Set the Pace

Latest Episodes:

Running with the Stars: Alan Bersten LIVE at the RBC Brooklyn Half May 17, 2025

Show notes

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.
DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RBC Brooklyn Half Playbook From a Local Elite Runner May 16, 2025

Show notes

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.
DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marathon Mom Carey Socol’s 74 Marathons and Counting May 08, 2025

Show notes

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 | 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.
DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RBC Brooklyn Half Advice: "Panic Is Not a Pace" and More Wisdom from NYRR’s Ted Metellus May 01, 2025

Show notes

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-items
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.
DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meditation and Mindfulness for the Miles Ahead with Peloton Instructor Kirra Michel Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

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.
DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston Marathon BTS with Ed Eyestone - Coach of America’s Top Runners Apr 20, 2025

Show notes

Just two days before the 129th Boston Marathon, we recorded a special live episode of Set the Pace at the Citizens House of Blues in Boston. With co-host Sam Ryan—four-time Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and Boston Marathon runner—we dive into the racing mindset, the power of community, and what it means to cover the sport from both sides of the finish line. Then, legendary BYU coach and two-time Olympian Ed Eyestone joins us to talk about coaching elite American marathoners (including Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Keira D’Amato) and how consistency shaped his coaching philosophy. Plus, performance dietitian Lauren Thomas shares practical fueling strategies from the team at Maurten. Whether you’re lining up in Hopkinton or cheering for your favorite runners, this episode brings you right into the heart of Boston Marathon weekend.

Sam Ryan's Member Moment: (01:04)
Coach Ed Eyestone's Marathon Insights: (10:11)
Maurten's Lauren Thomas: (46:00)

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.

DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheers to NYRR Volunteers Who Give Back at the Marathon and in the Community Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

April is Global Volunteer Month and this week Rob and Becs interview three NYRR Volunteer Hall of Fame Inductees about their years of experience helping out at the New York City Marathon and Open Run. David Csillan has spent more than 35 years safeguarding the health of runners as a medical volunteer, becoming an essential part of the marathon's medical team. Larry Sillen has volunteered since 1979, handing out bibs and even hauling water from fire hydrants. Now 80 years old, Larry is a familiar face at Open Runs across the city, especially at Marine Park in Brooklyn, where he grew up. Nancy Chiu is the Open Run captain at Cunningham Park in Queens and the leader of the CunningHammers run club whose built a network rooted in encouragement and consistency. She's introduced countless people to the joy of running and volunteering, especially during the pandemic when her presence became a lifeline for community connection.

Medical Volunteer David Csillan: (04:27)

Larry Sillen Began Volunteering in 1979: (20:28)

Nancy Chiu from Cunningham Park Open Run: (32:18)

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.
DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marathons, Milestones, and Meb: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Set the Pace Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

This week we celebrated the 100th episode of NYRR Set the Pace live at the Public Theater in NYC. Rob and Becs kicked off the show by bringing back the podcast’s very first guest, Meb Keflezighi, a 2004 Olympic silver medalist in Athens who in 2009, became the first American since 1982 to win the New York City Marathon, and in 2014 became the first American man to win the Boston Marathon since 1983. He also started the Meb Foundation, whose mission is to promote youth health, education, and fitness in the US and abroad. He discusses his philosophy “run to win” about getting the best out of yourself in racing and in life. Plus, Janelle Hartman joined the stage for this week’s Member Moment. Janelle is the recipient of the 2018 Joe Kleinerman award and long-time volunteer with New York Road Runners. She crossed the finish line as the official final finisher of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon at age 55.

Meb Keflezighi on the show!!!: (12:45)
Becs in the hot seat!: (30:51)
Rob shares what makes him proud: (38:36)
Lightning Round: (42:50)
Janelle Hartman is our Featured Member: (51:40)
Today's Meb Minute (On Routine): (1:01:42)

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.
DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Special Marathon Episode for Your Long Run - with Cory Wharton-Malcolm and Austin Curtis Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

If you are training for spring marathons, this one is just for you!

Settle into your long run with this week’s special long edition of Set the Pace featuring a few incredible guests. Cory Wharton-Malcolm, Apple Fitness+ trainer, running coach, and author of the book, All You Need Is Rhythm & Grit brings joy and inclusivity to a sport that can often feel very intimidating and continues to be a positive force in the UK running community and beyond. Former hockey player turned long-distance runner and Becs’ partner, Austin Curtis, is gearing up to run the London Marathon later this month. Austin shares what it’s like supporting Becs through her own running journeys while they raise their young daughter, and now, leaning on Becs as his coach for London. Plus, this week’s member moment features Teresita Gonzalez and her brother Luis who are both running the London Marathon and will be taking on the TCS New York City Marathon in November with their mother and youngest sister.

Celebrating the 100th Episode: (05:23.130)
Live in Boston: (08:23.000)
Cory Wharton-Malcolm on STP!: (13:09.000)
Full Circle with Speed Project: (16:38.754)
Track Mafia Origins: (31:41.440)
Austin Curtis on STP!: (1:06:24.674)
Supporting Becs – 7 Marathons, 7 Continents: (1:07:27.089)
Running Goals Evolve: (1:17:38.520)
Teresita and Luis – STP Member Moment: (1:51:12.113)
Meb Minute – Traveling and Running: (1:59:30.733)

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.
DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Kwasi Kessie Merges Marathoning and Fashion Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Joining Rob and Becs this week is celebrity stylist and marathon runner Kwasi Kessie whose influence spans both the fashion and sports worlds. Kwasi outlines his journeys in both fashion and running and shares his experience styling athletes like 100-meter Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles. He also reflects on his own experience on the roads, starting from when he was a kid running with NYRR and going on to complete 11 consecutive New York City Marathons. Kwasi grew up in Harlem and attributes his love of fashion to his mom, who took pride in curating high-quality wardrobes for her kids. A runner herself, she also completed the New York City Marathon, inspiring Kwasi to lace up and run his first marathon, which he did with Team for Kids. And our Member Moment this week features Stephanie Sokol who started running in 2019 and has completed five of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, raising thousands of dollars for NYRR Team for Kids.

Kwasi Kessie on STP!: (:12:00)
NYRR Member Stephanie Sokol: (1:01)
Meb on Boston Hills: (1:08)
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.
DISCLAIMER

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected