Sometimes people are like, " Oh, is working out or is running or is eating right the cure for mental health?" I don't think it's the cure, I think it's just part of the puzzle, because obviously if I'm focused on something else and I'm focusing on this goal, the less I have to worry about myself and internalizing everything and my brain spinning around. So I always love having, especially these official races, because for months leading up to it, I have a plan, I have a goal, and I'm not just sitting around collecting my own negative thoughts.

Sometimes people are like, " Oh, is working out or is running or is eating right the cure for mental health?" I don't think it's the cure, I think it's just part of the puzzle, because obviously if I'm focused on something else and I'm focusing on this goal, the less I have to worry about myself and internalizing everything and my brain spinning around. So I always love having, especially these official races, because for months leading up to it, I have a plan, I have a goal, and I'm not just sitting around collecting my own negative thoughts.

Thank you, New York. Today, we're reminded of the power of community and the power of coming together. Athletes, on your mark.

Thank you, New York. Today, we're reminded of the power of community and the power of coming together. Athletes, on your mark.

The first woman to finish for the second straight year here in the New York City Marathon is Miki Gorman, a smiling Miki Gorman. And why not?

The first woman to finish for the second straight year here in the New York City Marathon is Miki Gorman, a smiling Miki Gorman. And why not?

2: 29:30, the time for Grete Waitz.

2: 29:30, the time for Grete Waitz.

Look at the emotion of Shalane Flanagan as she comes to the line. Pointing to his chest, pointing to the USA he so proudly wears across his chest. A great day for Meb Keflezighi.

Look at the emotion of Shalane Flanagan as she comes to the line. Pointing to his chest, pointing to the USA he so proudly wears across his chest. A great day for Meb Keflezighi.

Welcome to Set the Pace, the official podcast of New York Road Runners, presented by Peloton. I'm your host, Becs Gentry. Fresh off an incredible weekend with New York Road Runners and the United Airlines NYC Half. My co- host, Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners is out today, so we can't get his thoughts on the incredible weekend. But I'm here to tell you, I was in the broadcast booth and at the finish line, and oh my goodness, was it a wonderful day? Not only did we see more than 28,600 finishers cross the iconic finish line in Central Park, but it was a new event course. And so pretty much everybody, right? They got their PR over this new incredible course which took in the historic Brooklyn Bridge. I am sure if you're listening to this and you ran the race on Sunday, you are still absolutely gleaming with pride over your day. And even though the clouds were low and the view wasn't quite what we'd hoped for you all, it was still something to be taken in. So, 28, 600 finishers, that is the most ever in the event, and in New York Road Runners half- marathon history. Unreal. We are so proud of everybody, and as always, a huge thanks to all of the volunteers who were out at the start, along the course and at the finish line to make the day go as smoothly as it did. We saw some really awesome running. From the professional field, we saw Abel Kipchumba in the men's open coming in 59: 09. He successfully defended his 2024 title at this race, and provided us all with some really interesting running. If you guys want to catch up on it, there were some really cool points where he was zigzagging across the road just after Times Square, trying to drop the American record holder over the half, Conner Mantz. So have a look if you're interested in that side of things. On the women's side, the women's open champ, Sharon Lokedi, came over the line in a 107: 04, fresh off her birthday energy with her mom, Rose, at the finish line. It was such a beautiful race to see. On the wheelchair division, Geert Schipper was the men's wheelchair division champion in 49: 53, also defending his 2024 title. So huge congrats to him. He had his daughter here, who self- admittedly was playing hooky from school, but I think we all agree that she probably learned more on this trip with her incredible father. And then on the women's side, the women's wheelchair division champ was Manuela Schar in 54: 09. She returned to the top of the podium for the first time since 2022 at this race, and she raced so, so strong. So strong. All the way, just absolutely showing that she was here to rule. Okay, coming up on the show today, we will be basking in all things United Airlines NYC Half. Our featured guest is none other than the Jersey Shore's Vinny Guadagnino. Yep. He ran his first official half- marathon with New York Road Runners on Sunday. Today's featured member is Marissa Cotrina, who ran her 49th half- marathon this past weekend. And today, our Meb Minute will feature Hospital for Special Surgery's Kate Baird. Meb and Kate will be talking about everything you need to know to bridge the gap between half- marathon recovery and full marathon prep. So stay tuned. Ready to hit your stride? Whether you're training for your next race or just lacing up for a run, no matter your level, the Peloton app has everything you need to keep you moving. Track your progress with real- time metrics and celebrate those streaks and personal bests along the way/ with thousands of classes to choose from, or the option to just run or just walk, Peloton makes it easy to fit fitness into your routine. Learn more at onepeloton. com/ race- training. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner for New York Road Runners. Everyone knows today's guest, Vinny Guadagnino, because Vinny is one of the most recognizable names from the Jersey Shore. But lately, Vinny has been logging more miles than late nights. Just a few years ago, Vinny struggled to run even a few miles, but in 2024 he completed his first marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon. And now, fresh off his finish at this past weekend's United Airlines NYC Half, Vinny is proving that he has truly become a runner. Today, he joins us to talk about his training, how running has helped his mental health, and what it's like to have thousands of people cheering you on through the streets of New York. Vinny, what a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for coming on today.

Welcome to Set the Pace, the official podcast of New York Road Runners, presented by Peloton. I'm your host, Becs Gentry. Fresh off an incredible weekend with New York Road Runners and the United Airlines NYC Half. My co- host, Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners is out today, so we can't get his thoughts on the incredible weekend. But I'm here to tell you, I was in the broadcast booth and at the finish line, and oh my goodness, was it a wonderful day? Not only did we see more than 28,600 finishers cross the iconic finish line in Central Park, but it was a new event course. And so pretty much everybody, right? They got their PR over this new incredible course which took in the historic Brooklyn Bridge. I am sure if you're listening to this and you ran the race on Sunday, you are still absolutely gleaming with pride over your day. And even though the clouds were low and the view wasn't quite what we'd hoped for you all, it was still something to be taken in. So, 28, 600 finishers, that is the most ever in the event, and in New York Road Runners half- marathon history. Unreal. We are so proud of everybody, and as always, a huge thanks to all of the volunteers who were out at the start, along the course and at the finish line to make the day go as smoothly as it did. We saw some really awesome running. From the professional field, we saw Abel Kipchumba in the men's open coming in 59: 09. He successfully defended his 2024 title at this race, and provided us all with some really interesting running. If you guys want to catch up on it, there were some really cool points where he was zigzagging across the road just after Times Square, trying to drop the American record holder over the half, Conner Mantz. So have a look if you're interested in that side of things. On the women's side, the women's open champ, Sharon Lokedi, came over the line in a 107: 04, fresh off her birthday energy with her mom, Rose, at the finish line. It was such a beautiful race to see. On the wheelchair division, Geert Schipper was the men's wheelchair division champion in 49: 53, also defending his 2024 title. So huge congrats to him. He had his daughter here, who self- admittedly was playing hooky from school, but I think we all agree that she probably learned more on this trip with her incredible father. And then on the women's side, the women's wheelchair division champ was Manuela Schar in 54: 09. She returned to the top of the podium for the first time since 2022 at this race, and she raced so, so strong. So strong. All the way, just absolutely showing that she was here to rule. Okay, coming up on the show today, we will be basking in all things United Airlines NYC Half. Our featured guest is none other than the Jersey Shore's Vinny Guadagnino. Yep. He ran his first official half- marathon with New York Road Runners on Sunday. Today's featured member is Marissa Cotrina, who ran her 49th half- marathon this past weekend. And today, our Meb Minute will feature Hospital for Special Surgery's Kate Baird. Meb and Kate will be talking about everything you need to know to bridge the gap between half- marathon recovery and full marathon prep. So stay tuned. Ready to hit your stride? Whether you're training for your next race or just lacing up for a run, no matter your level, the Peloton app has everything you need to keep you moving. Track your progress with real- time metrics and celebrate those streaks and personal bests along the way/ with thousands of classes to choose from, or the option to just run or just walk, Peloton makes it easy to fit fitness into your routine. Learn more at onepeloton. com/ race- training. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner for New York Road Runners. Everyone knows today's guest, Vinny Guadagnino, because Vinny is one of the most recognizable names from the Jersey Shore. But lately, Vinny has been logging more miles than late nights. Just a few years ago, Vinny struggled to run even a few miles, but in 2024 he completed his first marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon. And now, fresh off his finish at this past weekend's United Airlines NYC Half, Vinny is proving that he has truly become a runner. Today, he joins us to talk about his training, how running has helped his mental health, and what it's like to have thousands of people cheering you on through the streets of New York. Vinny, what a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for coming on today.

Thanks for having me. You are Italian. You pronounced my last name very good. Not a lot of people could do that. I was a little scared for a second.

Thanks for having me. You are Italian. You pronounced my last name very good. Not a lot of people could do that. I was a little scared for a second.

The practice comes in useful.

The practice comes in useful.

Yeah, no, it's good to be here. Like I said, you were my first Peloton tread class I ever took, so this is exciting. I'm getting into the whole runner's world slowly but surely.

Yeah, no, it's good to be here. Like I said, you were my first Peloton tread class I ever took, so this is exciting. I'm getting into the whole runner's world slowly but surely.

Fantastic. Well, thank you for taking my class, for one. And you are in a wonderful community. I'm sure you know that. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that, but it is one that will stick by your side even when you're totally alone or when you are running through the streets of New York. But let's talk about that. Let's talk about how you have gotten into running and the transformation that it's had on your life. So, you rose to fame with the TV show, Jersey Shore. I'm pretty sure everyone has watched that show. Whether they have watched it regularly or not, people know about it. Right?

Fantastic. Well, thank you for taking my class, for one. And you are in a wonderful community. I'm sure you know that. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that, but it is one that will stick by your side even when you're totally alone or when you are running through the streets of New York. But let's talk about that. Let's talk about how you have gotten into running and the transformation that it's had on your life. So, you rose to fame with the TV show, Jersey Shore. I'm pretty sure everyone has watched that show. Whether they have watched it regularly or not, people know about it. Right?

I thought you were going to say whether they like to admit it or not.

I thought you were going to say whether they like to admit it or not.

Oh, I mean there is that too. We were just talking pre- show about Geordie Shore in the UK, Jersey Shore over here, and there is like this juxtaposition of people either love it or hate it. It's a Marmite, as we say in the UK, but I think most people love it, even if it's a guilty pleasure, it's great for you. So, talk to me about how you went from reality TV star, a lifestyle that is fast- paced but in a very different way from running. What was the turning point that inspired you to take running, not just as a hobby, but take it a little bit more seriously?

Oh, I mean there is that too. We were just talking pre- show about Geordie Shore in the UK, Jersey Shore over here, and there is like this juxtaposition of people either love it or hate it. It's a Marmite, as we say in the UK, but I think most people love it, even if it's a guilty pleasure, it's great for you. So, talk to me about how you went from reality TV star, a lifestyle that is fast- paced but in a very different way from running. What was the turning point that inspired you to take running, not just as a hobby, but take it a little bit more seriously?

For me, I think that, and this sounds kind of just simple, but well, I've always been into health and fitness, number one. I always like to burn calories, and whether it's jump roping, playing basketball, whatever it is, I need to always be moving. And then when it came time to just find my next sport, it really had to do with where I live. So, when I lived in Staten Island, New York, I even lived in LA for a little bit, running wasn't really the best activity, because you go outside and you might just be in a weird area, like on the side of a highway, or you might have to drive. When I was in LA, I had to like drive to get to a flat area. But now I live in Manhattan, I live in the city, and you just go downstairs and then boom, the whole city is your track. And especially, I live near like the West Side Highway. So, that's how it started. I was just like, " I see these people running." And I had never even ran on, the West Side Highway is like the water, and I had never ran there before, and I was like, " Let me just try it." And then like I just ran two miles and I was like, " This is amazing. There's people outside, there's all energy around." And it's so motivating because you see just people smoking you. And that's kind of like what got me started. And then, pretty much just like one mile became two, two became three, then eventually I probably did 10. And then I did a little like unsanctioned half- marathon with my friends, 'cause you start to meet people that run as well. But then just like somewhere along the line, I linked up with my coach, Coach Jay, and then started to get like a little bit more of a regimen, he gave me a training plan, and then we did the Bronx 10 Mile.

For me, I think that, and this sounds kind of just simple, but well, I've always been into health and fitness, number one. I always like to burn calories, and whether it's jump roping, playing basketball, whatever it is, I need to always be moving. And then when it came time to just find my next sport, it really had to do with where I live. So, when I lived in Staten Island, New York, I even lived in LA for a little bit, running wasn't really the best activity, because you go outside and you might just be in a weird area, like on the side of a highway, or you might have to drive. When I was in LA, I had to like drive to get to a flat area. But now I live in Manhattan, I live in the city, and you just go downstairs and then boom, the whole city is your track. And especially, I live near like the West Side Highway. So, that's how it started. I was just like, " I see these people running." And I had never even ran on, the West Side Highway is like the water, and I had never ran there before, and I was like, " Let me just try it." And then like I just ran two miles and I was like, " This is amazing. There's people outside, there's all energy around." And it's so motivating because you see just people smoking you. And that's kind of like what got me started. And then, pretty much just like one mile became two, two became three, then eventually I probably did 10. And then I did a little like unsanctioned half- marathon with my friends, 'cause you start to meet people that run as well. But then just like somewhere along the line, I linked up with my coach, Coach Jay, and then started to get like a little bit more of a regimen, he gave me a training plan, and then we did the Bronx 10 Mile.

Amazing race.

Amazing race.

That was like my first really official Road Runners race. And then from there I got the bug to keep doing Road Runners racing, 'cause it's such a great organization, it's so fun. And then we just had the dream of doing the full know, and kind of didn't know how that was going to turn out, but it ended up being amazing. And here I am today, and then two days ago we did my first official half.

That was like my first really official Road Runners race. And then from there I got the bug to keep doing Road Runners racing, 'cause it's such a great organization, it's so fun. And then we just had the dream of doing the full know, and kind of didn't know how that was going to turn out, but it ended up being amazing. And here I am today, and then two days ago we did my first official half.

Oh my gosh. Well, congratulations on the half. I saw you come over the finish line. I was on the broadcast booth on the side, and I got to catch you coming over the finish line. Very happy. So obviously, the half was two days ago, so you're probably still riding the high of that. Let's rewind to the big one, the TCS New York City Marathon. You said you had a dream just then, to do this amazing 26.2 mile journey through the five boroughs of New York. Let's go straight to the start, as we just talked about the start. What was the first thing that went through your mind as you crossed the finish line in Central Park on that day?

Oh my gosh. Well, congratulations on the half. I saw you come over the finish line. I was on the broadcast booth on the side, and I got to catch you coming over the finish line. Very happy. So obviously, the half was two days ago, so you're probably still riding the high of that. Let's rewind to the big one, the TCS New York City Marathon. You said you had a dream just then, to do this amazing 26.2 mile journey through the five boroughs of New York. Let's go straight to the start, as we just talked about the start. What was the first thing that went through your mind as you crossed the finish line in Central Park on that day?

You know what's funny? I don't know if this ever happened to you, but I remember when I just started running, or even when I even ran a half, even when I was well into running, I always said to myself, " I can't imagine ever running a full, I can't imagine ever running 26 miles." And now, I kind of forgot what that felt like. You know what I mean? I'm like, " Oh yeah, I ran a marathon." And people react to you like, " Oh wow, that's so much, 26 miles." I'm like, " Yeah, 26, whatever." But yeah, I kind of forgot what it was like to just realize what an amazing feat that is of how many miles that is. Because once you do it, you just do it. Right?

You know what's funny? I don't know if this ever happened to you, but I remember when I just started running, or even when I even ran a half, even when I was well into running, I always said to myself, " I can't imagine ever running a full, I can't imagine ever running 26 miles." And now, I kind of forgot what that felt like. You know what I mean? I'm like, " Oh yeah, I ran a marathon." And people react to you like, " Oh wow, that's so much, 26 miles." I'm like, " Yeah, 26, whatever." But yeah, I kind of forgot what it was like to just realize what an amazing feat that is of how many miles that is. Because once you do it, you just do it. Right?

Yeah.

Yeah.

But yeah, I'm not going to lie, like going over the finish line that day didn't really feel amazing.

But yeah, I'm not going to lie, like going over the finish line that day didn't really feel amazing.

Yeah, the body's screaming at you.

Yeah, the body's screaming at you.

Yeah, it felt like that sucked and I can't walk now, but again, I just have to keep reminding myself that... I try to bring myself back to that point, but it's hard. I kind of just look for the next race now. But the marathon itself though was incredible, just the experience. Forget about just 26 miles, but just what the event is and the people cheering for you, and the entire block party through New York City. I really miss that. Because now, after especially I just ran the United Half, and it was amazing, but it wasn't the TCS, I was like, " Wow, now I know how special that day was."

Yeah, it felt like that sucked and I can't walk now, but again, I just have to keep reminding myself that... I try to bring myself back to that point, but it's hard. I kind of just look for the next race now. But the marathon itself though was incredible, just the experience. Forget about just 26 miles, but just what the event is and the people cheering for you, and the entire block party through New York City. I really miss that. Because now, after especially I just ran the United Half, and it was amazing, but it wasn't the TCS, I was like, " Wow, now I know how special that day was."

Oh, I love that. And for you, having lived in Staten Island, so you started in an old place of residence, coming in through Brooklyn, going up through the Bronx where you did your 10 miler that you told us about. How cool was that, to just traverse your way through the city that has changed your personal fitness life?

Oh, I love that. And for you, having lived in Staten Island, so you started in an old place of residence, coming in through Brooklyn, going up through the Bronx where you did your 10 miler that you told us about. How cool was that, to just traverse your way through the city that has changed your personal fitness life?

Yeah, especially coming from Staten Island, that was a surreal experience, because I've driven over the Verrazano Bridge thousands of times, and then I was running over it. We were only in Staten Island for like a second. But yeah, amazing way to start off. And then you hit Brooklyn, and then you go through all of the amazing different kind of energy waves in Brooklyn. And just when you think that you might be taking a dip a little bit, you just start to see thousands of people on the street in Brooklyn. It's just the best route because that's where you kind of need it the most, that Brooklyn stretch, 'cause you're starting to get into it and you're like, " Oh, this is fun." And then obviously the bridges get tough, like a little hurdle you have to climb. But yeah, just going through New York City. With running, I've probably gone to places... I'm from New York my whole life, I've never even been to these places before. I don't really frequent the Bronx that much, but you know, here I am running it now. And I hope running takes me all over the world to see places I've never seen.

Yeah, especially coming from Staten Island, that was a surreal experience, because I've driven over the Verrazano Bridge thousands of times, and then I was running over it. We were only in Staten Island for like a second. But yeah, amazing way to start off. And then you hit Brooklyn, and then you go through all of the amazing different kind of energy waves in Brooklyn. And just when you think that you might be taking a dip a little bit, you just start to see thousands of people on the street in Brooklyn. It's just the best route because that's where you kind of need it the most, that Brooklyn stretch, 'cause you're starting to get into it and you're like, " Oh, this is fun." And then obviously the bridges get tough, like a little hurdle you have to climb. But yeah, just going through New York City. With running, I've probably gone to places... I'm from New York my whole life, I've never even been to these places before. I don't really frequent the Bronx that much, but you know, here I am running it now. And I hope running takes me all over the world to see places I've never seen.

Yeah, absolutely. I hope it will too. That's definitely something that powers me on. So let's talk about your training for your marathon. You said that you ran 18 miles, that was your longest run you did in training.

Yeah, absolutely. I hope it will too. That's definitely something that powers me on. So let's talk about your training for your marathon. You said that you ran 18 miles, that was your longest run you did in training.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Looking back on that, and there's no right or wrong answer for this, obviously training is a very personal journey for everybody. Do you wish you trained further in the distance, because that like eight miles difference on race day can feel astronomical? So, talk to me about that, how your training sat for you.

Looking back on that, and there's no right or wrong answer for this, obviously training is a very personal journey for everybody. Do you wish you trained further in the distance, because that like eight miles difference on race day can feel astronomical? So, talk to me about that, how your training sat for you.

Yeah, so this is a good thing for people to hear because obviously nothing's going to be perfect. And during my training period, my training period, I kind of don't want to say we decided last minute, but we didn't decide like a year before to run the marathon. So we kind of had to figure out a three to four month plan before. The problem with that is that you have to get everything in in that three to four months, but sometimes life gets in the way. And about two to three weeks before the marathon, I caught the flu.

Yeah, so this is a good thing for people to hear because obviously nothing's going to be perfect. And during my training period, my training period, I kind of don't want to say we decided last minute, but we didn't decide like a year before to run the marathon. So we kind of had to figure out a three to four month plan before. The problem with that is that you have to get everything in in that three to four months, but sometimes life gets in the way. And about two to three weeks before the marathon, I caught the flu.

Oh no.

Oh no.

Horrible flu, worst sickness, worse than COVID. I was bedridden and it was insane. And at that point, I had only ran, I think, 16 miles. And I was, of course, in the back of my head, I'm like, " Forget about it. I know I'll be better by the marathon, but I'm not going to be better by next week when I have to run 18 miles, and then my last run, 20 miles, whatever it is." I actually missed the Staten Island marathon because I was sick with the flu. It was a couple of weeks before. So, at that point, I had only ran 16 miles. And then the week before the marathon, literally one week before, I had to do my last long run. And that long run is supposed to be not that long, I don't know, 10 miles or something like that, but just for my own psychology, I just took the chance and I said, " Okay, I need to at least do 18. I need to be somewhere in the ballpark of 26." You know what I mean? I'm not running 10 extra miles the day of. And I did, I ran 18 the week before, and I'm glad. So I guess to answer your question, I wasn't that upset about it 'cause I'm glad I even had that. I was thankful I even had the 18 at that point. But for anyone trying to do this, maybe start earlier. You think you have time, but you might get injured, you might get sick, something might happen, and you need time for the training runs before.

Horrible flu, worst sickness, worse than COVID. I was bedridden and it was insane. And at that point, I had only ran, I think, 16 miles. And I was, of course, in the back of my head, I'm like, " Forget about it. I know I'll be better by the marathon, but I'm not going to be better by next week when I have to run 18 miles, and then my last run, 20 miles, whatever it is." I actually missed the Staten Island marathon because I was sick with the flu. It was a couple of weeks before. So, at that point, I had only ran 16 miles. And then the week before the marathon, literally one week before, I had to do my last long run. And that long run is supposed to be not that long, I don't know, 10 miles or something like that, but just for my own psychology, I just took the chance and I said, " Okay, I need to at least do 18. I need to be somewhere in the ballpark of 26." You know what I mean? I'm not running 10 extra miles the day of. And I did, I ran 18 the week before, and I'm glad. So I guess to answer your question, I wasn't that upset about it 'cause I'm glad I even had that. I was thankful I even had the 18 at that point. But for anyone trying to do this, maybe start earlier. You think you have time, but you might get injured, you might get sick, something might happen, and you need time for the training runs before.

Absolutely. Great perspective.

Absolutely. Great perspective.

Yes. I would've loved to, 21 would've been great.

Yes. I would've loved to, 21 would've been great.

Yeah. Yeah, just to get into the 20s as well for the psychological, the mindset where you're like, " All right, I've edged into it. It's not so bad."

Yeah. Yeah, just to get into the 20s as well for the psychological, the mindset where you're like, " All right, I've edged into it. It's not so bad."

But I will say, the day of though, after I crossed that 18, I knew that there was going to be nothing that was going to stop me, unless it was like a physical injury. But mentally, that aspect was like, I don't want to say I was having too much fun, but on the race day, just something else is carrying you and you're going with the current of everybody. I didn't feel at all like, " I've reached my PR and this is where I have to really start digging." You know?

But I will say, the day of though, after I crossed that 18, I knew that there was going to be nothing that was going to stop me, unless it was like a physical injury. But mentally, that aspect was like, I don't want to say I was having too much fun, but on the race day, just something else is carrying you and you're going with the current of everybody. I didn't feel at all like, " I've reached my PR and this is where I have to really start digging." You know?

Yeah. Yeah, of course. And you have, as you say, the crowds are unreal on marathon day here in New York. And all the other people around you, you realize that even if you are having to dig deep, you're not alone. There are thousands of other people around you really digging deep as well.

Yeah. Yeah, of course. And you have, as you say, the crowds are unreal on marathon day here in New York. And all the other people around you, you realize that even if you are having to dig deep, you're not alone. There are thousands of other people around you really digging deep as well.

And my coach, I have a coach, Coach Jay, you can see him on my Instagram, we always do these collab videos and stuff, he paces me and he really gets me through. Because I'm the type where I don't want to think about anything, I don't even want to look at my watch, just show me the way and I'll just keep trucking along. And especially someone who's really kind of familiar with everything, you trust them, you trust that they know what's around the bend. He knows when to kind of slow me down, when to speed up and stuff. So, I can't say I didn't have help, but all those little things are pieces of the puzzle that eventually got me through.

And my coach, I have a coach, Coach Jay, you can see him on my Instagram, we always do these collab videos and stuff, he paces me and he really gets me through. Because I'm the type where I don't want to think about anything, I don't even want to look at my watch, just show me the way and I'll just keep trucking along. And especially someone who's really kind of familiar with everything, you trust them, you trust that they know what's around the bend. He knows when to kind of slow me down, when to speed up and stuff. So, I can't say I didn't have help, but all those little things are pieces of the puzzle that eventually got me through.

Absolutely. Is there anything Coach Jay has ever told you in the time that you've been training with him that has really stuck with you?

Absolutely. Is there anything Coach Jay has ever told you in the time that you've been training with him that has really stuck with you?

He's taught me a ton of things, but I would say it sounds kind of simple, but we even did it at the half, we always just say like, " All right, this is just another long run." I don't like putting pressure on everything. And a lot of times, I don't know, with me it's like a little bit of a reverse psychology, the less pressure you put on me, the better I do. So it's really just like, " It's just another long run, let's go have fun." And he's not like neurotic with it, you know what I mean? Kind of shows up, we're just like, " Yo, what's up? Ready to go?" You know what I mean? And then your mind just starts to be like, " Oh this is normal." Because when you're sitting by yourself, you're freaking out. But when you see somebody that's done it before, that's just like, " Yeah, let's just do it. Relax, you got this."

He's taught me a ton of things, but I would say it sounds kind of simple, but we even did it at the half, we always just say like, " All right, this is just another long run." I don't like putting pressure on everything. And a lot of times, I don't know, with me it's like a little bit of a reverse psychology, the less pressure you put on me, the better I do. So it's really just like, " It's just another long run, let's go have fun." And he's not like neurotic with it, you know what I mean? Kind of shows up, we're just like, " Yo, what's up? Ready to go?" You know what I mean? And then your mind just starts to be like, " Oh this is normal." Because when you're sitting by yourself, you're freaking out. But when you see somebody that's done it before, that's just like, " Yeah, let's just do it. Relax, you got this."

Yeah. That's a really good mentality to be in as well, removing the pressure, the internal pressure. You've got extrinsic pressure from the environment, from the distance, all of those things, but you can control that intrinsic pressure. So if you release it, great.

Yeah. That's a really good mentality to be in as well, removing the pressure, the internal pressure. You've got extrinsic pressure from the environment, from the distance, all of those things, but you can control that intrinsic pressure. So if you release it, great.

With me, with like the thousands of eyeballs on me, and I know that press is going to be written up about this afterwards and stuff, I have to add an extra layer of, " Okay, this is not life or death." You know what I mean? " Whatever happens, if I have to freaking walk the rest of the way, I'll walk." But again, doing that calms the brain down and then you end up doing better physically in the end.

With me, with like the thousands of eyeballs on me, and I know that press is going to be written up about this afterwards and stuff, I have to add an extra layer of, " Okay, this is not life or death." You know what I mean? " Whatever happens, if I have to freaking walk the rest of the way, I'll walk." But again, doing that calms the brain down and then you end up doing better physically in the end.

You do, you do. It's something that I've had to learn over the past few years, as well as Peloton has gathered momentum and eyeballs. It's very much when I come to race, I have to be like similar to you, like " Listen, this is OK, just keep going. Get to that finish line and you'll be great."

You do, you do. It's something that I've had to learn over the past few years, as well as Peloton has gathered momentum and eyeballs. It's very much when I come to race, I have to be like similar to you, like " Listen, this is OK, just keep going. Get to that finish line and you'll be great."

That's why I don't really like, I mean the more serious I get with this, obviously, especially because we run in the first waves with the pros and stuff and they're all like beasting it, bullying their way to the start point and stuff. And I'm like, " I just want to finish." Because once it gets to that point, I don't know if it's going to be as fun anymore. You know? I just do it for fun. Just completing it is a accomplishment for me. I don't need to like keep cutting my time in half or anything like that, but cut to next race, I'm like, " Oh, I got to beat my PR."

That's why I don't really like, I mean the more serious I get with this, obviously, especially because we run in the first waves with the pros and stuff and they're all like beasting it, bullying their way to the start point and stuff. And I'm like, " I just want to finish." Because once it gets to that point, I don't know if it's going to be as fun anymore. You know? I just do it for fun. Just completing it is a accomplishment for me. I don't need to like keep cutting my time in half or anything like that, but cut to next race, I'm like, " Oh, I got to beat my PR."

He's elbowing everyone at the start, like, " I'm coming to the front. Do you know who I am?"

He's elbowing everyone at the start, like, " I'm coming to the front. Do you know who I am?"

Yeah.

Yeah.

We could get you a new tagline. Your tagline what was in Jersey, the cabs are here.

We could get you a new tagline. Your tagline what was in Jersey, the cabs are here.

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah.

Your new tagline could be like, I don't know, " Watches are on. I'll get you right in the front."

Your new tagline could be like, I don't know, " Watches are on. I'll get you right in the front."

Yeah. BTR (inaudible) .

Yeah. BTR (inaudible) .

Okay. So let's talk a little bit more about training in New York, because New York is East Coast, let's say, or the northeast coast is a tough place to train for spring races and fall races. Either way, you've either got a viciously cold winter or a stinking hot summer to get through. So which one do you prefer, Vinny? Warm weather or cold weather?

Okay. So let's talk a little bit more about training in New York, because New York is East Coast, let's say, or the northeast coast is a tough place to train for spring races and fall races. Either way, you've either got a viciously cold winter or a stinking hot summer to get through. So which one do you prefer, Vinny? Warm weather or cold weather?

I would take the warm weather all day. I don't mind running in the cold, just because I layer up, and then when I warm up I'm okay. But I just think for all of them, I'm 37 so I'm getting up there a little bit, so for all of my little aches and pains, I usually feel better when it's a little bit warmer out and there's not just a... 'Cause the cold you'll go out, there's also a freezing cold wind that's whipping you in the face and icicles and stuff like that. So even though the warm sucks when it's too hot, you don't have all those other elements. Also, psychologically too, running in the winter, it's miserable outside, everyone's bundled up and there's barely any people out there. But summertime, there's pretty girls around, I got my shirt off.

I would take the warm weather all day. I don't mind running in the cold, just because I layer up, and then when I warm up I'm okay. But I just think for all of them, I'm 37 so I'm getting up there a little bit, so for all of my little aches and pains, I usually feel better when it's a little bit warmer out and there's not just a... 'Cause the cold you'll go out, there's also a freezing cold wind that's whipping you in the face and icicles and stuff like that. So even though the warm sucks when it's too hot, you don't have all those other elements. Also, psychologically too, running in the winter, it's miserable outside, everyone's bundled up and there's barely any people out there. But summertime, there's pretty girls around, I got my shirt off.

Exactly. Everyone's catching a tan.

Exactly. Everyone's catching a tan.

And I'm like, " Yeah, this is amazing." Smelling that pollen, oh I can't wait. That was a little bit challenging with the United, was just because you didn't have that kind of extra fun element of training for it, of being outside like you do when it's warmer out. It was like literally like you just had to do it as a job, you know, kind of. I mean I would have ran either way, but-

And I'm like, " Yeah, this is amazing." Smelling that pollen, oh I can't wait. That was a little bit challenging with the United, was just because you didn't have that kind of extra fun element of training for it, of being outside like you do when it's warmer out. It was like literally like you just had to do it as a job, you know, kind of. I mean I would have ran either way, but-

Of course, it just makes it that bit harder.

Of course, it just makes it that bit harder.

Yeah.

Yeah.

It does. Yeah. That camaraderie in winter, I feel though, is stronger in a funny way when it's icy out or it's just, as you say, that horrible wind on the West Side Highway, that no matter which way you're running, it seems to be hitting you square in the face. You look at another runner, you're like, " Yeah."

It does. Yeah. That camaraderie in winter, I feel though, is stronger in a funny way when it's icy out or it's just, as you say, that horrible wind on the West Side Highway, that no matter which way you're running, it seems to be hitting you square in the face. You look at another runner, you're like, " Yeah."

(inaudible) out there with shorts and a T- shirt. I'm like, " How are you doing this right now?" I get it like when you're running and you're warm, but I'm like, you hit a little bit of a corner and you just have to tie your shoe, " It's 20 degrees out, what are you doing?"

(inaudible) out there with shorts and a T- shirt. I'm like, " How are you doing this right now?" I get it like when you're running and you're warm, but I'm like, you hit a little bit of a corner and you just have to tie your shoe, " It's 20 degrees out, what are you doing?"

I don't like my skin to feel cold.

I don't like my skin to feel cold.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

This morning was very cold out there and there was just multiple different people and personalities of running, and I was just like any skin I saw, I'm like, " I know it's March, but come on, it's cold."

This morning was very cold out there and there was just multiple different people and personalities of running, and I was just like any skin I saw, I'm like, " I know it's March, but come on, it's cold."

But you know what it is, that's the best part about New York is that those people motivate me to get through because I'm like, if I ever feel like a little bit cold, I'm like, " Oh, that girl is wearing shorts right now and a long sleeve. I'm over here bitching and I got a parka on, got my little Lululemon face shield." I'm like, " What's (inaudible) here?"

But you know what it is, that's the best part about New York is that those people motivate me to get through because I'm like, if I ever feel like a little bit cold, I'm like, " Oh, that girl is wearing shorts right now and a long sleeve. I'm over here bitching and I got a parka on, got my little Lululemon face shield." I'm like, " What's (inaudible) here?"

Each to their own, as long as we get through. Okay. So apart from the clothing preparation, what is your pre- long run race day routine? What do you do first thing?

Each to their own, as long as we get through. Okay. So apart from the clothing preparation, what is your pre- long run race day routine? What do you do first thing?

Well, that was a big challenge for me, sleep training. So I actually do standup comedy at night now and my nights are usually... I'm usually more nocturnal, so I stay up at night, and by the time I wind down it could be 2:00 in the morning. And then I'll train like in the afternoon. I like usually running around like 12: 00 or something or 1: 00. For the races, I've had to learn that it's not going to fly, so I've had to do sleep training for like usually a week before the race, where I'll just like force myself to be up super early, force myself to go to bed early. And that's a huge part of the just know doing what I do on the day of, it backs up to a week before, you know what I mean? Of that sleep training. And then day of, I eat. That's my favorite part. I'm a foodie, so another reason why I got into running was because I just want to eat without-

Well, that was a big challenge for me, sleep training. So I actually do standup comedy at night now and my nights are usually... I'm usually more nocturnal, so I stay up at night, and by the time I wind down it could be 2:00 in the morning. And then I'll train like in the afternoon. I like usually running around like 12: 00 or something or 1: 00. For the races, I've had to learn that it's not going to fly, so I've had to do sleep training for like usually a week before the race, where I'll just like force myself to be up super early, force myself to go to bed early. And that's a huge part of the just know doing what I do on the day of, it backs up to a week before, you know what I mean? Of that sleep training. And then day of, I eat. That's my favorite part. I'm a foodie, so another reason why I got into running was because I just want to eat without-

It's the Italian in you.

It's the Italian in you.

Listen, I've had to like count calories. I hate that life, and running kind of gives me the freedom to just, not be like completely unhealthy, but just... Like after the marathon, I ate a pizza. Yeah. And the day of too, I'm eating a nice healthy breakfast and then that's it. Then I get all my little whatever goos and salt tablets ready that I need, and what I'm going to take with me on the race. When I run outside training I wear a vest, so I have water. So I just pack all my stuff up, I stretch, and then I do more like dynamic stretching for the first mile as I'm running.

Listen, I've had to like count calories. I hate that life, and running kind of gives me the freedom to just, not be like completely unhealthy, but just... Like after the marathon, I ate a pizza. Yeah. And the day of too, I'm eating a nice healthy breakfast and then that's it. Then I get all my little whatever goos and salt tablets ready that I need, and what I'm going to take with me on the race. When I run outside training I wear a vest, so I have water. So I just pack all my stuff up, I stretch, and then I do more like dynamic stretching for the first mile as I'm running.

Okay, great.

Okay, great.

And that's it really it, yeah.

And that's it really it, yeah.

Amazing. You sound very prepared. I like it.

Amazing. You sound very prepared. I like it.

Yeah, I'm very like type A, but that's what makes it challenging on race day, because you have the least amount of time to prepare for the race because you're running to catch a bus or a train.

Yeah, I'm very like type A, but that's what makes it challenging on race day, because you have the least amount of time to prepare for the race because you're running to catch a bus or a train.

Yes, up so early. Yep.

Yes, up so early. Yep.

Yeah, yeah, so early. So that's why the training is so important, because you do everything, all the hard work comes before and then day of, you just show up and you're ready to go.

Yeah, yeah, so early. So that's why the training is so important, because you do everything, all the hard work comes before and then day of, you just show up and you're ready to go.

Yeah, absolutely. Talk to me a little bit about your sleep training, because I think that is a really important thing, not just for people in cities, but we suffer from it more because it's almost like daylight. There's always something going on in New York. What do you do? What's your process for sleep training?

Yeah, absolutely. Talk to me a little bit about your sleep training, because I think that is a really important thing, not just for people in cities, but we suffer from it more because it's almost like daylight. There's always something going on in New York. What do you do? What's your process for sleep training?

Well, I actually had, tying it into the mental health of it all, I actually had trouble, I had insomnia for a while and I had to use something called CPT, cognitive behavioral therapy, to help the insomnia. And a lot of times, when you can't sleep, in general, you start to freak out about it, you start to worry about your next day, which obviously triggers your fight or flight and now you can't sleep more. So the more you worry about, it's like a paradox, it's a cycle you can't get out of. So, what I've learned, again, taking running out of it, you want to just be really tired. And if you're not tired, I just don't go to bed. You know what I mean? I don't just, " I have to be in bed by 9: 00," and then you're going into that neurotic mode. So I've had to learn how to chill out with that and just kind of be like, " Look, I can't even control my sleep. If my sleep happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm still going to live my life either way." Even if I can't sleep at night, " All right, I'm just going to lay here. I'm going to get up the next day and do whatever I have to do." And the more you take on that mindset, the more you start to just relax a little bit about your next day, about life. It still might suck, you still might have a sleepy day, but it's better than the other way of always having to worry about getting... You have to be careful when you become an athlete or whatever it is, to be so regimented and disciplined about everything. Side note, what helps me a lot, watching TikToks of these guys that run like ultra marathons and they're like, " Oh, I haven't slept in four days. I'm seeing weird things now and everything." And I'm like, " I love that." That is the best motivation of these people, of what the body and the mind can do. So, I was a little bit worried about that when it came to me doing races and stuff. So I just give myself a couple of days before, where I start to go to bed a little earlier, and then no matter what, I'll just wake up super early. And then by the time it's nighttime again, my internal sleep drive will usually kick in and then I'll fall asleep. But I still tell myself, " If I don't, I don't. And it's not going to change anything. I'm still going to go for my runs tomorrow, I'm going to work with whatever I have and gas that's in the tank." And so far so good know. I wouldn't say to do that the night just one day before. That's why I do it kind of like a week before.

Well, I actually had, tying it into the mental health of it all, I actually had trouble, I had insomnia for a while and I had to use something called CPT, cognitive behavioral therapy, to help the insomnia. And a lot of times, when you can't sleep, in general, you start to freak out about it, you start to worry about your next day, which obviously triggers your fight or flight and now you can't sleep more. So the more you worry about, it's like a paradox, it's a cycle you can't get out of. So, what I've learned, again, taking running out of it, you want to just be really tired. And if you're not tired, I just don't go to bed. You know what I mean? I don't just, " I have to be in bed by 9: 00," and then you're going into that neurotic mode. So I've had to learn how to chill out with that and just kind of be like, " Look, I can't even control my sleep. If my sleep happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm still going to live my life either way." Even if I can't sleep at night, " All right, I'm just going to lay here. I'm going to get up the next day and do whatever I have to do." And the more you take on that mindset, the more you start to just relax a little bit about your next day, about life. It still might suck, you still might have a sleepy day, but it's better than the other way of always having to worry about getting... You have to be careful when you become an athlete or whatever it is, to be so regimented and disciplined about everything. Side note, what helps me a lot, watching TikToks of these guys that run like ultra marathons and they're like, " Oh, I haven't slept in four days. I'm seeing weird things now and everything." And I'm like, " I love that." That is the best motivation of these people, of what the body and the mind can do. So, I was a little bit worried about that when it came to me doing races and stuff. So I just give myself a couple of days before, where I start to go to bed a little earlier, and then no matter what, I'll just wake up super early. And then by the time it's nighttime again, my internal sleep drive will usually kick in and then I'll fall asleep. But I still tell myself, " If I don't, I don't. And it's not going to change anything. I'm still going to go for my runs tomorrow, I'm going to work with whatever I have and gas that's in the tank." And so far so good know. I wouldn't say to do that the night just one day before. That's why I do it kind of like a week before.

Yeah, you have the lead into it.

Yeah, you have the lead into it.

Yeah.

Yeah.

That's awesome. And it's, again, such a great message to understand that okay, we don't want people to be so tired they're hallucinating as ultra runners are. I've been there and it's fun to talk about it post, it's not fun during it. But to understand that generically, 37 years old, you have a lot of sleep in your body, you have a lot of rest, that you can, if you can let go of it in the moment, and just lay in bed and let your homeostasis take over your body, that's okay. Instead of getting all riled up about it and thinking that your day's ruined the next day, when actually you've banked some rest, you've banked it in your life, you're good.

That's awesome. And it's, again, such a great message to understand that okay, we don't want people to be so tired they're hallucinating as ultra runners are. I've been there and it's fun to talk about it post, it's not fun during it. But to understand that generically, 37 years old, you have a lot of sleep in your body, you have a lot of rest, that you can, if you can let go of it in the moment, and just lay in bed and let your homeostasis take over your body, that's okay. Instead of getting all riled up about it and thinking that your day's ruined the next day, when actually you've banked some rest, you've banked it in your life, you're good.

And you'll have adrenaline the next day. You know mean?

And you'll have adrenaline the next day. You know mean?

It's a useful tool.

It's a useful tool.

This last one, I probably slept like, I had to get at 4:00 in the morning, so I probably slept like four hours or something. And it's funny, on one of my training runs, if I didn't sleep nine hours I'd be like, " Shit, I'm going to have a horrible run." But now, I'd probably slept like four and I'm just like, " It is what it is." And again, like the adrenaline never fails you, you know what I mean? Like you get there and you just do what you have to do because of what you just said, you're okay. Your body has little reserves and things that will take care of you.

This last one, I probably slept like, I had to get at 4:00 in the morning, so I probably slept like four hours or something. And it's funny, on one of my training runs, if I didn't sleep nine hours I'd be like, " Shit, I'm going to have a horrible run." But now, I'd probably slept like four and I'm just like, " It is what it is." And again, like the adrenaline never fails you, you know what I mean? Like you get there and you just do what you have to do because of what you just said, you're okay. Your body has little reserves and things that will take care of you.

Absolutely. So Vinny, when you ran the TCS New York City Marathon, you run for NAMI- NYC, the National Alliance of Mental Health Institute in New York. And you have been open with your struggles with anxiety, which is a form of struggle with mental health, in the past. So was it a personal and extended choice to choose mental health as your cause for running this marathon?

Absolutely. So Vinny, when you ran the TCS New York City Marathon, you run for NAMI- NYC, the National Alliance of Mental Health Institute in New York. And you have been open with your struggles with anxiety, which is a form of struggle with mental health, in the past. So was it a personal and extended choice to choose mental health as your cause for running this marathon?

Oh yeah, for sure. Obviously, you always run for a, well, usually, you run for a charity, so I was going to do something that was close to home for me. And obviously, of all the things that you've already kind of heard me talk about so far, mental health is a big thing for me. And NAMI just seemed like a really cool organization. It provided free mental health for people that need it, resources. 'Cause people usually don't even know where to start, so just giving people a free starting point and then hopefully that can lead them to where they got to be.

Oh yeah, for sure. Obviously, you always run for a, well, usually, you run for a charity, so I was going to do something that was close to home for me. And obviously, of all the things that you've already kind of heard me talk about so far, mental health is a big thing for me. And NAMI just seemed like a really cool organization. It provided free mental health for people that need it, resources. 'Cause people usually don't even know where to start, so just giving people a free starting point and then hopefully that can lead them to where they got to be.

And would you say that running has helped you quite a lot with your mental health struggles?

And would you say that running has helped you quite a lot with your mental health struggles?

It has. I don't want to say, 'cause sometimes people, how can I say this? Sometimes people are like, " Oh is working out or is running or is eating right the cure for mental health?" I don't think it's secure. I don't think it's just part of the puzzle, because obviously if I'm focused on something else and I'm focusing on this goal, the less I have to worry about myself, and internalizing everything and my brain spinning around. So I always love having, especially these official races, because for months leading up to it, I have a plan, I have a goal, and I'm not just sitting around collecting my own negative thoughts. So that's part of the element. Obviously, the physical part as well. You feel better physically, you're going to feel better mentally. But yeah, so it's definitely part of the puzzle. I still do have ups and downs and everything like that. But especially with me too, I don't have a 9: 00 to 5: 00, I don't have a family right now. So look, if that certain gal. So, the running community, the programs, the planning, all that stuff kind of becomes just my community.

It has. I don't want to say, 'cause sometimes people, how can I say this? Sometimes people are like, " Oh is working out or is running or is eating right the cure for mental health?" I don't think it's secure. I don't think it's just part of the puzzle, because obviously if I'm focused on something else and I'm focusing on this goal, the less I have to worry about myself, and internalizing everything and my brain spinning around. So I always love having, especially these official races, because for months leading up to it, I have a plan, I have a goal, and I'm not just sitting around collecting my own negative thoughts. So that's part of the element. Obviously, the physical part as well. You feel better physically, you're going to feel better mentally. But yeah, so it's definitely part of the puzzle. I still do have ups and downs and everything like that. But especially with me too, I don't have a 9: 00 to 5: 00, I don't have a family right now. So look, if that certain gal. So, the running community, the programs, the planning, all that stuff kind of becomes just my community.

I love it.

I love it.

Which we're humans, we need that.

Which we're humans, we need that.

We do, absolutely. And it's a really good point to say, that the more you think about the bigger things in life, the smaller your ego and your problems seem to be. And running is a really good tool in a big toolkit.

We do, absolutely. And it's a really good point to say, that the more you think about the bigger things in life, the smaller your ego and your problems seem to be. And running is a really good tool in a big toolkit.

You could be internalizing all night or whatever, just by yourself, but then you get out there and you see thousands of runners around you and it just carries you to a different place. You're no longer just living in your head anymore.

You could be internalizing all night or whatever, just by yourself, but then you get out there and you see thousands of runners around you and it just carries you to a different place. You're no longer just living in your head anymore.

Yeah, they say that if you're feeling anxiety, one of the useful tool is to think of, or if you can, see something that insights awe in you. And I think that's very similar to what you were just saying, you possibly feel awe when you see all these other thousands of people doing it, and it can help you just go into a different moment in your own head.

Yeah, they say that if you're feeling anxiety, one of the useful tool is to think of, or if you can, see something that insights awe in you. And I think that's very similar to what you were just saying, you possibly feel awe when you see all these other thousands of people doing it, and it can help you just go into a different moment in your own head.

You're in the moment. Yeah.

You're in the moment. Yeah.

I love it.

I love it.

And you're resent.

And you're resent.

Very present, that's for sure. Okay, Vinny, let's hark back to beginner runner Vinny. Is there anything present day Vinny, one piece of advice that you would give beginner runner Vinny?

Very present, that's for sure. Okay, Vinny, let's hark back to beginner runner Vinny. Is there anything present day Vinny, one piece of advice that you would give beginner runner Vinny?

Probably that maybe just I wish I would've started a little bit sooner, and also just I was more capable than I thought. I'm still telling myself that advice every day, because for the full I was like, " Okay, there's no way you can run a full." And then I proved myself, like, " Oh I could, I was capable of that." That's what made this last United so fun, was because it was the first race I had. I mean it was my first official half, but I had ran a bunch of halves before in training and just unsanctioned and stuff. So, it was the first one where I did it where I knew I was capable. That's why we kind of ran a little faster. So yeah, so just obviously just I would have started a little bit sooner and not have doubted myself, 'cause in the beginning, and this is a good message for everybody, everyone people don't even believe they can run a mile. People don't believe they can run three miles, but you can. You just have to do it slowly and you have to just do it easily. I mean if you physically can, obviously. But yeah, there are so many different people that do this that smoke me, that I would never think that. And yeah, it's great.

Probably that maybe just I wish I would've started a little bit sooner, and also just I was more capable than I thought. I'm still telling myself that advice every day, because for the full I was like, " Okay, there's no way you can run a full." And then I proved myself, like, " Oh I could, I was capable of that." That's what made this last United so fun, was because it was the first race I had. I mean it was my first official half, but I had ran a bunch of halves before in training and just unsanctioned and stuff. So, it was the first one where I did it where I knew I was capable. That's why we kind of ran a little faster. So yeah, so just obviously just I would have started a little bit sooner and not have doubted myself, 'cause in the beginning, and this is a good message for everybody, everyone people don't even believe they can run a mile. People don't believe they can run three miles, but you can. You just have to do it slowly and you have to just do it easily. I mean if you physically can, obviously. But yeah, there are so many different people that do this that smoke me, that I would never think that. And yeah, it's great.

Amazing. Okay, we've got a Jersey Shore lightning round to come up, but before that I want to know, apparently you publicly stated your plan to conquer all the boroughs, outside of the TCS New York City Marathon, obviously. So, explain to me a little bit about what that means and is there anything in there that tells us what is next for Vinny?

Amazing. Okay, we've got a Jersey Shore lightning round to come up, but before that I want to know, apparently you publicly stated your plan to conquer all the boroughs, outside of the TCS New York City Marathon, obviously. So, explain to me a little bit about what that means and is there anything in there that tells us what is next for Vinny?

So, the New York Road Runners obviously is an amazing organization because you just have all these official races to look forward to. It's not just like one marathon and that's it. We live in New York, so it's amazing that we have all these races around us. I don't really know any other place that does it like that. So, they have obviously great races coming up, the Brooklyn Half, and that'll probably be my next one. But I got to eventually end up doing my homecoming in Staten Island, which I missed because I was sick. So yeah, so kind of just whatever Coach Jerry has been planned for me, it's a fun activity for all the reasons I stated earlier. And eventually, again, I just did this for fun in the beginning, but hopefully, not to make this about celebrity or business stuff, but I don't know, maybe start working with a brand or something like that, and just make it more of an official thing and do all these races, I would love to do that. So we're just seeing what happens. But yeah, definitely probably, I guess the Brooklyn one next.

So, the New York Road Runners obviously is an amazing organization because you just have all these official races to look forward to. It's not just like one marathon and that's it. We live in New York, so it's amazing that we have all these races around us. I don't really know any other place that does it like that. So, they have obviously great races coming up, the Brooklyn Half, and that'll probably be my next one. But I got to eventually end up doing my homecoming in Staten Island, which I missed because I was sick. So yeah, so kind of just whatever Coach Jerry has been planned for me, it's a fun activity for all the reasons I stated earlier. And eventually, again, I just did this for fun in the beginning, but hopefully, not to make this about celebrity or business stuff, but I don't know, maybe start working with a brand or something like that, and just make it more of an official thing and do all these races, I would love to do that. So we're just seeing what happens. But yeah, definitely probably, I guess the Brooklyn one next.

Okay, fantastic. So all the uber Vinny fans out there, watch out for Brooklyn later on this year. Okay, we're going to head into the Jersey Shore lightning round. So it is running Jersey Shore base, so get your brain ready. Okay. This is Vinny on the start line, elbows are ready here. If you could run a marathon with any Jersey Shore castmate, who would it be?

Okay, fantastic. So all the uber Vinny fans out there, watch out for Brooklyn later on this year. Okay, we're going to head into the Jersey Shore lightning round. So it is running Jersey Shore base, so get your brain ready. Okay. This is Vinny on the start line, elbows are ready here. If you could run a marathon with any Jersey Shore castmate, who would it be?

So actually, this is a funny question, because at the time I was training for TCS, Deena on my show, just kind of got into running or walk running outside. She's just like a PTA mom, she's hilarious. She doesn't really work out, but she had this like a little running bug and she did like a, it's coming up in this next season, I did a little bit of a 5K with her.

So actually, this is a funny question, because at the time I was training for TCS, Deena on my show, just kind of got into running or walk running outside. She's just like a PTA mom, she's hilarious. She doesn't really work out, but she had this like a little running bug and she did like a, it's coming up in this next season, I did a little bit of a 5K with her.

Oh, awesome.

Oh, awesome.

And I was able to kind of like guide her, and it was actually the day before the Bronx 10. And so yeah, Deena, I like that because she was motivated to do it. But in terms of having fun, and it would probably be Pauly because we would just be like... He's hilarious. He would just be yelling to everyone in the street the whole time, but that's my boy. So Deena and Pauly.

And I was able to kind of like guide her, and it was actually the day before the Bronx 10. And so yeah, Deena, I like that because she was motivated to do it. But in terms of having fun, and it would probably be Pauly because we would just be like... He's hilarious. He would just be yelling to everyone in the street the whole time, but that's my boy. So Deena and Pauly.

Deena and Pauly D. Okay. All right. What's harder, getting through marathon training or surviving a Jersey Shore night out?

Deena and Pauly D. Okay. All right. What's harder, getting through marathon training or surviving a Jersey Shore night out?

Surviving a Jersey Shore night out, and then surviving the next day.

Surviving a Jersey Shore night out, and then surviving the next day.

Yeah, I was going to say. The next day is the toughest.

Yeah, I was going to say. The next day is the toughest.

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. You never know what we're going to get into, or especially back in the day. There might be a fistfight that broke out. So give me training all day, just a little bit of a nice easy run, my headphones healthy, no hangover.

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. You never know what we're going to get into, or especially back in the day. There might be a fistfight that broke out. So give me training all day, just a little bit of a nice easy run, my headphones healthy, no hangover.

There we go. Perfect. All right. What is the running equivalent of a GTL? That is gym, tan, laundry day for people who don't know.

There we go. Perfect. All right. What is the running equivalent of a GTL? That is gym, tan, laundry day for people who don't know.

Well we said GTR, gym, tan, race, that's the new (inaudible) . But the best part about running is that you're getting the G and the T and the L, because I don't really even wear clothes that much when I run, so I don't have to do laundry. So, it kind of just actually hits it all. That's why I like doing it. I've never been like a gym guy that just like wants to be in the gym for three hours. I like being outside, running, getting the tan. I'm a big watermelon buff. I've done these reviews of different ways to eat watermelon. And when I'm running, I always stop on the side of the road halfway in and I get watermelon and I just like refuel with it.

Well we said GTR, gym, tan, race, that's the new (inaudible) . But the best part about running is that you're getting the G and the T and the L, because I don't really even wear clothes that much when I run, so I don't have to do laundry. So, it kind of just actually hits it all. That's why I like doing it. I've never been like a gym guy that just like wants to be in the gym for three hours. I like being outside, running, getting the tan. I'm a big watermelon buff. I've done these reviews of different ways to eat watermelon. And when I'm running, I always stop on the side of the road halfway in and I get watermelon and I just like refuel with it.

Oh my gosh. (inaudible) .

Oh my gosh. (inaudible) .

It didn't really answer the question, but you know, it was fun.

It didn't really answer the question, but you know, it was fun.

I feel like then it's like the running version of MLF, miles, laundry, food.

I feel like then it's like the running version of MLF, miles, laundry, food.

There we go. MLF, I like it. Or FML.

There we go. MLF, I like it. Or FML.

FML. There we go. There you go. We've got all the connotations here. I love it. My daughter would be with you for the watermelon. She's a big watermelon fan.

FML. There we go. There you go. We've got all the connotations here. I love it. My daughter would be with you for the watermelon. She's a big watermelon fan.

Oh, it's the best in summer.

Oh, it's the best in summer.

Okay. Who would have the best hype up playlist for a race? Pauly D or Snooki?

Okay. Who would have the best hype up playlist for a race? Pauly D or Snooki?

Oh, that's a tough one. I want to say Pauly D because obviously he's a DJ and he's open format. So, I like listening to everything when I run so he'll definitely hit me with the hip hop and then he'll go into even like a stupid TikTok song that's going viral right now, whatever. But Nicole would be like those hard house beats all time, and sometimes that is a good run. Sometimes you don't feel like hearing words too much and you just want to want to just hear like beats and the beat drop, but I would take Pauly, but if I wanted a hard house run, Nicole.

Oh, that's a tough one. I want to say Pauly D because obviously he's a DJ and he's open format. So, I like listening to everything when I run so he'll definitely hit me with the hip hop and then he'll go into even like a stupid TikTok song that's going viral right now, whatever. But Nicole would be like those hard house beats all time, and sometimes that is a good run. Sometimes you don't feel like hearing words too much and you just want to want to just hear like beats and the beat drop, but I would take Pauly, but if I wanted a hard house run, Nicole.

Yeah, I love it. I'm an EDM and classical girl when I run.

Yeah, I love it. I'm an EDM and classical girl when I run.

Okay, okay. I love classical too.

Okay, okay. I love classical too.

Yeah, no words. You can go on your own adventure. Okay. If you had to carb load with one Jersey Shore castmate before the race, who's your pick and what would the meal be?

Yeah, no words. You can go on your own adventure. Okay. If you had to carb load with one Jersey Shore castmate before the race, who's your pick and what would the meal be?

Oh, that's easy. That's Mike The Situation. They call him a Big Daddy Sitch because he just eats everything nowadays. So, this season coming out, that's about to come out probably, I don't know when, but in the next few months they actually watched me run the TCS. And let's just say that BDS, Big Daddy Sitch was helping me carb load a lot through that experience. And it would definitely be pasta. We're Italian, pasta. The carb loading is not an issue for me. That's my strongest department right there.

Oh, that's easy. That's Mike The Situation. They call him a Big Daddy Sitch because he just eats everything nowadays. So, this season coming out, that's about to come out probably, I don't know when, but in the next few months they actually watched me run the TCS. And let's just say that BDS, Big Daddy Sitch was helping me carb load a lot through that experience. And it would definitely be pasta. We're Italian, pasta. The carb loading is not an issue for me. That's my strongest department right there.

What's your favorite pasta dish?

What's your favorite pasta dish?

So my favorite pasta dish is probably penne vodka, but during running and stuff like that, it's a little heavy. So I'll do more of just a garlic and oil, and maybe add some grilled chicken and some vegetables in there.

So my favorite pasta dish is probably penne vodka, but during running and stuff like that, it's a little heavy. So I'll do more of just a garlic and oil, and maybe add some grilled chicken and some vegetables in there.

Very good.

Very good.

And just make it carb but also kind of clean.

And just make it carb but also kind of clean.

Yeah. This is what everyone needs. An Italian guy who runs and can cook. This is the dream. This is the dream.

Yeah. This is what everyone needs. An Italian guy who runs and can cook. This is the dream. This is the dream.

Well I had a what's it called? I had a cookbook called The Keto Guido Cookbook, and it was all about... That's when I was more low- carb. I am still low- carb all the time, like in my regular life, but that's why I like the running because it gives me excuse to kind of add in carbs to my life, 'cause I can't just eat a giant dish of pasta and then go sit down.