Set the Pace

Ninety nine seconds—that’s all Peter’s lungs can manage on his first post-transplant run. But  the shock of those agonizing 200 meters ignites an out‑loud promise to himself: Peter pledges he will run the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, just 12 weeks away. Starting with small steps, Peter shrinks the city into single‑block laps, keeping the  memory of coughing up blood in reserve as inspiration to keep moving forward, step by step, to the start line on Staten Island. Race day erupts in tears and cannons and unexpected angels.  Peter attempts to leave the patient behind on the roads, and to cross the finish line into a new story.   Let's unlock money for medical research!  Learn More, and Sign Up here-  https://www.beyourpossible.com/runforresearch New York Road Runners does not benefit from Be Your Possible donations or unlocked funds. NYRR is elevating Peter's story as part of our joint vision to create positive change through running. Signing up for Be Your Possible's Run For Research  is free to all  - there is no financial obligation for any runner who chooses to participate. DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune into this week’s episode as Rob and Becs are joined by Slow AF Run Club founder Martinus Evans—an author, advocate, and someone who's made the sport of running so much more inclusive. Back in 2012 while working 10-12 hours a day at a sales job, he hurt his hip and went to his doctor for a checkup. The doctor told him he was fat and needed to lose weight. Martinus told the doctor he was going to run a marathon—and a year later, he did. Martinus is one of the featured runners in a new film produced by New York Road Runners and Tribeca Productions, which is premiering at this year's Tribeca Festival on June 12. Hear Martinus, now a new father, talk about how running and fatherhood have a few things in common: small wins along the way with a lot of bumps and obstacles too. Ultimately though, the goal is to get the baby across the finish line.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.

A Tour de France postcard is all Peter clutches as he steps back through the hospital doors, determined to earn a permanent cure. He’s about to take on the most demanding stage yet, flanked by bossy nurses, amazed pulmonologists, his devoted cavapoo, and his wife, Torun—all rooting for him along this personal, indoor Tour. (It will feel like the toughest climb—until he laces up for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon…but that’s the next episode.) This Tour de France doesn’t just aim to save Peter’s life—it promises to change it forever.   Let's unlock money for medical research!  Learn More, and Sign Up here-  https://www.beyourpossible.com/runforresearch New York Road Runners does not benefit from Be Your Possible donations or unlocked funds. NYRR is elevating Peter's story as part of our joint vision to create positive change through running. Signing up for Be Your Possible's Run For Research  is free to all  - there is no financial obligation for any runner who chooses to participate. DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're so excited to announce our brand new audio docuseries, NYRR Set the Pace Presents: 850 Million Reasons to Run, the first audio documentary from East 89th St Productions, an NYRR Studio. Meet Peter Kirk - a father, a New Yorker, and a runner - who found himself facing something far bigger than 26.2 miles.  850 Million Reasons to Run is the true story of Peter's journey—not just to the start line of the TCS New York City Marathon, but back to life itself. It’s about what happens when everything changes in an instant… and how running became the thread that helped put it all back together. Told in his own words—and through the voices of those closest to him—this is not your typical race story. Let's unlock money for medical research!  Learn More, and Sign Up here-  https://www.beyourpossible.com/runforresearch New York Road Runner does not benefit from Be Your Possible donations or unlocked funds. NYRR is elevating Peter's story as part of our joint vision to create positive change through running. Signing up for Be Your Possible, Run For Research  is free to all  - there is no financial obligation for any runner who chooses to participate. DISCLAIMER See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Shaunta-Maé Alexander joins Becs to talk about her path to healing and embracing the sport of running even after living with Crohn's disease and surviving countless medical setbacks, including two episodes of paralysis. Growing up in foster care and enduring abuse, Shaunta-Maé looked to her faith for guidance and turned to sports and acting as outlets to cope and heal. A children's book author, an actress, and mentor, this past March, she completed the United Airlines NYC Half just two years after relearning how to walk. Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin was by her side telling her to, “Pick your head up. I want you to see the beauty around you.” Plus, NYRR member Dr. Jane Yoo a dual board-certified dermatologist, a surgeon, an assistant professor at Mount Sinai, and an AWMM Six Star finisher shares her practical advice for fall marathon training, especially when it comes to sunscreen and skin health.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 live episode recorded LIVE from the RBC Brooklyn Half After-Party at Maimonides Park, we celebrated an incredible race day with a very special guest — Alan Bersten. Best known for his dazzling performances on Dancing with the Stars, Alan has been wowing audiences since 2017, even taking home the Mirrorball Trophy with Bachelorette star Hannah Brown. A lifelong dancer and So You Think You Can Dance finalist; Alan has mastered styles from ballroom to Bollywood. Today, he took on a new kind of stage — crossing the finish line of his very first half marathon at the RBC Brooklyn Half. Tune in to hear about his journey from the dance floor to the 13.1-mile course. For today's Member Moment, two-time Olympian and 2024 RBC Brooklyn Half champion, Kim Conley joins the show to talk about her attempt to defend her title at this year’s race and her transition from track athlete to a marathoner. And finally HSS's Jason Mayerhofer is here with his best advice on how to transition your training from the RBC Brooklyn Half, to the TCS New York City Marathon. Alan Bersten on STP!:  (02:28)Kim Conley Joins the Show!  (16:43)HSS's Jason Mayerhoffer: (24:13)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 special episode comes to you live from the RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party, Presented by New Balance. Hosts Rob Simmelkjaer and Becs Gentry go behind the scenes with the sub-elite field lining up for Saturday’s race. Dorian Kail, NYRR’s Director of Professional Athletes, breaks down the time standards and perks of becoming a “seeded” athlete. Alana Levy, the fastest New York City woman at last year’s TCS New York City Marathon, shares how she leveled up from casual runner to toeing the line with the pros.. 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, Rob is joined by marathon mom Carey Socol for this special Mother’s Day episode. Carey’s been a New York Road Runners member since 1999 and has run 74 marathons and 64 half marathons, many while raising children. She shares how running helped her manage the stress and anxiety that came from working a full-time job while also parenting. Carey attributes Jeff Galloway’s Run Walk Run method to helping her mentally and physically prepare for races and staying motivated to run most days of the week. After the sudden death of her longtime partner just two weeks before hitting her goal of running a marathon in all 50 states before turning 50, Carey ran in his honor with friends cheering her on. Also joining the podcast is Dalma Garcia to talk about how she balances marathon training with being a mother to her two daughters while also caring for her ailing mom. NYRR Mindful 5K Recap: (01:15)Carey Socol – MarathonMom: (06:51)50 State Marathon Quiz: (36:41)NYRR Member Dalma Garcia: (44:57)The Meb Minute: (52:18)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.

With just over two weeks until the RBC Brooklyn Half, Rob is joined by Ted Metellus, NYRR’s chief event production officer and race director, to discuss important updates to the race. In response to survey results, this year's race will have four start waves to ease course crowding and allow for an easier flow at the start, and the RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party will have extended hours to make it easier for people to visit Brooklyn Bridge Park on the Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday before race day. Tune in to hear about course highlights and what runners and their friends and family can expect at the After-Party in Maimonides Park. NOTE: Please check Permitted and Prohibited Items at NYRR Events here - https://www.nyrr.org/run/guidelines-and-procedures/policies-rules-and-regulations/prohibited-itemsFOLLOW 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, Becs is joined by Peloton instructor Kirra Michel who leads us all on a meditation specifically for runners. Kirra's grounded presence has inspired thousands through her yoga and meditation classes. Born in Santa Cruz, California, Kirra moved with her family coastal town of Lennox Head, Australia when she was just three months old. Her childhood was filled with movement, from surfing, dancing, and gymnastics to everything outdoors. She moved to New York in her 20s and discovered the transformative power of yoga and meditation tools that helped her navigate burnout, perfectionism, and personal healing. The episode explores yoga’s benefits for runners and offers practical advice for integrating mindfulness into your training. Kirra also leads listeners through a short, guided meditation. Also joining this week is NYRR member Andrew Kile who after quitting smoking in 2017, signed up for the TCS New York City Marathon and found a sense of joy, purpose, and belonging through running. Plus, Hospital for Special Surgery physical therapist Alison Greer discusses race recovery and injury prevention, especially for women. Rob's Message for Becs: (01:01)Maybelline Women's Half April 27: (04:19)Kirra Michel on STP: (08:15)Meditate with Kirra: (34:53)Member Andrew Kile on STP: (40:06)Meb Minute with HSS: (47:58)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.