Meditation and Mindfulness for the Miles Ahead with Peloton Instructor Kirra Michel
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.
--------
55:59
Boston Marathon BTS with Ed Eyestone - Coach of America’s Top Runners
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 | 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.
--------
56:16
Cheers to NYRR Volunteers Who Give Back at the Marathon and in the Community
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.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
42:24
Marathons, Milestones, and Meb: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Set the Pace
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.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
1:04:20
A Special Marathon Episode for Your Long Run - with Cory Wharton-Malcolm and Austin Curtis
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.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.