lead up to the Chicago Marathon. Sara transitioned from being a middle-distance runner to the marathon and won the 2021 California International Marathon in her marathon debut. She’s crushing it while balancing life as a mother of four and a full-time real estate agent in Boulder, Colorado. Tune in to hear her race-day strategy and how she was able to stay with the lead pack even while not looking at her watch. Also joining the podcast is NYRR member Maryann Gong, the top woman finisher from the Central Park Track Club and a 15-time NCAA Division III All-American runner. LINKS:Find your push. Find your power at onepeloton.com/race-training FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob hosts solo this week as Becs heads to Cape Town, South Africa to embark on The Great World Race where she’ll run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. We'll start off with a special message from Becs, direct from Cape Town as she embarks on her great adventure. Then, joining the show this week is David Jones, who walked 17 miles through the wreckage of Hurricane Helene because he was determined to make it to his daughter's wedding. He talks about his harrowing experience walking in the middle of night with just his cell phone flashlight guiding the way. That journey became a viral sensation, and NYRR first noticed his story because he did that walk wearing a TCS New York City Marathon jacket. We invited him to run this year’s marathon, which he did while fundraising for TCS New York Marathon Charity partner, the American Red Cross. Plus, Meb’s Member Moment features Sofia Camacho Ferral, the winner of this year’s non-binary division at the marathon and what it’s like being an accomplished marathoner and drag performer. LINKS:Donate to David's Red Cross Fundraising page HERE! FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Becs is joined by Ted Metellus, the TCS New York City Marathon race director, for a roundup of this year’s marathon, including highlights of the day and record-breaking numbers. Also on the show is comedic actor Randall Park. This multifaceted talent is known for his unforgettable roles in both TV and film, including Louis Huang in Fresh Off the Boat and Jimmy Woo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This past weekend, Randall took on a different challenge by completing the TCS New York City Marathon at the age of 50, raising money for KultureCity, a nonprofit focused on sensory inclusion. Randall’s 12-year-old daughter is on the autism spectrum and has sensory needs. He not only ran for her but also for his father who passed away this year. Our Member Moment features Cynthia Marfori-Gordon, a race walker who completed her 14th New York City Marathon last Sunday, and a special Meb Minute, with HSS's Anil Nandkumar standing in for Meb to talk about Recovery.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special marathon-day edition of Set the Pace, Rob interviews 2024 TCS New York City Marathon champions Sheila Chepkirui, Abdi Nageeye, Daniel Romanchuck and Susannah ScaroniFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special TCS New York City Marathon–weekend edition of Set the Pace, guest-host and Olympian Carrie Tollefson interviews the 2024 USATF 5K champions, Annie Rodenfels and Ahmed Muhumed, and three-time youth girls champ, Zariel Macchia, at the finish line of the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K, which hosted the race in New York City this morning!FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five-time Olympian and TCS New York City Marathon Grand Marshal Gabby Thomas joins Rob and Becs on part two of this week's episode of Set the Pace, recorded live from the Citizens Stage at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo presented by New Balance. Both Rob and Becs were at Stade de France to see Gabby's epic gold medal run this past summer, and Gabby shares with them everything she was thinking out on the track that magical night, and everything she did for the three years leading up to that single moment to prepare for the run of her life. Join Rob, Becs, and Gabby for this live discussion about running and what it takes to make your dreams come true, and find out if Gabby has her eyes on 26.2 anytime in the near future.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us live from the Citizens Stage at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo, presented by New Balance, for this interview with the incomparable George Hirsch, one of the founders of the Five-Borough Marathon. No one can talk about the history of running like George. He has the best stories about how running has grown from a niche sport into a worldwide phenomenon, how Fred Lebow managed the start lines way back when, and about some of the superstars of world running in their youth. Also, he has the best running meet-cute you've ever heard. Join Rob and Becs as they present George with the Abebe Bikila Award in the first part of this two-part episode of Set the Pace.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready for a full day of Set The Pace! We’re starting off with a mini-episode featuring the final 2024 Team Inspire Member Moment with Courtney Knights, followed by words of wisdom from the great Meb Keflezighi as we conclude our 16-week marathon training Meb Minute series.Then, stay tuned all day as we drop two more episodes, recorded live from the Citizens Stage at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo presented by New Balance, including interviews with George Hirsch and Gabby Thomas.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this week is Peloton Instructor Kirsten Ferguson. Once entrenched in the NFL's corporate world, Kirsten turned to fitness during a challenging journey to motherhood. Today, she's both a mother and a popular Peloton tread instructor, drawing on both her personal struggles and her passion for fitness. She’s inspired so many athletes to go farther than they ever thought they could and is running her very first marathon when she toes the starting line at the TCS New York City Marathon on November 3. Find out how she overcame imposter syndrome to become one of the most sought-after instructors at Peloton and what she’s learned about herself during months of marathon training. And this week’s Member Moment features Joel Kaufman who is part of this year’s Team Inspire. Since 2015, Joel has raised over $150,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of loved ones battling blood cancers.   For clarity on NYRR's policy with regard to costumes and prohibited items, please visit our Rules of Competition.LINKS:How To Gain Entry to the United Airlines NYC HalfJoin Team for Kids for Guaranteed Entry to the United Airlines NYC HalfJoel Kaufman's Fundraisiing Page for the Leukemia and Lymphoma SocietyFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Rob and Becs are joined by Matt James. Known for his unforgettable season on The Bachelor, Matt has traded roses for running shoes as he gears up for his fourth (in a row) TCS New York City Marathon. He played Division 1 NCAA football at Wake Forest University and now has turned into an endurance sports athlete. His move to marathons has proved successful, shaving two hours off his marathon time in two years! Matt shares his running journey on this week’s episode as he tries to chase down that ever-elusive sub three-hour marathon finish and talks about how running a marathon compares to being on The Bachelor. And for the second week in a row, our Member Moment features one of this year’s 26 Team Inspire runners, Sovena Ngeth, who is running her first marathon on November 3 and fundraising for Apex for Youth. LINKS:Sovena's Fundraising Page for Apex YouthFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year and a half ago,  Peloton Producer Jessie Malone’s life took a dramatic turn when her Apple Watch alerted her that she was going into AFib (Atrial fibrillation) and needed to go to the emergency room right away. The shock of that moment and subsequent hospital stay led her to make profound changes in her life, including running her first marathon on the anniversary of her hospitalization. Now, Jessie is preparing to run the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon as part of her continued journey toward health and is raising money for the American Heart Association. Listen to her amazing story of transformation.Then Meb joins the podcast for this week's Meb Minutes, and to interview our Member of the Week, 2024 Team Inspire member Ido Simyoni.LINKS:Jessie's TCS NYC Marathon Fundraising Page at AHAFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon just over 30 days away, Rob invites Race Director and NYRR SVP of Events Ted Metellus onto Set the Pace. Ted provides his behind-the-scenes guidance to runners on everything they need to know to get ready for Sunday, November 3, whether they’re traveling to the marathon from around the world or across the five boroughs of NYC. From visiting the expo and attending the Opening Ceremony, to crossing the finish line and getting your medal engraved on Marathon Monday, check out this episode to get all the inside information you need.Then NYRR Member Katherine Palomino-Simon talks about celebrating her 50th Birthday at the 50th Anniversary of the BMW Berlin Marathon, and the great Meb Keflezighi is here withi hs tip as we countdown 4 weeks to the TCS New York City Marathon.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are LIVE from the 50th anniversary of the BMW Berlin Marathon! And you know what they say about live events—anything can happen! In this case... it did! An audio equipment failure caused us to lose about 8 minutes of our live recording, including Catherine Debrunner's intro, so bear with us for the glitch! We promise, this show is worth it! In this bonus episode, Rob records live from the New Balance Center for Modern Running in Berlin less than 48 hours before the start of the 2024 BMW Berlin Marathon! Rob chats with BMW Berlin Marathon women’s wheelchair division defending champion and course record holder, Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland, about flat vs. hilly marathon courses—Catherine also won and set a course record at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon last November—how she balances training with her other profession, teaching, and more. Then Rob gets on the other side of the mic when he’s interviewed by TCS New York City Marathon Race Director and NYRR SVP of Events, Ted Metellus, about Rob’s own running, as he’ll be running Berlin on Sunday too—his first marathon since running New York in 2013! And finally, we have an interview with NYRR and TFK member Arlene Rivera that will make you laugh and might also inspire you to run a little bit farther!You won’t want to miss this fun, lively, exciting, and inspiring episode ahead of the 50th running of the BMW Berlin Marathon on Sunday, September 29!Catherine Debrunner is a remarkable Swiss athlete who has made huge waves in the world of wheelchair racing. Born with a spinal birth defect, Catherine began her journey in sports at just eight years old and, in recent years, has become a dominant force on the track and the road. She recently made headlines by setting new course records at the Berlin, Chicago, and the TCS New York City Marathon. On top of all of those feats, she is also a five-time gold medalist from the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Catherine’s accomplishments and story also caught the attention of our partners at New Balance, and she is an official Team New Balance athlete, prominently featured in their newly updated "Run Your Way" campaign. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NYC native Janie Deegan got sober in 2013 after years of battling drug and alcohol addiction that had led to her becoming homeless. In her early years of sobriety she turned to baking—something that had brought her joy as a child—as an act of self-care. Encouraged by friends, in 2015 she founded Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods, now in three Manhattan locations and best known for its mouth-watering Pie Crust Cookies. Janie ran her first race with New York Road Runners in 2016, and she’s gone on to run the TCS New York City Marathon three times with #4 coming up on November 3. Janie talks to Rob about cookies (spoiler alert: he’s a huge fan), her journey as a runner and entrepreneur, her belief in giving back to her community by providing second-chance employment, and more. Don’t miss this incredibly inspiring and uplifting episode.PROGRAM NOTE: Due to a reporting error, the winning finish times for the 2024 New Balance Bronx 10M mentioned in the episode are incorrect. The correct winning times are: Ryan Cutter - 0:48:57Amelework Fikadu Bosho - 0:55:23Jacob Caswell - 0:57:34LINKS:Janie’s Life-Changing Baked GoodsFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in to a special live show recorded at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub as part of Fast Company’s 2024 Innovation Festival. Rob and Becs are joined by Haley Price, the Head of Sports in North America for Tata Consultancy Services. Hear about Haley’s transition from working at New York Road Runners 20 years ago in the brownstone office on East 89th Street to being a proponent of technological advances in running at TCS. She says TCS believes running has the power to change lives and that the company is making positive change using technology. For example, TCS has partnered with Boston Marathon champion Des Linden creating the first-ever digital twin of a pro runner’s heart. The virtual replica will provide valuable data to help Des and others train smarter and safer. Haley also talks about the exciting innovations in running gear such self-cooling tech shirts and sustainable running shoes made from mushrooms. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carrie Tollefson, a 2004 Olympian and a three-time national champion who represented the United States at the Athens Games joins Set the Pace to talk about where she thinks running is headed. Carrie is now a broadcaster for ESPN, USA Track & Field, and the TCS New York City Marathon, and she’ll be premiering as the first woman broadcaster for the Berlin Marathon on September 29. Carrie is a fierce advocate for fitness and wellness via her podcast, C Tolle Run, and her work with Moms on the Run. She talks about her experience covering the pro field at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile and the track and field events at the Olympics in Paris. Tune in to hear what she loved the most about covering the Olympics and why she recently got a tattoo with fellow Olympian Dakotah Lindwurm.Then meet today's NYRR Member, Shelly Ramoni and hear about her post hip-replacement trainng reginmen for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, and hear Meb's tip for week 9 of Marathon training!FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karissa Schweizer and Josh Kerr recap their 5th Avenue Mile Wins!Olympian and Broadcaster Carrie Tollefson steps in today to interview the winners of today's spectacular New Balance 5th Avenue Mile. Hear from them both as they reveal what their strategies were behind their thrilling wins on 5th Avenue this morning, including a course record for Josh Kerr, and a tie with the course record for Karissa Schweizer.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in to this special episode recorded live at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub as Becs talks with Peloton’s Alex Karwoski, a dedicated rowing instructor and multifaceted athlete. He competed at the Olympic Games in Rio and was an alternate for the Olympics in Tokyo. Now, Alex is setting his sights on the road ahead and is training for his first marathon, the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. Alex shares with the live audience how he’s making the transition from rowing to running as he trains to get to the start line on November 3, and why he enjoys running more than rowing!FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Rob and Becs are joined by British Olympic 1,500m silver medalist and world champion Josh Kerr. He’s coming back to New York to defend his title won last year at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile in an astounding 3:47.9, the third fastest time in event history, and is looking to make history again this year. Fresh off an unforgettable race at Stade de France during the Olympics in Paris, Josh gives listeners a look behind the scenes at the fierce track and field rivalries that kept viewers glued to their screens during the games this past August. Josh recalls what was going through his mind on the track as he took on the competition at a blistering pace, ultimately winning silver. We also get the inside scoop on Josh’s ongoing rivalry with world record holder Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway that keeps fans coming back for more.Then Meb will be here with his tips for week 8 of training for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, and with NYRR member Susan Huang, who tells us about training to run the marathon for her second year in a row in support of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) .LINKS:Susan Huang Race To End DuchenneFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Milde, the race director of the BMW Berlin Marathon joins Set the Pace to talk about what it's like to race 26.2 miles through one of Germany's most storied cities. With the marathon celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Mark has a lifetime of experience when it comes to this race because his father, Horst Milde, founded the race in 1974. This year will have a celebratory feel with lots of music along the course and a special exhibition at the Brandenburg Gate showcasing the history of the race. The past 50 years has seen dramatic change in Berlin, most notably, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 that had divided the city. Mark’s father, along with other race organizers, rerouted the course from being run entirely in West Berlin to entering parts of East Berlin, yet still maintaining the fast and flat course that it’s known for.Then, the great Meb Keflezighi will be here with NYRR member and seasoned marathoner Paola Marte, and today's Meb Minute which focuses on week 7 of training for the TCS New York City Marathon.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.