Alison Mariella Desir on Set The Pace

Boogie Down Bronx Runners' Lennie Grullon 

It's Race Week! In preparation for the United Airlines NYC Half, Set The Pace presents a special episode recorded live at the NYRR Run Center Featuring the New Balance Run Hub.

Hosts Rob and Becs are joined by special guest Alison Mariella Désir, founder of Harlem Run, author of the bestselling book Running While Black, and the host of the award-winning PBS show, "Out & Back with Alison Mariella Désir." Alison discusses her work in the outdoor industry, building community, and making room for historically marginalized people in the running space. Also joining as featured NYRR member is Lenny Grullon, co-founder of the 2025 NYRR Club Night Team Spirit Award winning run club Boogie Down Bronx Runners.

 

Alison Mariella Desir on Set The Pace (11:51)

Boogie Down Bronx Runners' Lennie Grullon  (54:28)


LINKS:
https://www.woctakethelead.com/

FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok
SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

DISCLAIMER

It's Race Week! In preparation for the United Airlines NYC Half, Set The Pace presents a special episode recorded live at the NYRR Run Center Featuring the New Balance Run Hub. Hosts Rob and Becs are joined by special guest Alison Mariella D&eacute;sir, founder of Harlem Run, author of the bestselling book Running While Black, and the host of the award-winning PBS show, "Out &amp; Back with Alison Mariella D&eacute;sir." Alison discusses her work in the outdoor industry, building community, and making room for historically marginalized people in the running space. Also joining as featured NYRR member is Lenny Grullon, co-founder of the 2025 NYRR Club Night Team Spirit Award winning run club Boogie Down Bronx Runners.
&nbsp;
Alison Mariella Desir on Set The Pace (11:51)
Boogie Down Bronx Runners' Lennie Grullon&nbsp; (54:28) LINKS: <a href="https://www.woctakethelead.com/">https://www.woctakethelead.com/</a> FOLLOW NYRR: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a> SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instuctor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

Set the Pace

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instructor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton is the official podcast of New York Road Runners. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton Instructor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication. Each episode also includes an NYRR Member Moment spotlight and pro tip from 2009 New York City Marathon champ and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi.

Reclaiming the Run: Alison Mariella Désir on Diversity, Activism, and Adventure

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/a2087db5-afc4-4f7b-bdd6-b2a00012b07a/transcript

Rob's Message for Becs

Maybelline Women's Half April 27

Kirra Michel on STP

Meditate with Kirra

Member Andrew Kile on STP

Meb Minute with HSS

This week, Becs is joined by Peloton instructor Kirra Michel who leads us all on a meditation specifically for runners. Kirra's grounded presence has inspired thousands through her yoga and meditation classes. Born in Santa Cruz, California, Kirra moved with her family coastal town of Lennox Head, Australia when she was just three months old. Her childhood was filled with movement, from surfing, dancing, and gymnastics to everything outdoors. She moved to New York in her 20s and discovered the transformative power of yoga and meditation tools that helped her navigate burnout, perfectionism, and personal healing. The episode explores yoga’s benefits for runners and offers practical advice for integrating mindfulness into your training. Kirra also leads listeners through a short, guided meditation. Also joining this week is NYRR member Andrew Kile who after quitting smoking in 2017, signed up for the TCS New York City Marathon and found a sense of joy, purpose, and belonging through running. Plus, Hospital for Special Surgery physical therapist Alison Greer discusses race recovery and injury prevention, especially for women.

Rob's Message for Becs: (01:01)
Maybelline Women's Half April 27: (04:19)
Kirra Michel on STP: (08:15)
Meditate with Kirra: (34:53)
Member Andrew Kile on STP: (40:06)
Meb Minute with HSS: (47:58)

FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok

SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

DISCLAIMER

This week, Becs is joined by Peloton instructor Kirra Michel who leads us all on a meditation specifically for runners. Kirra's grounded presence has inspired thousands through her yoga and meditation classes. Born in Santa Cruz, California, Kirra moved with her family coastal town of Lennox Head, Australia when she was just three months old. Her childhood was filled with movement, from surfing, dancing, and gymnastics to everything outdoors. She moved to New York in her 20s and discovered the transformative power of yoga and meditation tools that helped her navigate burnout, perfectionism, and personal healing. The episode explores yoga&rsquo;s benefits for runners and offers practical advice for integrating mindfulness into your training. Kirra also leads listeners through a short, guided meditation. Also joining this week is NYRR member Andrew Kile who after quitting smoking in 2017, signed up for the TCS New York City Marathon and found a sense of joy, purpose, and belonging through running. Plus, Hospital for Special Surgery physical therapist Alison Greer discusses race recovery and injury prevention, especially for women.
Rob's Message for Becs: (01:01) Maybelline Women's Half April 27: (04:19) Kirra Michel on STP: (08:15) Meditate with Kirra: (34:53) Member Andrew Kile on STP: (40:06) Meb Minute with HSS: (47:58) FOLLOW NYRR: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a>
SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

Meditation and Mindfulness for the Miles Ahead with Peloton Instructor Kirra Michel

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/c217d600-5d5c-47a1-a5af-b2c90005630f/transcript

Sam Ryan's Member Moment

Coach Ed Eyestone's Marathon Insights

Maurten's Lauren Thomas

Just two days before the 129th Boston Marathon, we recorded a special live episode of Set the Pace at the Citizens House of Blues in Boston. With co-host Sam Ryan—four-time Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and Boston Marathon runner—we dive into the racing mindset, the power of community, and what it means to cover the sport from both sides of the finish line. Then, legendary BYU coach and two-time Olympian Ed Eyestone joins us to talk about coaching elite American marathoners (including Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Keira D’Amato) and how consistency shaped his coaching philosophy. Plus, performance dietitian Lauren Thomas shares practical fueling strategies from the team at Maurten. Whether you’re lining up in Hopkinton or cheering for your favorite runners, this episode brings you right into the heart of Boston Marathon weekend.



Sam Ryan's Member Moment: (01:04)
Coach Ed Eyestone's Marathon Insights: (10:11)
Maurten's Lauren Thomas: (46:00)

 

FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok
SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

DISCLAIMER

Just two days before the 129th Boston Marathon, we recorded a special live episode of Set the Pace at the Citizens House of Blues in Boston. With co-host Sam Ryan&mdash;four-time Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and Boston Marathon runner&mdash;we dive into the racing mindset, the power of community, and what it means to cover the sport from both sides of the finish line. Then, legendary BYU coach and two-time Olympian Ed Eyestone joins us to talk about coaching elite American marathoners (including Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Keira D&rsquo;Amato) and how consistency shaped his coaching philosophy. Plus, performance dietitian Lauren Thomas shares practical fueling strategies from the team at Maurten. Whether you&rsquo;re lining up in Hopkinton or cheering for your favorite runners, this episode brings you right into the heart of Boston Marathon weekend. 
Sam Ryan's Member Moment: (01:04) Coach Ed Eyestone's Marathon Insights: (10:11) Maurten's Lauren Thomas: (46:00)
&nbsp;
FOLLOW NYRR: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a> SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
<a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

Boston Marathon BTS with Ed Eyestone - Coach of America’s Top Runners

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/8accd1e5-1c86-438b-abf8-b2c5001b7740/transcript

Medical Volunteer David Csillan 

Larry Sillen Began Volunteering in 1979

Nancy Chiu   from  Cunningham Park 

April is Global Volunteer Month and this week Rob and Becs interview three NYRR Volunteer Hall of Fame Inductees about their years of experience helping out at the New York City Marathon and Open Run. David Csillan has spent more than 35 years safeguarding the health of runners as a medical volunteer, becoming an essential part of the marathon's medical team. Larry Sillen has volunteered since 1979, handing out bibs and even hauling water from fire hydrants. Now 80 years old, Larry is a familiar face at Open Runs across the city, especially at Marine Park in Brooklyn, where he grew up. Nancy Chiu is the Open Run captain at Cunningham Park in Queens and the leader of the CunningHammers run club whose built a network rooted in encouragement and consistency. She's introduced countless people to the joy of running and volunteering, especially during the pandemic when her presence became a lifeline for community connection.

Medical Volunteer David Csillan: (04:27)

Larry Sillen Began Volunteering in 1979: (20:28)

Nancy Chiu from Cunningham Park Open Run: (32:18)


FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok

SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

DISCLAIMER

April is Global Volunteer Month and this week Rob and Becs interview three NYRR Volunteer Hall of Fame Inductees about their years of experience helping out at the New York City Marathon and Open Run. David Csillan has spent more than 35 years safeguarding the health of runners as a medical volunteer, becoming an essential part of the marathon's medical team. Larry Sillen has volunteered since 1979, handing out bibs and even hauling water from fire hydrants. Now 80 years old, Larry is a familiar face at Open Runs across the city, especially at Marine Park in Brooklyn, where he grew up. Nancy Chiu is the Open Run captain at Cunningham Park in Queens and the leader of the CunningHammers run club whose built a network rooted in encouragement and consistency. She's introduced countless people to the joy of running and volunteering, especially during the pandemic when her presence became a lifeline for community connection.
Medical Volunteer David Csillan: (04:27)
Larry Sillen Began Volunteering in 1979: (20:28)
Nancy Chiu from Cunningham Park Open Run: (32:18)
 FOLLOW NYRR: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nyrr/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRoadRunners/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nyrr">X</a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkroadrunners">TikTok</a>
SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pace/id1703616687">Apple Podcasts </a>or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2k1UziVCr4wYtMM5Awr2MA?si=871db22f44c049b1">Spotify</a>. <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/setthepace">DISCLAIMER</a>

Cheers to NYRR Volunteers Who Give Back at the Marathon and in the Community

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/dc1b3f8c-8a2d-4298-8405-b17000ea5872/clips/2c62c7c4-5ab0-4d34-9c07-b2c1013ef5d9/transcript

Reclaiming the Run: Alison Mariella Désir on Diversity, Activism, and Adventure

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