Take your running to the next level with the Peloton Tread+, featuring a rubberized shock- absorbing slap belt, it's designed to optimize your runs and walks to the fullest potential. With classes designed and led by expert level coaches, you'll get the guidance you need to reach your running goals. Whether you're just a beginner or consider yourself a pro runner, Peloton is here to support and challenge you every step of the way. All access membership separate. Learn more about Peloton Tread at onepeloton. com/ running. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner for New York Road Runners.

Take your running to the next level with the Peloton Tread+, featuring a rubberized shock- absorbing slap belt, it's designed to optimize your runs and walks to the fullest potential. With classes designed and led by expert level coaches, you'll get the guidance you need to reach your running goals. Whether you're just a beginner or consider yourself a pro runner, Peloton is here to support and challenge you every step of the way. All access membership separate. Learn more about Peloton Tread at onepeloton. com/ running. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner for New York Road Runners.

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? 2: 29:30 it's time for Grete Waitz.

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 it's 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.

Hey, everybody, and welcome to another episode of Set the Pace presented by Peloton. It's the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Great to have you with us. I'm Rob Simmelkjaer, the CEO of New York Road Runners joined as always by the one and only Becs Gentry of Peloton fame and also of sore foot suffering. The last time we checked in, Becs, I know you stubbed that toe on the bed...

Hey, everybody, and welcome to another episode of Set the Pace presented by Peloton. It's the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Great to have you with us. I'm Rob Simmelkjaer, the CEO of New York Road Runners joined as always by the one and only Becs Gentry of Peloton fame and also of sore foot suffering. The last time we checked in, Becs, I know you stubbed that toe on the bed...

Ah, (inaudible) .

Ah, (inaudible) .

... as you're trying to get ready for this seven marathons on seven continents in seven days extravaganza in November. Have you been able to get a little recovery? How are you doing? Are you back on the road?

... as you're trying to get ready for this seven marathons on seven continents in seven days extravaganza in November. Have you been able to get a little recovery? How are you doing? Are you back on the road?

Yeah, yeah. Listen, I don't like the end of my bed. You should see how wide I take those corners now, and I haven't put the blinds up or down in a week, but I... Yeah, you know what? It's taken its sweet time to heal. I'm very impatient. I'm very Aries. I want it to be overnight. I'm like, cool, I did it, and tomorrow it's going to be fine, that, it doesn't happen. So I'm back on the road. I have been running. I've said to my coach, " Let's go on Sunday." And so the past two days I've got my miles in, and it's okay. I'm not saying it's healed, it's not great, but it's okay. And I'm going to get so much more uncomfortable, Rob. These seven marathons, I'm going to be so uncomfortable that this is a little taste, I think, of what's to come. I can get it done. I'm pain- free enough that eight hours is ample for 26.2. So yeah.

Yeah, yeah. Listen, I don't like the end of my bed. You should see how wide I take those corners now, and I haven't put the blinds up or down in a week, but I... Yeah, you know what? It's taken its sweet time to heal. I'm very impatient. I'm very Aries. I want it to be overnight. I'm like, cool, I did it, and tomorrow it's going to be fine, that, it doesn't happen. So I'm back on the road. I have been running. I've said to my coach, " Let's go on Sunday." And so the past two days I've got my miles in, and it's okay. I'm not saying it's healed, it's not great, but it's okay. And I'm going to get so much more uncomfortable, Rob. These seven marathons, I'm going to be so uncomfortable that this is a little taste, I think, of what's to come. I can get it done. I'm pain- free enough that eight hours is ample for 26.2. So yeah.

I can't think of anything more uncomfortable than what you're going to do, seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. So yeah, a little toe pain as you're going through these training miles. You're right, that probably is some good mental preparation for you, and so good. I'm glad you're back out running and feeling good out there. And Becs, a lot of people were running and feeling really good at the Chicago Marathon this past weekend.

I can't think of anything more uncomfortable than what you're going to do, seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. So yeah, a little toe pain as you're going through these training miles. You're right, that probably is some good mental preparation for you, and so good. I'm glad you're back out running and feeling good out there. And Becs, a lot of people were running and feeling really good at the Chicago Marathon this past weekend.

What a weekend.

What a weekend.

Congratulations to everybody who ran. We had so many New York Road Runners members out there running. Of course, a lot of people use Chicago, those who are into this multiple marathons in a fall season, folks will use Chicago as a training run for New York in some cases, or maybe they run hard in Chicago and then run New York as more of a fun pace. But it was a great day out there. I wasn't there, but I saw so much on social, and of course, Becs, the big story out of Chicago, a new world record on the women's side. Ruth Chepngetich, 2: 09:56, shattering the previous world record by more than two minutes. This was incredible. What an accomplishment there.

Congratulations to everybody who ran. We had so many New York Road Runners members out there running. Of course, a lot of people use Chicago, those who are into this multiple marathons in a fall season, folks will use Chicago as a training run for New York in some cases, or maybe they run hard in Chicago and then run New York as more of a fun pace. But it was a great day out there. I wasn't there, but I saw so much on social, and of course, Becs, the big story out of Chicago, a new world record on the women's side. Ruth Chepngetich, 2: 09:56, shattering the previous world record by more than two minutes. This was incredible. What an accomplishment there.

What an accomplishment to see her smooth sail. And I mean, this is an outsider. I have no idea, and I don't think anyone other than Ruth will ever know what was going on inside her, but she looked like she happily ran over that finish line, and all of the press interviews, all the other moments that I saw her be present for the rest of the world for the rest of Sunday, she was vibrant, and I didn't see her hobbling. It was just mind- blowing to take those two minutes off the time and just to see the power that is within humans. Last year, the record was broken last year at Berlin for the women's marathon of 2: 11: 53. So it's just, yeah, my brain cannot get around it yet. I'm still in awe of this fabulous human.

What an accomplishment to see her smooth sail. And I mean, this is an outsider. I have no idea, and I don't think anyone other than Ruth will ever know what was going on inside her, but she looked like she happily ran over that finish line, and all of the press interviews, all the other moments that I saw her be present for the rest of the world for the rest of Sunday, she was vibrant, and I didn't see her hobbling. It was just mind- blowing to take those two minutes off the time and just to see the power that is within humans. Last year, the record was broken last year at Berlin for the women's marathon of 2: 11: 53. So it's just, yeah, my brain cannot get around it yet. I'm still in awe of this fabulous human.

Just to see the clips at which these records are being broken these days, and who knows, is it the shoes? But it's just incredible. I mean, just looking at these results in Chicago, the previous course record was just set there last year by Sifan Hassan at three hour, sorry, 2: 13. 44. So Ruth beat that by four minutes, sets a new world record, and of course this is a year after the men's world record was set in Chicago a year ago by Kelvin Kiptum. So Chicago turning into the place where records fall, and it was just really something to see.

Just to see the clips at which these records are being broken these days, and who knows, is it the shoes? But it's just incredible. I mean, just looking at these results in Chicago, the previous course record was just set there last year by Sifan Hassan at three hour, sorry, 2: 13. 44. So Ruth beat that by four minutes, sets a new world record, and of course this is a year after the men's world record was set in Chicago a year ago by Kelvin Kiptum. So Chicago turning into the place where records fall, and it was just really something to see.

Spectacular.

Spectacular.

So congratulations to everybody in Chicago, to Ruth obviously such a special thing for them to be a part of. I was also want to give congrats to Carey Pinkowski, the race director out there in Chicago who, for the second straight year, had a chance to embrace a world record holder. Of course, we're all thinking of Kelvin Kiptum at this time as well who set it, and of course we lost him since that happened. But an incredible day in Chicago. On the men's side, Becs, it was John Korir of Kenya finishing at 2: 02:44 for the win, and on the wheelchair races, Marcel Hug of course getting it done, 1: 25:54 as he continues to dominate.

So congratulations to everybody in Chicago, to Ruth obviously such a special thing for them to be a part of. I was also want to give congrats to Carey Pinkowski, the race director out there in Chicago who, for the second straight year, had a chance to embrace a world record holder. Of course, we're all thinking of Kelvin Kiptum at this time as well who set it, and of course we lost him since that happened. But an incredible day in Chicago. On the men's side, Becs, it was John Korir of Kenya finishing at 2: 02:44 for the win, and on the wheelchair races, Marcel Hug of course getting it done, 1: 25:54 as he continues to dominate.

What a champ.

What a champ.

And it was Catherine Debrunner on the women's side, a course record of 1:36:12.

And it was Catherine Debrunner on the women's side, a course record of 1:36:12.

Another record. Just phenomenal, everybody, absolutely phenomenal. But we can't forget what happened here as well.

Another record. Just phenomenal, everybody, absolutely phenomenal. But we can't forget what happened here as well.

That's right. As we now are getting so perfectly focused on the TCS New York City Marathon coming up in just over two weeks from the day that this podcast debuts, we had our last big race of the Five Borough Series this past weekend, the Staten Island half, always a great day, and it was a picture perfect weather day on Staten Island. Over 9, 000 runners toed the line.

That's right. As we now are getting so perfectly focused on the TCS New York City Marathon coming up in just over two weeks from the day that this podcast debuts, we had our last big race of the Five Borough Series this past weekend, the Staten Island half, always a great day, and it was a picture perfect weather day on Staten Island. Over 9, 000 runners toed the line.

Wow.

Wow.

And it was great. If you haven't run this race, it's such a special race. I ran it last year. The views, the vibe, it's so much fun, especially that second half of the race, the views you get in Manhattan are really spectacular. Such a fun race, and some great results from all the runners there. The winners, it was Roberta Groner, the legendary.

And it was great. If you haven't run this race, it's such a special race. I ran it last year. The views, the vibe, it's so much fun, especially that second half of the race, the views you get in Manhattan are really spectacular. Such a fun race, and some great results from all the runners there. The winners, it was Roberta Groner, the legendary.

Legend, legend.

Legend, legend.

And ageless, Roberta Groner with a win at 1: 14: 14 for Central Park Track Club. The non- binary winner was Elijah Taylor at 1:16: 40. And for the men, it was Sisay Fekadu Berhanu with 1:06: 48 for West Side Runners.

And ageless, Roberta Groner with a win at 1: 14: 14 for Central Park Track Club. The non- binary winner was Elijah Taylor at 1:16: 40. And for the men, it was Sisay Fekadu Berhanu with 1:06: 48 for West Side Runners.

Oh, my gosh.

Oh, my gosh.

Just a great day, and a lot of folks there getting ready, that's maybe their last long run or their tacking on some miles after Staten Island, so you saw a lot of people running the marathon using Staten Island to start to get ready.

Just a great day, and a lot of folks there getting ready, that's maybe their last long run or their tacking on some miles after Staten Island, so you saw a lot of people running the marathon using Staten Island to start to get ready.

So I'm going to have to sign up for it next year. It's one every year that I want to do, but there's always something else like this year, but next year, Rob, I'm going to do it because it looks so much fun. All of the pictures I saw people were having such a beautiful day, and as you said, the sun was shining, the weather was picture perfect for running. So congrats, everyone, and then here we are, here we go. It's literally a matter of days now until the TCS New York City Marathon.

So I'm going to have to sign up for it next year. It's one every year that I want to do, but there's always something else like this year, but next year, Rob, I'm going to do it because it looks so much fun. All of the pictures I saw people were having such a beautiful day, and as you said, the sun was shining, the weather was picture perfect for running. So congrats, everyone, and then here we are, here we go. It's literally a matter of days now until the TCS New York City Marathon.

It's right there, Becs. Our staff is so focused on it. Obviously the runners are so focused on it. We are in crunch time. And speaking of that, we've got a great conversation coming up with one of your fellow runners if you are running on November 3rd, Matt James. Now, you might know Matt because he was of course The Bachelor. He was the first African- American ever to be The Bachelor on that long- running hit reality show on ABC. Also, he was a former NCAA football player, and now he's preparing to run his fourth TCS New York City Marathon, shooting to go sub- three hours for the first time. So we got a really fun conversation with Matt coming up about his time both as a bachelor and now as a marathoner as well. So that's coming up in just a minute. And then for our second week in a row, our member moment will feature one of this year's Team Inspire runners. Of course, Team Inspire is a group of 26 runners with inspirational stories that we feature here leading into the marathon. Sovena Ngeth is a Cambodian- American runner from Union City, New Jersey, and she will be running her first ever marathon on November 3rd. She's got an interesting story. She was raised in a family that really didn't think sports were safe. They did not really encourage her running at all, but Sovena discovered it during the pandemic, and now here she is running her first marathon to support Apex for Youth, which is an organization that empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth. So Meb will be here to speak with Sovena, and then of course, since we're almost there, Meb will be right back with this week's Meb Minute where we're going to get his tips for week 14 of training for the TCS New York City Marathon.

It's right there, Becs. Our staff is so focused on it. Obviously the runners are so focused on it. We are in crunch time. And speaking of that, we've got a great conversation coming up with one of your fellow runners if you are running on November 3rd, Matt James. Now, you might know Matt because he was of course The Bachelor. He was the first African- American ever to be The Bachelor on that long- running hit reality show on ABC. Also, he was a former NCAA football player, and now he's preparing to run his fourth TCS New York City Marathon, shooting to go sub- three hours for the first time. So we got a really fun conversation with Matt coming up about his time both as a bachelor and now as a marathoner as well. So that's coming up in just a minute. And then for our second week in a row, our member moment will feature one of this year's Team Inspire runners. Of course, Team Inspire is a group of 26 runners with inspirational stories that we feature here leading into the marathon. Sovena Ngeth is a Cambodian- American runner from Union City, New Jersey, and she will be running her first ever marathon on November 3rd. She's got an interesting story. She was raised in a family that really didn't think sports were safe. They did not really encourage her running at all, but Sovena discovered it during the pandemic, and now here she is running her first marathon to support Apex for Youth, which is an organization that empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth. So Meb will be here to speak with Sovena, and then of course, since we're almost there, Meb will be right back with this week's Meb Minute where we're going to get his tips for week 14 of training for the TCS New York City Marathon.

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Today we have a guest who is not just a reality TV star, but also a legitimate athlete and a very fast runner who's on a long- term quest for marathon glory. Matt James, known for his unforgettable season as The Bachelor has traded roses for running shoes as he gears up for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. Matt's not just a very fast runner, he's a football player. He played division one football at Wake Forest, and now has turned into an endurance sports athlete, and he is here to share his journey as he tries to chase down that ever elusive sub- three hour marathon finish. Matt James, you do not lack talent, speed, athletic, you're a reality star. I mean, what do you not do? Welcome to Set the Pace. Great to have you here.

Today we have a guest who is not just a reality TV star, but also a legitimate athlete and a very fast runner who's on a long- term quest for marathon glory. Matt James, known for his unforgettable season as The Bachelor has traded roses for running shoes as he gears up for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. Matt's not just a very fast runner, he's a football player. He played division one football at Wake Forest, and now has turned into an endurance sports athlete, and he is here to share his journey as he tries to chase down that ever elusive sub- three hour marathon finish. Matt James, you do not lack talent, speed, athletic, you're a reality star. I mean, what do you not do? Welcome to Set the Pace. Great to have you here.

It's good to be here. What's up? What's up, Rob? What's up, Becs?

It's good to be here. What's up? What's up, Rob? What's up, Becs?

It is so fun to have you here. Seriously, that was the best introduction I've had in a while there, Rob. That was (inaudible) .

It is so fun to have you here. Seriously, that was the best introduction I've had in a while there, Rob. That was (inaudible) .

Yeah, that was nice. I need to bring Rob around more often. This is great. Any room I enter into, I need Rob there with me.

Yeah, that was nice. I need to bring Rob around more often. This is great. Any room I enter into, I need Rob there with me.

I mean, come on. He's got the looks, he's got the talent, he's got the fame, he's got it all, and he's bringing it to the starting line of our marathon this year, which we are so excited about. I guess I have to start by asking you, Matt, okay, you were a wide receiver, obviously a very talented athlete. You don't see too many folks going from the football field to the marathon. What was it that even got you thinking about running marathons?

I mean, come on. He's got the looks, he's got the talent, he's got the fame, he's got it all, and he's bringing it to the starting line of our marathon this year, which we are so excited about. I guess I have to start by asking you, Matt, okay, you were a wide receiver, obviously a very talented athlete. You don't see too many folks going from the football field to the marathon. What was it that even got you thinking about running marathons?

Well, yeah, that's a great question. I think that it started out with I've always ran track. When I was little, I ran for the Durham Eagles, I ran for the Junior Striders, and as football and basketball started to pick up, I started to take those a little bit more serious, and I was trying to put on weight so I couldn't run the 400 and the 800 I had been doing my whole life. Then when I got to high school, I actually trained with our cross country team in the summer, and my coach put it into that once my role started to pick up on the football team. So I've always had a love for running and an appreciation for track and field field. I was fortunate enough to get out to the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Paralympics. I just have such an admiration for those type of athletes, and I love to compete, I love to watch people compete, so when that football journey was over, I needed a new avenue to push myself and compete.

Well, yeah, that's a great question. I think that it started out with I've always ran track. When I was little, I ran for the Durham Eagles, I ran for the Junior Striders, and as football and basketball started to pick up, I started to take those a little bit more serious, and I was trying to put on weight so I couldn't run the 400 and the 800 I had been doing my whole life. Then when I got to high school, I actually trained with our cross country team in the summer, and my coach put it into that once my role started to pick up on the football team. So I've always had a love for running and an appreciation for track and field field. I was fortunate enough to get out to the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Paralympics. I just have such an admiration for those type of athletes, and I love to compete, I love to watch people compete, so when that football journey was over, I needed a new avenue to push myself and compete.

Wow. But the crossover is real, right? I think once you love the sport, especially football, and I'm not going to pretend to know too much about American football, British football.

Wow. But the crossover is real, right? I think once you love the sport, especially football, and I'm not going to pretend to know too much about American football, British football.

What we here in America call football. Yes.

What we here in America call football. Yes.

Football, yes. I can talk about what you guys call soccer, but it's a foot sport, so you are running a lot. Those pitches are... Are they called pitches? Yeah, huge.

Football, yes. I can talk about what you guys call soccer, but it's a foot sport, so you are running a lot. Those pitches are... Are they called pitches? Yeah, huge.

Fields.

Fields.

Fields, there you go.

Fields, there you go.

Yeah, yeah. We'll take it.

Yeah, yeah. We'll take it.

See, know nothing. They're huge, they're really, really big. So you've got that sort of endurance for, again, I don't know how long those games are because I swear every time I watch one it goes on longer than the last one I watched.

See, know nothing. They're huge, they're really, really big. So you've got that sort of endurance for, again, I don't know how long those games are because I swear every time I watch one it goes on longer than the last one I watched.

Right?

Right?

But it's a lot, so I can imagine, and I want to ask you when you decided to run a marathon, and just so everyone knows, this is your fourth TCS New York City Marathon?

But it's a lot, so I can imagine, and I want to ask you when you decided to run a marathon, and just so everyone knows, this is your fourth TCS New York City Marathon?

I'm going to have to defer to Rob. I don't remember. They all kind of flow together after a while. I know that...

I'm going to have to defer to Rob. I don't remember. They all kind of flow together after a while. I know that...

It is his fourth. I'm looking it up right now.

It is his fourth. I'm looking it up right now.

There we go.

There we go.

His first was in '21. Not only is it his fourth, but it's actually his fourth in a row.

His first was in '21. Not only is it his fourth, but it's actually his fourth in a row.

Fourth consecutive?

Fourth consecutive?

So '21, '22, '23. This will be four in a row for Mr. James.

So '21, '22, '23. This will be four in a row for Mr. James.

Wow. So what made you think, okay, I'm going to go from football to marathon? Where was the 5K, 10K half- marathon?

Wow. So what made you think, okay, I'm going to go from football to marathon? Where was the 5K, 10K half- marathon?

Right. I ran a marathon before I ran a 10K or a half- marathon. One of my buddies was going to run, and I think that the idea of running 26 miles to anyone is very daunting, especially my buddy. And when he signed up, he's like, " You should do this with me." And I was crazy enough to say yes. And I think a lot of first time marathon runners under- trained, didn't really know what I was getting myself into, and it was one of the hardest, dumbest things I ever did. And I told myself I'd never do it again. And here we are.

Right. I ran a marathon before I ran a 10K or a half- marathon. One of my buddies was going to run, and I think that the idea of running 26 miles to anyone is very daunting, especially my buddy. And when he signed up, he's like, " You should do this with me." And I was crazy enough to say yes. And I think a lot of first time marathon runners under- trained, didn't really know what I was getting myself into, and it was one of the hardest, dumbest things I ever did. And I told myself I'd never do it again. And here we are.

Four times later.

Four times later.

Becs, when you listen to Matt tell this story and then you look at his times, they really do align with what he's saying, okay, because the first time Matt James ran the TCS New York City Marathon in 2021, his time was 5: 02: 23.

Becs, when you listen to Matt tell this story and then you look at his times, they really do align with what he's saying, okay, because the first time Matt James ran the TCS New York City Marathon in 2021, his time was 5: 02: 23.

Stop.

Stop.

Respectable for a first time marathoner...

Respectable for a first time marathoner...

Very good.

Very good.

... who hadn't trained...

... who hadn't trained...

Absolutely.

Absolutely.

... with his athletic ability, very respectable, right?

... with his athletic ability, very respectable, right?

Fits the bill, fits the bill. Yeah.

Fits the bill, fits the bill. Yeah.

A year later, Becs, he shaves off an hour and 15 minutes from that time. He went from an 11:32 pace to an 8: 39 pace, comes in at 3: 46, and then a year after that, 3: 04 at 7: 03 per mile. So I mean, I've looked at some marathon results in my life, I have never seen somebody shave two hours off of a marathon time in two years.

A year later, Becs, he shaves off an hour and 15 minutes from that time. He went from an 11:32 pace to an 8: 39 pace, comes in at 3: 46, and then a year after that, 3: 04 at 7: 03 per mile. So I mean, I've looked at some marathon results in my life, I have never seen somebody shave two hours off of a marathon time in two years.

Wow.

Wow.

It just shows you the athletic ability that is there and that really needed to be untapped through learning how to train for a marathon, Matt. So I mean, the results are kind of shocking when you really look at them.

It just shows you the athletic ability that is there and that really needed to be untapped through learning how to train for a marathon, Matt. So I mean, the results are kind of shocking when you really look at them.

Rob, Becs, peer pressure is a very strong motivator, and when you go out and... I was embarrassed because I set a bar for myself athletically at a certain rate. Not that my time was embarrassing. It's just a lot of running to not be satisfied with the outcome. And I told myself after that first one, I'm like, " Man, I cannot do this to my body again and not be proud of the product that I put forward." So you learn a little bit more with every year, and here we are trying to go under three hours this year.

Rob, Becs, peer pressure is a very strong motivator, and when you go out and... I was embarrassed because I set a bar for myself athletically at a certain rate. Not that my time was embarrassing. It's just a lot of running to not be satisfied with the outcome. And I told myself after that first one, I'm like, " Man, I cannot do this to my body again and not be proud of the product that I put forward." So you learn a little bit more with every year, and here we are trying to go under three hours this year.

Whoa. I mean, going back to Rob's digging here as a CEO, he's allowed to do that, that two hour difference is huge. And as you said, I love what said that there's a lot of running to not be proud of it, and I know a lot of our listeners out there will run that time and are very proud of it, but I think from an individual standpoint, you've kind of just taken away the time element there by saying it's a lot of running to not be proud of. So it doesn't matter what your time actually is, it's whether you're proud of the time that it took you to run 26.2 miles, and it's crazy, two hours, so now, the 3: 04 you're proud of.

Whoa. I mean, going back to Rob's digging here as a CEO, he's allowed to do that, that two hour difference is huge. And as you said, I love what said that there's a lot of running to not be proud of it, and I know a lot of our listeners out there will run that time and are very proud of it, but I think from an individual standpoint, you've kind of just taken away the time element there by saying it's a lot of running to not be proud of. So it doesn't matter what your time actually is, it's whether you're proud of the time that it took you to run 26.2 miles, and it's crazy, two hours, so now, the 3: 04 you're proud of.

Yes, and I think you made a great point, and I think that, not to put myself in this class, but when you think about elite marathon runners, and we just had the Chicago Marathon last weekend, you had men and women running two hours and nine minute marathons and going to social media and talking about how disappointed they were, and as someone outside looking in, you're like, how could you possibly be disappointed with that? And that goes back to what my example of running a five- hour marathon, for a lot of people, it just matters what your benchmark is and what your goal is and what your expectations are. And when you set goals and expectations for yourself, that's the type of standard that you hold yourself to. And it's scary every year, every year before the marathon, I get nervous because the benchmark continues to move forward in terms of wanting to run a faster time because you're more knowledgeable about the course, you have a better idea of the fueling process, just everything that goes into running a marathon and preparing. So by default, you're going to want to run faster and expect to run faster. So yeah, that's not to take anything away from anybody, it's just me personally on that quest for under three hours.

Yes, and I think you made a great point, and I think that, not to put myself in this class, but when you think about elite marathon runners, and we just had the Chicago Marathon last weekend, you had men and women running two hours and nine minute marathons and going to social media and talking about how disappointed they were, and as someone outside looking in, you're like, how could you possibly be disappointed with that? And that goes back to what my example of running a five- hour marathon, for a lot of people, it just matters what your benchmark is and what your goal is and what your expectations are. And when you set goals and expectations for yourself, that's the type of standard that you hold yourself to. And it's scary every year, every year before the marathon, I get nervous because the benchmark continues to move forward in terms of wanting to run a faster time because you're more knowledgeable about the course, you have a better idea of the fueling process, just everything that goes into running a marathon and preparing. So by default, you're going to want to run faster and expect to run faster. So yeah, that's not to take anything away from anybody, it's just me personally on that quest for under three hours.

It's all completely relative. That's just the way it is. In New York, we keep our finish line open later than any other major marathon because we love celebrating people coming in at 9, 10 hours, and for them it's a huge accomplishment because that's what their goal was, to finish, and so it's all relative. That's one of the things that's so great about this sport is that we can all have our own goals, our own wins, our own challenges. Sometimes even when you don't meet the goal, that's part of what's great about it because now you've got something to fuel you and fire you for the next time, and you have used that fuel and that fire for some very dramatic improvements in your times, and we can't wait to see where it goes from here. Okay Matt, I've been trying in getting ready for this interview, trying to find a good metaphor between being The Bachelor and running marathons, right? I'm trying to figure out what is the crossover between being The Bachelor and having dozens of women competing essentially to be your choice and then running a marathon, and I can't come up with one, I've got nothing. Can you come up with something that you feel the two things have in common?

It's all completely relative. That's just the way it is. In New York, we keep our finish line open later than any other major marathon because we love celebrating people coming in at 9, 10 hours, and for them it's a huge accomplishment because that's what their goal was, to finish, and so it's all relative. That's one of the things that's so great about this sport is that we can all have our own goals, our own wins, our own challenges. Sometimes even when you don't meet the goal, that's part of what's great about it because now you've got something to fuel you and fire you for the next time, and you have used that fuel and that fire for some very dramatic improvements in your times, and we can't wait to see where it goes from here. Okay Matt, I've been trying in getting ready for this interview, trying to find a good metaphor between being The Bachelor and running marathons, right? I'm trying to figure out what is the crossover between being The Bachelor and having dozens of women competing essentially to be your choice and then running a marathon, and I can't come up with one, I've got nothing. Can you come up with something that you feel the two things have in common?

You know what, Rob, I think that there actually couldn't be a better comparison between being The Bachelor and running the marathon from multiple aspects, and we'll walk through three of them. The first one being that I don't think anyone ever knows what to expect, that's being The Bachelor, that's running a marathon. You have an idea from what previous people have run a marathon, previous people who have been The Bachelor or The Bachelorette or a lead told you what to expect, but ultimately you just have to go out there and do it and be your own... run your own race, be that person, and it's never what anyone told you how it was going to go. And there's hurdles that come along the way that you've just got to deal with. It's never going to be a perfect race. I'd say very rarely, it's never going to be the perfect scenario with maybe falling for somebody that you never thought you'd see yourself with or telling multiple... not in my situation, but you have bachelors telling multiple people they love them. Just things that could be problematic, always tend to pop up. Same with the marathon. So that's the first thing. The second thing is that-

You know what, Rob, I think that there actually couldn't be a better comparison between being The Bachelor and running the marathon from multiple aspects, and we'll walk through three of them. The first one being that I don't think anyone ever knows what to expect, that's being The Bachelor, that's running a marathon. You have an idea from what previous people have run a marathon, previous people who have been The Bachelor or The Bachelorette or a lead told you what to expect, but ultimately you just have to go out there and do it and be your own... run your own race, be that person, and it's never what anyone told you how it was going to go. And there's hurdles that come along the way that you've just got to deal with. It's never going to be a perfect race. I'd say very rarely, it's never going to be the perfect scenario with maybe falling for somebody that you never thought you'd see yourself with or telling multiple... not in my situation, but you have bachelors telling multiple people they love them. Just things that could be problematic, always tend to pop up. Same with the marathon. So that's the first thing. The second thing is that-

Expect the unexpected, Matt, is really what you're saying.

Expect the unexpected, Matt, is really what you're saying.

Expect the unexpected.

Expect the unexpected.

Okay, that makes sense.

Okay, that makes sense.

Yeah, I would say the second thing, I guess, I'd say two things. The first one and then the second thing is that it's a marathon. It literally is a marathon. You start out that process, and you have, again, you have people who jumped the gun and may express strong feelings for multiple people very quickly, that can end up being problematic. Same thing with the marathon. If you start out too quickly, it's going to end up biting you in the butt at the end when you don't have the legs to finish the race. So you've just got to take your time. I had to take my time in that process and make sure that I was doing all the right vetting because you don't have access to your phone or the computer or friends or family, so you're just kind of in this bubble trying to figure out if how you feel is real and just assess what's going on because it's foreign. Again, same with the marathon. Once you're in that situation, there's no going back, and you've got to make real time adjustments, and yeah, I would say they're both pretty similar. It's actually a great comparison.

Yeah, I would say the second thing, I guess, I'd say two things. The first one and then the second thing is that it's a marathon. It literally is a marathon. You start out that process, and you have, again, you have people who jumped the gun and may express strong feelings for multiple people very quickly, that can end up being problematic. Same thing with the marathon. If you start out too quickly, it's going to end up biting you in the butt at the end when you don't have the legs to finish the race. So you've just got to take your time. I had to take my time in that process and make sure that I was doing all the right vetting because you don't have access to your phone or the computer or friends or family, so you're just kind of in this bubble trying to figure out if how you feel is real and just assess what's going on because it's foreign. Again, same with the marathon. Once you're in that situation, there's no going back, and you've got to make real time adjustments, and yeah, I would say they're both pretty similar. It's actually a great comparison.

Wow. I love that, how you've just linked that together because all those things you just said are so true, the don't jump in too soon, great, greatest analogy ever, especially for TCS New York City Marathon. Don't go down that Verrazano Bridge off ramp too fast (inaudible) .

Wow. I love that, how you've just linked that together because all those things you just said are so true, the don't jump in too soon, great, greatest analogy ever, especially for TCS New York City Marathon. Don't go down that Verrazano Bridge off ramp too fast (inaudible) .

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, my gosh, that's perfect. Okay, before we talk more, more about marathons, I'm going to hold us here on The Bachelor side of things. Now, when I first met you, Matt, I think was earlier this year when we first met properly at the Olympic trials.

Oh, my gosh, that's perfect. Okay, before we talk more, more about marathons, I'm going to hold us here on The Bachelor side of things. Now, when I first met you, Matt, I think was earlier this year when we first met properly at the Olympic trials.

Yeah, in Orlando.

Yeah, in Orlando.

In Orlando, that was it. And yeah, I was like, " Oh, yeah, I think I know him." I wasn't necessarily here when your... No, I was here when you were on The Bachelor, but it wasn't a show that I watched, but I was like, " Yeah, I think I know him. Isn't he a Lululemon runner?" And all my friends just fell about laughing. They were like, " That's met James from The Bachelor." I was like, " English, don't really know." So yeah, I was like, " Yeah, he's a Lulu runner. (inaudible) , he ran the marathon last year," and I was lucky enough to be at the finish line when you and Shalane came over last year. It was fantastic to see. But we'll get to that.

In Orlando, that was it. And yeah, I was like, " Oh, yeah, I think I know him." I wasn't necessarily here when your... No, I was here when you were on The Bachelor, but it wasn't a show that I watched, but I was like, " Yeah, I think I know him. Isn't he a Lululemon runner?" And all my friends just fell about laughing. They were like, " That's met James from The Bachelor." I was like, " English, don't really know." So yeah, I was like, " Yeah, he's a Lulu runner. (inaudible) , he ran the marathon last year," and I was lucky enough to be at the finish line when you and Shalane came over last year. It was fantastic to see. But we'll get to that.

Shalane Flanagan who paced (inaudible) .

Shalane Flanagan who paced (inaudible) .

Just cash, just cash. We're going to dive into that guys, don't worry, don't worry. I'm not going to miss a chance to talk about Shalane, but I want to talk about your life since The Bachelor is food. And I would say I have asked you so many times via Instagram. Now I'm like, yeah, now Matt's my buddy, Matt's my friend. I am constantly, " Where is that place? What is that place called?" I'm like, " I'm in Tokyo." I'm like, " Hey, Matt, what was that sushi place that you and Rachel went to?" Just like he's now my food guru. And your YouTube is huge, your social is huge, and it is not like gratuitous pictures of you without clothes on. It is you and Rachel around the world eating some of the most amazing food, and just so cute and honest, and what's next for you on that level?

Just cash, just cash. We're going to dive into that guys, don't worry, don't worry. I'm not going to miss a chance to talk about Shalane, but I want to talk about your life since The Bachelor is food. And I would say I have asked you so many times via Instagram. Now I'm like, yeah, now Matt's my buddy, Matt's my friend. I am constantly, " Where is that place? What is that place called?" I'm like, " I'm in Tokyo." I'm like, " Hey, Matt, what was that sushi place that you and Rachel went to?" Just like he's now my food guru. And your YouTube is huge, your social is huge, and it is not like gratuitous pictures of you without clothes on. It is you and Rachel around the world eating some of the most amazing food, and just so cute and honest, and what's next for you on that level?

Yeah, that's funny. I don't think a lot of people know this, but before I was on The Bachelor, or I guess I was The Bachelor, I've always had a love for food, and I actually started a nonprofit in New York City called ABC Food Tours to bring underprivileged students in the city to restaurants across New York City that I love. And I didn't grow up in a strong financial situation, so eating out to me was a treat. And the older I got, the more I got to experience that, and it changed my outlook on travel and on being able to relate to people, and I wanted to provide that experience for kids. And so that's where ABC Food Tours was founded. We work students all over the city. We've gone to different countries, different states, and we bridge that gap between students in underserved communities and fine dining. And they're meeting these restaurateurs that have similar backgrounds to theirs, whether they're immigrants, whether they came from low socioeconomic situations, didn't graduate. Just it's an amazing way to educate students on culture and cuisine. So that was before The Bachelor. And so I've always loved food. I've always had an appreciation for food, admiration for food, restaurateurs. And I'd say that when you get to do something like be The Bachelor, it does change your life, but in ways that you let it, in terms of it amplifies the person that you are or the person that you want to be, whether that's you want to go do more reality TV shows and go on Survivor, who knows, do whatever you want to do, or it gives you the opportunity, i. e., if you're in food to open more doors to travel and share your food journey with other people, or the opportunity to participate in marathons and run with former New York City Marathon winners like Shalane Flanagan. It's opened up so many doors and places that you let it do that. And for me, it's shown itself the most in my life from a food and fitness standpoint, so.

Yeah, that's funny. I don't think a lot of people know this, but before I was on The Bachelor, or I guess I was The Bachelor, I've always had a love for food, and I actually started a nonprofit in New York City called ABC Food Tours to bring underprivileged students in the city to restaurants across New York City that I love. And I didn't grow up in a strong financial situation, so eating out to me was a treat. And the older I got, the more I got to experience that, and it changed my outlook on travel and on being able to relate to people, and I wanted to provide that experience for kids. And so that's where ABC Food Tours was founded. We work students all over the city. We've gone to different countries, different states, and we bridge that gap between students in underserved communities and fine dining. And they're meeting these restaurateurs that have similar backgrounds to theirs, whether they're immigrants, whether they came from low socioeconomic situations, didn't graduate. Just it's an amazing way to educate students on culture and cuisine. So that was before The Bachelor. And so I've always loved food. I've always had an appreciation for food, admiration for food, restaurateurs. And I'd say that when you get to do something like be The Bachelor, it does change your life, but in ways that you let it, in terms of it amplifies the person that you are or the person that you want to be, whether that's you want to go do more reality TV shows and go on Survivor, who knows, do whatever you want to do, or it gives you the opportunity, i. e., if you're in food to open more doors to travel and share your food journey with other people, or the opportunity to participate in marathons and run with former New York City Marathon winners like Shalane Flanagan. It's opened up so many doors and places that you let it do that. And for me, it's shown itself the most in my life from a food and fitness standpoint, so.

So well, there's going to be more, there's going to be more, people, watch out.

So well, there's going to be more, there's going to be more, people, watch out.

There's going to be more, especially after the marathon, that's when I really go in, that's when I really get to... There's certain things that I've cut out of the diet right now because it just, certain foods... I don't know. When I get into that training regimen, certain foods sit on my stomach differently, and I just cut a lot of things out of my diet. My body doesn't respond well to it. So come day after marathon, that is when the feasting begins.

There's going to be more, especially after the marathon, that's when I really go in, that's when I really get to... There's certain things that I've cut out of the diet right now because it just, certain foods... I don't know. When I get into that training regimen, certain foods sit on my stomach differently, and I just cut a lot of things out of my diet. My body doesn't respond well to it. So come day after marathon, that is when the feasting begins.

Oh, my gosh. Can't wait.

Oh, my gosh. Can't wait.

For some of us, it goes all through marathon training and beyond. There's a lot of opportunities for eating during a marathon training block, so I'm sure you're bringing in the calories you need. But it is interesting when you talked about as a football player, you did need to put on weight, right? I mean, you're out there with some big guys, you got to be able to take a hit, make a block, things like that. Bulk and weight really does matter on a football field, even for a receiver, right? And now in a marathon situation, that extra weight isn't necessarily something that you're looking to have. How have you noticed your body responding differently, Matt? And how do you feel differently between your time as an athlete on the football field and your time as an athlete on the road running 26.2?

For some of us, it goes all through marathon training and beyond. There's a lot of opportunities for eating during a marathon training block, so I'm sure you're bringing in the calories you need. But it is interesting when you talked about as a football player, you did need to put on weight, right? I mean, you're out there with some big guys, you got to be able to take a hit, make a block, things like that. Bulk and weight really does matter on a football field, even for a receiver, right? And now in a marathon situation, that extra weight isn't necessarily something that you're looking to have. How have you noticed your body responding differently, Matt? And how do you feel differently between your time as an athlete on the football field and your time as an athlete on the road running 26.2?

That's a great question, Rob. You know how you can go, I don't know, six months at times without seeing extended friends and family the older you get. When you're younger, I feel like you see all your friends every holiday. You're making a lot of time for those type of connections. And the older you get, life comes at you, and you go four months, six months at a time without seeing some of those close people in your life. I use that as an example because when I have those interactions with people after those long extended periods, people are looking at me like something's wrong with me because of the changes that my body's made. They're like, " Matt, are you okay? Are you sick? What's going on with your body?" Because when I played football, when I played collegiate football, my weight fluctuated from... I was 205. No, I was 195 pounds as a freshman, and then at my peak as a senior, I was 265 pounds.

That's a great question, Rob. You know how you can go, I don't know, six months at times without seeing extended friends and family the older you get. When you're younger, I feel like you see all your friends every holiday. You're making a lot of time for those type of connections. And the older you get, life comes at you, and you go four months, six months at a time without seeing some of those close people in your life. I use that as an example because when I have those interactions with people after those long extended periods, people are looking at me like something's wrong with me because of the changes that my body's made. They're like, " Matt, are you okay? Are you sick? What's going on with your body?" Because when I played football, when I played collegiate football, my weight fluctuated from... I was 205. No, I was 195 pounds as a freshman, and then at my peak as a senior, I was 265 pounds.

Wow.

Wow.

That's like a 70 pound, I think, yeah, that's around 70 pounds of fluctuation in there. That mold is there, it hasn't gone anywhere. So my body's capable of carrying that weight if I fuel it in that way and train in that way. So I'm susceptible to gain 20, 30 pounds in a month, and I'm susceptible to lose it, but with the running, I consistently keep that weight off, and I'm back down to the weight I was as a freshman from my freshman year of college to senior year of high school. So I kind of fluctuate around that 195, 205 range. And when people see me who haven't seen me in years, they look at me like something's wrong with me because they're used to... The training's changed. I'm not lifting weights anymore. For five and a half years I was power cleaning, I was heavy squatting, I was deadlifting. We had college training table where you're eating four meals a day. My lifestyle has changed. I've replaced the heavy lifting with running, and my body's made adjustments accordingly, and it's all in an effort to be the most efficient runner that Matt is trying to be, not the strongest, most durable football player. And I've embraced that. There are different aches and pains, but it's nice to have something, a goal to work towards and to train for as you come out of being a collegiate athlete. It's nice.

That's like a 70 pound, I think, yeah, that's around 70 pounds of fluctuation in there. That mold is there, it hasn't gone anywhere. So my body's capable of carrying that weight if I fuel it in that way and train in that way. So I'm susceptible to gain 20, 30 pounds in a month, and I'm susceptible to lose it, but with the running, I consistently keep that weight off, and I'm back down to the weight I was as a freshman from my freshman year of college to senior year of high school. So I kind of fluctuate around that 195, 205 range. And when people see me who haven't seen me in years, they look at me like something's wrong with me because they're used to... The training's changed. I'm not lifting weights anymore. For five and a half years I was power cleaning, I was heavy squatting, I was deadlifting. We had college training table where you're eating four meals a day. My lifestyle has changed. I've replaced the heavy lifting with running, and my body's made adjustments accordingly, and it's all in an effort to be the most efficient runner that Matt is trying to be, not the strongest, most durable football player. And I've embraced that. There are different aches and pains, but it's nice to have something, a goal to work towards and to train for as you come out of being a collegiate athlete. It's nice.

Wow, I love that. The fluctuation is huge, like your marathon times.

Wow, I love that. The fluctuation is huge, like your marathon times.

For sure.

For sure.

So talk us through your marathon training now. We've got, what is it, two weeks, just over two weeks when this episode drops until the race. What has your training been like for this, your fourth TCS New York City Marathon?

So talk us through your marathon training now. We've got, what is it, two weeks, just over two weeks when this episode drops until the race. What has your training been like for this, your fourth TCS New York City Marathon?

The training block has been phenomenal. I've got the best coach in Julia Lucas who is or was a Lululemon ambassador and is the coach of a Lululemon running training program for the New York City Marathon along with other marathons. It's called the No Name Program. And her and another Lululemon ambassador, Coffey, do a fantastic job training mostly first time runners of all pace groups to be ready for a marathon. And that's from people who might be some of those last finishers when the finish line's open super late to some of those people who are trying to break sub- three. And she, in her own right, is a fantastic runner, has competed against some of the best runners in the world. So having a coach has been the game changer for me. Just having someone who you can text, reach out to and be like, " Is it normal to hurt?" They're like, " Yeah, marathons are hard. You're going to hurt." " Hey, is it normal that my hamstrings are sore? What should I do? Why do I hate running three weeks out from the marathon?" " Hey, I don't think I've done enough to prepare." All the things we think about as runners and people getting ready for a marathon, having that coach to bounce those scary thoughts off of and have them talk you back down off the ledge is been, for my mental health, so beyond liberating and just amazing, as well as the physical aspect of someone who can put together and structure a training program to put you in a position to be competitive, to hit your goal more so than something that you generate off of a Google website that you found about how to run fast. It's like that human element of coaching, making real- time adjustments to your training based off your health, how you feel. It's just been a game changer. And when, not if, when I go sub- three, she will be, Julia, one of the biggest people to credit in the doing of that. So I'm very fortunate to have coaching like that.

The training block has been phenomenal. I've got the best coach in Julia Lucas who is or was a Lululemon ambassador and is the coach of a Lululemon running training program for the New York City Marathon along with other marathons. It's called the No Name Program. And her and another Lululemon ambassador, Coffey, do a fantastic job training mostly first time runners of all pace groups to be ready for a marathon. And that's from people who might be some of those last finishers when the finish line's open super late to some of those people who are trying to break sub- three. And she, in her own right, is a fantastic runner, has competed against some of the best runners in the world. So having a coach has been the game changer for me. Just having someone who you can text, reach out to and be like, " Is it normal to hurt?" They're like, " Yeah, marathons are hard. You're going to hurt." " Hey, is it normal that my hamstrings are sore? What should I do? Why do I hate running three weeks out from the marathon?" " Hey, I don't think I've done enough to prepare." All the things we think about as runners and people getting ready for a marathon, having that coach to bounce those scary thoughts off of and have them talk you back down off the ledge is been, for my mental health, so beyond liberating and just amazing, as well as the physical aspect of someone who can put together and structure a training program to put you in a position to be competitive, to hit your goal more so than something that you generate off of a Google website that you found about how to run fast. It's like that human element of coaching, making real- time adjustments to your training based off your health, how you feel. It's just been a game changer. And when, not if, when I go sub- three, she will be, Julia, one of the biggest people to credit in the doing of that. So I'm very fortunate to have coaching like that.

It makes sense, Matt, to me that coaching would be a big game changer for you because you were a football player, you're used to being coached, you had head coaches and offensive coordinators and wide receiver coaches and coaches your whole life, so coaching, you're coachable, right? I mean, you get what it means to have a coach and know how to respond to what a coach says, so it makes a lot of sense. One thing I'm really curious about, I play team sports, I play baseball, not at the level you played football, but I play baseball, and it's such a different thing as a team sport athlete in a sport like football where you're always around other people, your practices are a lot of short bursts, right? You're running short bursts, you're catching, you're doing sprints, you're in the weight room, whereas with marathons, okay, you are with a coach, but I mean, there's a lot of time where you're just there and you're just in your head and you are just going and going. It is not short bursts at all. It is these long, long runs. Has it been a challenge to make that adjustment from the kind of practice and work you had to do then to what you have to do now?

It makes sense, Matt, to me that coaching would be a big game changer for you because you were a football player, you're used to being coached, you had head coaches and offensive coordinators and wide receiver coaches and coaches your whole life, so coaching, you're coachable, right? I mean, you get what it means to have a coach and know how to respond to what a coach says, so it makes a lot of sense. One thing I'm really curious about, I play team sports, I play baseball, not at the level you played football, but I play baseball, and it's such a different thing as a team sport athlete in a sport like football where you're always around other people, your practices are a lot of short bursts, right? You're running short bursts, you're catching, you're doing sprints, you're in the weight room, whereas with marathons, okay, you are with a coach, but I mean, there's a lot of time where you're just there and you're just in your head and you are just going and going. It is not short bursts at all. It is these long, long runs. Has it been a challenge to make that adjustment from the kind of practice and work you had to do then to what you have to do now?

Rob, it's the biggest adjustment because you have to remind yourself why you do it. I have to remind myself why I do it. I'm a very logical person, and if there's ever a point when I'm doing something and I don't feel like I have a logical reason or explanation for doing it, then I'm not going to do it anymore. So when I'm running, I'm like, " Why am I doing this? Why am I forcing myself? No one's paying me to be out here." People have jobs, obligations for life, and that we consciously make this effort to torture ourselves for 26 miles and for months leading up to this. But I love the community aspect of it. I love being able to be social and build community around things outside of going to a bar, drinking, those type of activities. I love the idea of building friend groups, networks around those type of activities, and some of my best friendships... And you spend a lot of time with these people when you're training. And it's what I look forward to most when I have someone like a Shalane that's going to selflessly decide to pace me. One of the coolest things that's ever happened to me since I've become a runner or self- proclaimed runner is the London Marathon this year. I had a goal of going under three hours, and I had no pacer. This was my first time running a marathon without a pacer, and I didn't know anybody running the race. I didn't know anybody out there. And it's the day of the race. I just am going to try to pace myself. I'm just going to hold myself to whatever time I need to hold myself to. And I'm on a bus headed to the starting line of the marathon, and I meet the most amazing people ever. Tommy, Mikey Kratzer, he's a Berlin- based marathon runner, and we just get to talking about running, and he's like, " What's your goal for the day?" And I'm like, "Oh, I want to try to go under three hours. I've never done it." And I've never met this guy in my life, and he's like, " Matt, I'm, I'm going to pace you." He's like, " I'm going to get you to that goal." And I almost brought me to tears on the bus, these random strangers from all over the world, Tommy's from Detroit, Mikey's from Berlin, and they're just like, yeah, we got you. And they made it about pacing me. And that's what the running community is. It's such a selfless place to be. And there's been so many instances I've seen that with other people on the course. It's like if someone's hurting, if someone needs that extra motivation, race day stories of complete strangers motivating and pushing people to the finish. And that's to answer your question, those type of interactions keep my mind off of going from these short wind sprints to being able to endure a long, treacherous route is having an amazing community, amazing people who decide to uplift you and make a race day experience the best. And that's why I look forward to New York every year.

Rob, it's the biggest adjustment because you have to remind yourself why you do it. I have to remind myself why I do it. I'm a very logical person, and if there's ever a point when I'm doing something and I don't feel like I have a logical reason or explanation for doing it, then I'm not going to do it anymore. So when I'm running, I'm like, " Why am I doing this? Why am I forcing myself? No one's paying me to be out here." People have jobs, obligations for life, and that we consciously make this effort to torture ourselves for 26 miles and for months leading up to this. But I love the community aspect of it. I love being able to be social and build community around things outside of going to a bar, drinking, those type of activities. I love the idea of building friend groups, networks around those type of activities, and some of my best friendships... And you spend a lot of time with these people when you're training. And it's what I look forward to most when I have someone like a Shalane that's going to selflessly decide to pace me. One of the coolest things that's ever happened to me since I've become a runner or self- proclaimed runner is the London Marathon this year. I had a goal of going under three hours, and I had no pacer. This was my first time running a marathon without a pacer, and I didn't know anybody running the race. I didn't know anybody out there. And it's the day of the race. I just am going to try to pace myself. I'm just going to hold myself to whatever time I need to hold myself to. And I'm on a bus headed to the starting line of the marathon, and I meet the most amazing people ever. Tommy, Mikey Kratzer, he's a Berlin- based marathon runner, and we just get to talking about running, and he's like, " What's your goal for the day?" And I'm like, "Oh, I want to try to go under three hours. I've never done it." And I've never met this guy in my life, and he's like, " Matt, I'm, I'm going to pace you." He's like, " I'm going to get you to that goal." And I almost brought me to tears on the bus, these random strangers from all over the world, Tommy's from Detroit, Mikey's from Berlin, and they're just like, yeah, we got you. And they made it about pacing me. And that's what the running community is. It's such a selfless place to be. And there's been so many instances I've seen that with other people on the course. It's like if someone's hurting, if someone needs that extra motivation, race day stories of complete strangers motivating and pushing people to the finish. And that's to answer your question, those type of interactions keep my mind off of going from these short wind sprints to being able to endure a long, treacherous route is having an amazing community, amazing people who decide to uplift you and make a race day experience the best. And that's why I look forward to New York every year.

Yeah, Matt, I know exactly what you're talking about. I had a similar experience in Berlin I've talked about on the podcast. I ran Berlin, was struggling the last few miles, and a New York Road Runners member who just recognized me came along with me and Roberto, we were running together, and helped me get through the finish line as well. So it's amazing how people want to help each other out there. Okay, I have to ask, since you're talking about who you run with, Rachel, is she a runner? Is she getting into running at all? Do we have a potential running partner in Rachel? And I have to ask for all The Bachelor fans out there. How's it going?

Yeah, Matt, I know exactly what you're talking about. I had a similar experience in Berlin I've talked about on the podcast. I ran Berlin, was struggling the last few miles, and a New York Road Runners member who just recognized me came along with me and Roberto, we were running together, and helped me get through the finish line as well. So it's amazing how people want to help each other out there. Okay, I have to ask, since you're talking about who you run with, Rachel, is she a runner? Is she getting into running at all? Do we have a potential running partner in Rachel? And I have to ask for all The Bachelor fans out there. How's it going?

Oh, that's funny. Rachel... So I'll say this, Rachel, every year after the marathon, she's like a lot of other spectators is so inspired, and they're like, " I'm going to sign up for the marathon. This was so beautiful to watch. I want to be a part of this. I want to participate." And if you haven't watched a marathon and you're listening, I highly recommend you just go for five minutes, and you're going to end up staying for an hour. You're going to see people who are old, people who are young, people who are tall, small. You're going to see everybody. Everybody's a runner, and everyone has representation out there on race day. So Rachel, my girlfriend, one of those people-

Oh, that's funny. Rachel... So I'll say this, Rachel, every year after the marathon, she's like a lot of other spectators is so inspired, and they're like, " I'm going to sign up for the marathon. This was so beautiful to watch. I want to be a part of this. I want to participate." And if you haven't watched a marathon and you're listening, I highly recommend you just go for five minutes, and you're going to end up staying for an hour. You're going to see people who are old, people who are young, people who are tall, small. You're going to see everybody. Everybody's a runner, and everyone has representation out there on race day. So Rachel, my girlfriend, one of those people-

From The Bachelor, by the way, for those who don't know, yes.

From The Bachelor, by the way, for those who don't know, yes.

Yes, from The Bachelor, we met on The Bachelor. She's like, " I'm going to run a marathon. I want to do this," after seeing me, and every single year after the marathon, I'm laying in the medical tent just sprawled out, hurting, just like, " Baby, you don't want to do this, don't put yourself through this. This is so dumb. I'm not going to do this again." And then every year I sign up to run again because you know what? I can't stay away from it. It's addicting. It's so much fun. It's something that I want to be able to do as long as my body will will itself to move, I want to be able to run the New York City Marathon every year. And with Rachel, I think that we got to start with something that's a little bit more palatable. So hopefully we'll get her in the Fifth Avenue Mile next year, and then we'll go from the Fifth Ave Mile to a fun 5K something in Central Park. I think the 10K in the Central Park is all women. There's a... Yes.

Yes, from The Bachelor, we met on The Bachelor. She's like, " I'm going to run a marathon. I want to do this," after seeing me, and every single year after the marathon, I'm laying in the medical tent just sprawled out, hurting, just like, " Baby, you don't want to do this, don't put yourself through this. This is so dumb. I'm not going to do this again." And then every year I sign up to run again because you know what? I can't stay away from it. It's addicting. It's so much fun. It's something that I want to be able to do as long as my body will will itself to move, I want to be able to run the New York City Marathon every year. And with Rachel, I think that we got to start with something that's a little bit more palatable. So hopefully we'll get her in the Fifth Avenue Mile next year, and then we'll go from the Fifth Ave Mile to a fun 5K something in Central Park. I think the 10K in the Central Park is all women. There's a... Yes.

The Mastercard Mini 10K. Absolutely.

The Mastercard Mini 10K. Absolutely.

The Mastercard Mini 10K.

The Mastercard Mini 10K.

Yes, the Mastercard Mini 10K.

Yes, the Mastercard Mini 10K.

It's a great first race, great first kind of endurance race.

It's a great first race, great first kind of endurance race.

The half the year after as well. (inaudible) .

The half the year after as well. (inaudible) .

So there we go. We're going to usher Rachel into her running era through a series of New York Road Runner events.

So there we go. We're going to usher Rachel into her running era through a series of New York Road Runner events.

Yes. I also feel like the...

Yes. I also feel like the...

We've got the mile.

We've got the mile.

... the festive ones as well around the holiday season are so cute as well. You can come in your ugly festive jumper and a big bubble hat and get some hot chocolate at the end. That's kind of like... I don't know, I feel like that's a really nice excuse to get moving when it's cold and gross here in New York.

... the festive ones as well around the holiday season are so cute as well. You can come in your ugly festive jumper and a big bubble hat and get some hot chocolate at the end. That's kind of like... I don't know, I feel like that's a really nice excuse to get moving when it's cold and gross here in New York.

Yes. And she has a bunch of friends that have participated in those events. So I think that the more we've seen this influx of new runners into the running space post- pandemic. I think the more inclusive it's become and she sees more representation from people who are not typical runners and people who fit an idea of what a runner should be and look like, gives her more confidence in terms of wanting to participate and be a part of that space, which is fun to see.

Yes. And she has a bunch of friends that have participated in those events. So I think that the more we've seen this influx of new runners into the running space post- pandemic. I think the more inclusive it's become and she sees more representation from people who are not typical runners and people who fit an idea of what a runner should be and look like, gives her more confidence in terms of wanting to participate and be a part of that space, which is fun to see.

Yeah, absolutely.

Yeah, absolutely.

Well, Matt, we're certainly rooting for you to accomplish your goal on November 3rd. By the way, that London time, just 40 seconds over three hours. I think it was three hours and 40 seconds or 41 seconds, so you're right there.

Well, Matt, we're certainly rooting for you to accomplish your goal on November 3rd. By the way, that London time, just 40 seconds over three hours. I think it was three hours and 40 seconds or 41 seconds, so you're right there.

(inaudible) .

(inaudible) .

But of course that was London and this is New York, and you know New York is not the easiest course to set that PR on. How confident are you feeling, Mr. James, in your attempt at under three hours coming up in a couple of weeks?

But of course that was London and this is New York, and you know New York is not the easiest course to set that PR on. How confident are you feeling, Mr. James, in your attempt at under three hours coming up in a couple of weeks?

Rob, the confidence waivers day by day. You know you have a good run and you're like, " Ah, man, these are sub- three legs right here." And then you'll go out and you'll have a 10- mile run that's supposed to be at race pace and you can barely run race pace, and you're like, " Man, I should drop out and just never run again. I'm not equipped for this." It's such a mental battle. But I think that for me, what prepares me to run that sub- three time in New York this year is the tough training blocks that I put myself through, and being able to look back on that body of work that I put together and be confident in that work. And that's what my coach reminds me of. She's like, " Listen, look back on your training, go back to your Strava, go back to your Coros data and look at all the miles you've put on your legs. Look at how well you've performed in these workouts. It's there for you to take. You just got to show up on race day and do it." And every training run, every training session builds that confidence, and that's why I take my training so serious now because that's all I have to rely on when it gets to the race and I'm dying and I'm hurting and I'm running that mile up... I don't know what avenue that is...