This week, Rob and Becs welcome back to the show Jenny Simpson, a 2025 NYRR Hall of Fame inductee. Jenny has played a pivotal role as an ambassador and special advisor to Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s free youth running program. A three-time Olympian and 11-time U.S. national champion, she dominated the iconic 5th Avenue Mile with a record eight victories. Jenny recently retired from professional racing after finishing the 2024 New York City Marathon and shares her latest adventure—a 50-state running road trip with her husband, Jason, to celebrate local running communities. Plus, Meb talks with Shivaii Nikam, who joined the NYRR Youth Ambassadors program back in 2019, and is now a junior at Brooklyn Technical High School and a member of the school’s cross country and track teams. Meb also speaks with Mohammed Saad, a physical therapist with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a member of the performance team conducting running mechanics assessments to help athletes prevent injuries.

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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

This week, Rob and Becs welcome back to the show Jenny Simpson, a 2025 NYRR Hall of Fame inductee. Jenny has played a pivotal role as an ambassador and special advisor to Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR&rsquo;s free youth running program. A three-time Olympian and 11-time U.S. national champion, she dominated the iconic 5th Avenue Mile with a record eight victories. Jenny recently retired from professional racing after finishing the 2024 New York City Marathon and shares her latest adventure&mdash;a 50-state running road trip with her husband, Jason, to celebrate local running communities. Plus, Meb talks with Shivaii Nikam, who joined the NYRR Youth Ambassadors program back in 2019, and is now a junior at Brooklyn Technical High School and a member of the school&rsquo;s cross country and track teams. Meb also speaks with Mohammed Saad, a physical therapist with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a member of the performance team conducting running mechanics assessments to help athletes prevent injuries. FOLLOW NYRR: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nyrrvideo/podcasts">YouTube</a> SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

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.

Set the Pace

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 Instructor, 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.

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 Instructor, 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.

2025 NYRR Hall of Fame Inductee Jenny Simpson’s Latest Adventure

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/cd5826aa-e4a2-4137-8d09-b3780012c002/transcript

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

 

 

 

FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube
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

With the marathon just weeks away, Rob is joined by Ted Metellus, NYRR&rsquo;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&rsquo;s 5-boro course, then dive into everything runners need to know&mdash;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&rsquo;s bridges and hills, and stay focused on your &ldquo;why.&rdquo; Plus, they preview post-race activities and the ways runners, spectators, and the city can come together to celebrate this milestone year. Whether you&rsquo;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 &nbsp;https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tcs-new-york-city-marathon-expert-panel-tickets-1990585352374
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FOLLOW NYRR:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nyrrvideo/podcasts">YouTube</a> SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/69ba7197-4b1c-4eff-a1bc-b4c80167889e/transcript

New Balance 5th Avenue Mile champions Jemma Reekie and Marco Langon join a special edition of Set the Pace.

Wondering what broken nails and diamond bracelets have to do with the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile? Guest hosts Carrie Tollefson (Olympian and host of C Tolle Run) and Ali Feller (host of the Ali on the Run Show) find out on this special episode of Set the Pace, recorded live at the New York Road Runners Run Center featuring the New Balance Run Hub.

Carrie and Ali recap race day, then talk with both champions about how each race was won, what the climb and the long finishing straight on Fifth Avenue actually feel like, and what's ahead for each of them this off-season.


FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube
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

New Balance 5th Avenue Mile champions Jemma Reekie and Marco Langon join a special edition of Set the Pace.
Wondering what broken nails and diamond bracelets have to do with the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile? Guest hosts Carrie Tollefson (Olympian and host of C Tolle Run) and Ali Feller (host of the Ali on the Run Show) find out on this special episode of Set the Pace, recorded live at the New York Road Runners Run Center featuring the New Balance Run Hub.
Carrie and Ali recap race day, then talk with both champions about how each race was won, what the climb and the long finishing straight on Fifth Avenue actually feel like, and what's ahead for each of them this off-season. FOLLOW NYRR:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nyrrvideo/podcasts">YouTube</a> SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

New Balance 5th Avenue Mile Champions Jemma Reekie and Marco Langon

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/f9954d9a-c0fa-4eb3-92b2-b4c500159143/transcript

For this week’s Set the Pace, NYRR’s Gordon Bakoulis—Coach Gordon to many–steps in to host the show while Rob and Becs are away. Gordon sits down with Heidi Skolnik, a sports nutritionist and exercise physiologist who is also a member of the NYRR Medical Advisory Council, to discuss her newest book, “Your GLP-1 Game Plan: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About How to Eat, Move, and Thrive on Weight Loss Medication,” out September 22. Heidi has worked with the New York Giants, Mets, and Knicks, and spent 30 years at the Women's Sports Medicine Center at Hospital for Special Surgery. She explains how these medications can affect appetite, hydration, and fueling—and why runners need to be especially intentional about meeting their nutritional needs. She also addresses common misconceptions and stigma surrounding obesity, body size, and weight-loss medications, emphasizing that health and movement are about much more than weight. Heidi and Gordon discuss how coaches can support runners during workouts, whether the goal is training for a marathon or simply wanting to move more. 

You can find  Your GLP-1 Game Plan: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About How to Eat, Move, and Thrive on Weight Loss Medication, on Amazon

 

 

FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube
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

For this week&rsquo;s Set the Pace, NYRR&rsquo;s Gordon Bakoulis&mdash;Coach Gordon to many&ndash;steps in to host the show while Rob and Becs are away. Gordon sits down with Heidi Skolnik, a sports nutritionist and exercise physiologist who is also a member of the NYRR Medical Advisory Council, to discuss her newest book, &ldquo;Your GLP-1 Game Plan: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About How to Eat, Move, and Thrive on Weight Loss Medication,&rdquo; out September 22. Heidi has worked with the New York Giants, Mets, and Knicks, and spent 30 years at the Women's Sports Medicine Center at Hospital for Special Surgery. She explains how these medications can affect appetite, hydration, and fueling&mdash;and why runners need to be especially intentional about meeting their nutritional needs. She also addresses common misconceptions and stigma surrounding obesity, body size, and weight-loss medications, emphasizing that health and movement are about much more than weight. Heidi and Gordon discuss how coaches can support runners during workouts, whether the goal is training for a marathon or simply wanting to move more.&nbsp;
You can find &nbsp;Your GLP-1 Game Plan: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Your-GLP-1-Game-Plan-Medications_With/dp/031661274X">What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About How to Eat, Move, and Thrive on Weight Loss Medication, on Amazon</a>
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FOLLOW NYRR:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nyrrvideo/podcasts">YouTube</a> SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

Fueling the Run: What GLP-1 Users Need to Know

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/f37b80ce-e9ea-47de-88d4-b4b901738716/transcript

2025 NYRR Hall of Fame Inductee Jenny Simpson’s Latest Adventure

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