1 00:00:03,960 --> 00:00:08,309 Speaker 1: Thank you, New York. Today, we're reminded of the power 2 00:00:08,309 --> 00:00:13,169 Speaker 1: of community and the power of coming together. Athletes, on 3 00:00:13,170 --> 00:00:13,709 Speaker 1: your mark. 4 00:00:15,870 --> 00:00:19,050 Speaker 2: The first woman to finish for the second straight year 5 00:00:19,050 --> 00:00:23,040 Speaker 2: here in the New York City Marathon is Mickey Gorman, a smiling 6 00:00:23,040 --> 00:00:27,002 Speaker 2: Mickey Gorman. And why not? 2: 29:30, the time for (inaudible) . 7 00:00:27,809 --> 00:00:30,450 Speaker 2: Look at the emotion of Shalane Flanagan as she comes 8 00:00:30,450 --> 00:00:33,750 Speaker 2: to the line, pointing to his chest, pointed to the 9 00:00:33,750 --> 00:00:42,928 Speaker 2: USA he so proudly wears across his chest. A great 10 00:00:42,929 --> 00:00:44,001 Speaker 2: day for (inaudible) . 11 00:00:44,190 --> 00:00:47,790 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Hey everybody, and welcome to a special edition of Set 12 00:00:47,790 --> 00:00:50,490 Rob Simmelkjaer,: the Pace. I'm Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO, 13 00:00:50,490 --> 00:00:53,940 Rob Simmelkjaer,: and we are here just moments after the conclusion of 14 00:00:53,940 --> 00:00:58,290 Rob Simmelkjaer,: the 2024 MasterCard New York Mini 10K. And it was 15 00:00:58,290 --> 00:01:01,920 Rob Simmelkjaer,: a great, great day, beautiful weather in New York and 16 00:01:01,920 --> 00:01:06,690 Rob Simmelkjaer,: a record- setting mini 10K. Over 9, 000 finishers. That 17 00:01:06,690 --> 00:01:09,569 Rob Simmelkjaer,: was an event record and that's incredible considering this is 18 00:01:09,569 --> 00:01:13,259 Rob Simmelkjaer,: a 52- year- old event. More women crossed the finish 19 00:01:13,260 --> 00:01:16,260 Rob Simmelkjaer,: line today than ever before in this first in the 20 00:01:16,260 --> 00:01:20,099 Rob Simmelkjaer,: nation, first in the world, women's only road race. So 21 00:01:20,099 --> 00:01:23,099 Rob Simmelkjaer,: the tradition and the history continued here in New York 22 00:01:23,099 --> 00:01:25,830 Rob Simmelkjaer,: and we're so thrilled to see so many women out 23 00:01:25,830 --> 00:01:28,739 Rob Simmelkjaer,: there having a great day. They were mothers and daughters 24 00:01:28,740 --> 00:01:31,919 Rob Simmelkjaer,: running together. They were sisters. It's just a beautiful thing 25 00:01:31,920 --> 00:01:34,140 Rob Simmelkjaer,: to see, of course, the women running in the mini 26 00:01:34,140 --> 00:01:36,509 Rob Simmelkjaer,: skirts, which is the tradition going back to the early 27 00:01:36,510 --> 00:01:40,289 Rob Simmelkjaer,: '70s when Fred Lebow first created this race and named 28 00:01:40,289 --> 00:01:42,599 Rob Simmelkjaer,: it after the mini skirt. It continues to be an 29 00:01:42,599 --> 00:01:47,250 Rob Simmelkjaer,: incredible symbol of women in sports, women's empowerment, and in 30 00:01:47,250 --> 00:01:50,279 Rob Simmelkjaer,: this day and age where we're seeing so much attention 31 00:01:50,280 --> 00:01:53,160 Rob Simmelkjaer,: finally being paid to women's sports, it is beautiful to 32 00:01:53,160 --> 00:01:56,280 Rob Simmelkjaer,: see this race doing better than ever on a beautiful 33 00:01:56,280 --> 00:01:59,370 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Saturday here in New York City. We have a great 34 00:01:59,429 --> 00:02:01,079 Rob Simmelkjaer,: show for you today as we're going to be joined 35 00:02:01,080 --> 00:02:04,859 Rob Simmelkjaer,: by the two top finishers, both for the full field 36 00:02:04,859 --> 00:02:08,550 Rob Simmelkjaer,: and then the American Field. Senbere Teferi wins the event 37 00:02:08,550 --> 00:02:12,300 Rob Simmelkjaer,: for the third straight year, the Ethiopian finishing in 30 38 00:02:12,300 --> 00:02:16,288 Rob Simmelkjaer,: minutes and 47 seconds. Not quite up to her standards 39 00:02:16,290 --> 00:02:19,230 Rob Simmelkjaer,: of last year when she's set the course record of 40 00:02:19,258 --> 00:02:23,070 Rob Simmelkjaer,: 30:12, but still a tremendous day for Senbere Teferi. She will 41 00:02:23,070 --> 00:02:25,560 Rob Simmelkjaer,: join us to talk about her three- peat in the 42 00:02:25,560 --> 00:02:27,930 Rob Simmelkjaer,: mini 10K. And then a little bit after that, we 43 00:02:27,930 --> 00:02:32,700 Rob Simmelkjaer,: will have the top American finisher, Amanda Vestri. Amanda finishing 44 00:02:32,700 --> 00:02:36,179 Rob Simmelkjaer,: fourth in this and she had a terrific performance, was 45 00:02:36,179 --> 00:02:39,899 Rob Simmelkjaer,: right there on the heels of the three African women 46 00:02:39,900 --> 00:02:43,080 Rob Simmelkjaer,: who finished one, two, three, and she has to feel 47 00:02:43,080 --> 00:02:47,760 Rob Simmelkjaer,: great about a tremendous performance there, 31: 17. So Amanda Vestri, 48 00:02:47,820 --> 00:02:50,040 Rob Simmelkjaer,: who's actually a native New Yorker from upstate New York 49 00:02:50,309 --> 00:02:52,919 Rob Simmelkjaer,: back in her home state, coming up with a fourth 50 00:02:52,919 --> 00:02:55,109 Rob Simmelkjaer,: place finish. She will join us as well. A bit 51 00:02:55,110 --> 00:02:57,990 Rob Simmelkjaer,: more in terms of the finishers of the elite runners 52 00:02:57,990 --> 00:03:02,609 Rob Simmelkjaer,: here with Sharon Locati finishing at 31:04 in second place, 53 00:03:02,820 --> 00:03:07,530 Rob Simmelkjaer,: and Sheila (inaudible) at 31: 09 finished third. And among 54 00:03:07,530 --> 00:03:10,950 Rob Simmelkjaer,: the Americans, we mentioned Vestri finishing fourth. It was such 55 00:03:10,950 --> 00:03:15,450 Rob Simmelkjaer,: a tremendous field. Jessica McLean finishing fifth, Emily Durgan sixth, 56 00:03:15,750 --> 00:03:19,500 Rob Simmelkjaer,: and the Olympians in the race as well. Dakotah Lindwurm finished 57 00:03:19,500 --> 00:03:24,480 Rob Simmelkjaer,: a strong eighth, 31: 58. Right behind her was Emily Sisson at 32: 58 00:03:24,480 --> 00:03:27,419 Rob Simmelkjaer,: 08. Had a chance to speak to both of them 59 00:03:27,419 --> 00:03:29,969 Rob Simmelkjaer,: after the race. They both felt really good about a 60 00:03:29,969 --> 00:03:33,508 Rob Simmelkjaer,: tremendous race as they get ready for Paris and the 61 00:03:33,508 --> 00:03:36,750 Rob Simmelkjaer,: marathon where they'll represent the United States along with Fiona 62 00:03:36,750 --> 00:03:39,240 Rob Simmelkjaer,: O'Keeffe, who was here in New York but decided not 63 00:03:39,240 --> 00:03:42,360 Rob Simmelkjaer,: to run. Wanted to make sure she didn't aggravate anything 64 00:03:42,360 --> 00:03:43,980 Rob Simmelkjaer,: in a calf that was a little bit creaky, but 65 00:03:43,980 --> 00:03:46,290 Rob Simmelkjaer,: she was there at the finish line giving out lots 66 00:03:46,290 --> 00:03:48,750 Rob Simmelkjaer,: of high- fives as well. So a great day here 67 00:03:48,750 --> 00:03:50,429 Rob Simmelkjaer,: in New York, a great day for New York Road 68 00:03:50,429 --> 00:03:54,000 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Runners and for our partners at MasterCard. Let's now join 69 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:57,750 Rob Simmelkjaer,: my conversation with Senbere Teferi. We are thrilled to be 70 00:03:57,750 --> 00:04:03,900 Rob Simmelkjaer,: joined by three time MasterCard Mini 10K Champion Senbere Teferi 71 00:04:03,900 --> 00:04:08,339 Rob Simmelkjaer,: with an incredible win. 30 minutes, 47 seconds. A three- 72 00:04:08,340 --> 00:04:13,050 Rob Simmelkjaer,: peat for Senbere Teferi. Welcome to Set the Pace. Congratulations 73 00:04:13,050 --> 00:04:16,200 Rob Simmelkjaer,: on yet another victory in this race. We're here with 74 00:04:16,200 --> 00:04:19,410 Rob Simmelkjaer,: your interpreter, Sabrina Johannes as well. So we'll let Sabrina 75 00:04:20,070 --> 00:04:24,630 Rob Simmelkjaer,: send the message. So Senbere, you have won this race 76 00:04:24,630 --> 00:04:28,709 Rob Simmelkjaer,: three times in a row. What was different and special 77 00:04:28,709 --> 00:04:29,549 Rob Simmelkjaer,: about today? 78 00:04:41,130 --> 00:04:44,460 Sabrina Johannes: What makes today different is the fact that I'm winning 79 00:04:44,460 --> 00:04:47,039 Sabrina Johannes: for the third time here. That's really a big deal 80 00:04:47,039 --> 00:04:49,560 Sabrina Johannes: for me and I'm very, very happy. Praise God. It's 81 00:04:49,560 --> 00:04:51,120 Sabrina Johannes: a day in which I praised God. 82 00:04:52,140 --> 00:04:56,039 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Did you feel from the beginning of the race that 83 00:04:56,040 --> 00:05:00,630 Rob Simmelkjaer,: you would win? It looked to me watching the race 84 00:05:00,900 --> 00:05:05,039 Rob Simmelkjaer,: that you were so confident the entire time. Did you feel 85 00:05:05,039 --> 00:05:07,498 Rob Simmelkjaer,: all the time that it was your race to win? 86 00:05:15,900 --> 00:05:18,899 Sabrina Johannes: Yes, from the beginning I was expecting that God would 87 00:05:18,900 --> 00:05:21,029 Sabrina Johannes: help me. I did come here expecting to win. I 88 00:05:21,029 --> 00:05:23,250 Sabrina Johannes: did not come here expecting to lose. 89 00:05:23,940 --> 00:05:28,469 Rob Simmelkjaer,: We could tell, absolutely. You look very confident the entire 90 00:05:28,470 --> 00:05:33,539 Rob Simmelkjaer,: time. What is it about this race and about New 91 00:05:33,540 --> 00:05:36,989 Rob Simmelkjaer,: York that is special for you? Not only have you 92 00:05:36,990 --> 00:05:40,438 Rob Simmelkjaer,: won this race three times, but you have won the 93 00:05:40,440 --> 00:05:44,010 Rob Simmelkjaer,: United Airlines NYC half. You've had so much success in 94 00:05:44,010 --> 00:05:47,100 Rob Simmelkjaer,: New York. Why does New York fit you so well? 95 00:05:58,170 --> 00:06:03,390 Sabrina Johannes: Yes, this race is one that's very nice, especially for 96 00:06:03,390 --> 00:06:05,850 Sabrina Johannes: me. I like not only that I've won it three 97 00:06:05,850 --> 00:06:08,428 Sabrina Johannes: times, but that it's a women's race and it's a 98 00:06:08,428 --> 00:06:12,660 Sabrina Johannes: women's race I've won three times. That's something that's really 99 00:06:12,660 --> 00:06:15,599 Sabrina Johannes: special for me. I like the fact that this would 100 00:06:15,599 --> 00:06:18,570 Sabrina Johannes: inspire other women to run, including some of those who 101 00:06:18,570 --> 00:06:21,120 Sabrina Johannes: may have been discouraged in their running. I think seeing 102 00:06:21,120 --> 00:06:24,300 Sabrina Johannes: me win again might help give them a morale boost 103 00:06:24,300 --> 00:06:26,160 Sabrina Johannes: and I love the idea that it's going to be 104 00:06:26,160 --> 00:06:27,510 Sabrina Johannes: inspiring young girls. 105 00:06:36,360 --> 00:06:38,610 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Senbere, what is your favorite thing to do here in 106 00:06:38,610 --> 00:06:38,880 Rob Simmelkjaer,: New York when you are not running? 107 00:06:38,880 --> 00:06:40,830 Sabrina Johannes: Apart from running, one of the things I really love here 108 00:06:40,830 --> 00:06:43,890 Sabrina Johannes: is the people. The people who have invited me, the 109 00:06:43,890 --> 00:06:47,370 Sabrina Johannes: organizers and the staff are always so nice. They greet 110 00:06:47,370 --> 00:06:49,678 Sabrina Johannes: me with a smile. When they see me, they're so 111 00:06:49,678 --> 00:06:53,039 Sabrina Johannes: welcoming. It really feels like family. So whenever I think 112 00:06:53,039 --> 00:06:55,500 Sabrina Johannes: of possibly not coming here, it actually makes me feel 113 00:06:55,500 --> 00:06:57,750 Sabrina Johannes: bad. I know I would miss that. I love that. 114 00:06:58,410 --> 00:07:01,290 Rob Simmelkjaer,: I hear that you like to do a little shopping 115 00:07:01,380 --> 00:07:04,498 Rob Simmelkjaer,: in New York as well. Is this true? What stores 116 00:07:04,678 --> 00:07:06,000 Rob Simmelkjaer,: are your favorite to shop in? 117 00:07:11,369 --> 00:07:14,340 Sabrina Johannes: Well, it is true. As has been said, I do 118 00:07:14,340 --> 00:07:18,000 Sabrina Johannes: like shopping here. There are a lot of things, clothes 119 00:07:18,000 --> 00:07:19,679 Sabrina Johannes: and other things that I can get here that I 120 00:07:19,680 --> 00:07:22,679 Sabrina Johannes: can't get in Ethiopia, so I like buying those things 121 00:07:22,679 --> 00:07:24,870 Sabrina Johannes: and also some makeup and a few other things. So 122 00:07:24,870 --> 00:07:25,740 Sabrina Johannes: I do enjoy that. 123 00:07:26,400 --> 00:07:28,680 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Well, with your win today, you'll have a little extra 124 00:07:28,680 --> 00:07:31,710 Rob Simmelkjaer,: spending money to go out and do some shopping around 125 00:07:31,710 --> 00:07:35,250 Rob Simmelkjaer,: New York City, so hope you enjoy it. Maybe we'll 126 00:07:35,250 --> 00:07:38,640 Rob Simmelkjaer,: see you back defending your mini- championship again in one year. 127 00:07:42,990 --> 00:07:44,670 Sabrina Johannes: God willing, I will come. Thank you. 128 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:49,650 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Thank you very much, Senbere Teferi. Congratulations on the three- peat 129 00:07:49,650 --> 00:07:52,440 Rob Simmelkjaer,: at the MasterCard New York Mini 10K. 130 00:07:54,510 --> 00:07:55,560 Sabrina Johannes: And I thank you too. 131 00:08:08,100 --> 00:08:10,830 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Hey runners, be sure to sign up for the Peloton 132 00:08:10,890 --> 00:08:13,980 Rob Simmelkjaer,: app. You can actually try it 30 days for free. 133 00:08:14,250 --> 00:08:16,889 Rob Simmelkjaer,: No equipment is needed and you can use the app 134 00:08:16,889 --> 00:08:19,799 Rob Simmelkjaer,: to track all of your movement in one place from 135 00:08:19,799 --> 00:08:23,520 Rob Simmelkjaer,: your outdoor running and walking to your strength training, even 136 00:08:23,520 --> 00:08:26,820 Rob Simmelkjaer,: your meditation, and you can enhance your daily workout routine 137 00:08:26,820 --> 00:08:30,210 Rob Simmelkjaer,: or training schedule with workouts that feel right for you. 138 00:08:30,510 --> 00:08:32,610 Rob Simmelkjaer,: You can find the Peloton app in the Apple App 139 00:08:32,610 --> 00:08:35,699 Rob Simmelkjaer,: store as well as the Google Play Store. New paid 140 00:08:35,700 --> 00:08:40,199 Rob Simmelkjaer,: memberships only, terms apply. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner 141 00:08:40,320 --> 00:08:44,460 Rob Simmelkjaer,: of New York Road Runners. As I mentioned earlier, the 142 00:08:44,460 --> 00:08:47,760 Rob Simmelkjaer,: top American finisher was Amanda Vestri. She is a native 143 00:08:47,760 --> 00:08:50,220 Rob Simmelkjaer,: of Webster, New York. That's a town just north of 144 00:08:50,220 --> 00:08:53,969 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Rochester, a graduate of Syracuse University where she just got 145 00:08:53,969 --> 00:08:56,040 Rob Simmelkjaer,: out of school a year ago. And she was a 146 00:08:56,040 --> 00:08:59,760 Rob Simmelkjaer,: first time All- American twice in the indoor 5, 000 147 00:08:59,760 --> 00:09:02,970 Rob Simmelkjaer,: meters and outdoors at 10, 000. So this is a distance 148 00:09:02,970 --> 00:09:05,458 Rob Simmelkjaer,: she knows very well. She's also not a stranger to 149 00:09:05,460 --> 00:09:07,590 Rob Simmelkjaer,: New York. She ran the Abbott Dash to the finish 150 00:09:07,590 --> 00:09:09,809 Rob Simmelkjaer,: here in New York. That's the race that's the day 151 00:09:09,809 --> 00:09:13,590 Rob Simmelkjaer,: before the New York City Marathon in 2023, finish seventh 152 00:09:13,590 --> 00:09:16,590 Rob Simmelkjaer,: overall. But this was her debut in the Mini and 153 00:09:16,590 --> 00:09:19,319 Rob Simmelkjaer,: quite a debut it was. Thrilled to be joined by 154 00:09:19,350 --> 00:09:23,429 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Amanda Vestri, who finished an incredibly impressive fourth in her 155 00:09:23,429 --> 00:09:27,510 Rob Simmelkjaer,: debut at the MasterCard New York Mini 10K. Congratulations. 156 00:09:27,540 --> 00:09:29,280 Amanda Vestri: Thank you. I'm excited to be here. 157 00:09:29,610 --> 00:09:32,790 Rob Simmelkjaer,: So this is your first time running this event. You 158 00:09:32,790 --> 00:09:35,039 Rob Simmelkjaer,: show up at the starting line against some of these 159 00:09:35,039 --> 00:09:39,000 Rob Simmelkjaer,: legendary runners and you put on an incredible performance. Did 160 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:42,540 Rob Simmelkjaer,: you think you had a performance like this in you 161 00:09:42,540 --> 00:09:44,040 Rob Simmelkjaer,: when you stepped to the starting line today? 162 00:09:45,270 --> 00:09:48,030 Amanda Vestri: I'm not going to say no because I had just come 163 00:09:48,030 --> 00:09:51,900 Amanda Vestri: off of a very fast 10K in London where I ran 31: 164 00:09:52,260 --> 00:09:56,429 Amanda Vestri: 10, which is a pretty big PR for me. I 165 00:09:56,429 --> 00:09:58,260 Amanda Vestri: didn't think I was going to run as well as 166 00:09:58,260 --> 00:10:00,478 Amanda Vestri: I did today, but I certainly thought I could be 167 00:10:00,690 --> 00:10:04,260 Amanda Vestri: contending for a top American finish and yeah, that's how 168 00:10:04,260 --> 00:10:06,660 Amanda Vestri: it turned out today, so I was super happy about that. 169 00:10:07,380 --> 00:10:11,340 Rob Simmelkjaer,: A time of 31: 17, only eight seconds off the podium. Can you 170 00:10:11,340 --> 00:10:13,590 Rob Simmelkjaer,: just walk through the race and how it played out? 171 00:10:13,590 --> 00:10:17,070 Rob Simmelkjaer,: There was a breakaway of the top three, but what 172 00:10:17,070 --> 00:10:19,950 Rob Simmelkjaer,: I thought was most impressive watching it is that you were right 173 00:10:19,950 --> 00:10:23,670 Rob Simmelkjaer,: there. You were in the picture, you did not give 174 00:10:23,670 --> 00:10:26,730 Rob Simmelkjaer,: anything to that lead path. What was the thinking as 175 00:10:26,730 --> 00:10:27,480 Rob Simmelkjaer,: it all played out? 176 00:10:27,960 --> 00:10:30,809 Amanda Vestri: Yeah, so we had a pretty good group going for the 177 00:10:30,809 --> 00:10:34,260 Amanda Vestri: first couple of miles I remember. And there was a distinct 178 00:10:34,260 --> 00:10:37,080 Amanda Vestri: moment in time in the race where I thought, " Okay, 179 00:10:37,650 --> 00:10:39,420 Amanda Vestri: you need to go with these three women ahead of 180 00:10:39,420 --> 00:10:41,939 Amanda Vestri: you who are pulling away or else you're going to 181 00:10:41,940 --> 00:10:44,459 Amanda Vestri: stay in this pack right here. We're going to drop 182 00:10:44,520 --> 00:10:50,040 Amanda Vestri: significantly farther off the leaders," the three top ladies. And 183 00:10:50,460 --> 00:10:54,059 Amanda Vestri: I knew it would be a decision where if I 184 00:10:54,059 --> 00:10:56,130 Amanda Vestri: didn't hang on, it was going to really hurt at 185 00:10:56,130 --> 00:10:58,469 Amanda Vestri: the end and I might not be able to hold 186 00:10:58,469 --> 00:11:02,880 Amanda Vestri: on for top American. But fortunately, I went with the 187 00:11:03,030 --> 00:11:06,660 Amanda Vestri: top three and I maintained pretty good contact with them 188 00:11:06,660 --> 00:11:09,540 Amanda Vestri: for a while, which kind of helped me to slowly 189 00:11:09,780 --> 00:11:12,600 Amanda Vestri: ratchet down that pace at the end, I was able 190 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:15,000 Amanda Vestri: to come up with a three- second negative split in 191 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:18,809 Amanda Vestri: the last 5K. So I definitely was pulled along by 192 00:11:18,809 --> 00:11:20,309 Amanda Vestri: those women. I have to give them a lot of 193 00:11:20,309 --> 00:11:23,519 Amanda Vestri: credit for that performance. So yeah, it was great to 194 00:11:23,520 --> 00:11:24,420 Amanda Vestri: be running with them. 195 00:11:24,510 --> 00:11:27,420 Rob Simmelkjaer,: It really was great to see that. And I can tell 196 00:11:27,420 --> 00:11:29,070 Rob Simmelkjaer,: you at the finish line, as we all watched the 197 00:11:29,070 --> 00:11:31,650 Rob Simmelkjaer,: stream, there was so much talk about, " Wow, look at 198 00:11:31,650 --> 00:11:34,020 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Amanda. She's right there. You can see her." People were 199 00:11:34,020 --> 00:11:36,870 Rob Simmelkjaer,: excited to see how well you were hanging with them, 200 00:11:36,870 --> 00:11:39,900 Rob Simmelkjaer,: so amazing job. What was it like for you on 201 00:11:39,900 --> 00:11:43,830 Rob Simmelkjaer,: this course? It's a special course, so you've got success 202 00:11:44,040 --> 00:11:46,470 Rob Simmelkjaer,: as a cross country runner, success on the track as 203 00:11:46,470 --> 00:11:48,960 Rob Simmelkjaer,: well, but how was it for you running down Central 204 00:11:48,960 --> 00:11:50,490 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Park West into Central Park? 205 00:11:50,670 --> 00:11:53,759 Amanda Vestri: It was pretty spectacular. Yeah, I have been here for 206 00:11:53,759 --> 00:11:56,849 Amanda Vestri: the Abbott Dash 5K, and that was my first taste 207 00:11:56,849 --> 00:11:59,819 Amanda Vestri: of what it's like to run through New York and 208 00:11:59,820 --> 00:12:03,179 Amanda Vestri: I always really enjoy it. This course in particular, I 209 00:12:03,179 --> 00:12:06,059 Amanda Vestri: wasn't super familiar with coming in. I knew there was 210 00:12:06,059 --> 00:12:10,679 Amanda Vestri: a few standout hills that people were talking about, but 211 00:12:10,830 --> 00:12:13,890 Amanda Vestri: I just took the hills as just a checking in 212 00:12:14,340 --> 00:12:17,429 Amanda Vestri: with myself, like make sure the form's on point and 213 00:12:17,850 --> 00:12:21,330 Amanda Vestri: just crest the hill and just keep going. Take 10 214 00:12:21,330 --> 00:12:25,380 Amanda Vestri: steps after the hill and maintain contact. And I find 215 00:12:25,380 --> 00:12:29,610 Amanda Vestri: for myself anyways, I train a lot on hills and 216 00:12:29,610 --> 00:12:31,799 Amanda Vestri: do a lot of strength- based workouts in Blowing Rock. 217 00:12:31,799 --> 00:12:35,639 Amanda Vestri: So when I came to the hills, I just kind 218 00:12:35,639 --> 00:12:38,578 Amanda Vestri: of... I don't know, I ran with them instead of fighting 219 00:12:38,580 --> 00:12:41,370 Amanda Vestri: against them and it wasn't too bad, actually. The course 220 00:12:41,370 --> 00:12:44,400 Amanda Vestri: itself was really fast and I really enjoyed it. 221 00:12:44,520 --> 00:12:47,309 Rob Simmelkjaer,: You mentioned Blowing Rock, that's North Carolina where you currently 222 00:12:47,309 --> 00:12:49,799 Rob Simmelkjaer,: live and train, but you are actually a native New 223 00:12:49,799 --> 00:12:51,569 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Yorker, an upstate New Yorker. 224 00:12:51,599 --> 00:12:51,750 Amanda Vestri: Yes, sir. 225 00:12:51,809 --> 00:12:55,500 Rob Simmelkjaer,: So back in your home state running with us again, 226 00:12:55,710 --> 00:12:59,550 Rob Simmelkjaer,: what's it mean for you to be back in New York? Do you feel sort 227 00:12:59,550 --> 00:13:02,250 Rob Simmelkjaer,: of a comfort level, just seeing the New York stuff, 228 00:13:02,250 --> 00:13:04,620 Rob Simmelkjaer,: hearing the New York accent, all of that? Do you feel at home 229 00:13:04,620 --> 00:13:05,610 Rob Simmelkjaer,: when you're down here in the city? 230 00:13:05,670 --> 00:13:08,850 Amanda Vestri: I actually really do. And people will tell you that 231 00:13:09,270 --> 00:13:14,160 Amanda Vestri: I am truly a Northeastern girl because there's something to 232 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:16,679 Amanda Vestri: be said about a little bit of a Northeastern attitude, 233 00:13:16,679 --> 00:13:19,920 Amanda Vestri: which I do have and I'm not shy about it. 234 00:13:20,130 --> 00:13:22,679 Amanda Vestri: That's just how we are. I spent a couple of 235 00:13:22,679 --> 00:13:25,740 Amanda Vestri: years in the Midwest and they did not appreciate that, 236 00:13:25,740 --> 00:13:29,670 Amanda Vestri: but I feel at home here. I feel like we 237 00:13:29,670 --> 00:13:34,800 Amanda Vestri: all have that same New York grit. So yeah, it's good to be back here. 238 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:37,828 Rob Simmelkjaer,: We get each other. We totally get each other. And you stayed upstate, 239 00:13:37,830 --> 00:13:42,030 Rob Simmelkjaer,: went to Syracuse University, so you clearly are an upstate 240 00:13:42,030 --> 00:13:46,049 Rob Simmelkjaer,: person. Just graduated a year ago. What was the experience 241 00:13:46,049 --> 00:13:48,630 Rob Simmelkjaer,: like running at Syracuse and how much do you miss 242 00:13:48,660 --> 00:13:49,559 Rob Simmelkjaer,: college at this point? 243 00:13:51,450 --> 00:13:55,230 Amanda Vestri: I don't miss college. I definitely miss some of the 244 00:13:55,230 --> 00:13:58,200 Amanda Vestri: friendships I built there, but I stay in contact with 245 00:13:58,530 --> 00:14:01,439 Amanda Vestri: a lot of people from there and especially my coaches, 246 00:14:01,440 --> 00:14:05,760 Amanda Vestri: like Coach Bell and Coach Rainey and all those people. 247 00:14:06,240 --> 00:14:09,990 Amanda Vestri: Honestly, it just gives me a lot of... It just 248 00:14:09,990 --> 00:14:14,610 Amanda Vestri: fills my cup to be able to represent them in 249 00:14:14,610 --> 00:14:17,940 Amanda Vestri: a certain way on this bigger stage. And Syracuse will 250 00:14:17,940 --> 00:14:21,899 Amanda Vestri: always have my heart, the people there who just helped 251 00:14:21,900 --> 00:14:25,229 Amanda Vestri: me become who I am today, yeah, love them. A lot of love for them and yeah, a 252 00:14:25,230 --> 00:14:27,570 Amanda Vestri: lot of love for Syracuse. 253 00:14:27,570 --> 00:14:29,490 Rob Simmelkjaer,: You'll have a lot of fans here in New York 254 00:14:29,490 --> 00:14:31,950 Rob Simmelkjaer,: City. There are so many Syracuse alums in the city. 255 00:14:31,950 --> 00:14:35,610 Rob Simmelkjaer,: It is crazy. So now out of school, doing this 256 00:14:35,610 --> 00:14:38,339 Rob Simmelkjaer,: full time, how has it been for you? What's the 257 00:14:38,340 --> 00:14:40,439 Rob Simmelkjaer,: life of a professional runner compared to what you thought 258 00:14:40,440 --> 00:14:40,859 Rob Simmelkjaer,: it would be? 259 00:14:42,119 --> 00:14:46,680 Amanda Vestri: It's pretty similar. It's not super glamorous. Really, the day 260 00:14:46,680 --> 00:14:49,860 Amanda Vestri: to day is quite simple, just a lot of training, 261 00:14:49,860 --> 00:14:52,530 Amanda Vestri: a lot of mileage, a lot of lifting in the 262 00:14:52,530 --> 00:14:57,449 Amanda Vestri: gym. And beyond that, just spending time with teammates and 263 00:14:57,450 --> 00:15:01,620 Amanda Vestri: enjoying how beautiful it gets in Blowing Rock, which is 264 00:15:01,650 --> 00:15:04,260 Amanda Vestri: one of the main reasons that I love it there 265 00:15:04,260 --> 00:15:06,240 Amanda Vestri: so much. But yeah, we just have a really tight 266 00:15:06,240 --> 00:15:11,010 Amanda Vestri: community there with the team and my coaches. And other 267 00:15:11,010 --> 00:15:14,250 Amanda Vestri: than that, I think trips like these, the races really 268 00:15:14,250 --> 00:15:17,340 Amanda Vestri: help inspire you in the middle of a big training 269 00:15:17,340 --> 00:15:19,320 Amanda Vestri: block and keep that fire going. 270 00:15:19,980 --> 00:15:22,770 Rob Simmelkjaer,: All right, so coming up next for you, I know 271 00:15:22,770 --> 00:15:26,490 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Eugene's in your sights, the Olympic trials, what are you 272 00:15:26,490 --> 00:15:29,429 Rob Simmelkjaer,: thinking about there? Is the 10, 000 where your focus is 273 00:15:29,429 --> 00:15:30,690 Rob Simmelkjaer,: going to be? That's where you qualified, right? 274 00:15:30,960 --> 00:15:35,159 Amanda Vestri: Yes. I technically think I got into both the five 275 00:15:35,160 --> 00:15:38,100 Amanda Vestri: and the 10, but the 10 will be the only event 276 00:15:38,100 --> 00:15:38,820 Amanda Vestri: I'm focused on. 277 00:15:38,820 --> 00:15:42,150 Rob Simmelkjaer,: And how much confidence does a day like today give 278 00:15:42,150 --> 00:15:44,819 Rob Simmelkjaer,: you? I know it's a different race, road versus track, 279 00:15:44,820 --> 00:15:47,190 Rob Simmelkjaer,: all that, but what do you think you can bring from 280 00:15:47,190 --> 00:15:49,170 Rob Simmelkjaer,: today into those trials? 281 00:15:49,500 --> 00:15:52,888 Amanda Vestri: Yeah, this race is a huge confidence booster. I don't 282 00:15:52,889 --> 00:15:55,740 Amanda Vestri: know anything really about the conversions and things like that. 283 00:15:55,740 --> 00:15:58,470 Amanda Vestri: I've been told by a few people that a race 284 00:15:58,470 --> 00:16:01,830 Amanda Vestri: like this converts to a pretty fast track 10K. And 285 00:16:02,520 --> 00:16:04,980 Amanda Vestri: honestly, I'm not even thinking about the time going into 286 00:16:04,980 --> 00:16:06,870 Amanda Vestri: the race. I'm just going to go there and compete, 287 00:16:06,870 --> 00:16:10,469 Amanda Vestri: and obviously I want to make the team. And I've 288 00:16:10,469 --> 00:16:12,690 Amanda Vestri: trained hard for it, but it's going to have to 289 00:16:12,690 --> 00:16:15,960 Amanda Vestri: be... I'm going to have to give it exactly the 290 00:16:15,960 --> 00:16:18,510 Amanda Vestri: effort I gave it today. So if the day is 291 00:16:18,510 --> 00:16:21,450 Amanda Vestri: my day, then it will be a dream come true. 292 00:16:21,870 --> 00:16:24,359 Amanda Vestri: So yeah, I'm just taking it day by day right now. 293 00:16:24,389 --> 00:16:27,569 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Okay. Other than the race, what's your favorite part about 294 00:16:27,659 --> 00:16:30,569 Rob Simmelkjaer,: the weekend here in New York around the mini 10K? 295 00:16:30,869 --> 00:16:34,530 Amanda Vestri: If I'm being 100% honest, just seeing all my friends 296 00:16:34,530 --> 00:16:38,010 Amanda Vestri: who are also my competitors. So I actually went to 297 00:16:38,010 --> 00:16:40,320 Amanda Vestri: Iowa State for a couple of years before transferring to 298 00:16:40,320 --> 00:16:44,969 Amanda Vestri: Syracuse. So Annie Frisbee, who's here, we actually lived together 299 00:16:44,969 --> 00:16:48,269 Amanda Vestri: in my second year there. So just seeing her and 300 00:16:48,660 --> 00:16:52,500 Amanda Vestri: seeing Dakota and Emma Grace Hurley, just all these girls 301 00:16:52,500 --> 00:16:55,680 Amanda Vestri: who I race against, but who are also... We're really 302 00:16:55,680 --> 00:16:57,659 Amanda Vestri: friendly with each other. I would say a lot of 303 00:16:57,660 --> 00:17:00,990 Amanda Vestri: us are friends. It's just exciting to see what's happening 304 00:17:00,990 --> 00:17:04,109 Amanda Vestri: in their lives. Some of them are getting engaged, some 305 00:17:04,109 --> 00:17:06,119 Amanda Vestri: of them are... They just have big milestones that they're 306 00:17:06,119 --> 00:17:08,880 Amanda Vestri: hitting and it's fun to catch up with everyone and 307 00:17:09,570 --> 00:17:10,980 Amanda Vestri: see all my favorite people. 308 00:17:11,070 --> 00:17:14,520 Rob Simmelkjaer,: And what's it like to have 9, 000 women lined 309 00:17:14,520 --> 00:17:17,910 Rob Simmelkjaer,: up behind you? That just must be incredible. It's not something 310 00:17:17,910 --> 00:17:20,340 Rob Simmelkjaer,: that happens very often in this sport. 311 00:17:21,089 --> 00:17:24,418 Amanda Vestri: Yeah. Honestly, I think my favorite part of the race 312 00:17:24,420 --> 00:17:27,540 Amanda Vestri: was just not only the women running behind us, but 313 00:17:27,540 --> 00:17:30,240 Amanda Vestri: also all the women on the course and the men too. 314 00:17:30,240 --> 00:17:33,780 Amanda Vestri: But yeah, a lot of, " You go, girl," all these 315 00:17:33,780 --> 00:17:39,029 Amanda Vestri: signs out there supporting us as female athletes was just 316 00:17:39,030 --> 00:17:43,890 Amanda Vestri: really special to witness. And I think I started grimacing 317 00:17:43,890 --> 00:17:45,450 Amanda Vestri: a little bit towards the end and I was like, " 318 00:17:45,480 --> 00:17:49,590 Amanda Vestri: Oof, I'm hurting." And yeah, there are so many supportive people 319 00:17:49,590 --> 00:17:52,888 Amanda Vestri: out there just saying, " You got it. You're almost done." 320 00:17:54,270 --> 00:17:56,698 Amanda Vestri: It hypes you up and yeah, it was really special today. 321 00:17:56,879 --> 00:18:00,869 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Well, you had it all the way. Amazing performance. Congratulations. 322 00:18:00,869 --> 00:18:01,019 Amanda Vestri: Thank you. 323 00:18:01,380 --> 00:18:03,060 Rob Simmelkjaer,: We're thrilled to have you. Hope to see you back 324 00:18:03,060 --> 00:18:04,260 Rob Simmelkjaer,: in New York again soon. 325 00:18:04,260 --> 00:18:05,160 Amanda Vestri: Absolutely. 326 00:18:05,250 --> 00:18:07,771 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Maybe another Dash in your future, who know? Maybe more. 327 00:18:07,771 --> 00:18:07,772 Amanda Vestri: Oh yeah, maybe. 328 00:18:07,772 --> 00:18:10,980 Rob Simmelkjaer,: I know there are pro teams looking at you after this finish. 329 00:18:11,250 --> 00:18:13,529 Rob Simmelkjaer,: So they'll be calling, I think it's safe to say. 330 00:18:13,859 --> 00:18:15,510 Amanda Vestri: Yes, you can call me, Sam. 331 00:18:17,730 --> 00:18:19,890 Rob Simmelkjaer,: Awesome. Amanda Vestri, great to have you. 332 00:18:19,890 --> 00:18:20,520 Amanda Vestri: Thank you. 333 00:18:20,790 --> 00:18:24,718 Rob Simmelkjaer,: That does it for this special MasterCard Mini 10K Champions 334 00:18:24,720 --> 00:18:27,748 Rob Simmelkjaer,: episode of Set the Pace. Thanks again to today's three- 335 00:18:27,750 --> 00:18:32,219 Rob Simmelkjaer,: peat champions, Senbere Teferi, and to our top American Amanda Vestri 336 00:18:32,219 --> 00:18:34,319 Rob Simmelkjaer,: for joining us here on the show. If you like 337 00:18:34,320 --> 00:18:37,920 Rob Simmelkjaer,: this episode, please make sure to subscribe, rate it, leave 338 00:18:37,920 --> 00:18:40,920 Rob Simmelkjaer,: a comment on whatever platform you're listening on. This not 339 00:18:40,920 --> 00:18:43,200 Rob Simmelkjaer,: only helps us, but helps others find the show as 340 00:18:43,200 --> 00:18:45,480 Rob Simmelkjaer,: well. We'll see you all with a regular episode coming 341 00:18:45,480 --> 00:18:48,359 Rob Simmelkjaer,: up on Thursday. Until then, enjoy the miles.