1 00:00:00,480 --> 00:00:02,730 Jeremie Kasmarcak: When I think about Team for Kids, I honestly think 2 00:00:02,730 --> 00:00:06,090 Jeremie Kasmarcak: about the community of people first before I think about 3 00:00:06,090 --> 00:00:10,770 Jeremie Kasmarcak: running. I always joke that running isn't necessarily everyone's priority 4 00:00:10,770 --> 00:00:16,200 Jeremie Kasmarcak: at practice. Brunches, seeing their friends, just being together is 5 00:00:16,200 --> 00:00:20,040 Jeremie Kasmarcak: most people's top priority when they come to TFK practice. 6 00:00:20,370 --> 00:00:23,189 Jeremie Kasmarcak: And then we have to do our run. Team for 7 00:00:23,190 --> 00:00:25,560 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Kids is a place where everyone belongs. 8 00:00:30,270 --> 00:00:32,909 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hey everybody, and welcome to Set The Pace, the official 9 00:00:32,909 --> 00:00:36,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: podcast of New York Road Runners presented by Peloton. I'm 10 00:00:36,120 --> 00:00:38,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: Rob Simmelkjaer, the CEO of New York Road Runners with 11 00:00:38,850 --> 00:00:43,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: me from Peloton, Becs Gentry. Hello, Becs. 12 00:00:43,290 --> 00:00:43,291 Becs Gentry: Hello. 13 00:00:43,291 --> 00:00:44,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: How are you this second week of the year? 14 00:00:45,030 --> 00:00:48,000 Becs Gentry: Oh, good. We made it through the first week with 15 00:00:48,000 --> 00:00:53,610 Becs Gentry: smiles and joy, I think. We made it through Quitters 16 00:00:53,610 --> 00:00:55,050 Becs Gentry: Day, which is... 17 00:00:55,350 --> 00:00:55,651 Rob Simmelkjaer: What is that? January 10th? 18 00:00:55,651 --> 00:00:55,651 Becs Gentry: 9th or 10th, one of the two. 19 00:00:55,651 --> 00:00:58,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: 9th or 10th, yeah. 20 00:00:59,070 --> 00:01:00,901 Becs Gentry: Yeah. Which is... 21 00:01:00,901 --> 00:01:03,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: Have you quit any resolutions yet? Did you make anything 22 00:01:03,450 --> 00:01:03,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: to quit? 23 00:01:03,630 --> 00:01:04,290 Becs Gentry: I don't make resolutions. 24 00:01:04,319 --> 00:01:04,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. Okay. 25 00:01:05,010 --> 00:01:10,110 Becs Gentry: I'm staunchly against resolutions that make me change too much. 26 00:01:10,140 --> 00:01:12,750 Becs Gentry: I don't think it's good for us to wake up. 27 00:01:13,560 --> 00:01:16,170 Becs Gentry: Really, nothing happens. You go to bed on the 31st of 28 00:01:16,260 --> 00:01:20,220 Becs Gentry: December 2025, and you woke up on January 1st, 2026, same bed, 29 00:01:20,220 --> 00:01:23,220 Becs Gentry: probably in the same PJs, probably the same sheets. You're the 30 00:01:23,220 --> 00:01:27,120 Becs Gentry: same person. And I do not love this vibe of 31 00:01:27,120 --> 00:01:30,510 Becs Gentry: like, I must change everything about me now I've woken 32 00:01:30,510 --> 00:01:32,490 Becs Gentry: up and it's a new year, because you were a 33 00:01:32,490 --> 00:01:34,560 Becs Gentry: really lovely person when you went to bed and you're 34 00:01:34,560 --> 00:01:36,301 Becs Gentry: still a really lovely person when you woke up. 35 00:01:36,300 --> 00:01:36,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: I love that. Very nice. 36 00:01:37,980 --> 00:01:41,310 Becs Gentry: I think people could do with thinking about it more 37 00:01:41,310 --> 00:01:44,610 Becs Gentry: of brushing things up and putting the sparkle back to 38 00:01:44,610 --> 00:01:47,250 Becs Gentry: things that they already had in their back pocket, but 39 00:01:47,970 --> 00:01:50,220 Becs Gentry: pulling it out and bringing it to your forefront of 40 00:01:50,220 --> 00:01:53,880 Becs Gentry: your attention a little bit more. And making sure they're 41 00:01:53,880 --> 00:01:57,720 Becs Gentry: sustainable because I speak to some people and I have 42 00:01:57,720 --> 00:01:59,640 Becs Gentry: a terrible poker face, so I'm sorry if you are 43 00:01:59,640 --> 00:02:01,770 Becs Gentry: one of those people that I've been speaking to and 44 00:02:01,770 --> 00:02:05,340 Becs Gentry: my face contorts when you're telling me this list of 45 00:02:05,340 --> 00:02:07,590 Becs Gentry: resolutions. I'm like, " Dude,- 46 00:02:07,590 --> 00:02:07,621 Rob Simmelkjaer: Oh, not me. 47 00:02:07,621 --> 00:02:09,630 Becs Gentry: ... there's no way you're going to keep that going 48 00:02:09,630 --> 00:02:12,900 Becs Gentry: after the end of January. So why set yourself up to 49 00:02:12,900 --> 00:02:16,139 Becs Gentry: fail? Do stuff that you can continue all the way 50 00:02:16,139 --> 00:02:20,010 Becs Gentry: through this year and feel good." So no, I'm not 51 00:02:20,010 --> 00:02:23,341 Becs Gentry: giving myself the chance to quit anything. I'm a brusher upper. 52 00:02:23,340 --> 00:02:23,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, I think you got to keep it small and manageable if you do them at all because people go too big. 53 00:02:28,889 --> 00:02:29,160 Becs Gentry: Yeah, and continuous. 54 00:02:29,190 --> 00:02:29,491 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yep, absolutely. 55 00:02:29,491 --> 00:02:31,950 Becs Gentry: Yes. I want to get to December and be like, " 56 00:02:31,950 --> 00:02:33,480 Becs Gentry: I'm still brushing this up." 57 00:02:34,230 --> 00:02:37,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: I imagine we have a lot of resolution types in 58 00:02:37,590 --> 00:02:40,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: the Road Runners audience and a lot of the resolutions 59 00:02:40,740 --> 00:02:43,859 Rob Simmelkjaer: are, a lot of them are probably running related for folks. 60 00:02:43,860 --> 00:02:43,950 Becs Gentry: Yes. 61 00:02:43,950 --> 00:02:46,859 Rob Simmelkjaer: I don't know if you came into the year with any goals 62 00:02:46,860 --> 00:02:49,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: that you mentioned before you've been picking up your running 63 00:02:49,200 --> 00:02:52,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: a little bit. So tell me about that. How much 64 00:02:52,560 --> 00:02:55,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: are you running now? And is there something that we're 65 00:02:55,680 --> 00:02:56,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: getting ready for? 66 00:02:57,150 --> 00:03:02,370 Becs Gentry: There is. I am unable to talk about it right now. 67 00:03:03,030 --> 00:03:04,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: Oh, those are the best ones. 68 00:03:04,410 --> 00:03:06,180 Becs Gentry: Aren't they? But no... 69 00:03:06,180 --> 00:03:06,361 Rob Simmelkjaer: When will you be able to talk about it? 70 00:03:06,361 --> 00:03:06,362 Becs Gentry: End of this month really. 71 00:03:06,362 --> 00:03:06,422 Rob Simmelkjaer: Oh, okay. Just a couple of weeks. Okay. Okay. 72 00:03:10,860 --> 00:03:17,550 Becs Gentry: Yeah. You know what it's like. There's things that you've got to organize and put into action and 73 00:03:17,550 --> 00:03:23,220 Becs Gentry: all of that. But it's definitely, my mileage is the 74 00:03:23,220 --> 00:03:26,700 Becs Gentry: same. I haven't started on a training plan per se 75 00:03:27,120 --> 00:03:30,000 Becs Gentry: as yet, but I really do need to get my 76 00:03:30,270 --> 00:03:33,480 Becs Gentry: behind into gear and speak to my coach, and be like, " 77 00:03:33,480 --> 00:03:36,180 Becs Gentry: All right, I need a bit more structure." But right 78 00:03:36,240 --> 00:03:38,580 Becs Gentry: now, I'm just running, but I'm running with more intention 79 00:03:38,580 --> 00:03:42,900 Becs Gentry: and more purpose and more focus over my paces. And 80 00:03:43,410 --> 00:03:46,200 Becs Gentry: the time I spend out there isn't quite as frivolous 81 00:03:46,200 --> 00:03:48,870 Becs Gentry: as it was for the last six months of 2025, 82 00:03:49,230 --> 00:03:51,900 Becs Gentry: which is quite nice. I'm ready for this. 83 00:03:52,080 --> 00:03:56,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's good. It's good to feel ready. It's good to 84 00:03:56,040 --> 00:03:59,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: want it, to not feel like you have to do 85 00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:01,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: it, but you'll want to do it. It's great to 86 00:04:01,620 --> 00:04:04,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: get back to that. And after all you've done in 87 00:04:04,170 --> 00:04:06,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: the last year and a half, I can imagine it's 88 00:04:06,630 --> 00:04:09,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: taken some time to getting back to wanting it. Same 89 00:04:09,780 --> 00:04:13,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: for me, by the way. I mean, you ran 777. 90 00:04:13,260 --> 00:04:17,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: I ran three marathons in 15 months, so a break 91 00:04:17,130 --> 00:04:19,289 Rob Simmelkjaer: for me. In my case, a bit of a forced break 92 00:04:19,290 --> 00:04:23,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: because I've been hurt. My knee's been not great the 93 00:04:23,310 --> 00:04:24,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: last couple of months, so I've kind of had to 94 00:04:24,990 --> 00:04:29,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: shut it down, transition to some other exercises, being forced 95 00:04:29,550 --> 00:04:33,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: to take some rest. My doctor, Dr. Jordan Metzl from 96 00:04:33,120 --> 00:04:34,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: HSS, he's actually going to be on the show in 97 00:04:34,650 --> 00:04:37,169 Rob Simmelkjaer: a couple of weeks. So we'll talk about what it 98 00:04:37,170 --> 00:04:40,109 Rob Simmelkjaer: means to be shut down by your doctor, as he's 99 00:04:40,110 --> 00:04:42,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: done for me for a little while. But you know what? It's 100 00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:47,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: good because at some point that restlessness builds up and 101 00:04:47,880 --> 00:04:49,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'll get back to wanting it at some point. 102 00:04:49,440 --> 00:04:53,099 Becs Gentry: Yeah. Well, that's it. That's it. That's what I mean 103 00:04:53,100 --> 00:04:58,770 Becs Gentry: about non- resolutions. Sometimes it can be about taking your 104 00:04:58,770 --> 00:05:03,060 Becs Gentry: foot off, I guess, in order to become more passionate 105 00:05:03,180 --> 00:05:06,810 Becs Gentry: and therefore motivated about doing something a little later on. 106 00:05:07,050 --> 00:05:09,779 Becs Gentry: So not an injury. I'm not happy that you're injured, 107 00:05:10,320 --> 00:05:11,940 Becs Gentry: or if you're in pain or anyway. 108 00:05:12,600 --> 00:05:14,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: No, no. It's best to avoid those. It's true. We'll talk about it more. But 109 00:05:14,730 --> 00:05:16,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm hanging in there. I definitely have had to pull 110 00:05:16,770 --> 00:05:18,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: back. I ran the midnight run, but it was a 111 00:05:18,600 --> 00:05:21,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: slow jog. It was a very slow jog. 112 00:05:21,270 --> 00:05:21,839 Becs Gentry: Very funny. 113 00:05:21,839 --> 00:05:23,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: Just so I could get some different views of the fireworks 114 00:05:23,910 --> 00:05:25,529 Rob Simmelkjaer: that night. That was really the main reason for that. 115 00:05:26,640 --> 00:05:29,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: Well, we had plenty of people show up, Becs, this 116 00:05:29,730 --> 00:05:33,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: past Saturday, more than 5, 000 on a pretty mild 117 00:05:33,120 --> 00:05:34,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: day. We've had a nice thaw in New York- 118 00:05:34,890 --> 00:05:34,891 Becs Gentry: We have. 119 00:05:34,891 --> 00:05:36,361 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... the last week or two. Thanks- 120 00:05:36,361 --> 00:05:36,361 Becs Gentry: Snow was gone. 121 00:05:36,361 --> 00:05:41,339 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... goodness. Yes. No more snow. Needed that to happen. The 122 00:05:41,339 --> 00:05:44,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: Joe Kleinerman 10K was a pretty nice day. Of course, this is a 123 00:05:44,940 --> 00:05:48,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: race that celebrates the life and legacy of founding member 124 00:05:48,420 --> 00:05:51,989 Rob Simmelkjaer: of New York Road Runners, an employee and advocate, volunteer, 125 00:05:51,990 --> 00:05:55,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: Joe Kleinerman. So a great day in Central Park. The winners, 126 00:05:55,170 --> 00:06:00,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: it was Issame El Jazouli, 30: 36 on the men's side for United 127 00:06:00,180 --> 00:06:03,029 Rob Simmelkjaer: Mexican Runners of New York. The non- binary winner was 128 00:06:03,029 --> 00:06:07,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: Pierce Lydon with a time of 42:10 for Beasts from 129 00:06:07,050 --> 00:06:10,469 Rob Simmelkjaer: Riis, team I haven't heard of before. And the women's 130 00:06:10,470 --> 00:06:17,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: side, Carey Nelson, 42:10 from 212 Athletic Saucony. So congrats 131 00:06:17,580 --> 00:06:19,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: to the winners and everybody who finished on a nice 132 00:06:19,830 --> 00:06:22,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: day this past Saturday for the Joe K10K. Our next 133 00:06:22,830 --> 00:06:25,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: race coming up in Central Park will be the Fred 134 00:06:25,620 --> 00:06:27,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: Lebow Half. So we're looking forward to that. We'll be 135 00:06:27,810 --> 00:06:30,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: talking about that over the next couple of weeks. That's 136 00:06:30,210 --> 00:06:33,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: always a popular one. Hoping for a good day for 137 00:06:33,060 --> 00:06:35,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: those who are going to make that trek up Harlem 138 00:06:35,880 --> 00:06:38,070 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hill. What is it? Three times, I think, for that race. 139 00:06:38,070 --> 00:06:38,340 Becs Gentry: Yeah, I think so. 140 00:06:38,340 --> 00:06:38,341 Rob Simmelkjaer: Oh, man. Those people,- 141 00:06:38,341 --> 00:06:38,342 Becs Gentry: Oh, it's great. 142 00:06:38,342 --> 00:06:47,909 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... they have my unenduring admiration, the folks who run the Fred. I've never done it. I'd like 143 00:06:47,910 --> 00:06:49,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: to do it one of these years, but haven't made 144 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:51,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: it yet. So that'll be next up on our schedule. 145 00:06:52,380 --> 00:06:54,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: Becs, coming up on the show today by popular demand, 146 00:06:54,960 --> 00:06:57,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: we're going to talk about Team for Kids. Our head 147 00:06:58,260 --> 00:07:00,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: of peer- to- peer fundraising at New York Road Runners, 148 00:07:00,779 --> 00:07:04,409 Rob Simmelkjaer: Jeremie Kasmarcak, is going to come join us and talk 149 00:07:04,410 --> 00:07:07,739 Rob Simmelkjaer: about Team for Kids, TFK as we call it. What it 150 00:07:07,740 --> 00:07:10,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: is, because a lot of folks don't know exactly what 151 00:07:10,470 --> 00:07:13,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: Team for Kids is. The fact is it's very closely 152 00:07:13,560 --> 00:07:16,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: connected to New York Road Runners and all of our programs. 153 00:07:16,680 --> 00:07:20,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: How to get into it, what it's like, the experience of 154 00:07:20,220 --> 00:07:23,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: running for TFK, and just everything you need to know about 155 00:07:23,160 --> 00:07:26,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: this amazing charity running team. So that's coming up in 156 00:07:26,850 --> 00:07:27,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: just a minute. 157 00:07:29,160 --> 00:07:31,830 Becs Gentry: Peloton is taking running and race tech to the next 158 00:07:31,830 --> 00:07:36,330 Becs Gentry: level with the new Peloton cross- training series, Tread+, powered 159 00:07:36,360 --> 00:07:40,230 Becs Gentry: by Peloton IQ. Built for runners who want top tier 160 00:07:40,230 --> 00:07:44,070 Becs Gentry: performance, the Tread+ helps you train smarter and get race 161 00:07:44,070 --> 00:07:49,440 Becs Gentry: ready with precision. Peloton IQ offers personalized insights that evolve 162 00:07:49,440 --> 00:07:52,770 Becs Gentry: as you progress, so you can fine tune your pacing 163 00:07:52,920 --> 00:07:56,820 Becs Gentry: and peak at the right moment. And with strength workouts 164 00:07:56,880 --> 00:07:59,460 Becs Gentry: designed to build the muscle you need to support every 165 00:07:59,460 --> 00:08:03,390 Becs Gentry: mile, your training goes beyond the run. Plus, pace target 166 00:08:03,390 --> 00:08:07,080 Becs Gentry: classes designed to build consistency, boost speed, and improve your 167 00:08:07,080 --> 00:08:11,100 Becs Gentry: splits. Every single run supports your full training cycle, from 168 00:08:11,100 --> 00:08:15,990 Becs Gentry: recovery miles to challenging race pace intervals. Experience our most 169 00:08:15,990 --> 00:08:21,900 Becs Gentry: advanced tread yet at onepeloton. com. Peloton, the official digital 170 00:08:21,900 --> 00:08:23,940 Becs Gentry: fitness partner of New York Road Runners. 171 00:08:24,510 --> 00:08:26,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: Here at New York Road Runners, Team for Kids is 172 00:08:26,550 --> 00:08:29,370 Rob Simmelkjaer: more than just a charity program. It's a training ground 173 00:08:29,370 --> 00:08:33,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: for runners of all ages, paces, and experience levels. It's 174 00:08:33,300 --> 00:08:37,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: also a vibrant and passionate community that builds lifelong friendships. 175 00:08:37,950 --> 00:08:41,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: Jeremie Kasmarcak has led Team for Kids for nearly a 176 00:08:41,640 --> 00:08:44,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: decade, guiding it into one of the most impactful and 177 00:08:44,700 --> 00:08:48,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: in demand charity running programs in the world. Since its 178 00:08:48,630 --> 00:08:52,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: founding back in 2002, Team for Kids Runners have raised 179 00:08:52,380 --> 00:08:57,179 Rob Simmelkjaer: over $ 120 million to support free youth and community running 180 00:08:57,179 --> 00:09:01,214 Rob Simmelkjaer: programs through New York Road Runners, helping kids all around 181 00:09:01,215 --> 00:09:06,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: the city and beyond discover movement, confidence, and belonging. And 182 00:09:06,960 --> 00:09:09,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: Jeremie's here today to give us some behind the scenes 183 00:09:09,240 --> 00:09:11,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: perspectives on Team for Kids and what it takes to 184 00:09:11,880 --> 00:09:15,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: build a charity program that sells out and changes lives 185 00:09:15,870 --> 00:09:19,679 Rob Simmelkjaer: year after year after year. Jeremie, we've wanted you on 186 00:09:19,679 --> 00:09:21,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: set the pace for quite a while to talk about 187 00:09:21,870 --> 00:09:23,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: TFK. It's great to have you on. 188 00:09:24,929 --> 00:09:27,329 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Thank you. Thank you. No, I'm going to do a 189 00:09:27,330 --> 00:09:30,090 Jeremie Kasmarcak: quick shout out to my super fan. More so your 190 00:09:30,090 --> 00:09:35,040 Jeremie Kasmarcak: super fan, Jeff Gontero, loyal listener in the pod, but 191 00:09:35,040 --> 00:09:36,179 Jeremie Kasmarcak: thrilled and excited to be here. 192 00:09:36,600 --> 00:09:39,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yes, I remember Jeff. Absolutely. We love Jeff. Thanks for 193 00:09:39,900 --> 00:09:43,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: listening, Jeff, leave a review so we know you're listening today. 194 00:09:43,290 --> 00:09:43,559 Becs Gentry: Yes, please. 195 00:09:44,280 --> 00:09:48,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: Absolutely. So Jeremie, it's funny how many people out there 196 00:09:48,570 --> 00:09:53,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: don't know exactly what Team for Kids is. They see 197 00:09:53,640 --> 00:09:57,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: the bright, we call them green. I call them yellow 198 00:09:57,330 --> 00:10:01,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: jerseys that you're wearing right there. They know the brand, 199 00:10:01,170 --> 00:10:03,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: but they don't always know what it's connected to or 200 00:10:03,870 --> 00:10:07,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: what it's raising money for. So simple question, what is 201 00:10:07,290 --> 00:10:08,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: Team for Kids? 202 00:10:08,849 --> 00:10:12,900 Jeremie Kasmarcak: So Team for Kids is a program of New York Road Runners. We 203 00:10:12,900 --> 00:10:15,660 Jeremie Kasmarcak: are a group of adult runners who fundraise in exchange 204 00:10:15,660 --> 00:10:19,679 Jeremie Kasmarcak: for our entries into big deal races like the Abbott 205 00:10:19,679 --> 00:10:22,620 Jeremie Kasmarcak: World Marathon Majors and the Five Borough Race Series. And 206 00:10:22,620 --> 00:10:26,100 Jeremie Kasmarcak: all of the funds we raise go to further New York 207 00:10:26,100 --> 00:10:29,040 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Road Runners' mission in support of our youth and community 208 00:10:29,040 --> 00:10:32,190 Jeremie Kasmarcak: programs. So all of the youth races, all of the programmings 209 00:10:32,790 --> 00:10:37,110 Jeremie Kasmarcak: we do in schools, youth wheelchairs and beyond to our 210 00:10:37,110 --> 00:10:41,069 Jeremie Kasmarcak: open runs that get communities moving, our senior striders that 211 00:10:41,070 --> 00:10:44,970 Jeremie Kasmarcak: get older adults running. Everything that we do to give 212 00:10:44,970 --> 00:10:47,580 Jeremie Kasmarcak: back to the community, that's what Team for Kids funds. 213 00:10:48,390 --> 00:10:51,209 Becs Gentry: Unbelievable. And there is no denying that it is one 214 00:10:51,210 --> 00:10:54,690 Becs Gentry: of the most worthy causes out there, keeping the next 215 00:10:54,690 --> 00:11:00,480 Becs Gentry: generations thriving and feeling good about themselves. And talking of 216 00:11:00,480 --> 00:11:05,429 Becs Gentry: which, Team for Kids hit a major milestone quite recently. 217 00:11:05,429 --> 00:11:10,559 Becs Gentry: So since 2002, I think it was, 2002, members have 218 00:11:10,559 --> 00:11:19,590 Becs Gentry: raised over, ready for this, $ 120 million for New York 219 00:11:19,590 --> 00:11:23,819 Becs Gentry: Road Runners Youth and Community Initiatives. Jeremie, as a member 220 00:11:23,940 --> 00:11:27,030 Becs Gentry: of Team for Kids, what does reaching this huge milestone 221 00:11:27,030 --> 00:11:27,660 Becs Gentry: mean to you? 222 00:11:28,950 --> 00:11:33,420 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I think it's important for visibility, for people to understand 223 00:11:33,420 --> 00:11:36,690 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that we're out here running these marathons and these races, 224 00:11:36,690 --> 00:11:39,809 Jeremie Kasmarcak: and we are making an impact. We've been doing it 225 00:11:39,809 --> 00:11:44,429 Jeremie Kasmarcak: for a long time, but I think that number being 226 00:11:44,429 --> 00:11:47,040 Jeremie Kasmarcak: so big has gotten a lot of attention for us 227 00:11:47,040 --> 00:11:50,010 Jeremie Kasmarcak: and people are like, " Whoa, this isn't just a group 228 00:11:50,010 --> 00:11:53,309 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of people going on their runs, training together." This is 229 00:11:53,309 --> 00:11:57,720 Jeremie Kasmarcak: a group of people who are heavily impacting and changing 230 00:11:57,990 --> 00:12:02,370 Jeremie Kasmarcak: access to running and access to fitness for youth across 231 00:12:02,370 --> 00:12:04,860 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the country, but here specifically in New York City. 232 00:12:05,790 --> 00:12:10,709 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, Jeremie. And I think of Team for Kids as there's 233 00:12:10,710 --> 00:12:13,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: a couple different sides to it. There's the impact that 234 00:12:13,740 --> 00:12:15,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: it's making, which I want to talk about first. And 235 00:12:15,870 --> 00:12:19,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: then there's the community aspect of it and what it 236 00:12:19,050 --> 00:12:21,179 Rob Simmelkjaer: means for people to be a part of it. We'll 237 00:12:21,179 --> 00:12:24,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: get to that second. But starting with the impact side, 238 00:12:24,120 --> 00:12:26,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: I mean, you mentioned some of the programs. Our youth 239 00:12:26,970 --> 00:12:29,490 Rob Simmelkjaer: programs out of the gate is really where I'd like 240 00:12:29,490 --> 00:12:32,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: to focus. People, a lot of the runners who run 241 00:12:32,640 --> 00:12:35,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: our races regularly, they see those youth races. They see 242 00:12:35,790 --> 00:12:38,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: the kids running, whether it's in Times Square during the 243 00:12:38,640 --> 00:12:42,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: United Airlines NYC Half or maybe on the boardwalk there 244 00:12:42,750 --> 00:12:45,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: in Coney Island next to the RBC Brooklyn Half. So 245 00:12:45,750 --> 00:12:50,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: you see them, but maybe you don't realize how big 246 00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:52,319 Rob Simmelkjaer: they are, how impactful they are, how many of them they 247 00:12:52,320 --> 00:12:55,679 Rob Simmelkjaer: are. And by the way, how free they are because 248 00:12:55,679 --> 00:12:58,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: those races are all free, which is a big part 249 00:12:58,620 --> 00:13:00,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: of what Team for Kids raises money for. 250 00:13:02,400 --> 00:13:05,220 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Exactly. And I think, I mean, the youth bases are 251 00:13:05,220 --> 00:13:08,189 Jeremie Kasmarcak: probably the most visible, but maybe not the biggest thing 252 00:13:08,190 --> 00:13:11,400 Jeremie Kasmarcak: we do. I think for me, it's really Rising New 253 00:13:11,400 --> 00:13:14,790 Jeremie Kasmarcak: York Road Runners in the schools and community centers that have 254 00:13:14,790 --> 00:13:18,359 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the most lasting impact and the biggest touch of the 255 00:13:18,360 --> 00:13:22,770 Jeremie Kasmarcak: kids. I think when I think about running, I think 256 00:13:22,770 --> 00:13:24,870 Jeremie Kasmarcak: about all the things that it's done for me. I 257 00:13:24,870 --> 00:13:27,630 Jeremie Kasmarcak: think about how it helps me manage stress, it helps 258 00:13:27,630 --> 00:13:30,569 Jeremie Kasmarcak: me stay fit, how it helps me make new friends 259 00:13:30,570 --> 00:13:33,929 Jeremie Kasmarcak: when I've moved to new cities. And just giving kids 260 00:13:33,929 --> 00:13:36,809 Jeremie Kasmarcak: those tools that are just so much more than physical 261 00:13:36,809 --> 00:13:40,410 Jeremie Kasmarcak: fitness, which is also extremely important, but those coping tools, 262 00:13:40,410 --> 00:13:45,480 Jeremie Kasmarcak: those mental health tools, those social skills is enormous. One 263 00:13:45,480 --> 00:13:48,660 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of the things I always go back to is years 264 00:13:48,660 --> 00:13:51,660 Jeremie Kasmarcak: ago at a TFK breakfast, we had a site leader from, 265 00:13:51,660 --> 00:13:54,990 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I think, Arizona come and speak to our group and 266 00:13:54,990 --> 00:13:59,490 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that his school had a very high population of unhoused 267 00:13:59,490 --> 00:14:03,569 Jeremie Kasmarcak: children. And one of the things that he shared with 268 00:14:03,570 --> 00:14:07,860 Jeremie Kasmarcak: us was that the kids back then used to get 269 00:14:07,860 --> 00:14:10,439 Jeremie Kasmarcak: incentives for their miles. Say they'd run so many miles 270 00:14:10,440 --> 00:14:12,329 Jeremie Kasmarcak: and they'd earn a keychain and they earned a shirt 271 00:14:12,330 --> 00:14:15,720 Jeremie Kasmarcak: and they'd earned something. And one of the children was 272 00:14:15,720 --> 00:14:19,140 Jeremie Kasmarcak: so proud to earn the keychain. The keychain meant so 273 00:14:19,140 --> 00:14:21,720 Jeremie Kasmarcak: much to this child that they glued it onto their 274 00:14:21,720 --> 00:14:24,930 Jeremie Kasmarcak: school path. And it's just a keychain. We think it's 275 00:14:24,930 --> 00:14:27,150 Jeremie Kasmarcak: a keychain, but to this kid, that was a sense 276 00:14:27,150 --> 00:14:30,600 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of permanence and belonging. That keychain meant something. He had 277 00:14:30,600 --> 00:14:33,990 Jeremie Kasmarcak: a place where he belonged that was stable, that wasn't 278 00:14:33,990 --> 00:14:36,240 Jeremie Kasmarcak: changing, and he could go back to. So I mean, 279 00:14:37,080 --> 00:14:40,380 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I'm overwhelmed, but it means so much to give these 280 00:14:40,380 --> 00:14:45,510 Jeremie Kasmarcak: kids permanence, belonging, community, in addition to the fitness skills 281 00:14:45,510 --> 00:14:46,350 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that we're teaching them. 282 00:14:46,440 --> 00:14:51,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. And Becs, the numbers are incredible now for the Rising 283 00:14:51,090 --> 00:14:53,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Road Runners program that Jeremie mentioned. We're now 284 00:14:53,790 --> 00:14:58,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: at just over 100,000 kids in New York City alone 285 00:14:58,650 --> 00:15:01,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: who are part of that Rising New York Runners program. 286 00:15:01,110 --> 00:15:03,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: They're running at the elementary school level, could be the 287 00:15:03,930 --> 00:15:06,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: middle school level as well, where we're actually doing some 288 00:15:06,540 --> 00:15:08,609 Rob Simmelkjaer: additional work to grow middle school running in New York 289 00:15:08,610 --> 00:15:11,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: City, 100,000 kids and rising in New York, and then 290 00:15:11,580 --> 00:15:14,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: about another 100,000 around the country as well. And so 291 00:15:14,460 --> 00:15:17,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: a lot of what Team for Kids is paying for 292 00:15:17,580 --> 00:15:20,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: is those incentives that Jeremie talked about, the T- shirts 293 00:15:20,850 --> 00:15:24,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: and other things that they get. And then Becs, we know adults are 294 00:15:24,900 --> 00:15:26,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: driven by getting those medals, right? 295 00:15:26,880 --> 00:15:26,940 Becs Gentry: Yeah. 296 00:15:26,940 --> 00:15:29,670 Rob Simmelkjaer: And so we know what a medal or a free T- shirt 297 00:15:29,670 --> 00:15:32,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: can do to motivate an adult. Think about what it 298 00:15:32,100 --> 00:15:32,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: does for kids. 299 00:15:33,300 --> 00:15:38,040 Becs Gentry: Yeah, absolutely. I can't even imagine. And I think one 300 00:15:38,040 --> 00:15:41,130 Becs Gentry: of the biggest things for me when I think about 301 00:15:41,790 --> 00:15:46,410 Becs Gentry: Team for Kids is knowing the struggles that kids go 302 00:15:46,410 --> 00:15:50,640 Becs Gentry: through. And for a lot of children running with these 303 00:15:50,640 --> 00:15:54,660 Becs Gentry: programs is actually their only chance to play sports, which 304 00:15:54,660 --> 00:15:58,590 Becs Gentry: is heartbreaking to me as a mother, as a human, 305 00:15:58,890 --> 00:16:01,050 Becs Gentry: not just be a mother, like a human on a human 306 00:16:01,050 --> 00:16:05,700 Becs Gentry: level. And I just think I'd love to know from 307 00:16:05,700 --> 00:16:11,070 Becs Gentry: you, when you think about going to see these kids 308 00:16:11,130 --> 00:16:15,270 Becs Gentry: and that it's potentially their only chance to get out 309 00:16:15,270 --> 00:16:18,780 Becs Gentry: and run like a kid, we're told to do that. How 310 00:16:18,780 --> 00:16:21,660 Becs Gentry: does that make you feel on a day- to- day basis? 311 00:16:22,350 --> 00:16:25,410 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yeah. Same with me, Becs. Growing up, I grew up in 312 00:16:25,410 --> 00:16:29,340 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Ohio. There was no shortage of space. Every school had 313 00:16:29,340 --> 00:16:32,250 Jeremie Kasmarcak: a full gym, a track, all the things. When I 314 00:16:32,250 --> 00:16:36,540 Jeremie Kasmarcak: moved to New York, I worked with schools and it 315 00:16:36,540 --> 00:16:40,380 Jeremie Kasmarcak: became clear that these kids have no space. They're lucky 316 00:16:40,410 --> 00:16:44,220 Jeremie Kasmarcak: if they have a multipurpose room or a cafe gymetaria 317 00:16:44,490 --> 00:16:48,510 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to do some laps between pulling out the cafeteria tables. 318 00:16:48,900 --> 00:16:51,390 Jeremie Kasmarcak: There's no space for them to have kids in a 319 00:16:51,390 --> 00:16:54,390 Jeremie Kasmarcak: lot of these places or space to have fun and 320 00:16:54,390 --> 00:16:58,290 Jeremie Kasmarcak: run around. It's a big deal. I have a five- year- 321 00:16:58,290 --> 00:17:00,510 Jeremie Kasmarcak: old in a New York City apartment and I see him 322 00:17:00,510 --> 00:17:03,450 Jeremie Kasmarcak: bouncing off the walls. They have to burn that energy 323 00:17:04,080 --> 00:17:09,480 Jeremie Kasmarcak: all the time. So we have to create these outlets 324 00:17:09,480 --> 00:17:13,470 Jeremie Kasmarcak: for them. But again, beyond the physical fitness component, I 325 00:17:13,470 --> 00:17:17,310 Jeremie Kasmarcak: was a really shy kid. How I made friends was joining 326 00:17:17,310 --> 00:17:20,670 Jeremie Kasmarcak: a team and showing up there and becoming a part 327 00:17:20,670 --> 00:17:25,170 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of the community. So it's the social aspect, it's the mental 328 00:17:25,170 --> 00:17:28,350 Jeremie Kasmarcak: health aspect, it's the fitness aspect. I mean, running has 329 00:17:28,350 --> 00:17:32,940 Jeremie Kasmarcak: given me so many things that I feel proud and 330 00:17:32,940 --> 00:17:36,000 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I feel really good about passing it on to the 331 00:17:36,000 --> 00:17:39,780 Jeremie Kasmarcak: next generation, knowing that they're facing new and different challenges, 332 00:17:39,780 --> 00:17:42,359 Jeremie Kasmarcak: but a lot of the same challenges of being a 333 00:17:42,359 --> 00:17:45,090 Jeremie Kasmarcak: kid and figuring things out. And it's hard. 334 00:17:45,330 --> 00:17:45,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. 335 00:17:45,629 --> 00:17:47,879 Becs Gentry: Yeah. I love that you said that, that it's the mental 336 00:17:48,300 --> 00:17:52,230 Becs Gentry: element as well as the physical, because of course, it's 337 00:17:52,230 --> 00:17:56,700 Becs Gentry: important to be healthy physically, but for these kids, yeah, 338 00:17:57,420 --> 00:18:01,679 Becs Gentry: it could take them away from being in that alone 339 00:18:01,680 --> 00:18:06,330 Becs Gentry: space to being in a space where they feel accepted 340 00:18:06,330 --> 00:18:11,310 Becs Gentry: and seen and loved by new people. And they may 341 00:18:11,310 --> 00:18:14,879 Becs Gentry: discover something so special about themselves that they may not 342 00:18:14,880 --> 00:18:18,570 Becs Gentry: have realized was even in them before if they were 343 00:18:18,570 --> 00:18:21,810 Becs Gentry: just always on the outside of a group. And yeah, 344 00:18:22,350 --> 00:18:23,250 Becs Gentry: I'm so glad you said that. 345 00:18:25,050 --> 00:18:27,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: Another thought that I have when it comes to the 346 00:18:27,540 --> 00:18:29,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: kids and what they get out of a lot of 347 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:33,390 Rob Simmelkjaer: our programs, the Team for Kids Funds, is just also 348 00:18:33,390 --> 00:18:37,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: getting out of their neighborhoods. I've actually had a chance 349 00:18:37,410 --> 00:18:40,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: to talk to a number of kids and coaches at 350 00:18:40,170 --> 00:18:43,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: various events. And I remember one kid I met at 351 00:18:43,320 --> 00:18:45,959 Rob Simmelkjaer: the kids' kickoff a couple of years ago, actually, the 352 00:18:45,960 --> 00:18:48,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: first time we had that event the week before the 353 00:18:48,270 --> 00:18:52,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: marathon in Central Park, and the kids were so excited 354 00:18:52,230 --> 00:18:58,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: to just be in Central Park. And I was talking to a few of them, and one or two 355 00:18:58,470 --> 00:19:01,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: of them told me they'd never been to Central Park 356 00:19:01,230 --> 00:19:01,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: before. These are New York City kids. 357 00:19:01,830 --> 00:19:03,930 Becs Gentry: Wait, and they're New York kids? 358 00:19:03,930 --> 00:19:04,951 Rob Simmelkjaer: These are New York City kids. 359 00:19:04,951 --> 00:19:05,490 Becs Gentry: No. 360 00:19:05,490 --> 00:19:07,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: And this was, I think the kid was probably about 361 00:19:07,830 --> 00:19:11,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: nine, 10 years old from the Bronx and had never 362 00:19:11,580 --> 00:19:14,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: actually had a chance to go visit Central Park. So 363 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:21,449 Rob Simmelkjaer: you sometimes don't think about our city and how cut 364 00:19:21,450 --> 00:19:24,359 Rob Simmelkjaer: off it can be for certain people, how they have 365 00:19:24,359 --> 00:19:27,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: a hard time if their parents are busy or not 366 00:19:27,600 --> 00:19:31,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: present, even getting out of their immediate neighborhoods. And so 367 00:19:31,500 --> 00:19:34,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: going to Times Square for the Times Square Kids Run 368 00:19:34,050 --> 00:19:36,720 Rob Simmelkjaer: or going to Coney Island for sure, which a lot 369 00:19:36,720 --> 00:19:39,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: of people don't get to, or even Central Park. That's 370 00:19:39,270 --> 00:19:44,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: also part of just seeing the city and for what 371 00:19:44,100 --> 00:19:46,408 Rob Simmelkjaer: it is and just expanding your horizons, Jeremie. 372 00:19:47,460 --> 00:19:50,100 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Definitely. And I mean, some of what we're able to offer 373 00:19:50,100 --> 00:19:54,210 Jeremie Kasmarcak: is so special. Times Square doesn't shut down for very 374 00:19:54,210 --> 00:19:58,050 Jeremie Kasmarcak: many things. I think it's us and Times Square or 375 00:19:58,290 --> 00:20:00,780 Jeremie Kasmarcak: New Year's Eve. So for those kids to be able 376 00:20:00,780 --> 00:20:04,290 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to run that course on that street and be a 377 00:20:04,290 --> 00:20:08,010 Jeremie Kasmarcak: part of it is amazing. Thinking about Icahn, we have 378 00:20:08,609 --> 00:20:11,460 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the top athletes of the whole world run on that track, 379 00:20:11,460 --> 00:20:14,070 Jeremie Kasmarcak: but so do our kids. So being able to not 380 00:20:14,070 --> 00:20:16,830 Jeremie Kasmarcak: only open up the city to them, but give them 381 00:20:16,830 --> 00:20:21,000 Jeremie Kasmarcak: these opportunities. They're running on the same track as Olympians. 382 00:20:21,180 --> 00:20:23,790 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I've not done that. Maybe I should go to more 383 00:20:23,790 --> 00:20:28,200 Jeremie Kasmarcak: jamborees, but that's a big deal. It's just like a 384 00:20:28,200 --> 00:20:30,750 Jeremie Kasmarcak: kid being able to run the bases at Yankee Stadium. 385 00:20:30,750 --> 00:20:33,840 Jeremie Kasmarcak: These kids are able to run where all these amazing 386 00:20:33,840 --> 00:20:38,040 Jeremie Kasmarcak: athletes have run. So it's really special to give them 387 00:20:38,040 --> 00:20:41,670 Jeremie Kasmarcak: these opportunities because they're just as deserving as everyone else. 388 00:20:42,630 --> 00:20:47,670 Becs Gentry: Absolutely. Well, I think it's safe to say that the 389 00:20:47,670 --> 00:20:50,820 Becs Gentry: kids in all of these, all the communities and all of 390 00:20:50,820 --> 00:20:54,420 Becs Gentry: the organizations are so well looked after once they get 391 00:20:54,420 --> 00:20:58,710 Becs Gentry: involved in this. But let's talk about the wider community 392 00:20:58,740 --> 00:21:00,990 Becs Gentry: that's involved in Team for Kids because there's also the 393 00:21:00,990 --> 00:21:06,149 Becs Gentry: adults like yourself that run these races and you're the 394 00:21:06,150 --> 00:21:10,410 Becs Gentry: people who do the fundraising. And I want to hear 395 00:21:10,410 --> 00:21:13,199 Becs Gentry: some stories. I want to hear... I mean, we know 396 00:21:13,200 --> 00:21:15,540 Becs Gentry: we highlighted in the podcast a lot of the times 397 00:21:15,540 --> 00:21:19,140 Becs Gentry: a lot of our member moments are incredible runners from 398 00:21:19,140 --> 00:21:23,940 Becs Gentry: Team for Kids. And I think one member recently completed 399 00:21:24,359 --> 00:21:28,590 Becs Gentry: his first marathon at 75 years old after two knee replacements. 400 00:21:29,190 --> 00:21:32,010 Becs Gentry: What other stories have you got like that that you 401 00:21:32,010 --> 00:21:33,810 Becs Gentry: can share with us from this great community? 402 00:21:34,380 --> 00:21:39,630 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I mean, I think working with Team for Kids has taught me that 403 00:21:39,660 --> 00:21:42,060 Jeremie Kasmarcak: if you really want to do it, you can run 404 00:21:42,060 --> 00:21:45,570 Jeremie Kasmarcak: a marathon. You have to want to do it, but 405 00:21:45,570 --> 00:21:50,880 Jeremie Kasmarcak: anyone can do it. We have people, young people, older 406 00:21:50,880 --> 00:21:54,990 Jeremie Kasmarcak: people, people dealing with really heavy life stuff who just 407 00:21:54,990 --> 00:21:58,800 Jeremie Kasmarcak: come to practice and we get through it one step 408 00:21:58,800 --> 00:22:01,380 Jeremie Kasmarcak: at a time. When I think about Team for Kids, 409 00:22:01,380 --> 00:22:05,100 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I honestly think about the community of people first before 410 00:22:05,100 --> 00:22:08,550 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I think about running. I always joke that running isn't 411 00:22:08,550 --> 00:22:13,920 Jeremie Kasmarcak: necessarily everyone's priority at practice. Brunches, seeing their friends, just 412 00:22:14,220 --> 00:22:18,690 Jeremie Kasmarcak: being together is most people's top priority when they come 413 00:22:18,690 --> 00:22:20,940 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to TFK Breakfast, and then we have to do our 414 00:22:20,940 --> 00:22:25,080 Jeremie Kasmarcak: run. Team for Kids is a place where everyone belongs. 415 00:22:25,080 --> 00:22:29,879 Jeremie Kasmarcak: We have amazingly fast and talented runners. There's one runner 416 00:22:29,880 --> 00:22:32,430 Jeremie Kasmarcak: who I love who's so friendly and so happy. He's 417 00:22:32,430 --> 00:22:35,189 Jeremie Kasmarcak: always like, " Jeremie, come run with me." And as soon 418 00:22:35,190 --> 00:22:37,680 Jeremie Kasmarcak: as I take two steps, he's like 900 yards ahead 419 00:22:37,680 --> 00:22:39,209 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of me. There's no way I can run with him. 420 00:22:40,109 --> 00:22:43,560 Jeremie Kasmarcak: We have amazingly talented runners, and we also have a 421 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:45,960 Jeremie Kasmarcak: lot of people who are first- timers or bucket list 422 00:22:45,960 --> 00:22:48,030 Jeremie Kasmarcak: runners. This is going to be the one and only, 423 00:22:48,300 --> 00:22:51,240 Jeremie Kasmarcak: and they want and need the support they want and 424 00:22:51,240 --> 00:22:54,060 Jeremie Kasmarcak: are looking for the community to do it together. There's 425 00:22:54,060 --> 00:22:58,980 Jeremie Kasmarcak: people coming off of major life changes, major injuries. Just, 426 00:22:59,369 --> 00:23:01,830 Jeremie Kasmarcak: more than anything, being with the community just makes me 427 00:23:01,830 --> 00:23:05,970 Jeremie Kasmarcak: believe, if you want something, it's never too late, and 428 00:23:05,970 --> 00:23:08,040 Jeremie Kasmarcak: if you really want to do it, you can do it. 429 00:23:08,790 --> 00:23:13,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. It's such a strong community. I will say it 430 00:23:13,260 --> 00:23:16,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: actually surprised me. When I came in to New York 431 00:23:16,590 --> 00:23:21,659 Rob Simmelkjaer: Road Runners and came in, obviously CEO and knew TFK 432 00:23:21,660 --> 00:23:23,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: was a thing, knew that it was a big fundraising 433 00:23:23,850 --> 00:23:27,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: platform for New York Road Runners, but I didn't realize 434 00:23:27,570 --> 00:23:31,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: what it was, because when I started going to races 435 00:23:31,650 --> 00:23:34,439 Rob Simmelkjaer: and going to the breakfast that you guys have, whether 436 00:23:34,440 --> 00:23:36,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: it's the big one we have in New York before 437 00:23:36,480 --> 00:23:38,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: the marathon or the smaller ones we have in the 438 00:23:38,790 --> 00:23:41,909 Rob Simmelkjaer: other cities where we've got teams going, the other Abbott 439 00:23:41,910 --> 00:23:45,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: World Marathon Major cities, I was like, " Whoa, these folks, 440 00:23:45,240 --> 00:23:48,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: they know each other." They've known each other for a 441 00:23:48,000 --> 00:23:51,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: long time. They're like real friends. And a lot of 442 00:23:51,990 --> 00:23:55,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: them, it seems to me, they came at first for 443 00:23:55,200 --> 00:23:58,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: that entry. They couldn't get in through the drawing, couldn't 444 00:23:58,440 --> 00:24:01,455 Rob Simmelkjaer: do nine plus one, wanted to run London or Chicago 445 00:24:01,455 --> 00:24:05,459 Rob Simmelkjaer: or something, but then they stayed for the people and 446 00:24:05,460 --> 00:24:08,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: for the community. And it really is an unbelievable family 447 00:24:08,940 --> 00:24:11,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: vibe that you see when you come to these events. 448 00:24:12,900 --> 00:24:16,800 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yeah. We had one runner who's among everyone's all time 449 00:24:16,800 --> 00:24:20,550 Jeremie Kasmarcak: favorite TFK runner, who is a bigger man. He was 450 00:24:20,550 --> 00:24:23,340 Jeremie Kasmarcak: probably over 300 pounds when he came to us. He 451 00:24:23,340 --> 00:24:26,550 Jeremie Kasmarcak: came to his first practice and expected us to say, " 452 00:24:26,640 --> 00:24:29,490 Jeremie Kasmarcak: This probably isn't for you. Maybe you shouldn't do this." 453 00:24:29,910 --> 00:24:34,230 Jeremie Kasmarcak: That's not what happened. I mean, I always joke that 454 00:24:34,530 --> 00:24:38,310 Jeremie Kasmarcak: our runners will fight to welcome new runners to practice. 455 00:24:38,520 --> 00:24:42,660 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Everybody wants to introduce themselves. Everybody wants to run with 456 00:24:42,660 --> 00:24:46,500 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you. Everybody wants to be a mentor and help new 457 00:24:46,500 --> 00:24:51,389 Jeremie Kasmarcak: runners learn everything about Team for Kids, fundraising and running. 458 00:24:51,869 --> 00:24:55,980 Jeremie Kasmarcak: It's just such a warm and welcoming community. And when 459 00:24:55,980 --> 00:24:59,910 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you think about running so often it's about my personal 460 00:24:59,910 --> 00:25:02,130 Jeremie Kasmarcak: goals. I'm running this race. I want to hit this 461 00:25:02,130 --> 00:25:06,900 Jeremie Kasmarcak: time. And we do. We're all working together to get 462 00:25:06,900 --> 00:25:09,419 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to the finish line, to hit our PRs, to collect 463 00:25:09,420 --> 00:25:12,300 Jeremie Kasmarcak: our stars. But when you're running with Team for Kids, there's 464 00:25:12,300 --> 00:25:16,530 Jeremie Kasmarcak: another level of we're all doing this together, we're all 465 00:25:16,530 --> 00:25:19,590 Jeremie Kasmarcak: going to get to the finish line somehow together, and 466 00:25:19,590 --> 00:25:21,810 Jeremie Kasmarcak: we're doing it for something bigger. So I think when 467 00:25:21,810 --> 00:25:26,129 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you add the layer of fundraising to support youth and 468 00:25:26,130 --> 00:25:33,930 Jeremie Kasmarcak: community programs, it makes it bigger somehow. It feels bigger. 469 00:25:33,930 --> 00:25:37,080 Jeremie Kasmarcak: You know you're running for your PR, but you're running... 470 00:25:38,010 --> 00:25:40,740 Jeremie Kasmarcak: So all sorts of people can have their own PRs. 471 00:25:40,740 --> 00:25:44,310 Becs Gentry: And I think kind of what you're saying is that's 472 00:25:44,310 --> 00:25:47,790 Becs Gentry: what keeps all of these thousands of people connected even 473 00:25:47,790 --> 00:25:49,859 Becs Gentry: when you're not all in the same city, right? 474 00:25:50,880 --> 00:25:53,490 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Exactly. Or I mean, if you don't run with each 475 00:25:53,490 --> 00:25:56,310 Jeremie Kasmarcak: other at practice because you're not the same pace, there's 476 00:25:56,310 --> 00:26:00,150 Jeremie Kasmarcak: so much common ground and so many brunches after practice 477 00:26:00,600 --> 00:26:02,580 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to build community and become friends. 478 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:04,470 Becs Gentry: These brunches sound legendary. 479 00:26:04,500 --> 00:26:07,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: Oh, yeah. I've had some great breakfast with TFK. 480 00:26:07,650 --> 00:26:08,040 Becs Gentry: Sign me up. 481 00:26:09,180 --> 00:26:12,899 Rob Simmelkjaer: And I feel guilty sometimes because I'm having this great 482 00:26:13,170 --> 00:26:15,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: brunch and I'm not even running the marathon the next 483 00:26:15,300 --> 00:26:17,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: day. I'm just hanging out with the team, but it's 484 00:26:17,970 --> 00:26:21,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: really good stuff. Let's talk about those practices, Jeremie, because 485 00:26:21,660 --> 00:26:25,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: coaching is a big part of what makes the Team 486 00:26:25,230 --> 00:26:28,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: for Kids experience. We've got a great coaching team at 487 00:26:28,230 --> 00:26:29,879 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Road Runners. Of course, a lot of our 488 00:26:29,880 --> 00:26:32,879 Rob Simmelkjaer: coaches do the group training, but so many of them 489 00:26:33,119 --> 00:26:38,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: really help out with this TFK, this team and getting 490 00:26:38,190 --> 00:26:41,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: this team coached up for their races. So talk about 491 00:26:41,400 --> 00:26:45,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: what a practice is like, also the long runs and 492 00:26:45,210 --> 00:26:47,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: what someone can expect from the coaching point of view 493 00:26:47,760 --> 00:26:49,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: if they sign up for Team for Kids. 494 00:26:50,280 --> 00:26:53,040 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yeah. So if you run with Team for Kids and 495 00:26:53,040 --> 00:26:55,080 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you're doing a marathon, you're going to get a virtual 496 00:26:55,080 --> 00:26:57,930 Jeremie Kasmarcak: training plan. You're going to have access to our coaches 497 00:26:57,930 --> 00:27:01,170 Jeremie Kasmarcak: and our staff all the time. One thing that might 498 00:27:01,170 --> 00:27:05,429 Jeremie Kasmarcak: surprise you is we're not a very big team in 499 00:27:05,430 --> 00:27:08,310 Jeremie Kasmarcak: terms of our staff. We're actually small, but pretty mighty. 500 00:27:08,580 --> 00:27:11,130 Jeremie Kasmarcak: If you email us, there is a good chance that 501 00:27:11,130 --> 00:27:14,820 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I will be responding. And if not, there's only about 502 00:27:14,820 --> 00:27:17,369 Jeremie Kasmarcak: four other people who would be responding to that email. 503 00:27:17,369 --> 00:27:20,580 Jeremie Kasmarcak: We're not bots, we're people. And I think that's what 504 00:27:20,580 --> 00:27:24,630 Jeremie Kasmarcak: makes us special because we build these real relationships. We 505 00:27:24,630 --> 00:27:29,250 Jeremie Kasmarcak: have a dedicated team of coaches who are all professionally 506 00:27:29,250 --> 00:27:32,190 Jeremie Kasmarcak: trained coaches who are out there week after week running 507 00:27:32,190 --> 00:27:36,149 Jeremie Kasmarcak: with you. I think one of our most popular coach, Coach 508 00:27:36,150 --> 00:27:39,750 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Sid, he always says, " It's not about your finished time. 509 00:27:39,900 --> 00:27:44,130 Jeremie Kasmarcak: It's about the finish line." We're out there together. Our 510 00:27:44,130 --> 00:27:47,879 Jeremie Kasmarcak: goal is honestly in running this program is to thank 511 00:27:47,880 --> 00:27:51,930 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you and give you the best experience possible because you 512 00:27:52,200 --> 00:27:55,679 Jeremie Kasmarcak: in the fundraising department are doing so much for us. 513 00:27:55,830 --> 00:27:59,369 Jeremie Kasmarcak: We want to say thank you with the best experience. 514 00:27:59,369 --> 00:28:01,770 Jeremie Kasmarcak: So we're out there, we want to make sure you're 515 00:28:01,770 --> 00:28:05,760 Jeremie Kasmarcak: trained, you're prepared, everybody gets to that finish line, everybody 516 00:28:05,760 --> 00:28:10,050 Jeremie Kasmarcak: accomplishes their goals. I mean, if you're in New York 517 00:28:10,050 --> 00:28:12,600 Jeremie Kasmarcak: City, even if you don't live here, if you're in 518 00:28:12,600 --> 00:28:15,359 Jeremie Kasmarcak: New York City on a trip, come to practice. People 519 00:28:15,359 --> 00:28:18,359 Jeremie Kasmarcak: are nervous about it, but once they come, they're always saying, " 520 00:28:18,359 --> 00:28:21,420 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I can't believe I'm not doing that every single week." 521 00:28:22,290 --> 00:28:24,869 Jeremie Kasmarcak: We do our warmups, we do speed work once a 522 00:28:24,869 --> 00:28:27,060 Jeremie Kasmarcak: week and we do our long runs. And I'll say 523 00:28:27,300 --> 00:28:30,600 Jeremie Kasmarcak: running 20 miles or three hours is a lot easier 524 00:28:30,990 --> 00:28:33,480 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to do with a group of people than it is to do 525 00:28:33,510 --> 00:28:36,060 Jeremie Kasmarcak: by yourself. And I am a solo runner. I do 526 00:28:36,060 --> 00:28:39,420 Jeremie Kasmarcak: not love running with groups of people, but when I'm 527 00:28:39,420 --> 00:28:42,420 Jeremie Kasmarcak: on those long runs, I'm like, " This is way better. 528 00:28:42,420 --> 00:28:44,280 Jeremie Kasmarcak: This is what I should always be doing." 529 00:28:45,300 --> 00:28:48,000 Becs Gentry: Absolutely. I'm with you on the mindset of, I'm a solo 530 00:28:48,000 --> 00:28:50,340 Becs Gentry: runner and I love to do as many miles as 531 00:28:50,340 --> 00:28:53,820 Becs Gentry: I can by myself until I do it with a group and I'm like, " 532 00:28:54,390 --> 00:28:56,400 Becs Gentry: I'm such a fool, why don't I do this more 533 00:28:56,400 --> 00:28:59,700 Becs Gentry: often? It's so much easier." Well, not so much, but 534 00:29:00,420 --> 00:29:03,930 Becs Gentry: comparatively, it feels like it's a breeze. And as you 535 00:29:03,930 --> 00:29:08,280 Becs Gentry: say, that celebration afterwards, whether it's a high five, a 536 00:29:08,280 --> 00:29:11,910 Becs Gentry: hug or brunch or whatever it is, it's just so 537 00:29:11,910 --> 00:29:14,910 Becs Gentry: much more rewarding than just pat yourself on the back 538 00:29:14,910 --> 00:29:19,650 Becs Gentry: and get on with your day, for sure. Okay. So 539 00:29:19,650 --> 00:29:21,840 Becs Gentry: we talked about the training perks. We've talked about the 540 00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:26,070 Becs Gentry: perks that come from the fundraising and the actual miles that 541 00:29:26,070 --> 00:29:29,490 Becs Gentry: are covered here. Let's talk about race day and the 542 00:29:29,490 --> 00:29:34,560 Becs Gentry: runner experience because it is something special that you all get and 543 00:29:34,560 --> 00:29:37,800 Becs Gentry: deservedly so. So talk us through what are the biggest 544 00:29:37,800 --> 00:29:39,840 Becs Gentry: perks for TFK on race day? 545 00:29:40,380 --> 00:29:45,150 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yeah. So they're different across all the races we offer. 546 00:29:45,150 --> 00:29:47,670 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Not every race is a New York Road Runners race, 547 00:29:47,700 --> 00:29:49,920 Jeremie Kasmarcak: so we can only do so much at other people's 548 00:29:49,920 --> 00:29:55,800 Jeremie Kasmarcak: races, but at the TCS New York City Marathon, I'd say TFK 549 00:29:55,800 --> 00:29:58,950 Jeremie Kasmarcak: runners have about as good of an experience as any 550 00:29:58,950 --> 00:30:00,270 Jeremie Kasmarcak: other runner out there. 551 00:30:00,360 --> 00:30:00,660 Becs Gentry: Yay. 552 00:30:01,230 --> 00:30:05,220 Jeremie Kasmarcak: We have our own ferry that takes you to our 553 00:30:05,220 --> 00:30:09,870 Jeremie Kasmarcak: own start tent. We have our own block of porta- 554 00:30:09,870 --> 00:30:12,721 Jeremie Kasmarcak: potties, so you do not wait with the people. You have your own porta... 555 00:30:12,721 --> 00:30:12,722 Rob Simmelkjaer: That is gold. 556 00:30:12,722 --> 00:30:12,810 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I know. 557 00:30:12,810 --> 00:30:16,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: Your own set of porta potties. 558 00:30:16,320 --> 00:30:17,002 Jeremie Kasmarcak: This is like (inaudible) . 559 00:30:16,980 --> 00:30:18,181 Becs Gentry: Yeah. Both of those things are ready. 560 00:30:18,181 --> 00:30:21,930 Jeremie Kasmarcak: This is one of my main selling points is you will not wait in 561 00:30:21,930 --> 00:30:24,120 Jeremie Kasmarcak: line to go to the bathroom on race morning. And 562 00:30:24,120 --> 00:30:27,840 Jeremie Kasmarcak: if you're a nervous peer, this is a big deal. And 563 00:30:27,840 --> 00:30:30,390 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you're in our tent with our team. So our coaches 564 00:30:30,390 --> 00:30:33,600 Jeremie Kasmarcak: are there. Our coaches are leading our warmups, walking you 565 00:30:33,600 --> 00:30:37,710 Jeremie Kasmarcak: into the corral. TFK runners have their own corrals within 566 00:30:37,710 --> 00:30:40,320 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the wave. So you're with the team. So even if 567 00:30:40,320 --> 00:30:43,350 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you don't know anyone, you trained in a different state 568 00:30:43,350 --> 00:30:45,960 Jeremie Kasmarcak: or a different country, you followed us on the Facebook 569 00:30:45,960 --> 00:30:48,690 Jeremie Kasmarcak: page. You're going to meet the people that you saw 570 00:30:48,690 --> 00:30:50,700 Jeremie Kasmarcak: on race day and you're going to be able to 571 00:30:50,700 --> 00:30:52,890 Jeremie Kasmarcak: find someone in that corral to run with for the 572 00:30:52,890 --> 00:30:59,040 Jeremie Kasmarcak: whole race. People have made so many friends on race 573 00:30:59,040 --> 00:31:02,490 Jeremie Kasmarcak: day just in those TFK corrals. And there's a lot 574 00:31:02,490 --> 00:31:06,150 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of beautiful stories of, I was a mentor, I wasn't 575 00:31:06,150 --> 00:31:09,120 Jeremie Kasmarcak: your mentor, but you're struggling, so now we're going to 576 00:31:09,120 --> 00:31:11,820 Jeremie Kasmarcak: finish this together. A lot of that happens on race 577 00:31:11,820 --> 00:31:17,550 Jeremie Kasmarcak: day. And then when you finish, we have an early 578 00:31:17,550 --> 00:31:20,880 Jeremie Kasmarcak: exit from Central Park. If the toilets didn't get you, 579 00:31:21,060 --> 00:31:25,890 Jeremie Kasmarcak: this early exit from Central Park really should be the selling point. 580 00:31:26,430 --> 00:31:28,860 Jeremie Kasmarcak: You don't have to do the full zombie death march. 581 00:31:28,860 --> 00:31:30,780 Jeremie Kasmarcak: You get to turn off a little bit early and 582 00:31:30,780 --> 00:31:34,050 Jeremie Kasmarcak: come straight to our tent. We have a bunch of volunteers waiting 583 00:31:34,050 --> 00:31:38,160 Jeremie Kasmarcak: there with signs and ponchos to snatch you up, pull 584 00:31:38,160 --> 00:31:40,680 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you out of the masses and come over to our 585 00:31:40,680 --> 00:31:45,570 Jeremie Kasmarcak: recovery tent so you can sit down, have a snack, 586 00:31:45,780 --> 00:31:48,510 Jeremie Kasmarcak: figure out how you're going to untie your shoes, get 587 00:31:48,510 --> 00:31:51,060 Jeremie Kasmarcak: your life together a little bit before you hobble home. 588 00:31:51,510 --> 00:31:53,490 Becs Gentry: That is incredible. And for those of you who don't 589 00:31:53,490 --> 00:31:57,180 Becs Gentry: know what Jeremie is referring to as the death march 590 00:31:57,240 --> 00:32:00,090 Becs Gentry: is, Rob's like, " Guys, be quiet." 591 00:32:00,930 --> 00:32:02,490 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's not a death march. 592 00:32:02,850 --> 00:32:03,031 Becs Gentry: It's a quiet walk. 593 00:32:03,031 --> 00:32:03,421 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yes, it's a long walk off. 594 00:32:03,421 --> 00:32:04,110 Jeremie Kasmarcak: It's a long walk off. 595 00:32:05,730 --> 00:32:07,800 Becs Gentry: You got a long way to exit the park, which 596 00:32:07,800 --> 00:32:10,860 Becs Gentry: involves a little uphill. And then you got to exit the 597 00:32:10,860 --> 00:32:13,140 Becs Gentry: park and then you've got that walk down. And it's 598 00:32:13,140 --> 00:32:16,980 Becs Gentry: just very quiet. And I think that's the juxtaposition people 599 00:32:16,980 --> 00:32:21,600 Becs Gentry: talk about is you've come from 26.2 miles of absolute 600 00:32:21,810 --> 00:32:26,910 Becs Gentry: noise and passion and motivation and love. And then you 601 00:32:27,480 --> 00:32:30,330 Becs Gentry: do that mile walk back down to Columbus Circle and 602 00:32:30,900 --> 00:32:36,570 Becs Gentry: it's so quiet. It's scary. So that's all we're talking 603 00:32:36,570 --> 00:32:37,801 Becs Gentry: about. Nothing scary that you go through. 604 00:32:37,801 --> 00:32:40,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's definitely a perk. It's definitely a big perk for Team for- 605 00:32:40,080 --> 00:32:40,291 Becs Gentry: It's such a perk to not do that. 606 00:32:40,291 --> 00:32:42,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... Kids Runners to get out early. No doubt about it. 607 00:32:43,170 --> 00:32:44,430 Becs Gentry: Yeah. Yeah. Every single person. 608 00:32:44,430 --> 00:32:44,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: That's why everybody should run for Team for Kids if they can. 609 00:32:45,810 --> 00:32:50,940 Becs Gentry: Exactly. Oh, my gosh. Oh, everything. Everything you've mentioned. I'm like, " 610 00:32:50,940 --> 00:32:57,180 Becs Gentry: Wow." It's not spoiled though. I think a lot of 611 00:32:57,180 --> 00:33:01,650 Becs Gentry: your runners may feel spoiled, but for the goodness that 612 00:33:01,650 --> 00:33:06,600 Becs Gentry: they are spreading in the world, it's truthfully wonderful. 613 00:33:06,600 --> 00:33:09,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: There's no such thing as being spoiled running 26.2 miles, 614 00:33:09,600 --> 00:33:12,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: right? No matter what you got at the start or 615 00:33:12,030 --> 00:33:15,209 Rob Simmelkjaer: the finish, you did the hard part no matter what, 616 00:33:15,210 --> 00:33:18,390 Rob Simmelkjaer: and that's running the race. So shout out to everybody 617 00:33:18,390 --> 00:33:21,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: who gets it done. Jeremie, let's talk a little bit 618 00:33:21,300 --> 00:33:25,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: about the fundraising side. What the commitment is that people 619 00:33:25,440 --> 00:33:27,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: are signing up for when they do Team for Kids. 620 00:33:27,750 --> 00:33:31,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: And for a lot of folks, fundraising is intimidating. A 621 00:33:31,050 --> 00:33:32,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: lot of people have never had to do it before. 622 00:33:33,270 --> 00:33:36,959 Rob Simmelkjaer: You're asking friends and family for money for you to 623 00:33:36,960 --> 00:33:39,239 Rob Simmelkjaer: go run. I think for a lot of folks that 624 00:33:39,240 --> 00:33:43,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: can be awkward. Talk about that commitment and about how 625 00:33:43,140 --> 00:33:47,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: you've seen people and a lot of repeat runners get more 626 00:33:47,280 --> 00:33:50,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: and more comfortable with fundraising as they've gotten more experience. 627 00:33:50,940 --> 00:33:53,820 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yes. I will say I am someone who doesn't like 628 00:33:53,820 --> 00:33:57,030 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to ask people for money. And I've fundraised a few 629 00:33:57,030 --> 00:34:00,300 Jeremie Kasmarcak: times for us. And every time I've found that it's 630 00:34:00,360 --> 00:34:02,640 Jeremie Kasmarcak: easier and less scary than I think it's going to 631 00:34:02,640 --> 00:34:06,840 Jeremie Kasmarcak: be. You don't know what you're going to do, how 632 00:34:06,840 --> 00:34:10,020 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you're going to do it, but it happens. I think 633 00:34:11,400 --> 00:34:13,469 Jeremie Kasmarcak: all of our races have different price points. So if 634 00:34:13,469 --> 00:34:15,210 Jeremie Kasmarcak: it's a Five- Borough race, that's going to be a 635 00:34:15,210 --> 00:34:20,069 Jeremie Kasmarcak: cheaper race. I think, well, for the marathon, TCS New 636 00:34:20,070 --> 00:34:25,321 Jeremie Kasmarcak: York City Marathon, there's different levels. 4,000, 5, 000... 637 00:34:25,321 --> 00:34:28,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: The base level is 4, 000? 638 00:34:28,500 --> 00:34:28,590 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Three. 639 00:34:28,590 --> 00:34:28,591 Rob Simmelkjaer: Sorry, 3,000. 640 00:34:28,591 --> 00:34:34,290 Jeremie Kasmarcak: 4,000, 5,000, 10,000. And it's just a different price point for the different 641 00:34:34,290 --> 00:34:37,259 Jeremie Kasmarcak: races based on how much we're able to do for 642 00:34:37,260 --> 00:34:40,529 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you at the races. And a lot of times with 643 00:34:40,530 --> 00:34:44,550 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the other races, what the charity program requirements are. We're 644 00:34:44,550 --> 00:34:46,020 Jeremie Kasmarcak: not in charge of all the races, so we have 645 00:34:46,020 --> 00:34:48,660 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to follow the other races rules for those entries that 646 00:34:48,660 --> 00:34:54,180 Jeremie Kasmarcak: we get. I'll say with fundraising, the first ask is 647 00:34:54,180 --> 00:34:57,719 Jeremie Kasmarcak: always the hardest. It's always the hardest and scariest, but 648 00:34:58,650 --> 00:35:00,569 Jeremie Kasmarcak: as soon as you rip off the bandaid, it gets 649 00:35:00,570 --> 00:35:03,480 Jeremie Kasmarcak: easier. You find your cadence, you find what you're going 650 00:35:03,480 --> 00:35:07,170 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to say. My recommendation is to really just tee yourself 651 00:35:07,170 --> 00:35:10,230 Jeremie Kasmarcak: up with a softball for that first half. Someone who's 652 00:35:10,230 --> 00:35:14,280 Jeremie Kasmarcak: definitely going to say yes to you. Keep the training 653 00:35:14,280 --> 00:35:17,100 Jeremie Kasmarcak: wheels on with easy ask as long as you're still 654 00:35:17,100 --> 00:35:21,630 Jeremie Kasmarcak: getting comfortable. But then once you get used to it, 655 00:35:22,440 --> 00:35:24,540 Jeremie Kasmarcak: it gets a lot easier. The first one's always the 656 00:35:24,540 --> 00:35:31,469 Jeremie Kasmarcak: hardest. And we always stress, find your why. Why Team 657 00:35:31,469 --> 00:35:34,170 Jeremie Kasmarcak: for Kids? What about Team for Kids resonates with you? 658 00:35:34,410 --> 00:35:37,290 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Why is this the charity you chose? What does this 659 00:35:37,290 --> 00:35:42,180 Jeremie Kasmarcak: mean to you? We have runners who have struggled with 660 00:35:42,180 --> 00:35:44,730 Jeremie Kasmarcak: their weight in the past, and that's their why. We 661 00:35:44,730 --> 00:35:49,380 Jeremie Kasmarcak: have runners who work in hospitals and preventative healthcare is 662 00:35:49,380 --> 00:35:52,050 Jeremie Kasmarcak: really important to them. We have a lot of people 663 00:35:52,050 --> 00:35:55,469 Jeremie Kasmarcak: who are parents and teachers, and that's their why. So 664 00:35:56,280 --> 00:35:59,700 Jeremie Kasmarcak: yes, you're raising money for Team for Kids, but the 665 00:35:59,700 --> 00:36:03,840 Jeremie Kasmarcak: fundraising part really is about asking your friends and family 666 00:36:03,840 --> 00:36:07,350 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to support you and doing this big thing that you're 667 00:36:07,350 --> 00:36:12,510 Jeremie Kasmarcak: trying to do. I always say too, ask people in 668 00:36:12,510 --> 00:36:15,300 Jeremie Kasmarcak: person. It's so much harder to say no in person 669 00:36:16,320 --> 00:36:19,350 Jeremie Kasmarcak: than it is to ignore a text or an email. 670 00:36:20,100 --> 00:36:22,739 Jeremie Kasmarcak: If it's someone that you know that's in your network 671 00:36:22,739 --> 00:36:25,290 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that loves and cares about you, that's a really hard 672 00:36:25,290 --> 00:36:29,219 Jeremie Kasmarcak: no to your face. So pro- tip, ask in person 673 00:36:30,390 --> 00:36:32,460 Jeremie Kasmarcak: because it's really hard to say no when you're right 674 00:36:32,460 --> 00:36:36,540 Jeremie Kasmarcak: there. Follow up, be persistent. A lot of times people, 675 00:36:37,830 --> 00:36:40,140 Jeremie Kasmarcak: if you ask the first time and they don't donate the 676 00:36:40,140 --> 00:36:42,810 Jeremie Kasmarcak: first time, it's not because they don't want to. They 677 00:36:42,810 --> 00:36:46,710 Jeremie Kasmarcak: just got busy. So follow up and ask. The worst 678 00:36:46,710 --> 00:36:49,230 Jeremie Kasmarcak: they can say is, " No, not right now. Can't do 679 00:36:49,230 --> 00:36:54,270 Jeremie Kasmarcak: it." And then you move on. But yeah, it's hard 680 00:36:54,270 --> 00:36:57,960 Jeremie Kasmarcak: and it can be intimidating to get going. But once 681 00:36:57,960 --> 00:37:00,360 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you get into it, you'll find your flow, you'll find 682 00:37:00,360 --> 00:37:03,149 Jeremie Kasmarcak: your story, you'll know what you're going to say, how 683 00:37:03,150 --> 00:37:05,520 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you're going to ask. It gets a lot more comfortable. 684 00:37:05,880 --> 00:37:08,700 Jeremie Kasmarcak: And if you're still overwhelmed, we have resources. So we 685 00:37:08,700 --> 00:37:15,090 Jeremie Kasmarcak: can do individual consultations. We can help you create a 686 00:37:15,090 --> 00:37:18,239 Jeremie Kasmarcak: chart of your network, work on what you're going to 687 00:37:18,239 --> 00:37:21,779 Jeremie Kasmarcak: say. We also have fundraising office hours and we have 688 00:37:21,780 --> 00:37:24,090 Jeremie Kasmarcak: mentors. So we have a group of volunteers who've run 689 00:37:24,090 --> 00:37:26,759 Jeremie Kasmarcak: with us who we can pair you up with and 690 00:37:26,760 --> 00:37:30,270 Jeremie Kasmarcak: they can help generate ideas. I think when it comes 691 00:37:30,270 --> 00:37:36,420 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to fundraising, the higher amounts, like 4, 000, 5,000, 10,000, a lot 692 00:37:36,420 --> 00:37:40,140 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of people find their friends and family members who work 693 00:37:40,140 --> 00:37:44,280 Jeremie Kasmarcak: at companies that do match giving. If you have a 694 00:37:44,280 --> 00:37:46,710 Jeremie Kasmarcak: friend or family member who works at a place like 695 00:37:46,710 --> 00:37:50,819 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that, it's like gold because it basically just doubles all 696 00:37:50,820 --> 00:37:55,020 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the donations you get through them. So there are systems 697 00:37:55,020 --> 00:37:57,390 Jeremie Kasmarcak: in place that we can help you navigate and direct 698 00:37:57,390 --> 00:38:01,650 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you to that can help with the fundraising. So part 699 00:38:01,650 --> 00:38:06,660 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of Team for Kids experience is fundraising support because we're 700 00:38:06,660 --> 00:38:09,239 Jeremie Kasmarcak: asking you to do kind of a lot and something big 701 00:38:09,239 --> 00:38:11,489 Jeremie Kasmarcak: for us. So we're going to do everything we can to 702 00:38:11,489 --> 00:38:12,450 Jeremie Kasmarcak: help you get there. 703 00:38:13,500 --> 00:38:17,850 Becs Gentry: I think that's really well said because there's so many 704 00:38:17,850 --> 00:38:21,239 Becs Gentry: different tiers that you can attach yourself to when it 705 00:38:21,239 --> 00:38:25,410 Becs Gentry: comes to fundraising, but the pressure is real for fundraising, 706 00:38:25,410 --> 00:38:30,029 Becs Gentry: because for the first part, you've chosen to fundraise for 707 00:38:30,030 --> 00:38:33,779 Becs Gentry: this specific cause because it means something to you. And 708 00:38:33,780 --> 00:38:38,100 Becs Gentry: then I think a lot of people don't do maybe 709 00:38:38,100 --> 00:38:40,560 Becs Gentry: races or they don't do fundraising because of the pressure 710 00:38:40,560 --> 00:38:43,830 Becs Gentry: and they get a little bit like, " Oh, well, what's 711 00:38:43,830 --> 00:38:47,339 Becs Gentry: going to happen if I don't hit my fundraising mark?" 712 00:38:48,120 --> 00:38:50,010 Becs Gentry: Can you just talk a little bit about that from 713 00:38:50,010 --> 00:38:54,390 Becs Gentry: your experience of either if people have come to you 714 00:38:54,390 --> 00:38:57,810 Becs Gentry: because they're intimidated or if you've had people who haven't 715 00:38:57,810 --> 00:39:00,120 Becs Gentry: hit their fundraising mark and how they've dealt with that? 716 00:39:01,140 --> 00:39:05,160 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yeah, I would say that's a very important thing. Before 717 00:39:05,160 --> 00:39:10,320 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you sign up, definitely think about your network, think about 718 00:39:10,320 --> 00:39:13,650 Jeremie Kasmarcak: your bank account. If first push comes to shove, would 719 00:39:13,650 --> 00:39:19,950 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you be making that donation? I mean, it is the commitment 720 00:39:19,950 --> 00:39:23,310 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you're making. You're getting the entry and you're committing to 721 00:39:23,310 --> 00:39:27,870 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the fundraising. I think a lot of people get in 722 00:39:27,870 --> 00:39:32,340 Jeremie Kasmarcak: trouble because they wait too long to start. You're not 723 00:39:32,340 --> 00:39:35,160 Jeremie Kasmarcak: going to start training for the TCS New York City 724 00:39:35,160 --> 00:39:39,779 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Marathon in September. You probably shouldn't start fundraising in September 725 00:39:39,780 --> 00:39:43,529 Jeremie Kasmarcak: either. You have a lot more time to try new things, 726 00:39:43,530 --> 00:39:47,009 Jeremie Kasmarcak: ask more people, get plans in place if you start 727 00:39:47,010 --> 00:39:49,830 Jeremie Kasmarcak: right away. I think a lot of runners get in 728 00:39:49,830 --> 00:39:52,950 Jeremie Kasmarcak: trouble when they procrastinate, and it might be because they're 729 00:39:52,950 --> 00:39:55,140 Jeremie Kasmarcak: nervous about it, they don't know where to start. And 730 00:39:55,140 --> 00:39:57,719 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that's we're here, we're here to help you with all 731 00:39:57,719 --> 00:39:59,969 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of that. We can put a plan in place, we 732 00:39:59,969 --> 00:40:02,219 Jeremie Kasmarcak: can help you identify your network, we can help you 733 00:40:02,219 --> 00:40:08,160 Jeremie Kasmarcak: identify your why. But people who end up making the 734 00:40:08,160 --> 00:40:11,700 Jeremie Kasmarcak: donation on their own behalf are a lot of times 735 00:40:11,700 --> 00:40:16,020 Jeremie Kasmarcak: people who really haven't started before September, haven't really thought 736 00:40:16,020 --> 00:40:18,600 Jeremie Kasmarcak: about it, and then all of a sudden, it's October 737 00:40:18,989 --> 00:40:21,840 Jeremie Kasmarcak: and that's the fundraising deadline. So I think it is 738 00:40:21,840 --> 00:40:27,150 Jeremie Kasmarcak: a serious decision. For me, I was really nervous when 739 00:40:27,150 --> 00:40:29,730 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I started fundraising running, so I started with a lower 740 00:40:29,730 --> 00:40:32,580 Jeremie Kasmarcak: commitment. I wasn't sure how to do it. So I 741 00:40:33,360 --> 00:40:36,450 Jeremie Kasmarcak: found a race where the commitment was $ 500. That was 742 00:40:36,450 --> 00:40:40,620 Jeremie Kasmarcak: something that I was comfortable with the network in my 743 00:40:40,620 --> 00:40:43,650 Jeremie Kasmarcak: head, getting close to. I was comfortable with the assumptions 744 00:40:43,650 --> 00:40:45,810 Jeremie Kasmarcak: I was making of what I would have to cover 745 00:40:46,170 --> 00:40:48,750 Jeremie Kasmarcak: and just put my toe in the water. We have 746 00:40:48,750 --> 00:40:53,160 Jeremie Kasmarcak: races, the fundraising commitment is $ 100. So if that sounds 747 00:40:53,160 --> 00:40:57,870 Jeremie Kasmarcak: better than four, five, $ 10,000 for you, maybe that's where 748 00:40:57,870 --> 00:41:00,090 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you start and see how it goes and work your 749 00:41:00,090 --> 00:41:05,100 Jeremie Kasmarcak: way up. Because the more you fundraise, the easier it 750 00:41:05,100 --> 00:41:06,930 Jeremie Kasmarcak: gets, the more used to it. Just like the more 751 00:41:06,930 --> 00:41:08,969 Jeremie Kasmarcak: miles you run, the easier it gets. 752 00:41:09,210 --> 00:41:14,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. What I have found, and I've fundraised for TFK now 753 00:41:14,040 --> 00:41:17,279 Rob Simmelkjaer: for a couple races myself since I've been here, and 754 00:41:17,280 --> 00:41:19,529 Rob Simmelkjaer: I had done it before for Fred's team back in 755 00:41:19,530 --> 00:41:23,549 Rob Simmelkjaer: the day, is when you take your community along with 756 00:41:23,550 --> 00:41:27,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: you for your journey of training, and you start just 757 00:41:27,690 --> 00:41:32,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: showing them pictures from that training run, or sharing with 758 00:41:32,250 --> 00:41:36,299 Rob Simmelkjaer: them how you're feeling, or what your long run's gotten 759 00:41:36,300 --> 00:41:39,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: up to, things like that. They feel like they're going 760 00:41:39,540 --> 00:41:43,169 Rob Simmelkjaer: along with you for the marathon, and they feel invested that 761 00:41:43,170 --> 00:41:46,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: way, and that makes them want to support it. And 762 00:41:46,410 --> 00:41:49,259 Rob Simmelkjaer: then they get those updates, and they start looking forward 763 00:41:49,260 --> 00:41:51,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: to race day, and they're like, " Oh, they're waking up." 764 00:41:52,110 --> 00:41:54,718 Rob Simmelkjaer: You want your donors to wake up on the morning 765 00:41:54,719 --> 00:41:57,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: of the race, wherever they are and be thinking about 766 00:41:57,180 --> 00:42:00,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: you and your race, right? And like, " Oh, how is Jeremie 767 00:42:00,330 --> 00:42:03,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: doing? How is Rob doing?" Maybe tracking you and seeing 768 00:42:03,900 --> 00:42:06,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: how it's going because they really want to see you 769 00:42:06,780 --> 00:42:09,719 Rob Simmelkjaer: succeed and achieve your goal. So I think that's the 770 00:42:09,719 --> 00:42:11,669 Rob Simmelkjaer: way to think of it is just creating a little 771 00:42:11,670 --> 00:42:15,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: community that is around you and your run. And I 772 00:42:15,090 --> 00:42:17,851 Rob Simmelkjaer: think that's the best case scenario. So great advice, Jeremie. 773 00:42:17,851 --> 00:42:18,480 Becs Gentry: A little newslettery blog situation. 774 00:42:21,420 --> 00:42:23,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, exactly. It's like you're running a little media business. 775 00:42:26,760 --> 00:42:29,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's really good. Jeremie, one thing that I think is 776 00:42:29,610 --> 00:42:32,670 Rob Simmelkjaer: so exciting with TFK is the new places that we're 777 00:42:32,670 --> 00:42:35,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: starting to go to. We've been doing, of course, New 778 00:42:35,790 --> 00:42:38,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: York, lots of different races in New York, the Marathon, 779 00:42:38,969 --> 00:42:42,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: Halfs, the Fibro series, and then there's the Abbott World 780 00:42:42,810 --> 00:42:46,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: Marathon Majors where we've been fortunate to get an increasing 781 00:42:46,020 --> 00:42:49,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: number of entries that includes Sydney now. So all of 782 00:42:49,230 --> 00:42:53,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: the other six cities are all part of TFK. But 783 00:42:53,040 --> 00:42:57,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: you just came back this weekend from Walt Disney World 784 00:42:57,150 --> 00:43:00,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: where we had our first ever Team for Kids team 785 00:43:00,840 --> 00:43:04,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: down there at all the Disney races from the 5K 786 00:43:04,110 --> 00:43:06,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: all the way up to the marathon. How was that? 787 00:43:06,210 --> 00:43:08,610 Jeremie Kasmarcak: It was magical. 788 00:43:08,670 --> 00:43:09,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: Of course. 789 00:43:11,850 --> 00:43:14,250 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Being a part of Team for Kids is being a part 790 00:43:14,250 --> 00:43:18,810 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of such a specific community, but being in Disney is 791 00:43:18,810 --> 00:43:23,580 Jeremie Kasmarcak: another very specific community. And it was so fun to 792 00:43:23,580 --> 00:43:27,360 Jeremie Kasmarcak: see them mix and match. The people that I've known 793 00:43:27,360 --> 00:43:29,700 Jeremie Kasmarcak: for years here in New York and know them in 794 00:43:29,700 --> 00:43:33,569 Jeremie Kasmarcak: a very specific, I'm running the Majors, I'm collecting these 795 00:43:33,570 --> 00:43:36,930 Jeremie Kasmarcak: stars ways, to see them dressed up as goofy to do 796 00:43:37,050 --> 00:43:40,020 Jeremie Kasmarcak: a race was just so much fun. There was a 797 00:43:40,020 --> 00:43:43,770 Jeremie Kasmarcak: lot of glitter and costumes and it was a lot 798 00:43:43,770 --> 00:43:48,719 Jeremie Kasmarcak: more about the experience than the run. And I think 799 00:43:48,719 --> 00:43:50,969 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that's a really great fit for a lot of people 800 00:43:50,969 --> 00:43:54,180 Jeremie Kasmarcak: in our community. They're here for the community and the experience. 801 00:43:54,420 --> 00:44:00,450 Jeremie Kasmarcak: This is a very low pressure, high fun race. I 802 00:44:00,450 --> 00:44:05,100 Jeremie Kasmarcak: did the 5K. It was awesome. I was standing at 803 00:44:05,100 --> 00:44:08,550 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that marathon finish line thinking, " Huh, maybe I'll do Dopey 804 00:44:08,550 --> 00:44:08,881 Jeremie Kasmarcak: next year." I don't know if I'm really going to do it. 805 00:44:08,881 --> 00:44:14,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: The Dopey challenge, by the way, which is running the 5K, 10K, half 806 00:44:14,610 --> 00:44:16,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: and marathon all on the same weekend. 807 00:44:16,410 --> 00:44:16,411 Becs Gentry: Yeah. 808 00:44:16,411 --> 00:44:16,621 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yep, back to back to back to back. 809 00:44:17,130 --> 00:44:20,700 Becs Gentry: Which New York Road Runners' very own Randi Zuckerberg did, 810 00:44:20,700 --> 00:44:20,879 Becs Gentry: I believe. 811 00:44:20,879 --> 00:44:21,000 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yeah. 812 00:44:21,299 --> 00:44:21,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yes, that's right. 813 00:44:21,300 --> 00:44:23,970 Becs Gentry: And Alex. Did Alex Egan do it too? I'm not sure if he did. 814 00:44:23,969 --> 00:44:23,971 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yeah, Alex did it. Yep. 815 00:44:23,970 --> 00:44:28,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: Alex Egan, our chief development officer, Jeremie's boss, he's got rubber 816 00:44:28,830 --> 00:44:30,839 Rob Simmelkjaer: legs, that guy. He can run all day every day. 817 00:44:30,840 --> 00:44:30,991 Rob Simmelkjaer: Really incredible. 818 00:44:30,990 --> 00:44:30,991 Becs Gentry: He does. He just did 777 as well. 819 00:44:30,991 --> 00:44:31,321 Rob Simmelkjaer: Exactly. 820 00:44:33,570 --> 00:44:37,799 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yeah. Yes. I've had the pleasure of being at many 821 00:44:37,800 --> 00:44:40,590 Jeremie Kasmarcak: finish lines that Alex and a lot of our TFK runners 822 00:44:40,590 --> 00:44:43,920 Jeremie Kasmarcak: have crossed, but it was so much fun. It's fun 823 00:44:43,920 --> 00:44:46,710 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to branch out. I was lucky enough to be in 824 00:44:46,710 --> 00:44:50,190 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Sydney this year for that race. I was lucky enough 825 00:44:50,190 --> 00:44:52,170 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to be in Tokyo to see a lot of our 826 00:44:52,170 --> 00:44:56,520 Jeremie Kasmarcak: runners get their Six Star then. It's special. What we're 827 00:44:56,520 --> 00:44:59,219 Jeremie Kasmarcak: able to do is special. In Tokyo, we had a 828 00:44:59,219 --> 00:45:03,600 Jeremie Kasmarcak: lot of runners getting their Six Star and more than 829 00:45:03,600 --> 00:45:07,230 Jeremie Kasmarcak: one, which I find absolutely unbelievable, told me the best 830 00:45:07,230 --> 00:45:10,200 Jeremie Kasmarcak: part of running that race was seeing me catch them 831 00:45:10,200 --> 00:45:12,840 Jeremie Kasmarcak: at the finish line. And I thought, " Absolutely not. You 832 00:45:12,840 --> 00:45:15,630 Jeremie Kasmarcak: just got your Six Star." But we do everything we 833 00:45:15,630 --> 00:45:18,270 Jeremie Kasmarcak: can to be there to support our runners no matter 834 00:45:18,270 --> 00:45:22,739 Jeremie Kasmarcak: where the race is. We run around. I carry things 835 00:45:22,739 --> 00:45:25,770 Jeremie Kasmarcak: for you. I'm going to carry all of your stuff 836 00:45:25,770 --> 00:45:28,770 Jeremie Kasmarcak: post race. We're escorting you wherever we have access to 837 00:45:28,770 --> 00:45:33,719 Jeremie Kasmarcak: go. And we're a community. You're not on your own 838 00:45:33,719 --> 00:45:34,529 Jeremie Kasmarcak: when you're running with us. 839 00:45:35,640 --> 00:45:38,670 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right. So let's talk about how someone can actually 840 00:45:38,670 --> 00:45:42,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: join a TFK team at this point. We're talking in mid- 841 00:45:42,540 --> 00:45:47,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: January. If someone's interested in running for Team for Kids, 842 00:45:47,310 --> 00:45:51,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: what are some opportunities that are currently open and available? 843 00:45:51,330 --> 00:45:54,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: Because we know how much demand there is obviously for 844 00:45:54,270 --> 00:45:58,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: the marathon, for lots of races. What are some openings 845 00:45:58,050 --> 00:45:58,469 Rob Simmelkjaer: right now? 846 00:45:59,460 --> 00:46:02,550 Jeremie Kasmarcak: So right now, we are currently signing up runners for 847 00:46:02,550 --> 00:46:06,299 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the Brooklyn Half. So RBC Brooklyn Half, we're open for 848 00:46:06,300 --> 00:46:13,290 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that on our website, runwithtfk. org. We have interest lists 849 00:46:13,320 --> 00:46:17,279 Jeremie Kasmarcak: for all the 27 Abbott World Marathon Majors. So you 850 00:46:17,280 --> 00:46:22,800 Jeremie Kasmarcak: can email us at teamforkids@ nyrr. org. We're starting our interest 851 00:46:22,800 --> 00:46:27,900 Jeremie Kasmarcak: list. Those races won't open for registration until maybe October 852 00:46:27,900 --> 00:46:31,710 Jeremie Kasmarcak: or November, so later this year. We will be opening 853 00:46:31,710 --> 00:46:35,820 Jeremie Kasmarcak: for Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island, so the rest of 854 00:46:35,820 --> 00:46:40,560 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the Five Borough series in the next couple of months. And as 855 00:46:40,560 --> 00:46:45,089 Jeremie Kasmarcak: of yesterday, we have a 2027 Disney Marathon weekend interest list. 856 00:46:45,360 --> 00:46:47,819 Jeremie Kasmarcak: So again, you can reach out to us at our 857 00:46:47,820 --> 00:46:52,589 Jeremie Kasmarcak: email teamforkids@ nyrr. org. It's literally me or four other 858 00:46:52,590 --> 00:46:55,080 Jeremie Kasmarcak: people who will be responding to you and we'll get you on 859 00:46:55,080 --> 00:46:57,870 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the interest list. But right now, the only race that's 860 00:46:58,590 --> 00:47:02,969 Jeremie Kasmarcak: first come first serve registration is the Brooklyn Half. 861 00:47:03,149 --> 00:47:05,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: Which is an amazing race. So that's good for folks 862 00:47:05,550 --> 00:47:07,469 Rob Simmelkjaer: to know they can sign up right now to run 863 00:47:07,469 --> 00:47:08,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: Brooklyn with Team for Kids, Becs. 864 00:47:09,719 --> 00:47:13,860 Becs Gentry: Yeah, and exactly. I mean, there's also just a slight flex 865 00:47:13,860 --> 00:47:16,590 Becs Gentry: here on the fact that all the other races are 866 00:47:16,590 --> 00:47:21,480 Becs Gentry: pretty much full for this year. It's filled. It's successful 867 00:47:21,480 --> 00:47:24,989 Becs Gentry: in that respect. And you're looking ahead to 2027 of 868 00:47:24,989 --> 00:47:29,850 Becs Gentry: not just filling slots, but expanding the offerings for the 869 00:47:29,850 --> 00:47:33,810 Becs Gentry: kids, for the adults, for everyone. And Jeremie, with that 870 00:47:33,810 --> 00:47:38,310 Becs Gentry: in mind, obviously it's very, very fortunate and very wonderful 871 00:47:38,310 --> 00:47:41,340 Becs Gentry: and a huge success to see these sold out slots 872 00:47:41,430 --> 00:47:45,510 Becs Gentry: and to see full. But what else beyond that to 873 00:47:45,510 --> 00:47:49,739 Becs Gentry: you is successful for 2026 Team for Kids? 874 00:47:50,520 --> 00:47:54,000 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Yeah, it's funny when I started, this was not the 875 00:47:54,000 --> 00:47:57,509 Jeremie Kasmarcak: case. I mean, we were hustling into August to fill 876 00:47:57,510 --> 00:48:03,690 Jeremie Kasmarcak: marathon. So it's always surprising to me how popular running 877 00:48:03,690 --> 00:48:06,390 Jeremie Kasmarcak: is right now and how strong the demand for races 878 00:48:06,690 --> 00:48:11,400 Jeremie Kasmarcak: are. But for us, it's really happy runners. It's not 879 00:48:11,430 --> 00:48:15,420 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that you met your fundraising and finished the race, it's 880 00:48:15,420 --> 00:48:18,299 Jeremie Kasmarcak: that you had a good experience, you're coming back to 881 00:48:18,300 --> 00:48:21,210 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the community and you're recommending us to other friends and 882 00:48:21,210 --> 00:48:24,450 Jeremie Kasmarcak: family. We have so many people join us because their 883 00:48:24,450 --> 00:48:27,029 Jeremie Kasmarcak: friend ran with us and said it's the only way 884 00:48:27,030 --> 00:48:30,420 Jeremie Kasmarcak: to do this race. And we don't take that for 885 00:48:30,420 --> 00:48:33,450 Jeremie Kasmarcak: granted. I am in the office on a daily basis 886 00:48:33,780 --> 00:48:37,469 Jeremie Kasmarcak: trying and advocating for the best possible experience for Team 887 00:48:37,469 --> 00:48:40,830 Jeremie Kasmarcak: for Kids Runners, because again, New York Road Runners doesn't 888 00:48:41,100 --> 00:48:43,800 Jeremie Kasmarcak: have youth and community programs without Team for Kids Runners. 889 00:48:44,790 --> 00:48:48,150 Jeremie Kasmarcak: This fundraising is at the heart of our mission delivery. 890 00:48:48,150 --> 00:48:52,920 Jeremie Kasmarcak: So it's so important for us that Team for Kids 891 00:48:52,920 --> 00:48:55,800 Jeremie Kasmarcak: is royalty for us. They're a big deal and I'm 892 00:48:55,800 --> 00:48:59,460 Jeremie Kasmarcak: out there hustling to make sure you have the best 893 00:48:59,460 --> 00:49:00,660 Jeremie Kasmarcak: experience possible. 894 00:49:01,469 --> 00:49:04,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: And Jeremie, let's just talk about the TCS New York City 895 00:49:04,770 --> 00:49:08,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: Marathon for a second. So we opened up Team for 896 00:49:08,640 --> 00:49:13,739 Rob Simmelkjaer: Kids signups for the 26th marathon right during the window of 897 00:49:13,739 --> 00:49:16,980 Rob Simmelkjaer: the 25 marathon and filled up pretty quickly. I know 898 00:49:16,980 --> 00:49:21,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: we've got an unreasonably long waiting list right now for 899 00:49:21,060 --> 00:49:23,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: the 26th marathon. So I think for most people listening 900 00:49:23,700 --> 00:49:27,989 Rob Simmelkjaer: now, probably not realistic to get in for 2026, right? 901 00:49:28,950 --> 00:49:34,980 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Correct. Yes. But I mean, if you're interested, get on 902 00:49:34,980 --> 00:49:38,190 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the wait list. I mean, I've seen amazing things happen 903 00:49:38,190 --> 00:49:41,250 Jeremie Kasmarcak: on wait lists. So if you really want it, try 904 00:49:41,250 --> 00:49:45,960 Jeremie Kasmarcak: it, but the chances are slim at this point. 905 00:49:45,960 --> 00:49:49,439 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. But I think it's really important for someone who maybe would like 906 00:49:49,440 --> 00:49:52,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: a shot at running in 27 to think about running 907 00:49:52,770 --> 00:49:56,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: some other races potentially. Signing up for a Brooklyn Half 908 00:49:56,430 --> 00:49:59,219 Rob Simmelkjaer: or Queens to get that experience, get to know what 909 00:49:59,219 --> 00:50:02,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: it's all about at a lower stakes kind of a 910 00:50:02,040 --> 00:50:04,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: level, get to know Team for Kids, get the team 911 00:50:04,830 --> 00:50:06,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: to know you a little bit so that when the 912 00:50:06,750 --> 00:50:11,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: window opens for the 27 marathon this fall, you will 913 00:50:11,400 --> 00:50:14,460 Rob Simmelkjaer: be ready to go knowing when it's opening and be 914 00:50:14,460 --> 00:50:15,569 Rob Simmelkjaer: able to jump right on that. 915 00:50:16,500 --> 00:50:19,920 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Definitely. Especially if you're someone a little nervous about fundraising. 916 00:50:20,100 --> 00:50:24,239 Jeremie Kasmarcak: For the Brooklyn Half, our fundraising is $ 750. For Queens, 917 00:50:24,239 --> 00:50:29,880 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Bronx and Staten Island, it's $ 100. So those are more 918 00:50:29,880 --> 00:50:34,680 Jeremie Kasmarcak: manageable price points depending on how you're addressing it. And 919 00:50:34,680 --> 00:50:37,830 Jeremie Kasmarcak: you'll get to know us. You'll get your fundraising spiel 920 00:50:37,830 --> 00:50:41,730 Jeremie Kasmarcak: down, you'll build out your tools. This year for the 921 00:50:41,730 --> 00:50:45,989 Jeremie Kasmarcak: 26th TCS New York City Marathon, we opened the Sunday before 922 00:50:45,989 --> 00:50:49,259 Jeremie Kasmarcak: race day. So with the kids' kickoff the Sunday before 923 00:50:49,260 --> 00:50:55,260 Jeremie Kasmarcak: the marathon, that's when we opened. Not 100% certain because 924 00:50:55,260 --> 00:50:58,650 Jeremie Kasmarcak: anything can happen, but it would likely be the same timeframe. 925 00:50:58,710 --> 00:50:58,920 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yes. 926 00:50:58,950 --> 00:51:02,640 Jeremie Kasmarcak: Historically, we've opened on race day. This year, we opened 927 00:51:02,640 --> 00:51:07,170 Jeremie Kasmarcak: a little bit early. I mean, we were full in 928 00:51:07,469 --> 00:51:10,890 Jeremie Kasmarcak: two weeks. It happened very fast this year. 929 00:51:10,890 --> 00:51:14,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. And the kids' kickoff was a really appropriate day to 930 00:51:14,280 --> 00:51:18,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: launch because that was something that's supported by Team for Kids. 2, 931 00:51:18,150 --> 00:51:20,911 Rob Simmelkjaer: 500 kids running in Central Park the week before- 932 00:51:20,911 --> 00:51:20,912 Becs Gentry: Ah, the best. 933 00:51:20,912 --> 00:51:25,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... the marathon was really awesome. Jeremie, nobody has a 934 00:51:25,380 --> 00:51:28,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: bigger impact at New York Road Runners and helping us 935 00:51:28,140 --> 00:51:32,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: do what we do. And so it's really a pleasure 936 00:51:32,040 --> 00:51:34,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: to have you on. Thanks for letting everybody get to 937 00:51:34,650 --> 00:51:36,839 Rob Simmelkjaer: know Team for Kids because it's such a huge part 938 00:51:36,840 --> 00:51:39,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: of what we are at New York Road Runners and thanks 939 00:51:39,000 --> 00:51:40,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: for everything you do. 940 00:51:40,739 --> 00:51:41,100 Becs Gentry: Thank you. 941 00:51:41,100 --> 00:51:42,360 Jeremie Kasmarcak: You're welcome. Thank you. 942 00:51:42,750 --> 00:51:45,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Road Runners is a nonprofit organization with a 943 00:51:45,780 --> 00:51:49,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the 944 00:51:49,170 --> 00:51:53,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: transformative power of running. The support of members and donors 945 00:51:53,250 --> 00:51:56,460 Rob Simmelkjaer: like you helps us achieve our mission to transform the 946 00:51:56,460 --> 00:52:00,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: health and wellbeing of our communities through inclusive and accessible 947 00:52:00,360 --> 00:52:04,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential. Learn more 948 00:52:04,950 --> 00:52:09,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: and contribute at nyrr. org/ donate. Well, Becs, that does 949 00:52:09,540 --> 00:52:11,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: it for another episode of Set the Pace. Want to 950 00:52:11,640 --> 00:52:14,489 Rob Simmelkjaer: thank our guest today, New York Road Runner's head of peer- to- 951 00:52:14,489 --> 00:52:19,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: peer fundraising and Team for Kids, Jeremie Kasmarcak. And before we 952 00:52:19,320 --> 00:52:21,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: wrap, if you want to see the Team for Kids 953 00:52:21,570 --> 00:52:24,840 Rob Simmelkjaer: journey in action, we have a video that follows Team 954 00:52:24,840 --> 00:52:29,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: for Kids member, Caroline Gonzalez, that's a great companion to 955 00:52:29,400 --> 00:52:31,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: this conversation. We'll put a link to that in the 956 00:52:31,860 --> 00:52:34,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: show notes, but Becs, it was a lot of fun 957 00:52:34,320 --> 00:52:36,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: talking about Team for Kids, and it's just such a 958 00:52:36,570 --> 00:52:37,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: unique and cool thing. 959 00:52:38,250 --> 00:52:41,190 Becs Gentry: It's amazing. And every time I see one of those 960 00:52:41,340 --> 00:52:44,759 Becs Gentry: yellow, green, whichever color we want to call it, Team 961 00:52:44,760 --> 00:52:48,210 Becs Gentry: for Kids T- shirts, I just have such a smile 962 00:52:48,210 --> 00:52:50,670 Becs Gentry: on my face. And now, thanks to this conversation with 963 00:52:50,670 --> 00:52:55,080 Becs Gentry: Jeremie, I feel like I know in depth a lot 964 00:52:55,080 --> 00:53:00,510 Becs Gentry: more about what goes on to make TFK so successful, 965 00:53:00,510 --> 00:53:02,730 Becs Gentry: not just for the runners, but for all of those 966 00:53:02,730 --> 00:53:05,609 Becs Gentry: kids out there in New York and beyond. 967 00:53:06,180 --> 00:53:09,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: Absolutely. Becs, if folks like the episode, they can go ahead, 968 00:53:09,810 --> 00:53:12,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: leave a rating, subscribe, leave us a comment so we 969 00:53:12,120 --> 00:53:15,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: can hear from you. Thanks for joining us. Enjoy the 970 00:53:15,330 --> 00:53:17,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: miles this week. We'll see you next week.