1 00:00:00,510 --> 00:00:03,630 Anne Valentzas : It's a race where women really are genuinely supporting one 2 00:00:03,630 --> 00:00:05,970 Anne Valentzas : another. I'll never forget one of the years I ran, 3 00:00:06,720 --> 00:00:09,210 Anne Valentzas : two women were talking to each other. One said, " Hey, 4 00:00:09,210 --> 00:00:11,670 Anne Valentzas : it's my first." They didn't know each other. One said, " 5 00:00:11,910 --> 00:00:14,069 Anne Valentzas : It's my first time. I'm really nervous. I heard it's 6 00:00:14,070 --> 00:00:16,470 Anne Valentzas : very hilly. I don't know the course at all." The 7 00:00:16,470 --> 00:00:19,200 Anne Valentzas : other one said, " Hey, what pace are you planning to 8 00:00:19,200 --> 00:00:21,780 Anne Valentzas : run? I'm happy to run with you and I'll give 9 00:00:21,780 --> 00:00:23,550 Anne Valentzas : you guidance all along the way and I'll tell you 10 00:00:23,550 --> 00:00:28,110 Anne Valentzas : what to expect." They instantly had this bond and this support 11 00:00:28,110 --> 00:00:31,320 Anne Valentzas : and it's really incredible to watch. I think it's very special. 12 00:00:35,729 --> 00:00:38,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hey, everybody and welcome to Set the Pace, the official 13 00:00:38,820 --> 00:00:43,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: podcast of New York Roadrunners presented by Peloton. I'm your 14 00:00:43,350 --> 00:00:46,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: host, Rob Simmelkjaer, the CEO of New York Roadrunners. We 15 00:00:46,650 --> 00:00:48,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: are live and I'm going to make you guys make 16 00:00:48,930 --> 00:00:52,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: some noise. We're live from our annual TCS New York 17 00:00:52,170 --> 00:00:56,370 Rob Simmelkjaer: City Marathon Partner Forum. Can you make some noise so 18 00:00:56,370 --> 00:01:01,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: that people can hear you? That's right. This is a 19 00:01:01,200 --> 00:01:05,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: very exclusive crowd of New York City Marathon partners and 20 00:01:05,970 --> 00:01:08,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: sponsors. We bring them all together once a year in 21 00:01:08,910 --> 00:01:11,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York City to talk about this incredible event, the 22 00:01:11,940 --> 00:01:15,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: TCS New York City Marathon and all that our partners 23 00:01:15,330 --> 00:01:19,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: do to make that experience possible for our runners and 24 00:01:19,440 --> 00:01:23,039 Rob Simmelkjaer: our members. So it's a really special day. Part of 25 00:01:23,100 --> 00:01:25,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: what makes it special is I don't have my usual co- 26 00:01:25,860 --> 00:01:28,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: host with me today. Becs Gentry couldn't be with us 27 00:01:28,560 --> 00:01:31,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: today. So we've got someone from another one of our 28 00:01:31,080 --> 00:01:35,490 Rob Simmelkjaer: partners, Mastercard's Anne Valentzas is here in her place. Give 29 00:01:35,490 --> 00:01:41,490 Rob Simmelkjaer: it up for Anne. Did you ever think you'd be 30 00:01:41,490 --> 00:01:42,690 Rob Simmelkjaer: hosting a podcast, Anne? 31 00:01:43,080 --> 00:01:45,360 Anne Valentzas : No. This is a first. I thought I was in 32 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:46,890 Anne Valentzas : marketing, but I guess I'm a podcaster. 33 00:01:47,490 --> 00:01:50,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: Well now you're talent. So welcome to the world of 34 00:01:50,040 --> 00:01:53,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: podcast talent. For those who don't know, can I tell 35 00:01:53,040 --> 00:01:54,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: a little bit about you? I want to tell your 36 00:01:54,270 --> 00:01:55,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: story a little bit. 37 00:01:55,080 --> 00:01:55,500 Anne Valentzas : Sure. 38 00:01:55,500 --> 00:01:58,980 Rob Simmelkjaer: Anne's title is Senior Vice President of Consumer Marketing and 39 00:01:58,980 --> 00:02:03,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: Sponsorships at Mastercard. She spearheads the Global Priceless program, which 40 00:02:03,240 --> 00:02:08,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: is iconic. Everybody knows about Priceless and Mastercard, experiences that 41 00:02:08,040 --> 00:02:13,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: connect cardholders to culture, sport, and sustainability initiatives. A champion 42 00:02:13,620 --> 00:02:18,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: for entrepreneurs and also leads Mastercard's small business marketing portfolio, 43 00:02:18,840 --> 00:02:23,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: delivering resources and exposure that help local merchants thrive. Here 44 00:02:23,820 --> 00:02:27,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: at Roadrunners, we get to work closely with you through 45 00:02:27,810 --> 00:02:31,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: flagship races like the Mastercard Mini 10K, which is coming 46 00:02:31,290 --> 00:02:33,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: up this weekend, and of course the TCS New York 47 00:02:33,750 --> 00:02:36,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: City Marathon. Here's a fun fact about Anne. We were 48 00:02:36,630 --> 00:02:39,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: talking about it a little bit earlier. Anne ran her 49 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:42,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: first Mini 10K. Was it your first race? 50 00:02:42,690 --> 00:02:43,710 Anne Valentzas : No, it was not my first race. 51 00:02:43,740 --> 00:02:44,251 Rob Simmelkjaer: Okay, but your first... 52 00:02:44,251 --> 00:02:45,149 Anne Valentzas : First time that I ran the Mini 10K. 53 00:02:45,150 --> 00:02:50,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: The Mini 10K, she ran it back in 1996. What 54 00:02:50,100 --> 00:02:51,390 Rob Simmelkjaer: do you remember about running it in 1996? 55 00:02:51,390 --> 00:02:56,850 Anne Valentzas : I don't remember a lot other than I had a 56 00:02:56,850 --> 00:02:59,549 Anne Valentzas : good time. I really enjoyed it. It's a special event. 57 00:02:59,610 --> 00:03:02,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: Obviously we're all very excited here at New York Roadrunners 58 00:03:02,160 --> 00:03:06,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: with the Mastercard Mini 10K coming up. Anne, we have an 59 00:03:06,330 --> 00:03:10,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: incredible pro field in this year's race. We've got Olympians and 60 00:03:10,380 --> 00:03:14,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: World Champions, including former TCS New York City Marathon winners, 61 00:03:15,330 --> 00:03:19,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hellen Obiri, and our guest today, which I'll introduce in 62 00:03:19,470 --> 00:03:24,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: a second, Sharon Lokedi, fresh off of her Boston Marathon 63 00:03:24,030 --> 00:03:26,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: win. She'll be joining us at the Mastercard Mini 10K. 64 00:03:26,700 --> 00:03:29,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: I cannot wait to see Sharon. I haven't seen her 65 00:03:29,040 --> 00:03:31,889 Rob Simmelkjaer: in person since she won that race in Boston. It 66 00:03:31,889 --> 00:03:34,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: was such a great moment to see that. We've got 67 00:03:34,530 --> 00:03:39,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: some other amazing champions. World Champion Gotytom Gebreslase will be 68 00:03:39,570 --> 00:03:46,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: there. US Olympians, Kim Conley, Emily Infeld, Weini Kelati, Dakotah Popehn, and Emily 69 00:03:46,140 --> 00:03:49,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: Sisson will all be in the field, and Paralympic medalist 70 00:03:49,830 --> 00:03:54,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: and defending TCS New York City Marathon Wheelchair champion Susannah 71 00:03:54,450 --> 00:03:58,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: Scaroni racing for her sixth consecutive event title. So, Anne, 72 00:03:58,530 --> 00:04:01,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: it's an amazing pro field. Not only do we have 73 00:04:01,380 --> 00:04:05,070 Rob Simmelkjaer: these amazing folks at the front, we've also got obviously 74 00:04:05,070 --> 00:04:06,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: a huge field behind them. We're going to have more 75 00:04:06,960 --> 00:04:10,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: than a thousand kids participating in a girls' run as 76 00:04:10,890 --> 00:04:13,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: well as 10, 000 runners in the main field. So it 77 00:04:13,770 --> 00:04:14,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: should be an amazing day. 78 00:04:15,300 --> 00:04:17,490 Anne Valentzas : Really looking forward to it. I hope the weather holds 79 00:04:17,490 --> 00:04:18,300 Anne Valentzas : out for us. 80 00:04:18,750 --> 00:04:20,609 Rob Simmelkjaer: Well, not only do we have all that going on, 81 00:04:20,610 --> 00:04:23,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: but also a first, this is going to be a 82 00:04:23,550 --> 00:04:26,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: broadcast race. We're going to have the opportunity for people 83 00:04:26,580 --> 00:04:29,670 Rob Simmelkjaer: to watch this race through all kinds of amazing channels. 84 00:04:29,670 --> 00:04:33,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: So for the first time, our New York Roadrunners app, 85 00:04:33,630 --> 00:04:36,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: which if you haven't downloaded already, you should be downloading 86 00:04:36,480 --> 00:04:39,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: right away because we're going to have live, uninterrupted feeds 87 00:04:40,170 --> 00:04:43,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: of the Mastercard New York Mini 10K professional athlete field 88 00:04:44,070 --> 00:04:47,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: live on the app as it happens. The event's also 89 00:04:47,310 --> 00:04:49,529 Rob Simmelkjaer: going to be covered locally in the tri- state New York 90 00:04:49,529 --> 00:04:53,969 Rob Simmelkjaer: City area by WABC TV with live news cut- ins 91 00:04:54,150 --> 00:04:57,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: from 6 AM to 10 AM. Then beginning at 7: 92 00:04:57,270 --> 00:05:00,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: 45 AM the professional race will be covered by a 93 00:05:00,300 --> 00:05:04,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: live stream distributed not only in the app but domestically by 94 00:05:04,380 --> 00:05:10,529 Rob Simmelkjaer: ESPN Plus and ABC7newyork. com. So Anne, this race is getting 95 00:05:10,529 --> 00:05:13,529 Rob Simmelkjaer: bigger. We're also going to have international coverage as well. 96 00:05:13,529 --> 00:05:16,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Roadrunners YouTube channel will cover the live stream. 97 00:05:17,130 --> 00:05:20,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: Reporting live from the event will be an all- women 98 00:05:20,279 --> 00:05:25,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: broadcast team, WABC sports anchor, Sam Ryan, WABC reporter, Nina 99 00:05:25,380 --> 00:05:30,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: Pineda, and US Olympians, Carrie Tollefson and Alysia Montano. So 100 00:05:30,690 --> 00:05:33,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: that's going to be pretty cool to watch that race 101 00:05:33,180 --> 00:05:37,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: live. It's great to shine a light on these incredible 102 00:05:37,260 --> 00:05:40,229 Rob Simmelkjaer: female athletes and give women everywhere a chance to watch 103 00:05:40,230 --> 00:05:41,070 Rob Simmelkjaer: this great race. 104 00:05:41,460 --> 00:05:45,060 Anne Valentzas : Yeah, I'm really excited about that and I'm excited to be participating 105 00:05:45,060 --> 00:05:45,839 Anne Valentzas : this year as well. 106 00:05:46,290 --> 00:05:47,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: You're back. Taking it... 107 00:05:47,430 --> 00:05:47,520 Anne Valentzas : I'm back. 108 00:05:47,520 --> 00:05:49,741 Rob Simmelkjaer: Are you going to try to take that PR down again? 109 00:05:49,741 --> 00:05:52,140 Anne Valentzas : I've got to keep on beating the last one. 110 00:05:52,140 --> 00:05:54,390 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right, pressure's on now. We'll all be tracking you 111 00:05:54,390 --> 00:05:56,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the app. So I'm putting you in right now. 112 00:05:56,640 --> 00:06:00,659 Rob Simmelkjaer: Anne Valentzas. That's with a Z. Okay. So we have 113 00:06:00,690 --> 00:06:03,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: a tradition at Set the Pace Partner Forum live episodes, 114 00:06:04,260 --> 00:06:08,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: and so we're going to have another superstar live runner 115 00:06:08,010 --> 00:06:11,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: join us today. Today it's going to be an incredible 116 00:06:11,850 --> 00:06:16,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: athlete and an incredible person. The newly crowned 2025 Boston 117 00:06:16,710 --> 00:06:21,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: Marathon champion and course record holder, the 2022 TCS New York 118 00:06:21,960 --> 00:06:26,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: City Marathon winner, and the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Champion, 119 00:06:27,180 --> 00:06:29,789 Rob Simmelkjaer: the great Sharon Lokedi. She's going to be up here in 120 00:06:30,150 --> 00:06:32,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: just a minute and we're so excited to talk to 121 00:06:32,610 --> 00:06:35,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: her fresh off of her Boston win. First before we 122 00:06:35,310 --> 00:06:37,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: get to Sharon, we're going to talk a little more 123 00:06:37,890 --> 00:06:41,339 Rob Simmelkjaer: with you about Mastercard and the Mini 10K. I guess, 124 00:06:41,339 --> 00:06:43,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: Anne, I'll start just by asking you the question because 125 00:06:44,010 --> 00:06:45,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: a lot of folks out there, they may not understand 126 00:06:45,450 --> 00:06:49,799 Rob Simmelkjaer: the world of sports sponsorship. Why does a company like 127 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:53,099 Rob Simmelkjaer: Mastercard want to put its name on an event like 128 00:06:53,100 --> 00:06:54,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: the Mastercard Mini 10K? 129 00:06:54,870 --> 00:06:58,170 Anne Valentzas : Well, Mastercard Mini 10K is a special event. It is 130 00:06:58,170 --> 00:07:02,339 Anne Valentzas : about bringing community together. It's about women supporting women, it's 131 00:07:02,339 --> 00:07:08,610 Anne Valentzas : about women's empowerment. We as Mastercard are all about bringing 132 00:07:08,610 --> 00:07:13,500 Anne Valentzas : people together through passions. Those runners are celebrating their passions 133 00:07:13,500 --> 00:07:18,090 Anne Valentzas : together and this is an opportunity for us to enable 134 00:07:18,090 --> 00:07:21,300 Anne Valentzas : that, enable that through our card holders and our employees 135 00:07:21,930 --> 00:07:24,180 Anne Valentzas : and to be part of a very special event. 136 00:07:25,500 --> 00:07:30,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: What is the emotional power of an event like this? I 137 00:07:30,240 --> 00:07:32,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: always talk about the finish line of one of our 138 00:07:32,730 --> 00:07:35,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: races being, apologies to our friends and partners at the 139 00:07:35,910 --> 00:07:38,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: Walt Disney Company, but the finish line of one of 140 00:07:38,340 --> 00:07:40,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: our races is the happiest place on earth, I really 141 00:07:40,800 --> 00:07:45,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: believe. What does it mean for a brand like Mastercard 142 00:07:45,540 --> 00:07:50,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: for your priceless experiences to be a part of that emotional 143 00:07:50,610 --> 00:07:51,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: power of the finish line? 144 00:07:52,530 --> 00:07:57,420 Anne Valentzas : Yeah, the finish line for a runner is about so 145 00:07:57,420 --> 00:08:01,410 Anne Valentzas : much more than the race itself. It's about the journey 146 00:08:01,800 --> 00:08:05,880 Anne Valentzas : that you took to get there. It's about setting those 147 00:08:06,300 --> 00:08:10,380 Anne Valentzas : goals. It's about overcoming challenges. It's about the perseverance, the 148 00:08:10,380 --> 00:08:13,950 Anne Valentzas : determination, what you're giving up in order to get to 149 00:08:13,950 --> 00:08:17,130 Anne Valentzas : that point. When you do get to that point, that 150 00:08:17,130 --> 00:08:22,110 Anne Valentzas : joy that you're celebrating is what we would call priceless. 151 00:08:22,140 --> 00:08:25,110 Anne Valentzas : It is something, it's an emotion that money can't buy. 152 00:08:26,550 --> 00:08:29,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: How does a relationship like the one that Mastercard and 153 00:08:29,790 --> 00:08:33,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Roadrunners has? How does it evolve over years? 154 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:38,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: I always talk with our team about never standing still. 155 00:08:39,150 --> 00:08:42,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: You can't just keep doing the same thing over and 156 00:08:42,090 --> 00:08:44,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: over again. Even if it appears to be working, you 157 00:08:44,790 --> 00:08:47,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: can't keep doing it because what works today will not 158 00:08:47,550 --> 00:08:50,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: work in two years, five years because people are always 159 00:08:50,550 --> 00:08:54,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: looking for something new. This is really part of what 160 00:08:54,090 --> 00:08:56,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: marketers have to do. How do you manage to evolve 161 00:08:56,940 --> 00:09:00,809 Rob Simmelkjaer: the relationship and keep bringing people something new to excite them? 162 00:09:01,530 --> 00:09:05,700 Anne Valentzas : Yeah, over the years we've really evolved this partnership to 163 00:09:05,760 --> 00:09:11,910 Anne Valentzas : a very purpose- driven collaboration that has helped us bring 164 00:09:11,910 --> 00:09:16,620 Anne Valentzas : our brand values to life through experiences. We do that 165 00:09:16,679 --> 00:09:20,189 Anne Valentzas : through employees. We have the Mastercard Run Club, we do 166 00:09:20,190 --> 00:09:25,140 Anne Valentzas : this through our small business activations at races. We do 167 00:09:25,140 --> 00:09:28,439 Anne Valentzas : it for card holders. We offer card holders access to 168 00:09:28,440 --> 00:09:32,670 Anne Valentzas : bibs at hard to get into races. We also do 169 00:09:32,670 --> 00:09:38,069 Anne Valentzas : something very special. When we talk about priceless experiences, we're 170 00:09:38,070 --> 00:09:42,360 Anne Valentzas : talking about these once- in- a- lifetime opportunities that literally 171 00:09:42,360 --> 00:09:45,510 Anne Valentzas : you cannot buy anywhere. One of the things that we 172 00:09:45,510 --> 00:09:48,689 Anne Valentzas : do at the TCS New York City Marathon is something 173 00:09:48,690 --> 00:09:52,380 Anne Valentzas : we call the Priceless Start. What we do is enable 174 00:09:52,380 --> 00:09:56,729 Anne Valentzas : our card holders to start the race in advance of 175 00:09:56,730 --> 00:09:59,640 Anne Valentzas : the professional field. So they're the first ones to go 176 00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:03,030 Anne Valentzas : over that Verrazzano- Narrows bridge. They're the first ones to 177 00:10:03,030 --> 00:10:06,179 Anne Valentzas : hear the roar of the crowd, and they're the ones 178 00:10:06,240 --> 00:10:09,390 Anne Valentzas : that are going to be experiencing firsthand what it feels 179 00:10:09,390 --> 00:10:12,720 Anne Valentzas : like for those professionals to run past you. You get 180 00:10:12,720 --> 00:10:17,370 Anne Valentzas : a real sense of the speed of these incredible athletes. It 181 00:10:17,370 --> 00:10:21,510 Anne Valentzas : is just a remarkable, truly once- in- a- lifetime and 182 00:10:21,660 --> 00:10:23,070 Anne Valentzas : priceless experience. 183 00:10:23,760 --> 00:10:25,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: I've stood at the starting line now for a few 184 00:10:25,890 --> 00:10:29,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: years and watched those runners get that start, that incredible 185 00:10:29,850 --> 00:10:34,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: experience. I always think two things. I think, well, how 186 00:10:34,170 --> 00:10:37,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: cool for them to get that opportunity. Then I always 187 00:10:37,470 --> 00:10:41,460 Rob Simmelkjaer: think, slow down. I'm like, you cannot chase those pro 188 00:10:41,460 --> 00:10:44,939 Rob Simmelkjaer: athletes. You've got to mind your pace. Just because you're 189 00:10:44,940 --> 00:10:47,011 Rob Simmelkjaer: up there with them doesn't mean you can keep up with them. 190 00:10:47,011 --> 00:10:50,429 Anne Valentzas : That's a challenge. We have people tell us, I just want to 191 00:10:50,429 --> 00:10:51,750 Anne Valentzas : keep up for a little bit. I want to see 192 00:10:51,750 --> 00:10:54,330 Anne Valentzas : how long I can keep up with them. 193 00:10:54,390 --> 00:10:57,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, if you start that way, good luck getting to 194 00:10:57,210 --> 00:11:00,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: Central Park. It may take you out, but it is 195 00:11:00,540 --> 00:11:05,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: an incredible experience for all of them. Another thing that 196 00:11:05,220 --> 00:11:07,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: I think is special about what you guys at Mastercard 197 00:11:07,500 --> 00:11:10,559 Rob Simmelkjaer: do around our events with the Roadrunners is you've got 198 00:11:10,559 --> 00:11:14,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: this incredible reach into small businesses. That's a huge focus 199 00:11:14,280 --> 00:11:17,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: of what you guys do. We've had small businesses featured 200 00:11:17,880 --> 00:11:22,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: at the Marathon Expo and in other places. Why is 201 00:11:22,590 --> 00:11:26,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: it so important for you, this big, global company to 202 00:11:26,280 --> 00:11:29,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: invest in and partner with small businesses and tell stories 203 00:11:29,760 --> 00:11:31,559 Rob Simmelkjaer: of all of these little mom and pops? 204 00:11:31,890 --> 00:11:35,520 Anne Valentzas : Yeah. Well, I'll tell you, small businesses and runners have 205 00:11:35,520 --> 00:11:39,030 Anne Valentzas : a lot in common. It is all about setting your 206 00:11:39,030 --> 00:11:43,290 Anne Valentzas : personal goals. You've got to have determination, you've got to 207 00:11:43,290 --> 00:11:48,689 Anne Valentzas : overcome adversity. You're in this on your own for a 208 00:11:48,690 --> 00:11:53,189 Anne Valentzas : sense of personal achievement, but it's hard work. So we 209 00:11:53,190 --> 00:11:55,740 Anne Valentzas : want to be out there and support these small businesses. 210 00:11:56,070 --> 00:11:58,949 Anne Valentzas : It's a great opportunity to do this when we're at 211 00:11:58,950 --> 00:12:01,469 Anne Valentzas : a race like the Mastercard Mini 10K, where it's all 212 00:12:01,470 --> 00:12:03,840 Anne Valentzas : part of the local community and there are these local 213 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:08,219 Anne Valentzas : small businesses that really help us all help the city 214 00:12:08,220 --> 00:12:11,699 Anne Valentzas : run, help us all as runners. This year we're going 215 00:12:11,700 --> 00:12:15,480 Anne Valentzas : to have a number of small businesses with us throughout 216 00:12:15,480 --> 00:12:17,429 Anne Valentzas : the race and at the end of the race, at 217 00:12:17,429 --> 00:12:21,990 Anne Valentzas : the Mastercard Mini 10K. We've got Baz Bagels who's going 218 00:12:21,990 --> 00:12:26,100 Anne Valentzas : to be with us. They are a small business down 219 00:12:26,100 --> 00:12:30,059 Anne Valentzas : on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, started by a 220 00:12:30,059 --> 00:12:34,380 Anne Valentzas : couple of founders. We've got Hometown Flowers with us. It's 221 00:12:34,380 --> 00:12:39,030 Anne Valentzas : a really special group of people who are bringing you 222 00:12:39,030 --> 00:12:45,209 Anne Valentzas : closer to the farmers who actually grow the flowers for 223 00:12:45,210 --> 00:12:49,679 Anne Valentzas : your special events. A company called Fausel who can help 224 00:12:50,040 --> 00:12:54,840 Anne Valentzas : support at events providing photography that can be loaded real 225 00:12:54,840 --> 00:12:59,309 Anne Valentzas : time into social media. Once again, we have Face Art 226 00:12:59,309 --> 00:13:02,460 Anne Valentzas : by Melissa who has been with us in the past. 227 00:13:02,940 --> 00:13:05,550 Anne Valentzas : She has done Face Art for the New York Yankees, 228 00:13:05,550 --> 00:13:09,600 Anne Valentzas : for the New York Rangers, for the New York Knicks, 229 00:13:09,809 --> 00:13:12,510 Anne Valentzas : and for the New York Roadrunners and our very own 230 00:13:12,510 --> 00:13:16,559 Anne Valentzas : Rob Simmelkjaer was decorated not maybe last year or the 231 00:13:16,559 --> 00:13:17,100 Anne Valentzas : year before. 232 00:13:17,100 --> 00:13:19,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: I think it was two years ago. They managed to put the 233 00:13:19,710 --> 00:13:23,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: Mastercard colors on my cheek. It worked. 234 00:13:23,610 --> 00:13:26,730 Anne Valentzas : That's right. We wanted our brand everywhere at that race, 235 00:13:26,730 --> 00:13:27,990 Anne Valentzas : including on Rob. 236 00:13:31,260 --> 00:13:35,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: Another thing that I love about Mastercard and our partnership 237 00:13:35,100 --> 00:13:38,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: is you also have made it a big part of 238 00:13:38,070 --> 00:13:40,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: what it means to be an employee at Mastercard. You 239 00:13:40,710 --> 00:13:45,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: guys have a run club, an internal run club. How 240 00:13:45,420 --> 00:13:48,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: has that run club shaped the culture at Mastercard? 241 00:13:49,559 --> 00:13:53,100 Anne Valentzas : Yeah, well at Mastercard we have a strong belief in supporting 242 00:13:53,100 --> 00:13:57,449 Anne Valentzas : our employees' health and well- being. That is physical, mental well- 243 00:13:57,450 --> 00:14:03,240 Anne Valentzas : being. Our run club, we started in partnership with this, 244 00:14:03,300 --> 00:14:06,270 Anne Valentzas : when we started this partnership in 2020, it has grown 245 00:14:06,270 --> 00:14:10,469 Anne Valentzas : to over 600 members. We are able to give our 246 00:14:10,470 --> 00:14:16,860 Anne Valentzas : employees access to things like the bibs, to priceless experiences. 247 00:14:16,860 --> 00:14:20,580 Anne Valentzas : Like we've had some incredible one- on- one sessions with 248 00:14:20,670 --> 00:14:24,900 Anne Valentzas : our ambassadors. We obviously can give them access to the 249 00:14:24,900 --> 00:14:30,510 Anne Valentzas : Priceless Start and events like the Mastercard Mini 10K, where 250 00:14:30,510 --> 00:14:34,260 Anne Valentzas : we'll have a very large group of Mastercard employees running 251 00:14:34,260 --> 00:14:35,280 Anne Valentzas : with us on Saturday. 252 00:14:36,420 --> 00:14:39,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right, I'm excited to interview our guest. Will you 253 00:14:39,450 --> 00:14:39,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: join me? 254 00:14:40,200 --> 00:14:41,100 Anne Valentzas : I would love to. 255 00:14:41,130 --> 00:14:45,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right. We are so thrilled to welcome Sharon Lokedi 256 00:14:45,600 --> 00:14:47,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: back to Set the Pace. She was on the show 257 00:14:47,910 --> 00:14:51,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: actually this past February and we talked in that episode 258 00:14:51,540 --> 00:14:55,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: about her childhood and her family and her evolution from 259 00:14:55,590 --> 00:14:59,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: a college athlete in Kansas to a champion marathoner. So 260 00:15:00,120 --> 00:15:03,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: you should go back and find that show. We'll put 261 00:15:03,210 --> 00:15:05,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the show notes to listen to that. Since that 262 00:15:05,940 --> 00:15:09,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: conversation just 13 weeks ago, Sharon has won the United 263 00:15:09,870 --> 00:15:14,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: Airlines NYC half in an event record, one hour, seven 264 00:15:14,160 --> 00:15:17,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: minutes and four seconds. Then in April, she not only 265 00:15:17,910 --> 00:15:22,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: won the Boston Marathon, but she shattered the course record 266 00:15:22,470 --> 00:15:26,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: with a two hour, 17 minute and 22 second finish 267 00:15:26,820 --> 00:15:29,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: in Boston. This coming weekend, Sharon will once again be 268 00:15:29,910 --> 00:15:34,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: racing her friend and her fierce competitor and countrywoman Hellen 269 00:15:34,380 --> 00:15:38,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: Obiri in the Mastercard New York Mini 10K. So we 270 00:15:38,100 --> 00:15:41,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: have a lot to catch up on. Try the Peloton 271 00:15:41,040 --> 00:15:43,980 Rob Simmelkjaer: app for free and access classes for every type of 272 00:15:43,980 --> 00:15:46,920 Rob Simmelkjaer: runner. Whether you're training for your first race or you're 273 00:15:46,920 --> 00:15:50,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: a seasoned pro. From outdoor runs and intervals to strength, 274 00:15:51,090 --> 00:15:54,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: yoga, and stretching, you'll find a perfect fit for every 275 00:15:54,450 --> 00:15:57,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: part of your routine. Whether it's long run day or 276 00:15:57,780 --> 00:16:00,690 Rob Simmelkjaer: you just need a quick five- minute reset. The Peloton 277 00:16:00,690 --> 00:16:03,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: app meets you where you are and helps you become 278 00:16:03,060 --> 00:16:07,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: a stronger, faster runner because it's designed for someone like 279 00:16:07,170 --> 00:16:10,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: you. Try the app for free for 30 days and 280 00:16:10,050 --> 00:16:12,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: download it now from the App Store or Google Play. 281 00:16:13,020 --> 00:16:17,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: Terms apply. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner of New 282 00:16:17,130 --> 00:16:20,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: York Roadrunners. Can we get Sharon Lokedi up here? Where 283 00:16:20,250 --> 00:16:32,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: is Sharon? There she is. Sharon, I have to give you 284 00:16:32,640 --> 00:16:40,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: a hug. Great to see you. Great. How are you? It is so great to see 285 00:16:40,950 --> 00:16:47,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: Sharon. Sharon, I haven't seen you since Boston. I saw 286 00:16:47,400 --> 00:16:51,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: you a little bit before the race. It was so 287 00:16:51,030 --> 00:16:56,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: amazing to watch you cross that finish line, the battle 288 00:16:57,000 --> 00:17:00,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: between you and Hellen, those last couple of miles. We'll 289 00:17:00,660 --> 00:17:02,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: talk about that in a second because it was an 290 00:17:02,940 --> 00:17:09,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: unbelievable battle. To see you and there was a moment 291 00:17:09,060 --> 00:17:12,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: where you clearly had it, and then to watch you 292 00:17:12,450 --> 00:17:16,619 Rob Simmelkjaer: come down Boylston Street, cross that finish line and go 293 00:17:16,619 --> 00:17:22,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: right into your mother's arms was a beautiful, beautiful thing 294 00:17:22,830 --> 00:17:25,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: to see. Congratulations. 295 00:17:26,070 --> 00:17:26,699 Sharon Lokedi: Thank you. Thank you. 296 00:17:31,500 --> 00:17:38,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: What, Sharon, do you most remember now? It was obviously 297 00:17:38,700 --> 00:17:42,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: such a huge moment, it's so recent and fresh, but 298 00:17:42,540 --> 00:17:47,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: when you think about it now, what's the first image 299 00:17:48,330 --> 00:17:49,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: that comes to mind? 300 00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:54,930 Sharon Lokedi: I think it was honestly just like you turn and 301 00:17:54,930 --> 00:17:57,660 Sharon Lokedi: you could see the finish line, but it seems so 302 00:17:57,660 --> 00:18:01,230 Sharon Lokedi: close, but it's so far away. At that time you're 303 00:18:01,230 --> 00:18:05,010 Sharon Lokedi: just so tired. I'm like, I remember I kept telling 304 00:18:05,010 --> 00:18:07,830 Sharon Lokedi: myself just one step at a time, you can do 305 00:18:07,830 --> 00:18:11,190 Sharon Lokedi: this, you can do this. Then just seeing that guide 306 00:18:11,190 --> 00:18:16,380 Sharon Lokedi: just go, " Oh, go right." I'm like, oh, thank God. So 307 00:18:16,470 --> 00:18:21,150 Sharon Lokedi: yeah, it definitely was one of those that you just cross 308 00:18:21,150 --> 00:18:25,290 Sharon Lokedi: the finish line and you're like, this is what I've been 309 00:18:25,290 --> 00:18:26,879 Sharon Lokedi: working for, for a very long time. 310 00:18:27,119 --> 00:18:31,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: How many miles were you and Hellen just kind of 311 00:18:31,980 --> 00:18:35,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: going head- to- head? I remember just in watching it, 312 00:18:35,580 --> 00:18:38,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: I feel like it was quite a while. It was 313 00:18:38,580 --> 00:18:41,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: just the two of you and it was like mano 314 00:18:41,190 --> 00:18:47,460 Rob Simmelkjaer: a mano, woman against woman battle all along that route. 315 00:18:47,550 --> 00:18:50,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: When was the moment that you thought you had it, 316 00:18:50,790 --> 00:18:53,189 Rob Simmelkjaer: that you were going to be able to overcome Hellen 317 00:18:53,190 --> 00:18:53,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: and win this? 318 00:18:54,600 --> 00:18:58,080 Sharon Lokedi: Honestly, not until late because as you know, Hellen is 319 00:18:58,080 --> 00:19:01,980 Sharon Lokedi: such a tough competitor and also a tough athlete. So 320 00:19:02,700 --> 00:19:07,560 Sharon Lokedi: going through those maybe five miles of the race was 321 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:10,800 Sharon Lokedi: pretty... I think I was just thinking, I'm like, okay, how 322 00:19:10,800 --> 00:19:12,600 Sharon Lokedi: am I going to get it today? How am I going 323 00:19:12,600 --> 00:19:16,619 Sharon Lokedi: to be able to defeat her today? In a way 324 00:19:17,369 --> 00:19:19,500 Sharon Lokedi: it was just in a nice way, but still I'm 325 00:19:19,500 --> 00:19:23,310 Sharon Lokedi: like, okay, I need this. I think it was right 326 00:19:23,369 --> 00:19:29,280 Sharon Lokedi: before, I think 800 meters. Sometimes you make moves and 327 00:19:29,280 --> 00:19:32,550 Sharon Lokedi: you don't really look back and you just expect it to be 328 00:19:32,550 --> 00:19:35,010 Sharon Lokedi: okay and you just expect for the best. For me, in 329 00:19:35,010 --> 00:19:38,340 Sharon Lokedi: my head, I was like, okay, don't look back. Just 330 00:19:38,430 --> 00:19:41,820 Sharon Lokedi: keep working hard and keep pushing. I think if you 331 00:19:41,820 --> 00:19:45,810 Sharon Lokedi: just believe in it, you're just going to go. Yeah, I just kept 332 00:19:45,810 --> 00:19:50,310 Sharon Lokedi: going and kept praying. Yeah. 333 00:19:51,270 --> 00:19:53,580 Anne Valentzas : Well, Sharon, it is such an honor to be sitting 334 00:19:53,580 --> 00:19:57,420 Anne Valentzas : here next to you. I am such a big admirer. 335 00:19:57,420 --> 00:20:01,200 Anne Valentzas : I watched you win the New York Marathon in 2022. 336 00:20:01,200 --> 00:20:03,690 Anne Valentzas : I was in the women's lead vehicle as a sponsor, 337 00:20:04,140 --> 00:20:07,260 Anne Valentzas : so we watched the whole race firsthand and I was 338 00:20:07,260 --> 00:20:11,490 Anne Valentzas : cheering for you. So it was just super exciting, very 339 00:20:11,490 --> 00:20:15,630 Anne Valentzas : exciting to see you win Boston this year. I hear 340 00:20:15,630 --> 00:20:19,470 Anne Valentzas : you talk about this and you seem so calm, and 341 00:20:19,470 --> 00:20:21,629 Anne Valentzas : I just wonder how do you mentally prepare for a 342 00:20:21,630 --> 00:20:22,830 Anne Valentzas : race of that magnitude? 343 00:20:23,340 --> 00:20:29,459 Sharon Lokedi: Oh, first of all, it's a pleasure to meet you. I think it's just during 344 00:20:29,460 --> 00:20:34,080 Sharon Lokedi: training, I just try to visualize the race and everything. 345 00:20:34,590 --> 00:20:38,520 Sharon Lokedi: Just as I trained, even if it's a workout or 346 00:20:38,520 --> 00:20:40,740 Sharon Lokedi: an easy run, I just try to think about it and 347 00:20:40,950 --> 00:20:44,400 Sharon Lokedi: just try and focus on that and how I can 348 00:20:44,400 --> 00:20:47,609 Sharon Lokedi: go through those obstacles. I can go through those tired 349 00:20:47,609 --> 00:20:49,709 Sharon Lokedi: miles where I'm like, I can't really go. Then I 350 00:20:51,240 --> 00:20:55,740 Sharon Lokedi: just try to focus on the things that I can work 351 00:20:55,740 --> 00:20:59,340 Sharon Lokedi: on and the things that I can use to help 352 00:20:59,340 --> 00:21:03,090 Sharon Lokedi: me build confidence. Sometimes it can be a run where 353 00:21:03,600 --> 00:21:05,939 Sharon Lokedi: I am doing a workout and I feel like I 354 00:21:05,940 --> 00:21:08,310 Sharon Lokedi: don't feel good, or sometimes it's a workout where I 355 00:21:08,310 --> 00:21:09,990 Sharon Lokedi: feel so good and then I'm like, okay, I need 356 00:21:09,990 --> 00:21:13,919 Sharon Lokedi: to work more on this and get stronger in this side 357 00:21:13,920 --> 00:21:19,439 Sharon Lokedi: and this. Over time I think it helps. As you 358 00:21:19,440 --> 00:21:25,800 Sharon Lokedi: go, I mean it's not easy, but it's one of those that you're like, okay, it's a progress more than anything. 359 00:21:27,690 --> 00:21:30,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: What did it mean for you to have your mother there at 360 00:21:30,270 --> 00:21:30,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: the finish line? 361 00:21:31,230 --> 00:21:35,609 Sharon Lokedi: Oh, so cool. It was just amazing. I could see 362 00:21:35,609 --> 00:21:37,409 Sharon Lokedi: her running to me and I'm like, this way, I'm 363 00:21:37,410 --> 00:21:40,020 Sharon Lokedi: so tired. I'm like, please just slow down a little. 364 00:21:40,230 --> 00:21:44,609 Sharon Lokedi: It's like, I've never seen her run that fast. It 365 00:21:44,609 --> 00:21:51,510 Sharon Lokedi: was just amazing. She gets to... She's someone that's always, 366 00:21:51,660 --> 00:21:56,910 Sharon Lokedi: she's prayerful, she's very hopeful. So she was all this 367 00:21:56,910 --> 00:22:00,119 Sharon Lokedi: time I could see even after, I could see all 368 00:22:00,119 --> 00:22:02,939 Sharon Lokedi: the videos and I could see her pacing and all. 369 00:22:03,420 --> 00:22:07,530 Sharon Lokedi: At home when she's watching, she's usually asking my sisters 370 00:22:07,530 --> 00:22:10,560 Sharon Lokedi: and my neighbor's like, " Oh, how is she doing?" She 371 00:22:10,560 --> 00:22:14,490 Sharon Lokedi: wouldn't watch, she would just ask people. This time she 372 00:22:14,490 --> 00:22:16,859 Sharon Lokedi: was there, so it was hard for her not to 373 00:22:16,859 --> 00:22:20,669 Sharon Lokedi: see it. It was just a cool experience to get to 374 00:22:20,670 --> 00:22:25,981 Sharon Lokedi: enjoy all that with her. Yeah, I hope she had a good time. I hope so. 375 00:22:25,981 --> 00:22:32,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: I would think she had a pretty good time watching her daughter win the thing. Probably 376 00:22:32,220 --> 00:22:32,909 Rob Simmelkjaer: a pretty good time. 377 00:22:32,910 --> 00:22:33,360 Sharon Lokedi: Yeah. 378 00:22:33,960 --> 00:22:38,430 Anne Valentzas : How has life been like since Boston? I saw a 379 00:22:38,430 --> 00:22:41,280 Anne Valentzas : lot of interviews on social media, which by the way, 380 00:22:41,280 --> 00:22:44,280 Anne Valentzas : you still seem very calm in these interviews. I think 381 00:22:44,280 --> 00:22:47,850 Anne Valentzas : it's so incredible. Were you prepared for all that buzz 382 00:22:47,850 --> 00:22:48,570 Anne Valentzas : and excitement? 383 00:22:49,020 --> 00:22:54,660 Sharon Lokedi: No. When all you think about at that time is 384 00:22:54,660 --> 00:22:59,910 Sharon Lokedi: just the race. Just the race. Sometimes it's like you 385 00:22:59,910 --> 00:23:03,990 Sharon Lokedi: never know how it's going to go. Then when you 386 00:23:03,990 --> 00:23:06,780 Sharon Lokedi: win and then you're like, oh, (inaudible) everything coming. 387 00:23:07,590 --> 00:23:13,560 Sharon Lokedi: I think it helps because when you have people that 388 00:23:13,560 --> 00:23:16,350 Sharon Lokedi: are there to support you, and sometimes even with these 389 00:23:16,350 --> 00:23:19,830 Sharon Lokedi: interviews, it's just like a conversation. So when it feels 390 00:23:19,830 --> 00:23:22,409 Sharon Lokedi: like this calm and stuff, so I am also calm, 391 00:23:22,410 --> 00:23:27,900 Sharon Lokedi: so it helps. Yeah, it's been a lot of just 392 00:23:28,770 --> 00:23:32,070 Sharon Lokedi: chatting about how my training is and my runs and 393 00:23:32,070 --> 00:23:36,659 Sharon Lokedi: all that. If anything, I feel like it's a growth 394 00:23:36,690 --> 00:23:41,129 Sharon Lokedi: journey for me. Yeah, I don't know, I'll enjoy it 395 00:23:41,130 --> 00:23:43,500 Sharon Lokedi: and I'll take it in as much as I can. 396 00:23:44,130 --> 00:23:45,719 Anne Valentzas : Good. You should enjoy it. 397 00:23:45,780 --> 00:23:46,260 Sharon Lokedi: Oh, thank you. 398 00:23:47,220 --> 00:23:52,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: Winning, you've won a lot of races. What's the difference 399 00:23:52,530 --> 00:23:57,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: when you win something like Boston? It's a global stage, 400 00:23:57,570 --> 00:24:01,980 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York obviously as well, these global stages that people 401 00:24:01,980 --> 00:24:06,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: everywhere are seeing this and recognizing you. How does that 402 00:24:06,600 --> 00:24:09,389 Rob Simmelkjaer: change your life when you win a race like New 403 00:24:09,390 --> 00:24:10,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: York or Boston? 404 00:24:11,700 --> 00:24:16,200 Sharon Lokedi: It definitely makes things a bit more... It makes me 405 00:24:16,200 --> 00:24:19,530 Sharon Lokedi: want to just keep doing it and keep getting better 406 00:24:19,530 --> 00:24:22,710 Sharon Lokedi: because it's one of those things that it's like, yes, 407 00:24:23,550 --> 00:24:26,369 Sharon Lokedi: I just want that, but I still, it's such a 408 00:24:26,369 --> 00:24:29,250 Sharon Lokedi: good feeling that makes you want to feel it over and over 409 00:24:29,730 --> 00:24:34,920 Sharon Lokedi: again. In a way I think it's, as an athlete, 410 00:24:35,460 --> 00:24:39,419 Sharon Lokedi: having that helps with your confidence and with also your 411 00:24:39,420 --> 00:24:43,530 Sharon Lokedi: training and even motivating other people. I think it's like 412 00:24:44,040 --> 00:24:46,500 Sharon Lokedi: even when I go back to training after all those 413 00:24:46,500 --> 00:24:49,409 Sharon Lokedi: races, I'm like, oh, I have to look back. I'm 414 00:24:49,410 --> 00:24:51,480 Sharon Lokedi: like, this happened and this happened, but now I need 415 00:24:51,480 --> 00:24:55,650 Sharon Lokedi: to focus more on what's coming and how to go 416 00:24:55,650 --> 00:24:58,439 Sharon Lokedi: back there and compete again and be the best that I 417 00:24:58,440 --> 00:24:59,010 Sharon Lokedi: could be. 418 00:25:00,869 --> 00:25:04,830 Anne Valentzas : Speaking of what's coming up, we have the Mastercard Mini 10K. 419 00:25:04,890 --> 00:25:05,220 Sharon Lokedi: Yes. 420 00:25:05,640 --> 00:25:10,109 Anne Valentzas : Rob talked about your friendship with Hellen. Your competition with 421 00:25:10,109 --> 00:25:14,280 Anne Valentzas : Hellen, and you'll be competing against her again this weekend. 422 00:25:14,310 --> 00:25:14,639 Sharon Lokedi: Yes. 423 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:16,740 Anne Valentzas : How are you feeling about that? Are you excited? 424 00:25:17,070 --> 00:25:21,419 Sharon Lokedi: Yes, I'm very excited. Dorian reminded me, actually we've never 425 00:25:21,420 --> 00:25:25,919 Sharon Lokedi: raced this race together. So this is going to be a really 426 00:25:25,920 --> 00:25:29,909 Sharon Lokedi: good one. I like having her out there because I 427 00:25:29,910 --> 00:25:34,830 Sharon Lokedi: think she just brings the best out of me. We're 428 00:25:35,550 --> 00:25:38,400 Sharon Lokedi: friends and we're also competitors, but when we get out 429 00:25:38,400 --> 00:25:42,480 Sharon Lokedi: there, it's time to get it going. It's just really 430 00:25:42,480 --> 00:25:44,850 Sharon Lokedi: good when you have people to push you to be 431 00:25:44,850 --> 00:25:47,609 Sharon Lokedi: the best that you could be. So yeah, I'm really 432 00:25:47,609 --> 00:25:52,619 Sharon Lokedi: excited having her there and being able to compete and enjoy 433 00:25:52,619 --> 00:25:56,002 Sharon Lokedi: and it's really a good time (inaudible) . 434 00:25:57,000 --> 00:25:59,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: Have you and Hellen talked a lot since the battle 435 00:25:59,790 --> 00:26:03,389 Rob Simmelkjaer: you had in Boston? I'm curious what those conversations have 436 00:26:03,390 --> 00:26:08,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: been like. It's not always easy to be friends in 437 00:26:08,820 --> 00:26:13,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: a situation like that where you are in a competition, 438 00:26:13,680 --> 00:26:15,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: not just with a bunch of other people, but I 439 00:26:15,000 --> 00:26:18,179 Rob Simmelkjaer: mean really that was a one- on- one competition you 440 00:26:18,180 --> 00:26:20,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: guys were in. So what have your conversations with her 441 00:26:20,730 --> 00:26:22,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: been like since the Boston Marathon? 442 00:26:23,040 --> 00:26:27,630 Sharon Lokedi: I mean, she's been very supportive and helpful of everything 443 00:26:27,630 --> 00:26:34,080 Sharon Lokedi: and just so happy for me. Apart from being friends, 444 00:26:34,080 --> 00:26:39,570 Sharon Lokedi: there's also, we are doing this as part of our 445 00:26:40,170 --> 00:26:43,470 Sharon Lokedi: identity and work and all that. So there's still that 446 00:26:43,470 --> 00:26:46,889 Sharon Lokedi: competitiveness you could tell. So I know she's ready to 447 00:26:47,070 --> 00:26:48,300 Sharon Lokedi: give it to me this weekend. 448 00:26:51,090 --> 00:26:52,050 Anne Valentzas : Looking for revenge. 449 00:26:52,980 --> 00:26:56,820 Sharon Lokedi: I'm really looking forward to it too. So I think 450 00:26:57,510 --> 00:27:00,958 Sharon Lokedi: she's always someone that I could reach out to and 451 00:27:01,710 --> 00:27:03,960 Sharon Lokedi: just chat or share anything. 452 00:27:04,680 --> 00:27:08,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: Does the shorter distance of this race, 10 kilometers, who 453 00:27:08,640 --> 00:27:10,439 Rob Simmelkjaer: does it favor? Who do you think is better in 454 00:27:10,440 --> 00:27:11,639 Rob Simmelkjaer: a shorter, faster race? 455 00:27:12,600 --> 00:27:16,020 Sharon Lokedi: Honestly now I don't know. I think probably her, she 456 00:27:16,020 --> 00:27:22,740 Sharon Lokedi: has a short distance background, so definitely. I'm not going 457 00:27:22,740 --> 00:27:26,609 Sharon Lokedi: to give up. I still want to go and give my best too. 458 00:27:26,760 --> 00:27:30,180 Anne Valentzas : Good for you. It is such a different race distance 459 00:27:30,180 --> 00:27:33,240 Anne Valentzas : to train for. So how do you train differently? 460 00:27:35,070 --> 00:27:37,859 Sharon Lokedi: I mean for this one mostly it's like since it's 461 00:27:38,760 --> 00:27:44,580 Sharon Lokedi: 10K, mostly just less mileage and more speed. For me, 462 00:27:44,850 --> 00:27:48,180 Sharon Lokedi: I think it's just coming back from the marathon and 463 00:27:48,180 --> 00:27:50,730 Sharon Lokedi: taking a break and then studying the training again, it's 464 00:27:50,730 --> 00:27:53,820 Sharon Lokedi: a little bit of your body trying to get back 465 00:27:53,820 --> 00:27:58,500 Sharon Lokedi: to the normal self. So yeah, just trying to doing 466 00:27:58,500 --> 00:28:00,869 Sharon Lokedi: less work from what I'm used to when I'm doing 467 00:28:00,869 --> 00:28:05,669 Sharon Lokedi: marathon. Then I had this speed is up, so it's 468 00:28:05,670 --> 00:28:08,129 Sharon Lokedi: a bit different, but it's fun. It's fun. I like it because it's short. 469 00:28:11,609 --> 00:28:12,840 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's long for some people. 470 00:28:13,920 --> 00:28:17,790 Anne Valentzas : It's quite hilly too, so it's not an easy 10K. 471 00:28:17,820 --> 00:28:21,570 Sharon Lokedi: Yes, yes. It's a fun one, honestly. It's like one 472 00:28:21,570 --> 00:28:24,000 Sharon Lokedi: of those that you just come in and you know 473 00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:26,040 Sharon Lokedi: it's going to be a sprint to the finish, but 474 00:28:26,040 --> 00:28:29,400 Sharon Lokedi: it's like you are having fun as you go through all the miles 475 00:28:29,400 --> 00:28:34,859 Sharon Lokedi: and kilometers. So it's going to be great, I guess. 476 00:28:35,369 --> 00:28:38,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: What does it mean, Sharon, for you to look behind 477 00:28:38,700 --> 00:28:41,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: you when you're at the starting line of this race and see 10, 478 00:28:41,610 --> 00:28:47,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: 000 women behind you? It's obviously legendary in terms of 479 00:28:47,190 --> 00:28:52,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: being the first women's focus, women's only major road race. 480 00:28:53,040 --> 00:28:55,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: Going back to the 1970s, what does that mean for 481 00:28:55,650 --> 00:28:59,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: you to be leading a pack of female athletes in 482 00:28:59,520 --> 00:29:00,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: this race? 483 00:29:00,600 --> 00:29:05,820 Sharon Lokedi: Honestly, I think it's very motivational and it's also, there's 484 00:29:06,600 --> 00:29:09,780 Sharon Lokedi: a pride that comes with it. I am very proud to be 485 00:29:10,530 --> 00:29:15,420 Sharon Lokedi: out here with other women running and just us being 486 00:29:15,420 --> 00:29:21,450 Sharon Lokedi: us and giving our best. It's amazing when you're in 487 00:29:21,450 --> 00:29:25,710 Sharon Lokedi: a race like this where you know it's just meant specifically 488 00:29:25,920 --> 00:29:28,440 Sharon Lokedi: for you. At that point you can just do whatever 489 00:29:28,440 --> 00:29:31,020 Sharon Lokedi: and you can just run as fast as you can 490 00:29:31,020 --> 00:29:33,000 Sharon Lokedi: and get to meet as many people as you can. 491 00:29:33,000 --> 00:29:35,490 Sharon Lokedi: Just to celebrate. At the end of the day we are 492 00:29:35,490 --> 00:29:39,600 Sharon Lokedi: celebrating a history and yes, being part of that history 493 00:29:39,600 --> 00:29:41,310 Sharon Lokedi: is very important for me. 494 00:29:42,990 --> 00:29:46,020 Anne Valentzas : I think it's a special race that way because it's 495 00:29:46,020 --> 00:29:50,430 Anne Valentzas : all women coming together and supporting each other. It's not 496 00:29:50,430 --> 00:29:53,790 Anne Valentzas : just women, it's people of different experience levels. Some people 497 00:29:53,790 --> 00:29:57,209 Anne Valentzas : are running a 10K for the first time. Do you 498 00:29:57,210 --> 00:29:59,430 Anne Valentzas : have any advice for people who are running for the 499 00:29:59,430 --> 00:30:00,240 Anne Valentzas : first time? 500 00:30:01,440 --> 00:30:06,750 Sharon Lokedi: I mean, I remember the first time I raced and 501 00:30:06,810 --> 00:30:09,870 Sharon Lokedi: it's like you go in and you're like, yes, you've 502 00:30:09,870 --> 00:30:12,120 Sharon Lokedi: been getting ready for this, you've been training for it and you are 503 00:30:12,840 --> 00:30:16,530 Sharon Lokedi: so nervous and you're also so excited. It can be 504 00:30:16,530 --> 00:30:22,170 Sharon Lokedi: scary, but just know that you've worked for it and 505 00:30:22,170 --> 00:30:25,680 Sharon Lokedi: you want this and you wanted to be out here. 506 00:30:25,680 --> 00:30:28,680 Sharon Lokedi: So just go out for it. Just have a good 507 00:30:28,680 --> 00:30:34,440 Sharon Lokedi: time, have fun, enjoy and compete and then celebrate because 508 00:30:34,440 --> 00:30:36,870 Sharon Lokedi: it's like you do the first one and you're like, 509 00:30:36,870 --> 00:30:38,730 Sharon Lokedi: I just want to see how it goes. Then you 510 00:30:38,730 --> 00:30:40,800 Sharon Lokedi: run and you finish and you're like, oh, I'm definitely 511 00:30:40,800 --> 00:30:43,680 Sharon Lokedi: coming back. So that's the feeling I'm usually looking forward 512 00:30:43,680 --> 00:30:49,080 Sharon Lokedi: to is just the excitement that it brings. Yeah, just have 513 00:30:49,080 --> 00:30:51,030 Sharon Lokedi: fun, have a good time. 514 00:30:51,030 --> 00:30:54,090 Anne Valentzas : It's good advice and it is a nice race for that. It's a race where 515 00:30:54,090 --> 00:30:57,570 Anne Valentzas : women really are genuinely supporting one another. I'll never forget 516 00:30:57,570 --> 00:31:00,870 Anne Valentzas : one of the years I ran, two women were talking 517 00:31:00,870 --> 00:31:02,850 Anne Valentzas : to each other, one said, " Hey, it's my first." They 518 00:31:02,850 --> 00:31:05,400 Anne Valentzas : didn't know each other. One said, " It's my first time, 519 00:31:05,400 --> 00:31:07,770 Anne Valentzas : I'm really nervous. I heard it's very hilly. I don't 520 00:31:08,070 --> 00:31:10,710 Anne Valentzas : know the course at all." The other one said, " Hey, 521 00:31:10,710 --> 00:31:13,080 Anne Valentzas : what pace are you planning to run? I'm happy to 522 00:31:13,590 --> 00:31:15,600 Anne Valentzas : run with you and I'll give you guidance all along 523 00:31:15,600 --> 00:31:17,460 Anne Valentzas : the way and I'll tell you what to expect." They 524 00:31:17,460 --> 00:31:22,440 Anne Valentzas : instantly had this bond and this support and it's really incredible 525 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:24,210 Anne Valentzas : to watch. I think it's very special. 526 00:31:24,510 --> 00:31:25,890 Sharon Lokedi: A forever friendship I guess. 527 00:31:25,950 --> 00:31:28,590 Anne Valentzas : That's right. That's right. I'll do the same with you. 528 00:31:28,590 --> 00:31:31,170 Anne Valentzas : I'll look for you and I'll just follow your pace. 529 00:31:31,170 --> 00:31:31,770 Anne Valentzas : Is that all right? 530 00:31:31,770 --> 00:31:32,550 Sharon Lokedi: I would love that. 531 00:31:35,460 --> 00:31:38,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: So your mom has stayed in the United States with 532 00:31:38,820 --> 00:31:40,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: you since Boston, is that right? 533 00:31:40,380 --> 00:31:40,740 Sharon Lokedi: Yeah. 534 00:31:40,950 --> 00:31:44,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: Was that the plan or did she stay longer just 535 00:31:44,760 --> 00:31:48,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: to help you celebrate and recover from your win there 536 00:31:48,240 --> 00:31:50,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: and what have you guys been doing? 537 00:31:51,960 --> 00:31:54,000 Sharon Lokedi: I mean when she came she was like, " I'll probably 538 00:31:54,000 --> 00:31:56,310 Sharon Lokedi: stay a month." Then after she was like, " Maybe I 539 00:31:56,310 --> 00:32:00,990 Sharon Lokedi: should stay a little bit longer." So yeah, we just 540 00:32:00,990 --> 00:32:05,790 Sharon Lokedi: been going on little trips and cooking a lot more 541 00:32:05,790 --> 00:32:10,320 Sharon Lokedi: and gardening. She's just been doing these things that I'm like, she's like, " 542 00:32:10,350 --> 00:32:12,570 Sharon Lokedi: Oh, you sit, yeah, I'll do everything." I'm like, " Oh, 543 00:32:12,570 --> 00:32:18,630 Sharon Lokedi: I love this." Then yesterday when I was coming, she 544 00:32:18,630 --> 00:32:21,000 Sharon Lokedi: was also leaving, so then I went, oh, this is 545 00:32:21,000 --> 00:32:22,440 Sharon Lokedi: going to be so... She was like, " Oh, I'm going 546 00:32:22,440 --> 00:32:27,450 Sharon Lokedi: to miss this house." I'm like, " Same. Same." It's been amazing, 547 00:32:28,470 --> 00:32:31,710 Sharon Lokedi: just have that time with her and enjoy everything with 548 00:32:31,710 --> 00:32:36,420 Sharon Lokedi: her. I was off season, so we would just wake 549 00:32:36,420 --> 00:32:39,060 Sharon Lokedi: up in the morning, we have our tea and relax, 550 00:32:39,510 --> 00:32:41,220 Sharon Lokedi: have all day to just chill. 551 00:32:41,220 --> 00:32:46,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: Is there anything that you have done to treat yourself, 552 00:32:46,620 --> 00:32:51,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: reward yourself since winning Boston? Have you bought anything or 553 00:32:51,120 --> 00:32:55,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: gone anywhere or done anything to kind of recognize yourself? 554 00:32:56,970 --> 00:32:58,830 Sharon Lokedi: We went shopping after Boston. 555 00:32:59,880 --> 00:33:01,411 Rob Simmelkjaer: We've talked about this. I know you like shopping. 556 00:33:01,411 --> 00:33:07,500 Sharon Lokedi: Yeah. Yeah, I do. It's not a (inaudible) but 557 00:33:09,330 --> 00:33:14,670 Sharon Lokedi: I love, it's a fun part of, you work so 558 00:33:14,670 --> 00:33:19,410 Sharon Lokedi: hard and then after just go and treat yourself. Sometimes I 559 00:33:19,410 --> 00:33:21,060 Sharon Lokedi: treat myself a little bit too much. 560 00:33:23,700 --> 00:33:25,980 Anne Valentzas : You deserve it though. You should treat yourself. 561 00:33:26,100 --> 00:33:28,290 Sharon Lokedi: Thanks. That's what my mom says and it got me 562 00:33:28,290 --> 00:33:31,080 Sharon Lokedi: in trouble because she was like, " Treat yourself." I ended 563 00:33:31,080 --> 00:33:34,002 Sharon Lokedi: up buying too many things (inaudible) . 564 00:33:35,070 --> 00:33:38,310 Anne Valentzas : I am interested. I was listening to the last time 565 00:33:38,310 --> 00:33:42,630 Anne Valentzas : you were on Rob's podcast and you talked about how 566 00:33:42,840 --> 00:33:45,630 Anne Valentzas : the win at the New York City Marathon in 2022 567 00:33:45,630 --> 00:33:48,720 Anne Valentzas : really boosted your confidence, gave you a real breakthrough and 568 00:33:48,720 --> 00:33:52,500 Anne Valentzas : a belief in yourself. How have these recent wins at the 569 00:33:52,500 --> 00:33:55,500 Anne Valentzas : New York City half and in Boston further advance that? 570 00:33:56,850 --> 00:34:01,470 Sharon Lokedi: It definitely is when I won New York, it was 571 00:34:02,460 --> 00:34:04,979 Sharon Lokedi: such a great feeling that I'm like, I never really 572 00:34:05,160 --> 00:34:08,070 Sharon Lokedi: expected that to happen. Then as you go and you 573 00:34:08,070 --> 00:34:10,920 Sharon Lokedi: get to other races and you're building confidence and you believe 574 00:34:10,920 --> 00:34:13,469 Sharon Lokedi: in yourself and you start to see more wins and 575 00:34:13,469 --> 00:34:16,290 Sharon Lokedi: more wins. Even when I came here for the half, 576 00:34:16,890 --> 00:34:19,680 Sharon Lokedi: I was here just to see where my fitness was. 577 00:34:20,700 --> 00:34:25,860 Sharon Lokedi: I went and won and I'm like, oh. So it 578 00:34:25,860 --> 00:34:29,819 Sharon Lokedi: just brings so much belief in the things that you 579 00:34:29,820 --> 00:34:33,390 Sharon Lokedi: do that you just see the things that you think 580 00:34:33,390 --> 00:34:36,690 Sharon Lokedi: are unattainable. It makes it more like, oh, I can 581 00:34:36,690 --> 00:34:38,850 Sharon Lokedi: do it. If I did it this past time, I'll 582 00:34:38,850 --> 00:34:42,930 Sharon Lokedi: do it again. Even going to Boston, I was like, 583 00:34:43,170 --> 00:34:46,230 Sharon Lokedi: if I just have the same mentality I had when 584 00:34:46,230 --> 00:34:48,239 Sharon Lokedi: I ran New York and just go for it and 585 00:34:48,239 --> 00:34:53,850 Sharon Lokedi: just believe that I could, it would do wonders. I 586 00:34:53,850 --> 00:34:57,989 Sharon Lokedi: got to that race and it started to get so 587 00:34:57,989 --> 00:35:00,360 Sharon Lokedi: fast and all of a sudden I'm like, oh, I don't 588 00:35:00,360 --> 00:35:01,650 Sharon Lokedi: know if I can do it. Then I start to 589 00:35:01,650 --> 00:35:06,030 Sharon Lokedi: remind myself, I'm like, anything, you've done this before and if you could just 590 00:35:06,030 --> 00:35:10,170 Sharon Lokedi: put yourself to it and believe in yourself. It just happens. 591 00:35:10,830 --> 00:35:14,310 Sharon Lokedi: Even now when things start to like, even outside of running, 592 00:35:14,310 --> 00:35:17,580 Sharon Lokedi: when things starts to seem like, oh, I cannot achieve 593 00:35:17,580 --> 00:35:21,150 Sharon Lokedi: this or I cannot be in this space or this place, 594 00:35:21,150 --> 00:35:24,210 Sharon Lokedi: it's like I just remind myself, I'm like, two years 595 00:35:24,210 --> 00:35:26,219 Sharon Lokedi: ago you did not think you're going to be there 596 00:35:26,219 --> 00:35:30,390 Sharon Lokedi: and now you're here. So it opens up things that 597 00:35:31,380 --> 00:35:35,670 Sharon Lokedi: make you think that anything that you see or you 598 00:35:35,670 --> 00:35:39,000 Sharon Lokedi: look forward to, the goal that you set for yourself 599 00:35:39,450 --> 00:35:46,350 Sharon Lokedi: can be attainable. So yeah, I won Boston. Now I'm like, okay, 600 00:35:46,350 --> 00:35:50,700 Sharon Lokedi: what next? Should I do something else? It's like it 601 00:35:50,700 --> 00:35:54,120 Sharon Lokedi: gives you things that you look and you're like, I 602 00:35:54,120 --> 00:35:57,930 Sharon Lokedi: would never let myself or put myself down for something 603 00:35:57,930 --> 00:36:00,989 Sharon Lokedi: that if you don't try it, then how would you know? 604 00:36:01,560 --> 00:36:03,450 Anne Valentzas : It's a great lesson in running and a great lesson 605 00:36:03,450 --> 00:36:03,900 Anne Valentzas : in life. 606 00:36:03,930 --> 00:36:03,931 Sharon Lokedi: Yeah. 607 00:36:03,930 --> 00:36:03,931 Anne Valentzas : Yeah. 608 00:36:03,931 --> 00:36:05,430 Sharon Lokedi: Yeah. For sure. 609 00:36:05,430 --> 00:36:06,149 Anne Valentzas : Inspiring. 610 00:36:06,150 --> 00:36:06,570 Sharon Lokedi: Yeah. 611 00:36:07,050 --> 00:36:10,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: Sharon, I know we talked last time about the foundation 612 00:36:10,080 --> 00:36:14,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: you started back in Kenya to help young girls at 613 00:36:14,430 --> 00:36:18,899 Rob Simmelkjaer: your high school. Have you heard from the girls back 614 00:36:18,900 --> 00:36:21,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: at your school since you won Boston? Did you get 615 00:36:21,719 --> 00:36:24,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: some interaction or messaging from them? I'm curious what the 616 00:36:24,810 --> 00:36:28,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: reaction was like there from what you did in Boston. 617 00:36:28,140 --> 00:36:32,100 Sharon Lokedi: Oh, it's very exciting. I remember they sent me pictures 618 00:36:32,100 --> 00:36:34,500 Sharon Lokedi: and like, " Oh, when are you coming?" They thought I 619 00:36:34,500 --> 00:36:37,440 Sharon Lokedi: was just going straight from Boston straight to Kenya. I'm like, " 620 00:36:37,440 --> 00:36:39,660 Sharon Lokedi: I would love to be there with you guys now, 621 00:36:39,660 --> 00:36:42,810 Sharon Lokedi: but I can't." I think I get to see them 622 00:36:42,810 --> 00:36:45,870 Sharon Lokedi: in July. So I'm really excited for that. I think 623 00:36:45,870 --> 00:36:47,790 Sharon Lokedi: we'll have a few days with them and a few 624 00:36:47,790 --> 00:36:51,840 Sharon Lokedi: things to do there. I think it'll just be nice 625 00:36:51,840 --> 00:36:57,029 Sharon Lokedi: if they could see when I go there, they watch 626 00:36:57,030 --> 00:36:59,700 Sharon Lokedi: the race and everything. When they see you in person 627 00:36:59,969 --> 00:37:02,430 Sharon Lokedi: and see the middle and see the things and even 628 00:37:02,610 --> 00:37:04,980 Sharon Lokedi: just talking with them and just being with them I think 629 00:37:04,980 --> 00:37:09,870 Sharon Lokedi: is so special. So I'm very excited for that. Even 630 00:37:09,870 --> 00:37:14,879 Sharon Lokedi: my coach, my high school principal, they're all like, " Oh, 631 00:37:14,880 --> 00:37:16,650 Sharon Lokedi: we want you to come back and talk to all 632 00:37:16,650 --> 00:37:21,150 Sharon Lokedi: the girls," and stuff. I'm like, no. So it's very 633 00:37:21,150 --> 00:37:25,080 Sharon Lokedi: emotional but also very exciting that the things that you 634 00:37:25,080 --> 00:37:27,510 Sharon Lokedi: do, you think you're doing for yourself, but you're not. 635 00:37:28,140 --> 00:37:31,410 Sharon Lokedi: You're doing it for more people than you think. 636 00:37:32,550 --> 00:37:35,460 Rob Simmelkjaer: So what's next after the Mastercard Mini 10K? Do you 637 00:37:35,460 --> 00:37:38,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: have the rest of your year planned out? What's the 638 00:37:39,210 --> 00:37:41,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: fall plan? Anything we can say? 639 00:37:42,510 --> 00:37:43,230 Sharon Lokedi: I don't know. 640 00:37:43,230 --> 00:37:49,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: You don't know? Maybe we should talk. I'm just kidding. 641 00:37:49,800 --> 00:37:52,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: I know our pro athletes team, they're working on whatever 642 00:37:52,620 --> 00:37:55,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: they're working on, so we won't break any news here. 643 00:37:56,010 --> 00:38:00,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: Sharon, just incredible to see you back in New York 644 00:38:00,900 --> 00:38:05,070 Rob Simmelkjaer: to celebrate you this weekend at the Mastercard Mini 10K 645 00:38:05,070 --> 00:38:07,319 Rob Simmelkjaer: and also to see you go for the win as 646 00:38:07,320 --> 00:38:10,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: well. So thank you so much for being with us 647 00:38:10,110 --> 00:38:12,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: and it's just always such a pleasure to have you 648 00:38:12,630 --> 00:38:15,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: here with us at New York Roadrunners. Sharon Lokedi. 649 00:38:15,750 --> 00:38:18,600 Sharon Lokedi: Thanks. Thanks, everyone. Bye. Thanks for having me. 650 00:38:20,310 --> 00:38:23,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Roadrunners is a nonprofit organization with a vision 651 00:38:23,760 --> 00:38:27,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative 652 00:38:27,600 --> 00:38:31,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: power of running. The support of members and donors like 653 00:38:31,080 --> 00:38:34,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: you helps us achieve our mission to transform the health 654 00:38:34,380 --> 00:38:37,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: and well- being of our communities through inclusive and accessible 655 00:38:37,890 --> 00:38:42,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential. Learn more 656 00:38:42,510 --> 00:38:47,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: and contribute at nyrr. org/ donate. That was so much fun. 657 00:38:47,670 --> 00:38:50,070 Anne Valentzas : Oh, it's so inspiring. I mean, I feel so humbled 658 00:38:50,070 --> 00:38:52,560 Anne Valentzas : sitting next to her. She's such an incredible athlete and 659 00:38:52,560 --> 00:38:55,561 Anne Valentzas : doesn't she seem so calm and just down to earth? 660 00:38:55,561 --> 00:38:58,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: Well, I tell a story about her before we say 661 00:38:58,410 --> 00:39:02,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: goodbye. My daughter Julia, who's 16 years old and her 662 00:39:02,520 --> 00:39:06,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: best friend, they came to the marathon and saw Sharon 663 00:39:06,810 --> 00:39:10,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: win and they've just been huge Sharon fans ever since. 664 00:39:10,680 --> 00:39:19,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: Sharon will DM them on Instagram all the time. It can't just be them, but I mean she's constantly keeping in touch with her 665 00:39:19,230 --> 00:39:24,989 Rob Simmelkjaer: fans. She makes herself accessible to girls everywhere. So she's 666 00:39:24,989 --> 00:39:27,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: the real deal. She really is. It's great to see 667 00:39:27,540 --> 00:39:31,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: her successful. So, well that does it for another episode 668 00:39:31,200 --> 00:39:34,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: of Set the Pace. Anne, thanks for co- hosting with me. 669 00:39:34,020 --> 00:39:34,200 Anne Valentzas : Thank you, Rob. 670 00:39:34,710 --> 00:39:35,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: You did a great job. 671 00:39:35,760 --> 00:39:36,180 Anne Valentzas : Yeah. 672 00:39:36,180 --> 00:39:36,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: We should do this again. 673 00:39:36,989 --> 00:39:37,620 Anne Valentzas : Let's do it. 674 00:39:37,800 --> 00:39:40,469 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right, this was a lot of fun. So hope you 675 00:39:40,469 --> 00:39:43,319 Rob Simmelkjaer: guys in the live audience enjoyed the show. Thank you 676 00:39:43,320 --> 00:39:49,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: for being with us. Make sure you subscribe to it. If you 677 00:39:49,290 --> 00:39:51,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: haven't already, take out your phones right now, subscribe to 678 00:39:51,810 --> 00:39:54,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: Set the Pace, follow it on whatever platform you listen 679 00:39:54,420 --> 00:39:58,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: to podcasts. We will see you all next week. Enjoy 680 00:39:58,560 --> 00:39:59,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: the miles.