Set the Pace

Red Sox manager Alex Cora joins Rob and Becs for this week’s Set the Pace. One of the most recognizable figures in sports, Alex is a World Series–winning manager, a regular presence in Boston headlines, and someone whose every decision is analyzed by millions of Red Sox fans. Recently, Alex has also become a runner—starting with short races then progressing to a half marathon and ultimately to the start line of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon this past November 2. He opens up about the thrill of getting his bib only four weeks before race day and how meaningful it was to run the entire marathon course alongside his partner. They crossed the finish line to cheers from his sons holding a sign that read, “Will you marry, Dad?” Plus, Meb speaks with Simone Swink, Senior Executive Producer of the “Good Morning America” (GMA) franchise. On November 2, Simone and 27 fellow ABC News colleagues participated in a special “Good Morning America” TCS New York City Marathon relay, raising funds for NYRR Team for Kids. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: 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’s guest is Caitlin Phillips, a 43-year-old runner who ran a 2:36 at Sunday’s California International Marathon (CIM), qualifying for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials. Caitlin shares with Rob and Becs what it took to achieve this amazing feat while working full-time and returning to competition postpartum after giving birth in 2023. She breaks down what makes the CIM course ideal for sub-elite athletes and reflects on the strong sense of community she felt racing alongside runners she’s connected with over the years. Also joining the podcast for the Member Moment is Dr. Melissa Melkonian, founder of The American Dream School in the Bronx, a dual-language charter school created to help students and families pursue their own version of the American Dream. She’s inspired dozens of teachers, parents, and staff to take on their first marathon, using running as a tool for empowerment and community building.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: 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.

Joining Rob and Becs this week is Phil Keoghan, host of “The Amazing Race.” He recently completed the TCS New York City Marathon while raising money for Back on My Feet, an organization that empowers people to achieve economic independence. The New Zealand-born adventurer isn’t just a marathoner, he’s also cycled across America, set a world record in bungee jumping, and retraced a 1928 Tour de France route on an 85-year-old bicycle. Phil dedicated his race to his father, who passed away last week after a lengthy illness, and he opens up about drawing strength from his dad’s grit and determination during the final miles of the marathon. And for this week’s Member Moment, Meb speaks with Michael Ring, who completed the TCS New York City Marathon 26 times, the last seven after recovering from a devastating case of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Michael is one of the stars of East 89th St Productions and Tribeca Studios’ documentary film “Final Finishers.”Phil ran the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon in support of Back On My Feet - Donate Here FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: 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, Runner’s World News Editor Theo Kahler joins the show to share how he spends his weekdays writing about running and then lines up on the weekends to hold his own with some of the best runners in the world. Theo ran this year’s TCS New York City Marathon for the first time, placing an impressive 40th overall and finishing as the 15th American in the men’s field. A former collegiate track standout from South Carolina, he now covers the sport’s biggest events as a journalist. But even while holding down a full-time job, Theo hasn’t given up his running dreams—he recently wrote an article for Runner’s World titled “I Finished 40th at the NYC Marathon With a Full-Time Job. You Don’t Need to Be a Pro to Dream Big.” Also joining the show for our Member Moment is Queens resident Raymond Choy, who completed the marathon for the 27th time this year. He’s talks to Meb about why he keeps coming back. Theo's Last Mile TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrYR7xxb/ FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: 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.

Joining Rob this week is Relly Ladner, a member of this year’s Team Inspire, a diverse group of 26 TCS New York City Marathon runners whose stories capture the power of running to change lives. Growing up in Vienna, Relly played soccer, and as a freshman in high school she secured a Division I offer to play at Dartmouth College. But after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome she was told she’d never walk again. Through grit and determination, Relly fought her way back to health, went on to play soccer at Dartmouth, and never took a single day on the field for granted. After college, Relly turned to marathon running and completed this year’s TCS New York City Marathon with a time of 3:32, running in support of the adolescent health organization Grassroot Soccer. Plus, for this week’s Member Moment, Meb talks to Felicia Pasadyn, a full-time medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine who finished 14th among all women at the marathon, crossing the finish line with a time that qualifies her for the 2028 US Olympic Trials. Donate to Relly's 2025 TCS NYC Marathon Fundraiser for Grassroot Soccer FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: 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.