Set the Pace

In this week’s episode, we continue to spotlight runners who put purpose behind their miles and the organizations that make up the more than 670 Official Charity Partners of the TCS New York City Marathon. Rob is joined by guests from Back on My Feet, including CEO Nathan Watt, volunteer Diana Cruz Solash, and member Tim Blackmore. Back on My Feet is a national nonprofit that uses running, community, and workforce development to help people experiencing homelessness and addiction build a path toward stability and independence. Nathan reflects on the organization’s growth and impact over the years, while Tim shares his personal journey from addiction and recovery to rebuilding his life through running. He also talks about training for his first TCS New York City Marathon while fundraising for Back on My Feet. Diana opens up about what inspired her to volunteer with the organization and the meaningful impact she has witnessed firsthand. She discusses how Back on My Feet has transformed the lives of program members while also enriching her own life and sense of community.

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If you’re training for the TCS New York City Marathon or another fall marathon, this episode of Set the Pace is for you! Rob sits down with Dr. Jordan Metzl, a nationally recognized sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery and a member of New York Road Runners’ Medical Advisory Council. A 14-time Ironman finisher who has run over 40 marathons, Dr. Metzl is also the author of several books, including his latest, “Push,” which came out earlier this year. He talks about how runners can distinguish healthy training discomfort from pain that signals a more serious injury. They discuss common running injuries, including runner’s knee, IT band syndrome, and Achilles problems; when to seek medical attention; and why getting the right diagnosis before treatment is critical. Dr. Metzl also explains the role of strength training, cross-training, and rest and recovery during the taper, and shares advice for runners experiencing pain during a marathon. As race day approaches, he emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, adjusting expectations when necessary, and, above all, making it to the starting line healthy.
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Counting down to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, Set the Pace is shining a spotlight on the runners who put purpose behind every mile by raising funds for the race’s more than 670 Official Charity Partners. This week, Rob is joined by Christopher Sheridan of the American Heart Association (AHA), NYRR Hall of Famer and Olympic medalist Jenny Simpson, and NYRR Medical Director Dr. Matt Friedman for an important discussion about cardiac arrest, CPR, and the power of being prepared. Christopher shares how the AHA’s Team Heart & Stroke is building a community of survivors and lifesavers, while Jenny recounts her sudden cardiac arrest at a running event in June and the people whose courage and quick action saved her life. Dr. Friedman explains how bystanders, hands-only CPR, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can dramatically improve survival and what New York Road Runners is doing to prepare for medical emergencies during its races.

Learn more about Team Heart and Stroke here! https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=13309&pg=entry

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Behind the Scenes of the 2026 UTMB - The world summit of trail running with Becs Gentry, Margot Fleming and Jeremiah Maestre.

This week, Rob interviews Becs and friends about their passion for ultramarathon running. Joining the conversation is Margot Fleming, an ultrarunner and coach based in Los Angeles whose father, Tom Fleming, won the New York City Marathon in 1973 and again in 1975. Margot ran the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, marking 50 years since her father’s first win. Just a few weeks ago, she completed the full 170-kilometer loop of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Also joining the discussion is Jeremiah Maestre, who recently completed his first CCC (Courmayeur–Champex–Chamonix) race, a 100-kilometer course that follows part of the UTMB route. A former boxer from Orange County, California, Jeremiah ran his first marathon in Maui in December 2022 and has since completed the Marathon des Sables twice and the Canyons 100 Mile. They discuss what it takes to qualify for these races, the physical and mental demands of running through steep and technical terrain, the difficulty of navigating unpredictable weather, and the logistics of fueling for hours on the trail. They also explore what drew them to trail running and the sense of community, camaraderie, and connection that comes from tackling these challenges.


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With the marathon just weeks away, Rob is joined by Ted Metellus, NYRR’s chief event production officer and race director, for a comprehensive guide to race week and race day. They reflect on the significance of the 50th anniversary of the New York City Marathon’s 5-boro course, then dive into everything runners need to know—from special activations at the marathon expo and engaging marathon week events to understanding race-day transportation options, course logistics, and more. Ted and Rob also share tips for first-time and returning runners, including how to plan your race weekend, navigate the course’s bridges and hills, and stay focused on your “why.” Plus, they preview post-race activities and the ways runners, spectators, and the city can come together to celebrate this milestone year. Whether you’re racing or cheering, this episode will help get you ready for November 1.
Save 20% on fuel at maurten.com, using the email address you registered with for the marathon. Offer excludes the Bicarb System and cannot be combined with other offers.
2026 TCS NYC Marathon Virtual Training Panel https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tcs-new-york-city-marathon-expert-panel-tickets-1990585352374



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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.