1 00:00:00,540 --> 00:00:03,330 Kwasi Kessie: It's been a great time working with Noah. We actually 2 00:00:03,330 --> 00:00:08,190 Kwasi Kessie: met years ago, and then years later he's like, " Yo, 3 00:00:08,580 --> 00:00:11,550 Kwasi Kessie: I want to bring fashion to track and field, and 4 00:00:11,550 --> 00:00:14,700 Kwasi Kessie: I think that you are the perfect person to work with 5 00:00:14,940 --> 00:00:17,970 Kwasi Kessie: to do that." So I styled him for a Diamond 6 00:00:17,970 --> 00:00:23,220 Kwasi Kessie: League event at Icon Stadium. And from there it was just... It went viral. 7 00:00:26,970 --> 00:00:31,380 Audio: Thank you, New York. Today, we're reminded of the power 8 00:00:31,380 --> 00:00:36,240 Audio: of community and the power of coming together. Athletes, on 9 00:00:36,240 --> 00:00:41,729 Audio: your mark. The first woman to finish for the second 10 00:00:41,729 --> 00:00:45,479 Audio: straight year here in the New York City Marathon is Miki Gorman, 11 00:00:45,479 --> 00:00:49,020 Audio: a smiling Miki Gorman. And why not? 2: 29:30, the 12 00:00:49,020 --> 00:00:52,949 Audio: time for (inaudible) . Look at the emotion of Shalane Flanagan 13 00:00:52,950 --> 00:00:55,889 Audio: as she comes to the line. Pointing to his chest, 14 00:00:56,160 --> 00:00:59,700 Audio: pointing to the USA, he so proudly wears across his chest. 15 00:01:00,240 --> 00:01:07,050 Audio: A great day for Meb Keflezighi. 16 00:01:07,050 --> 00:01:10,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hey everybody, and welcome to another edition of Set the 17 00:01:10,020 --> 00:01:13,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: Pace, the official podcast of New York Roadrunners, presented by 18 00:01:13,350 --> 00:01:16,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: Peloton. I'm your host, Rob Simmelkjaer, the CEO of New 19 00:01:16,500 --> 00:01:20,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: York Roadrunners. Thrilled to be back this week with my co- 20 00:01:20,130 --> 00:01:22,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: host. She's been carrying the water for me a little 21 00:01:22,830 --> 00:01:25,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: bit the last week or so. Becs Gentry. Becs, it's 22 00:01:25,560 --> 00:01:25,951 Rob Simmelkjaer: nice to see you. 23 00:01:25,951 --> 00:01:26,341 Becs Gentry: Hi. 24 00:01:26,430 --> 00:01:29,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: I haven't seen you since our live episode a couple 25 00:01:29,100 --> 00:01:29,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: of weeks ago. 26 00:01:29,970 --> 00:01:29,971 Becs Gentry: It happens. 27 00:01:29,971 --> 00:01:32,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: Thanks for flying solo last week. How you doing? 28 00:01:32,819 --> 00:01:35,190 Becs Gentry: Quite all right. We had a blast last week. We 29 00:01:35,190 --> 00:01:40,800 Becs Gentry: missed you, obviously. But yeah, it's been great. Getting into 30 00:01:40,800 --> 00:01:43,230 Becs Gentry: the spring vibe, that's for sure. 31 00:01:43,470 --> 00:01:46,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: We're starting to get a little bit of that. Just the 32 00:01:46,560 --> 00:01:49,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: days being longer, for me, it's just everything. It's everything. 33 00:01:49,680 --> 00:01:50,940 Becs Gentry: Stunning. Yeah. 34 00:01:51,090 --> 00:01:54,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: When those clocks change, I feel so much better. I'm a 35 00:01:54,540 --> 00:01:57,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: morning runner so I don't take advantage of the extra 36 00:01:57,210 --> 00:02:00,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: daylight hours in the evening that much, but just knowing 37 00:02:00,240 --> 00:02:02,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: they're there and the feeling you get of having that 38 00:02:02,880 --> 00:02:05,461 Rob Simmelkjaer: extra daylight makes a huge difference for me. 39 00:02:05,460 --> 00:02:05,670 Becs Gentry: Absolutely. 40 00:02:05,670 --> 00:02:08,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: I still can't believe I managed to train for a 41 00:02:08,190 --> 00:02:13,889 Rob Simmelkjaer: marathon in the hours that we had in December, in January. It was so dark, it 42 00:02:13,889 --> 00:02:15,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: was so depressing. 43 00:02:15,090 --> 00:02:18,120 Becs Gentry: So dark, such short days. But here we are. We're 44 00:02:18,120 --> 00:02:21,510 Becs Gentry: just waiting for those morning hours to lighten up a 45 00:02:21,510 --> 00:02:23,190 Becs Gentry: little bit more. Another couple of weeks. 46 00:02:23,190 --> 00:02:23,191 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yes, yes. It's coming. 47 00:02:23,191 --> 00:02:27,389 Becs Gentry: Know that by Easter, we'll be smooth sailing all the way through. 48 00:02:27,870 --> 00:02:30,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: Makes a big difference. It's amazing how... I think as a 49 00:02:30,660 --> 00:02:35,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: runner, you start to live more and pay attention even 50 00:02:35,730 --> 00:02:39,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: more, I think, to those hours. And the sunrise and 51 00:02:39,030 --> 00:02:39,690 Rob Simmelkjaer: the sunset. 52 00:02:39,690 --> 00:02:39,720 Becs Gentry: Oh, my gosh. 53 00:02:39,720 --> 00:02:42,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: I mean, they have a big impact on your day 54 00:02:42,270 --> 00:02:45,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: and you can suddenly squeeze in that morning run when- 55 00:02:45,630 --> 00:02:45,631 Becs Gentry: That's me right now. 56 00:02:45,631 --> 00:02:52,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... the sun's coming up at 6:00, right, that you can't squeeze in when it's dark until seven something. Those 57 00:02:52,200 --> 00:02:53,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: of us who don't like running in the dark that much- 58 00:02:54,120 --> 00:02:54,241 Becs Gentry: That's me. 59 00:02:54,241 --> 00:02:56,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... outdoors, it really makes a big difference. 60 00:02:56,910 --> 00:03:01,260 Becs Gentry: Yeah. There's something about moving your body outside whilst the 61 00:03:01,260 --> 00:03:05,550 Becs Gentry: sun is rising. I kind of feel like nothing can 62 00:03:05,550 --> 00:03:07,500 Becs Gentry: get in the way of my day when I get 63 00:03:07,500 --> 00:03:10,650 Becs Gentry: to do that. I'm just like, " How blessed am I right now 64 00:03:10,710 --> 00:03:14,970 Becs Gentry: to witness this and be in it?" Literally, be in 65 00:03:15,030 --> 00:03:18,510 Becs Gentry: the start of the day and I'm moving. It's so 66 00:03:18,510 --> 00:03:21,360 Becs Gentry: cool. And that's when you start to crave those things. 67 00:03:21,360 --> 00:03:23,940 Becs Gentry: You're like, "All right, I don't mind my alarm going off when 68 00:03:23,940 --> 00:03:26,638 Becs Gentry: it's still dark for that quick half an hour's process 69 00:03:26,639 --> 00:03:30,240 Becs Gentry: before you move out of the door." But yeah, anyway, 70 00:03:30,330 --> 00:03:32,730 Becs Gentry: as you can tell, Rob and I are thrilled by this. 71 00:03:33,000 --> 00:03:34,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: (inaudible) are both going in the right direction. Clearly, 72 00:03:34,410 --> 00:03:38,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: we are both loving the onset of spring. So happy 73 00:03:38,010 --> 00:03:41,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: spring to everybody out there. Well, we have a lot 74 00:03:41,100 --> 00:03:43,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: of fun things going on at Roadrunners. 75 00:03:43,320 --> 00:03:43,620 Becs Gentry: Truly. 76 00:03:43,770 --> 00:03:46,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: One of the things, and Becs, I remember we talked about this 77 00:03:46,110 --> 00:03:48,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: a little bit in the episode that we did at the 78 00:03:48,510 --> 00:03:51,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: beginning of the year, the State of the Union podcast 79 00:03:51,810 --> 00:03:53,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: that we did where I answered lots of questions- 80 00:03:54,510 --> 00:03:54,511 Becs Gentry: Yes, I grilled you. 81 00:03:54,511 --> 00:03:58,920 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... about the org and questions that runners had. And I talked about 82 00:03:58,980 --> 00:04:03,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: this mission I have to kill the little running man 83 00:04:03,900 --> 00:04:05,131 Rob Simmelkjaer: that people see when they're- 84 00:04:05,131 --> 00:04:05,132 Becs Gentry: The wait time, mm-hmm. 85 00:04:05,132 --> 00:04:10,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... on the Roadrunners website. You know that thing where you're waiting and waiting 86 00:04:10,800 --> 00:04:14,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: and waiting on the days that we launch new races. 87 00:04:14,010 --> 00:04:18,359 Rob Simmelkjaer: So we're getting much closer to that objective, and a 88 00:04:18,360 --> 00:04:22,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: big step forward with that was the launch of our 89 00:04:22,170 --> 00:04:26,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: new registration platform this week. So I think pretty much 90 00:04:26,010 --> 00:04:29,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: every Roadrunners member and many non- members, people who have 91 00:04:29,250 --> 00:04:33,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: run races with us in recent years received an email 92 00:04:33,570 --> 00:04:35,729 Rob Simmelkjaer: or two from us over the last couple of weeks 93 00:04:35,730 --> 00:04:39,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: asking them to claim their account on this new platform. 94 00:04:40,200 --> 00:04:43,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's really a very simple process. I did it. It 95 00:04:43,050 --> 00:04:47,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: literally takes 10 seconds. That allows you to be set 96 00:04:47,820 --> 00:04:50,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: to log in to the new platform, which is going 97 00:04:50,790 --> 00:04:53,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: to make it so much easier to sign up and 98 00:04:53,700 --> 00:04:55,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: register for races. Now, it's not going to make it 99 00:04:55,740 --> 00:04:58,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: easier to get in, necessarily, because we still have the 100 00:04:58,080 --> 00:05:01,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: same demand issues that we've had, and so, that's not 101 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:04,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: necessarily a solve for that. Although, we do have some 102 00:05:04,200 --> 00:05:07,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: things planned with the new platform that will make it... We'll 103 00:05:07,620 --> 00:05:09,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: do some new things in terms of how people get 104 00:05:09,480 --> 00:05:13,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: in. But it's really important, Becs, that everybody out there 105 00:05:13,260 --> 00:05:16,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: who's planning to sign up for races for the rest 106 00:05:16,440 --> 00:05:18,239 Rob Simmelkjaer: of this year when we put the new set of 107 00:05:18,240 --> 00:05:23,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: races out for registration in a few weeks, you will 108 00:05:23,040 --> 00:05:25,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: want to have already done this, to claim your account. 109 00:05:25,830 --> 00:05:29,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: So go look in your email for an email from 110 00:05:29,820 --> 00:05:32,909 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Roadrunners about how to claim your account. It's 111 00:05:32,910 --> 00:05:35,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: very simple. It'll have your email address and a temporary 112 00:05:35,820 --> 00:05:38,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: password that you can use and then you'll set a 113 00:05:38,580 --> 00:05:41,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: new password and then you'll be all set to go. 114 00:05:41,010 --> 00:05:42,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: So it's very easy. If for some reason you can't 115 00:05:42,990 --> 00:05:45,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: find the email, you can just go on to the 116 00:05:45,240 --> 00:05:48,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: website, click forgot password, and you can go through your 117 00:05:48,330 --> 00:05:51,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: process that way as well. Either way, you'll be set 118 00:05:51,270 --> 00:05:54,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: up on the new platform, ready to go so that 119 00:05:54,270 --> 00:05:56,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: you can sign up for, whether it's group training that's 120 00:05:56,640 --> 00:05:59,849 Rob Simmelkjaer: for sale now or, obviously, the new races when they 121 00:05:59,850 --> 00:06:03,089 Rob Simmelkjaer: come out. You'll want to do this. And trust us 122 00:06:03,089 --> 00:06:05,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: folks, a little bit of time was going to pass 123 00:06:05,130 --> 00:06:07,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: as we get this all nailed down and sorted, but 124 00:06:08,160 --> 00:06:11,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: the goal is to make registering a much better experience. 125 00:06:11,100 --> 00:06:14,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: So, we're really excited about that and it's a big 126 00:06:14,100 --> 00:06:15,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: step forward for the organization. 127 00:06:15,779 --> 00:06:19,589 Becs Gentry: It truly is. You've reminded me. I was just putting a little reminder 128 00:06:19,589 --> 00:06:22,770 Becs Gentry: in my phone to, later this evening, to actually go 129 00:06:22,770 --> 00:06:26,700 Becs Gentry: and do that myself because I haven't and I must. 130 00:06:26,790 --> 00:06:29,099 Becs Gentry: So I'm really excited for it. Congratulations. 131 00:06:29,520 --> 00:06:33,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, thank you. It's one of those things that so many 132 00:06:33,210 --> 00:06:36,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: people at New York Roadrunners have spent so many hours 133 00:06:36,660 --> 00:06:39,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: on this. I can't even begin to name all the people. 134 00:06:39,930 --> 00:06:42,029 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's pretty much everyone who works at Roadrunners, to be 135 00:06:42,029 --> 00:06:45,479 Rob Simmelkjaer: honest, who has had some involvement in this. We have 136 00:06:45,480 --> 00:06:49,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: over 250 full- time employees at New York Roadrunners. There's 137 00:06:49,380 --> 00:06:51,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: not one of them that has not been involved one 138 00:06:51,660 --> 00:06:54,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: away or another, because our technology is the underpinning of 139 00:06:55,080 --> 00:06:58,589 Rob Simmelkjaer: everything that we do from, obviously, the races to all of 140 00:06:58,740 --> 00:07:03,839 Rob Simmelkjaer: our training, all of our membership, the way people interact with 141 00:07:03,839 --> 00:07:06,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: us. So it's a huge deal and we're very excited 142 00:07:06,210 --> 00:07:09,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: to get to this point, but there's still long way 143 00:07:09,330 --> 00:07:11,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: to go. So again, just make sure you sign up 144 00:07:11,970 --> 00:07:15,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: and register as soon as you can. And Becs, meanwhile, on the Peloton 145 00:07:15,210 --> 00:07:15,571 Rob Simmelkjaer: side of things- 146 00:07:15,571 --> 00:07:15,571 Becs Gentry: I know. 147 00:07:15,571 --> 00:07:18,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... I hear you guys have some exciting news there as well. 148 00:07:18,060 --> 00:07:21,360 Becs Gentry: We do. We're going to continue the tech love, Rob. 149 00:07:21,600 --> 00:07:27,030 Becs Gentry: So, yesterday, in honor of Women's History Month, March, Peloton 150 00:07:27,120 --> 00:07:31,470 Becs Gentry: dropped our latest New York Roadrunners Scenic Class on the 151 00:07:31,470 --> 00:07:35,850 Becs Gentry: Tread, which is the MasterCard New York Mini 10K. One 152 00:07:35,850 --> 00:07:40,410 Becs Gentry: of my absolute favorite races. I just think the day, 153 00:07:40,410 --> 00:07:46,740 Becs Gentry: the atmosphere, the crowds, the route, it's just such a 154 00:07:46,740 --> 00:07:52,290 Becs Gentry: beautiful, historic and meaningful race. And I'm really excited for 155 00:07:52,290 --> 00:07:58,260 Becs Gentry: everybody to take this class, guided by our phenomenal runner 156 00:07:58,680 --> 00:08:04,410 Becs Gentry: and yogi, Mariana. She will be able to give you 157 00:08:04,410 --> 00:08:07,800 Becs Gentry: so much insight. Mariana's run this race. Mariana is Team 158 00:08:07,800 --> 00:08:12,120 Becs Gentry: Achilles. She is a New York Roadrunners regular and she's 159 00:08:12,120 --> 00:08:16,650 Becs Gentry: just one of the most gritty runners I know, for 160 00:08:16,650 --> 00:08:18,660 Becs Gentry: sure. She'll race around the world. She'll do every race. 161 00:08:19,440 --> 00:08:23,910 Becs Gentry: So, find it under experiences on the Peloton Tread and 162 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:27,180 Becs Gentry: let us know what you think as you cruise through 163 00:08:27,180 --> 00:08:32,250 Becs Gentry: Central Park in the original all women's road race alongside Mariana. 164 00:08:32,580 --> 00:08:34,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hey, but you know what, this is an exciting opportunity 165 00:08:34,740 --> 00:08:37,920 Rob Simmelkjaer: for the guys out there to experience that course as 166 00:08:37,920 --> 00:08:38,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: well, right? It's a great course. 167 00:08:38,970 --> 00:08:40,050 Becs Gentry: Oh, I didn't even think of that. 168 00:08:41,130 --> 00:08:44,189 Rob Simmelkjaer: Think about that for a second. I'm excited for this because I can't run the 169 00:08:44,189 --> 00:08:45,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: MasterCard Mini 10K- 170 00:08:45,300 --> 00:08:45,901 Becs Gentry: You've never run it? 171 00:08:45,901 --> 00:08:48,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... but I can run this. I can totally show up and 172 00:08:48,120 --> 00:08:49,949 Rob Simmelkjaer: run with Mariana on this course. 173 00:08:49,949 --> 00:08:55,200 Becs Gentry: Okay, in April, I'll talk about that. That is so 174 00:08:55,200 --> 00:08:58,319 Becs Gentry: true, guys. Get out there and you're not going to 175 00:08:58,320 --> 00:09:00,780 Becs Gentry: be able to run this course officially in the race. 176 00:09:00,780 --> 00:09:03,450 Becs Gentry: You can obviously run it any other day of the 177 00:09:03,450 --> 00:09:07,680 Becs Gentry: year, even that afternoon if you would like to. But 178 00:09:08,070 --> 00:09:10,170 Becs Gentry: that is so cool, actually, Rob, well done. 179 00:09:10,500 --> 00:09:14,309 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, it is a great 10K course and I know 180 00:09:14,309 --> 00:09:16,559 Rob Simmelkjaer: all the women who have run it love it. So, 181 00:09:16,859 --> 00:09:19,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: make sure you get out there, check it out on 182 00:09:19,230 --> 00:09:22,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: Peloton. That's going to be a really cool experience for 183 00:09:22,170 --> 00:09:25,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: everybody. So excited for people to have a chance to 184 00:09:25,140 --> 00:09:27,390 Rob Simmelkjaer: do it. Well, we've got a cool guest you know. 185 00:09:27,420 --> 00:09:30,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: Becs, this is probably an interview that if there was a week I 186 00:09:30,330 --> 00:09:32,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: should have not come and let you handle the interview, 187 00:09:32,820 --> 00:09:35,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: maybe this was the week because fashion, not really what 188 00:09:35,880 --> 00:09:37,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm necessarily known for. 189 00:09:37,170 --> 00:09:40,110 Becs Gentry: No, I feel like quite the opposite. I feel like you took 190 00:09:40,260 --> 00:09:45,510 Becs Gentry: from this, probably, a lot. I feel like you may 191 00:09:45,510 --> 00:09:46,321 Becs Gentry: be booking a session. 192 00:09:46,321 --> 00:09:53,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: I might. I might book a session with our guest today, Kwasi Kessie, who is iconic 193 00:09:53,820 --> 00:09:57,929 Rob Simmelkjaer: as a stylist in the world of hip hop music 194 00:09:57,929 --> 00:10:01,589 Rob Simmelkjaer: and sports. Not only is he styling some really well- 195 00:10:01,590 --> 00:10:04,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: known people, including Noah Lyles, who we all know is the 196 00:10:04,860 --> 00:10:08,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: fastest man in the world, 100 meter sprinter. But he's 197 00:10:08,640 --> 00:10:12,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: also a big runner, Kwasi Kessie. He's run the TCS 198 00:10:12,030 --> 00:10:16,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York City Marathon, now 11 consecutive times. He's been 199 00:10:16,170 --> 00:10:18,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: running New York Roadrunners Races since he was a kid. 200 00:10:18,750 --> 00:10:21,179 Rob Simmelkjaer: And he's kind of a perfect person to talk to 201 00:10:21,179 --> 00:10:25,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: about the intersection of running and style. He's brought them 202 00:10:25,470 --> 00:10:28,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: together both when it comes to running outfits but also 203 00:10:28,470 --> 00:10:31,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: what you wear before the race, after the race, with 204 00:10:31,470 --> 00:10:33,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: your medal on the next day, the whole nine yards. 205 00:10:33,540 --> 00:10:36,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: So Kwasi is going to join us. Looking forward to 206 00:10:36,270 --> 00:10:40,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: a conversation about fashion and yeah, Becs, maybe I'll gain 207 00:10:41,070 --> 00:10:43,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: a little information about that. I'm looking forward to hearing 208 00:10:43,500 --> 00:10:46,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: what he's got to say about that. Also, on today's 209 00:10:46,290 --> 00:10:49,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: Member Moment, TFK runner, Stephanie Sokol is going to talk 210 00:10:49,890 --> 00:10:52,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: about training for her sixth star, which he's hoping to 211 00:10:52,470 --> 00:10:56,459 Rob Simmelkjaer: earn this April in Boston. And speaking of Boston, it's 212 00:10:56,460 --> 00:10:58,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: coming right up in today's Meb Minute, is all about 213 00:10:58,800 --> 00:11:01,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: training for the Hills. We know a lot about the 214 00:11:01,830 --> 00:11:04,920 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hills here in New York, but if you're running Boston, got to 215 00:11:04,920 --> 00:11:07,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: be ready, of course, for Heartbreak Hill and all the 216 00:11:07,710 --> 00:11:10,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: hillingness, especially of the second half of that race. So 217 00:11:10,800 --> 00:11:12,179 Rob Simmelkjaer: lots of good stuff coming up. 218 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:15,240 Becs Gentry: Ready to take your runs to the next level? With 219 00:11:15,240 --> 00:11:18,540 Becs Gentry: the Peloton app, you can workout your way with thousands 220 00:11:18,540 --> 00:11:22,710 Becs Gentry: of on- demand and live classes, no equipment needed. Whether 221 00:11:22,710 --> 00:11:25,949 Becs Gentry: you're at the gym or opt for the outdoors, Peloton 222 00:11:25,950 --> 00:11:29,429 Becs Gentry: offers everything you need to become a stronger, better, faster 223 00:11:29,429 --> 00:11:33,960 Becs Gentry: runner. From intervals to endurance and speed runs, to walking, 224 00:11:34,350 --> 00:11:37,650 Becs Gentry: you can tailor your routine to hit your goals. Try 225 00:11:37,650 --> 00:11:41,370 Becs Gentry: the app free for 30 days. Download it now from 226 00:11:41,370 --> 00:11:47,640 Becs Gentry: the App Store or Google Play. Learn more at onepeloton. com/ race- 227 00:11:48,030 --> 00:11:52,200 Becs Gentry: training. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner for New York 228 00:11:52,200 --> 00:11:56,219 Becs Gentry: Roadrunners. New App One or App+ memberships only, starting at $ 229 00:11:56,220 --> 00:12:00,240 Becs Gentry: 12.99 per month after trial, unless canceled. Terms apply. 230 00:12:00,720 --> 00:12:04,709 Rob Simmelkjaer: Joining us today is Kwasi Kessie, a celebrity stylist and 231 00:12:04,710 --> 00:12:08,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: designer whose influence spans both the fashion and athletic worlds. 232 00:12:09,150 --> 00:12:12,329 Rob Simmelkjaer: But Kwasi doesn't just have style for athletes, he is 233 00:12:12,330 --> 00:12:15,390 Rob Simmelkjaer: an athlete himself, a runner with New York Roadrunners since 234 00:12:15,390 --> 00:12:18,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: he was a kid. Kwasi has completed the New York 235 00:12:18,360 --> 00:12:23,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: City Marathon 11 consecutive times. His recent work includes collaborations 236 00:12:23,880 --> 00:12:28,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: with Olympic Sprinter, Noah Lyles, and initiatives to revitalize Harlem's 237 00:12:28,950 --> 00:12:32,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: running scene as well. Kwasi, it is so nice to have 238 00:12:32,550 --> 00:12:36,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: someone as fashionable as you on this podcast. Becs is 239 00:12:36,450 --> 00:12:40,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: very fashionable. You're looking at my fashion, a New York Roadrunners 240 00:12:40,290 --> 00:12:41,339 Rob Simmelkjaer: hoodie right here, so- 241 00:12:41,340 --> 00:12:42,030 Kwasi Kessie: I like it. I like it. 242 00:12:42,030 --> 00:12:44,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... maybe I can somehow get a little something fun this 243 00:12:44,790 --> 00:12:47,191 Rob Simmelkjaer: interview to raise my game. It's nice to meet you. 244 00:12:47,191 --> 00:12:50,190 Kwasi Kessie: Oh, thank you. Nice to meet you too. Thank you for having me. 245 00:12:50,370 --> 00:12:56,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: Absolutely. So I'm really curious about the style component of 246 00:12:56,880 --> 00:13:00,840 Rob Simmelkjaer: running and how these things come together for you. It's really 247 00:13:00,929 --> 00:13:05,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: interesting. I think every sport has style as a component 248 00:13:05,400 --> 00:13:09,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: of it, whether it's a sport like tennis where you've 249 00:13:09,030 --> 00:13:13,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: got these incredible outfits that people can choose to wear. 250 00:13:13,860 --> 00:13:17,579 Rob Simmelkjaer: Or a sport that's maybe more uniform on the court 251 00:13:17,580 --> 00:13:19,679 Rob Simmelkjaer: or the field of play, but then it's off the 252 00:13:19,679 --> 00:13:22,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: court is where you start to get really interesting style 253 00:13:22,950 --> 00:13:26,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: decisions that people make. How do you see running? Do 254 00:13:26,850 --> 00:13:29,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: you see it as a place where people can express 255 00:13:29,130 --> 00:13:32,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: their style both while they're running as well as if 256 00:13:32,220 --> 00:13:35,099 Rob Simmelkjaer: they're a celebrity outside the running space as well? 257 00:13:35,580 --> 00:13:41,520 Kwasi Kessie: 100%. I think that while you're running, I think you 258 00:13:41,520 --> 00:13:45,329 Kwasi Kessie: can notice people by how stylish they are in the 259 00:13:45,330 --> 00:13:50,130 Kwasi Kessie: running scene. New York running is the birthplace of urban 260 00:13:50,130 --> 00:13:54,329 Kwasi Kessie: running. So you have all of these different aesthetics and 261 00:13:54,600 --> 00:14:00,780 Kwasi Kessie: brands that people may wear. You may run down over 262 00:14:00,780 --> 00:14:03,090 Kwasi Kessie: the Pulaski Bridge and you may see someone with a cut- 263 00:14:03,090 --> 00:14:08,160 Kwasi Kessie: off crop top shirt. Or they may wear biker shorts 264 00:14:08,160 --> 00:14:11,100 Kwasi Kessie: or people may have on windbreakers. So there's a lot 265 00:14:11,100 --> 00:14:16,110 Kwasi Kessie: of diversity in urban running, but I feel like you 266 00:14:16,110 --> 00:14:18,990 Kwasi Kessie: can always tell a new runner when they just have 267 00:14:18,990 --> 00:14:21,930 Kwasi Kessie: on... You could tell a new runner because they don't 268 00:14:21,930 --> 00:14:26,520 Kwasi Kessie: look as seasoned and as fashionable in what they're wearing. 269 00:14:27,240 --> 00:14:31,800 Kwasi Kessie: But off the track or off the road, I think that 270 00:14:32,250 --> 00:14:37,950 Kwasi Kessie: it's a great opportunity to be as fashionable. It's an 271 00:14:37,950 --> 00:14:43,590 Kwasi Kessie: opportunity to merge the world. So this athleisure time that 272 00:14:43,590 --> 00:14:45,990 Kwasi Kessie: we're having in fashion where it's like you can wear 273 00:14:45,990 --> 00:14:50,820 Kwasi Kessie: your tights to dinner, you can wear your sneakers from 274 00:14:51,210 --> 00:14:56,190 Kwasi Kessie: your track workout or your workout to the club. I'm 275 00:14:56,190 --> 00:15:00,360 Kwasi Kessie: actually really enjoying everything that's going on in terms of 276 00:15:00,570 --> 00:15:04,950 Kwasi Kessie: the world of fashion and running, merging. It's been happening 277 00:15:04,950 --> 00:15:09,000 Kwasi Kessie: for a while now in terms of Virgil Abloh, God 278 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:11,310 Kwasi Kessie: bless the dead. He did a fashion show with Off- 279 00:15:11,310 --> 00:15:15,180 Kwasi Kessie: White. It was on a track. I remember there was 280 00:15:15,180 --> 00:15:19,830 Kwasi Kessie: a magazine cover where they did this whole track influenced 281 00:15:19,830 --> 00:15:24,359 Kwasi Kessie: by running. And then also what myself and Noah are 282 00:15:24,360 --> 00:15:27,660 Kwasi Kessie: doing in terms of bringing fashion to track and field, 283 00:15:27,870 --> 00:15:31,620 Kwasi Kessie: how the NFL and NBA have the tunnel. We are 284 00:15:31,620 --> 00:15:34,110 Kwasi Kessie: bringing walk- ins to track and field. So- 285 00:15:34,200 --> 00:15:37,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: Noah Lyles you're talking about. Yeah, we were going to ask about him 286 00:15:37,080 --> 00:15:40,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: and he seems to be a real trendsetter. I mean, 287 00:15:40,470 --> 00:15:45,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: you watch Noah Lyles walk into a stadium and it 288 00:15:45,210 --> 00:15:50,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: does feel like watching an NBA player or an NFL 289 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:52,980 Rob Simmelkjaer: player. He's got that kind of charisma. He's got that 290 00:15:52,980 --> 00:15:55,229 Rob Simmelkjaer: kind of following. And I know he's one of the 291 00:15:55,260 --> 00:16:00,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: people you style. What has that process been like working 292 00:16:00,030 --> 00:16:03,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: with a guy like Noah Lyles, such a big personality? 293 00:16:03,930 --> 00:16:06,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: He's kind of trying to raise the profile of the 294 00:16:06,270 --> 00:16:09,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: sport, and part of the way he does that is through his clothes. 295 00:16:09,840 --> 00:16:13,620 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah, it's been a great time working with Noah. We actually 296 00:16:13,620 --> 00:16:18,660 Kwasi Kessie: met years ago and he had designed a sneaker for 297 00:16:19,080 --> 00:16:23,010 Kwasi Kessie: Adidas. We met, he learned that I was a fashion 298 00:16:23,010 --> 00:16:25,500 Kwasi Kessie: stylist and he was really excited to meet me. And 299 00:16:25,500 --> 00:16:28,980 Kwasi Kessie: then years later, he's like, " Yo, I want to bring 300 00:16:29,220 --> 00:16:31,590 Kwasi Kessie: fashion to track and field and I think that you 301 00:16:31,950 --> 00:16:35,010 Kwasi Kessie: are the perfect person to work with to do that." 302 00:16:35,520 --> 00:16:38,250 Kwasi Kessie: So, I styled him for a Diamond League event at 303 00:16:38,250 --> 00:16:43,140 Kwasi Kessie: Icon Stadium. And from there it went viral. It was 304 00:16:43,140 --> 00:16:45,660 Kwasi Kessie: like New York Times. It was the first time he 305 00:16:45,660 --> 00:16:48,930 Kwasi Kessie: was on Protrending, in terms of a track and field athlete 306 00:16:48,930 --> 00:16:53,940 Kwasi Kessie: being on Protrending, a social media website. It's been a great time 307 00:16:53,940 --> 00:16:57,780 Kwasi Kessie: because he is a huge creative. Outside of being the 308 00:16:57,780 --> 00:17:02,070 Kwasi Kessie: fastest man in the world, he enjoys anime, he enjoys 309 00:17:02,070 --> 00:17:05,399 Kwasi Kessie: fashion, he enjoys just the creative world and the creative 310 00:17:05,400 --> 00:17:08,160 Kwasi Kessie: scene in general. So it's always good to work with 311 00:17:08,160 --> 00:17:12,510 Kwasi Kessie: people like Noah Lyles because the possibilities are endless and 312 00:17:12,510 --> 00:17:15,930 Kwasi Kessie: he gets it. You know what I mean? It's like when 313 00:17:15,930 --> 00:17:18,540 Kwasi Kessie: we first worked together in New York at Icon Stadium 314 00:17:18,540 --> 00:17:21,900 Kwasi Kessie: at his track meet, I had him in this, Who 315 00:17:21,900 --> 00:17:24,960 Kwasi Kessie: Decides War, which is a brand from New York. He 316 00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:29,040 Kwasi Kessie: wanted to have a New York look and it had window panes 317 00:17:29,040 --> 00:17:31,619 Kwasi Kessie: cut out of it and his abs were showing, and 318 00:17:31,619 --> 00:17:33,780 Kwasi Kessie: it was just like he got it. You know what 319 00:17:33,780 --> 00:17:37,080 Kwasi Kessie: I mean? So, it's been a joy just to bring 320 00:17:37,080 --> 00:17:41,730 Kwasi Kessie: that energy and that creativity to the world of track 321 00:17:41,730 --> 00:17:45,060 Kwasi Kessie: and field, which in the past has had that with the Michael 322 00:17:45,060 --> 00:17:48,420 Kwasi Kessie: Johnsons and the Flo- Jos, but it's just like we're 323 00:17:48,420 --> 00:17:51,570 Kwasi Kessie: bringing it to a whole other level, myself and Noah. So it's 324 00:17:51,840 --> 00:17:53,400 Kwasi Kessie: been a great time, been a great time. 325 00:17:53,400 --> 00:17:55,710 Becs Gentry: It really has. Congratulations as well. 326 00:17:55,710 --> 00:17:55,891 Kwasi Kessie: Thank you. Thank you. 327 00:17:55,891 --> 00:18:00,450 Becs Gentry: There've been some epic people you've dressed, your personal style. 328 00:18:00,450 --> 00:18:00,720 Becs Gentry: I am- 329 00:18:00,720 --> 00:18:00,840 Kwasi Kessie: Thank you. 330 00:18:00,840 --> 00:18:05,730 Becs Gentry: ... a big Instagram stalker of you. So always looking at 331 00:18:05,730 --> 00:18:11,190 Becs Gentry: your style. I want to talk about how the normal 332 00:18:11,190 --> 00:18:15,570 Becs Gentry: runner. Okay, obviously, Noah is fastest guy in the world. You've dressed 333 00:18:15,660 --> 00:18:20,670 Becs Gentry: high talents such as A$AP Ferg, Tamirat Tola, who have the team 334 00:18:20,670 --> 00:18:23,790 Becs Gentry: and the budget behind them to go big, being styled 335 00:18:23,790 --> 00:18:28,890 Becs Gentry: for walking events or GQ shoots, et cetera. But let's 336 00:18:28,890 --> 00:18:33,240 Becs Gentry: talk about the normal runner, the listener out here. You 337 00:18:33,240 --> 00:18:36,600 Becs Gentry: earlier approached the thought of we can wear our tights 338 00:18:36,600 --> 00:18:39,990 Becs Gentry: to dinner. You can wear your track, your sneakers to 339 00:18:40,260 --> 00:18:43,889 Becs Gentry: whatever. Girls, we can rock our sports bras with a 340 00:18:43,890 --> 00:18:47,550 Becs Gentry: sick top off the shoulder. So, can you give some 341 00:18:47,550 --> 00:18:51,390 Becs Gentry: tips to people who might be struggling to bring their 342 00:18:51,390 --> 00:18:55,080 Becs Gentry: personalities together? Because I think that's a big thing, when 343 00:18:55,080 --> 00:18:58,950 Becs Gentry: you have maybe a different style outside of your sport 344 00:19:00,780 --> 00:19:02,340 Becs Gentry: and then you just, I don't know, in New York you're like, " Okay, well, I'm just going 345 00:19:02,340 --> 00:19:04,800 Becs Gentry: to wear black tights and a black top and I'm just going to go for a run. But 346 00:19:04,800 --> 00:19:07,170 Becs Gentry: that doesn't express who I am." How could they make 347 00:19:07,170 --> 00:19:09,750 Becs Gentry: themselves, Kwasi, how could they make themselves cooler when it 348 00:19:09,750 --> 00:19:10,800 Becs Gentry: comes to their style? 349 00:19:10,859 --> 00:19:14,790 Kwasi Kessie: That's a great question. I think one of the main ways to make yourself 350 00:19:14,790 --> 00:19:17,280 Kwasi Kessie: cooler when it comes to your personal style is to 351 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:22,109 Kwasi Kessie: go within. When I say that, I mean that we 352 00:19:22,109 --> 00:19:25,080 Kwasi Kessie: have so much rich culture within who we are, whether 353 00:19:25,080 --> 00:19:30,000 Kwasi Kessie: it's our ancestors or if it's our cool aunt, or 354 00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:35,010 Kwasi Kessie: if it's some piece that our grandmother passed down to 355 00:19:35,010 --> 00:19:37,889 Kwasi Kessie: us, whether it be jewelry or whether it be a 356 00:19:37,890 --> 00:19:42,690 Kwasi Kessie: family heirloom. I think that people should always refer to 357 00:19:42,690 --> 00:19:44,909 Kwasi Kessie: themselves as their mood board. You know what I mean? 358 00:19:45,510 --> 00:19:48,090 Kwasi Kessie: Where you're from. Whether you're from this part of the 359 00:19:48,090 --> 00:19:50,850 Kwasi Kessie: world or that part of the world or whatever culture you're 360 00:19:50,850 --> 00:19:53,910 Kwasi Kessie: from. I think that when you dig deep into who 361 00:19:53,910 --> 00:19:58,230 Kwasi Kessie: you are and bring that personal style forward from your 362 00:19:58,230 --> 00:20:01,470 Kwasi Kessie: rich history of who you are, that is super unique 363 00:20:01,470 --> 00:20:05,730 Kwasi Kessie: to you and it'll wear well on you. Again, it could 364 00:20:05,850 --> 00:20:09,689 Kwasi Kessie: be like your grandma's earrings or your father's ring or 365 00:20:10,800 --> 00:20:13,859 Kwasi Kessie: stuff like that. I think that the rich history that 366 00:20:13,859 --> 00:20:16,440 Kwasi Kessie: we have within all of us, when you bring that 367 00:20:16,440 --> 00:20:19,020 Kwasi Kessie: to the forefront... And it could just be one piece. 368 00:20:19,020 --> 00:20:22,920 Kwasi Kessie: It could be a pattern from your local tribe that you're 369 00:20:22,920 --> 00:20:27,150 Kwasi Kessie: from, etc. I think those are the things that make you 370 00:20:27,270 --> 00:20:31,230 Kwasi Kessie: an individual in terms of fashion. That's individual to you 371 00:20:31,230 --> 00:20:33,270 Kwasi Kessie: and it's a talking point. It's like, " Where'd you get 372 00:20:33,270 --> 00:20:37,140 Kwasi Kessie: that shirt? Where'd you get that..." Then you're talking about, " 373 00:20:37,230 --> 00:20:39,600 Kwasi Kessie: Oh, my grandmother passed it down to my mom." Et 374 00:20:39,600 --> 00:20:42,780 Kwasi Kessie: cetera, et cetera. I always say, number one, is to 375 00:20:42,900 --> 00:20:48,060 Kwasi Kessie: dig deep into your rich history. Number two, look outside 376 00:20:48,060 --> 00:20:50,670 Kwasi Kessie: yourself and look at... If you don't have the energy 377 00:20:50,670 --> 00:20:52,920 Kwasi Kessie: or the time for that, look outside yourself and look 378 00:20:52,920 --> 00:20:55,889 Kwasi Kessie: at people that you admire style- wise, whether it's a 379 00:20:55,890 --> 00:21:00,810 Kwasi Kessie: Noah Lyles or whether it's a Pharrell, et cetera. And 380 00:21:00,840 --> 00:21:03,060 Kwasi Kessie: then take pieces of them and then see how you 381 00:21:03,060 --> 00:21:06,960 Kwasi Kessie: can incorporate it to your personal style, and then you'll 382 00:21:06,960 --> 00:21:10,109 Kwasi Kessie: get more affluent in terms of how you feel and 383 00:21:10,109 --> 00:21:13,290 Kwasi Kessie: how you move in those pieces. Yeah, I mean, number 384 00:21:13,290 --> 00:21:17,010 Kwasi Kessie: one, dig within yourself and then number two, look outside 385 00:21:17,010 --> 00:21:19,619 Kwasi Kessie: yourself to people that you look up to or look 386 00:21:19,619 --> 00:21:22,590 Kwasi Kessie: for in terms of fashion to get some pieces from 387 00:21:22,590 --> 00:21:23,640 Kwasi Kessie: them and get some energy. 388 00:21:24,359 --> 00:21:27,540 Becs Gentry: I love that style. Take us back then to your 389 00:21:27,540 --> 00:21:33,480 Becs Gentry: style. Let's go into a bit of your personal style. You began running 390 00:21:33,480 --> 00:21:37,320 Becs Gentry: with New York Roadrunners when you were a kid. You 391 00:21:37,650 --> 00:21:43,109 Becs Gentry: have been in Harlem. I mean, Harlem, I've never lived 392 00:21:43,109 --> 00:21:46,050 Becs Gentry: in Harlem. I've lived other places in New York, but 393 00:21:46,409 --> 00:21:48,629 Becs Gentry: I frequent there and I think it is one of 394 00:21:48,720 --> 00:21:53,790 Becs Gentry: the culturally most rich areas of the city. So, let's 395 00:21:53,790 --> 00:21:58,379 Becs Gentry: talk about how your interest for fashion and running, when 396 00:21:58,380 --> 00:22:00,840 Becs Gentry: did that kind of combine and flourish? 397 00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:05,250 Kwasi Kessie: Yes, absolutely. So, my mom is to credit for my 398 00:22:05,310 --> 00:22:11,220 Kwasi Kessie: influence. Well, the influence in running and fashion. So before 399 00:22:11,220 --> 00:22:15,690 Kwasi Kessie: I was running, my mom, she was the parent that 400 00:22:15,690 --> 00:22:18,030 Kwasi Kessie: would spend a lot of money on my clothes and 401 00:22:18,030 --> 00:22:21,209 Kwasi Kessie: her siblings would be like, "What are you doing?" So she would 402 00:22:21,210 --> 00:22:24,629 Kwasi Kessie: shop for us at department stores like Lord & Taylor and 403 00:22:24,630 --> 00:22:29,369 Kwasi Kessie: Saks. She really took pride in how we appeared and 404 00:22:29,369 --> 00:22:33,240 Kwasi Kessie: how we dressed. And from a little person, a little 405 00:22:34,050 --> 00:22:36,990 Kwasi Kessie: boy, I would wear a lot of suits to church 406 00:22:37,260 --> 00:22:40,770 Kwasi Kessie: and I thought that people liked me because of my suits. So 407 00:22:40,770 --> 00:22:43,590 Kwasi Kessie: I was a kid in pre- K and first grade 408 00:22:43,590 --> 00:22:46,770 Kwasi Kessie: wearing suits to school because I thought that's what drew 409 00:22:46,770 --> 00:22:48,209 Kwasi Kessie: people to me, because they would be like, " Oh, you're 410 00:22:48,210 --> 00:22:51,389 Kwasi Kessie: so cute." That was my first start in fashion because I 411 00:22:51,390 --> 00:22:54,900 Kwasi Kessie: started wearing things based on how I thought people reacted 412 00:22:54,900 --> 00:23:00,480 Kwasi Kessie: to me. Then during that time, my mother was training 413 00:23:00,480 --> 00:23:06,750 Kwasi Kessie: for the New York City Marathon. This is back in the 414 00:23:06,810 --> 00:23:08,129 Kwasi Kessie: day New York City, and I was a kid and 415 00:23:08,130 --> 00:23:11,040 Kwasi Kessie: I was like... She would be coming home from work and 416 00:23:11,040 --> 00:23:12,840 Kwasi Kessie: it would be dark, and I'd be like, " Mom, I'm go with 417 00:23:12,840 --> 00:23:14,520 Kwasi Kessie: you." Because I was like the man of the house. 418 00:23:14,820 --> 00:23:18,240 Kwasi Kessie: So I saw my mom's process in terms of training 419 00:23:18,480 --> 00:23:21,209 Kwasi Kessie: for the marathon, and then once she finished it, I 420 00:23:21,210 --> 00:23:23,220 Kwasi Kessie: was just like, "You know what? I got to do it. If 421 00:23:23,220 --> 00:23:25,170 Kwasi Kessie: mom could do it, I'm going to do it." So 422 00:23:25,170 --> 00:23:27,570 Kwasi Kessie: that then led me to train for my first New 423 00:23:27,570 --> 00:23:30,119 Kwasi Kessie: York City Marathon and yeah- 424 00:23:30,119 --> 00:23:31,888 Rob Simmelkjaer: How old were you for that first one, Kwasi? 425 00:23:33,720 --> 00:23:36,840 Kwasi Kessie: I was... When I ran my first New York City Marathon? 426 00:23:36,840 --> 00:23:37,109 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. 427 00:23:37,859 --> 00:23:41,640 Kwasi Kessie: I was actually 30. I was going through a midlife 428 00:23:41,640 --> 00:23:47,040 Kwasi Kessie: crisis, just trying to figure life out. I was just like, " 429 00:23:48,330 --> 00:23:49,949 Kwasi Kessie: I'm going to do it." And I started training with 430 00:23:49,950 --> 00:23:54,090 Kwasi Kessie: Team for Kids and I had that whole support network. 431 00:23:54,450 --> 00:23:57,660 Kwasi Kessie: It was like we were raising money for charity, but we also had 432 00:23:58,080 --> 00:24:02,040 Kwasi Kessie: amazing mentors and coaches from Coach Sid to Coach Asteria 433 00:24:02,040 --> 00:24:07,830 Kwasi Kessie: to Coach Jen. It was just the perfect... I always 434 00:24:07,830 --> 00:24:11,250 Kwasi Kessie: suggest when people are training for the New York City Marathon, 435 00:24:11,250 --> 00:24:13,919 Kwasi Kessie: to join Team for Kids because you'll get the most 436 00:24:13,920 --> 00:24:17,220 Kwasi Kessie: support that you could outside of anything that you could 437 00:24:17,220 --> 00:24:20,220 Kwasi Kessie: ever imagine. So yeah, it was a great time. So, 438 00:24:20,609 --> 00:24:25,350 Kwasi Kessie: as a little boy, my mom influenced my fashion, from 439 00:24:25,710 --> 00:24:29,910 Kwasi Kessie: the suits and the high- end clothes to even her training 440 00:24:29,910 --> 00:24:33,359 Kwasi Kessie: and running and completing her first marathon. Just me seeing 441 00:24:33,359 --> 00:24:35,879 Kwasi Kessie: it, I was just like, " Wow, that's..." I knew at the 442 00:24:35,880 --> 00:24:39,750 Kwasi Kessie: time, even as a young man, that it was extraordinary 443 00:24:39,750 --> 00:24:43,379 Kwasi Kessie: because no other mothers were doing that. You know what 444 00:24:44,609 --> 00:24:45,510 Kwasi Kessie: I'm saying? So yeah. 445 00:24:46,230 --> 00:24:49,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: That's pretty cool. And thank you for the kind words 446 00:24:49,290 --> 00:24:51,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: about running with Team for Kids. We couldn't agree more. 447 00:24:52,710 --> 00:24:56,399 Rob Simmelkjaer: It is the best way to experience the marathon, especially 448 00:24:56,400 --> 00:24:59,070 Rob Simmelkjaer: for people who are new, because you've got that support 449 00:24:59,070 --> 00:25:02,939 Rob Simmelkjaer: network that is so important to having a good experience. 450 00:25:03,150 --> 00:25:06,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: Do you remember what you wore for your first marathon 451 00:25:06,780 --> 00:25:11,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: and how has your running wardrobe personally changed over the years? 452 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:15,510 Kwasi Kessie: Oh, man, that's why I reflect and I remember when 453 00:25:17,400 --> 00:25:21,450 Kwasi Kessie: I first started running, I wasn't as fashionable. I was 454 00:25:21,450 --> 00:25:27,300 Kwasi Kessie: just like... Actually, the shorts that I wore to my 455 00:25:27,300 --> 00:25:32,490 Kwasi Kessie: first marathon, they were right above the knee. You know 456 00:25:32,490 --> 00:25:37,889 Kwasi Kessie: what I mean? They weren't five- inch. They almost looked 457 00:25:37,890 --> 00:25:48,389 Kwasi Kessie: like basketball shorts and I wore the marathon shirt. I 458 00:25:48,390 --> 00:25:51,959 Kwasi Kessie: was just trying to finish at that point. But it 459 00:25:51,960 --> 00:25:59,189 Kwasi Kessie: has evolved because I remember, recently, I wore a custom spray- 460 00:25:59,190 --> 00:26:05,760 Kwasi Kessie: painted singlet by a local legendary designer, Dee Dee Designs. 461 00:26:05,760 --> 00:26:08,280 Kwasi Kessie: He spray paints and does stuff for Missy Elliott and 462 00:26:08,280 --> 00:26:11,760 Kwasi Kessie: Chris Brown, et cetera. So yeah, it's definitely evolved. My 463 00:26:11,760 --> 00:26:16,950 Kwasi Kessie: shorts have definitely gotten shorter. My sneakers are definitely are 464 00:26:17,130 --> 00:26:23,400 Kwasi Kessie: super shoes, and wearing custom singlets. Jewelry, it's just way cooler. 465 00:26:23,970 --> 00:26:26,580 Becs Gentry: Yes. That's the key. The custom singlets, I'm with you. 466 00:26:26,609 --> 00:26:29,609 Becs Gentry: My partner has gotten onto that over the past four 467 00:26:29,609 --> 00:26:34,740 Becs Gentry: or five years of customizing every single marathon we do. 468 00:26:35,760 --> 00:26:40,080 Becs Gentry: We have custom singlets with a different saying, different emblems of 469 00:26:40,080 --> 00:26:43,290 Becs Gentry: the city that we're in, and then we get to keep them. 470 00:26:43,859 --> 00:26:47,340 Becs Gentry: It's such a nice reminder and hopefully our daughter will 471 00:26:47,340 --> 00:26:50,340 Becs Gentry: one day think they're really cool and want to wear 472 00:26:50,340 --> 00:26:54,450 Becs Gentry: these vintage disgusting singlets for mom or dad's races. But 473 00:26:56,130 --> 00:26:59,970 Becs Gentry: it's so wonderful to have that reminder of your parents' 474 00:26:59,970 --> 00:27:05,550 Becs Gentry: strengths to come through to your strengths. And fashion is 475 00:27:05,550 --> 00:27:07,950 Becs Gentry: a funny thing. It comes full circle. I mean, look 476 00:27:07,950 --> 00:27:12,780 Becs Gentry: at... Obviously, we have the high- tech, high- performance sides 477 00:27:12,810 --> 00:27:16,619 Becs Gentry: of all sports brands, no necessary names here are needed. 478 00:27:17,250 --> 00:27:20,010 Becs Gentry: But then you flip it the other side, and as 479 00:27:20,010 --> 00:27:23,910 Becs Gentry: you said, athleisure has become incredibly popular. It's permeating every 480 00:27:23,910 --> 00:27:28,109 Becs Gentry: single level of fashion, from high high- end to street, 481 00:27:28,170 --> 00:27:32,910 Becs Gentry: like H& M, day- to- day brands. It's so amazing 482 00:27:32,910 --> 00:27:39,540 Becs Gentry: to see people running in some hardcore shoes, for sure. 483 00:27:39,600 --> 00:27:42,898 Becs Gentry: We're all in the best shoes that we can get. But then 484 00:27:42,898 --> 00:27:49,020 Becs Gentry: you've got a vintage sweatshirt on and it's so nice to 485 00:27:49,020 --> 00:27:51,810 Becs Gentry: see it being passed down. I have one from my 486 00:27:51,810 --> 00:27:56,700 Becs Gentry: dad and it's just, I love it, because I think it does give you that 487 00:27:56,910 --> 00:28:01,410 Becs Gentry: reminder that, as you said, your mom, no other moms 488 00:28:01,410 --> 00:28:05,310 Becs Gentry: were doing that. It sounds like she was working hard 489 00:28:05,790 --> 00:28:08,790 Becs Gentry: to get you those gorgeous suits for you to go 490 00:28:08,790 --> 00:28:11,730 Becs Gentry: to church. She's showing you discipline in so many different 491 00:28:11,730 --> 00:28:16,020 Becs Gentry: areas, and then boom, when you're having your self- professed 492 00:28:16,020 --> 00:28:20,159 Becs Gentry: midlife crisis at 30, you're thinking to yourself, " Yo, my mom 493 00:28:20,160 --> 00:28:23,040 Becs Gentry: did this and she was raising me at the same 494 00:28:23,040 --> 00:28:26,129 Becs Gentry: time and everything else." I just love it. As a 495 00:28:26,130 --> 00:28:28,109 Becs Gentry: parent, it hits so hard. So, thank you. 496 00:28:28,320 --> 00:28:32,670 Kwasi Kessie: That's true. So I like to tell people you never know who's watching and what kind 497 00:28:32,670 --> 00:28:35,939 Kwasi Kessie: of influence that you'll have on people. And to your point 498 00:28:35,940 --> 00:28:40,950 Kwasi Kessie: of those family heirlooms in terms of a customized singlet, 499 00:28:42,240 --> 00:28:46,230 Kwasi Kessie: my mom's marathon hat, I wear it at the end 500 00:28:46,230 --> 00:28:48,900 Kwasi Kessie: of my marathons. I'll meet a friend in Harlem or 501 00:28:48,900 --> 00:28:52,260 Kwasi Kessie: something and I'll change my hat. I always have a 502 00:28:53,460 --> 00:28:56,100 Kwasi Kessie: grandstand ticket for my mom and my family or tickets 503 00:28:56,100 --> 00:28:58,530 Kwasi Kessie: for my mom and my family. So when I finish, she always 504 00:28:58,530 --> 00:29:02,040 Kwasi Kessie: sees me finishing with her hat that she wore when 505 00:29:02,040 --> 00:29:07,560 Kwasi Kessie: she finished her marathon. It's super personal and important to 506 00:29:07,560 --> 00:29:11,730 Kwasi Kessie: me because it's just like, " This is my mom's hat." So it's really, really 507 00:29:11,730 --> 00:29:14,310 Kwasi Kessie: cool. So I just take that energy with me as 508 00:29:14,310 --> 00:29:17,490 Kwasi Kessie: I cross the finish line, as an ode to her, 509 00:29:18,390 --> 00:29:20,310 Kwasi Kessie: just showing me the way and showing me the light 510 00:29:20,310 --> 00:29:22,051 Kwasi Kessie: in terms of running and how it has changed my life. 511 00:29:22,051 --> 00:29:24,720 Becs Gentry: 10: 23 and Kwasi is making Becs cry. 512 00:29:27,270 --> 00:29:30,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: I love it. I really love it. That's a beautiful thing, 513 00:29:30,930 --> 00:29:33,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: and it's beautiful that she's able to see you do 514 00:29:33,630 --> 00:29:37,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: that. It really is the heritage part of what we 515 00:29:37,560 --> 00:29:40,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: wear and what we bring with us when we run 516 00:29:40,380 --> 00:29:45,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: these races. It's awesome. I was listening to you, Kwasi, 517 00:29:45,450 --> 00:29:50,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: talk about short length and how your shorts have gotten 518 00:29:50,160 --> 00:29:53,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: shorter as you've gotten more into running. But it's really interesting 519 00:29:53,250 --> 00:29:57,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: because, talk about something like the NBA, right, which has always 520 00:29:57,570 --> 00:30:01,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: been iconic from a style point of view in sports, 521 00:30:01,860 --> 00:30:06,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: especially in the African- American, more urban communities. And of 522 00:30:06,210 --> 00:30:08,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: course, there it was the opposite. The shorts were really short 523 00:30:09,360 --> 00:30:11,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the eighties, if you go back and look at 524 00:30:11,580 --> 00:30:14,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: tape and they've gotten longer and longer. And they were 525 00:30:14,100 --> 00:30:16,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: below the knees for a lot of the last 20 526 00:30:16,860 --> 00:30:19,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: years. And it makes me think a little bit about 527 00:30:19,530 --> 00:30:24,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: the role that fashion can play in attracting certain types 528 00:30:24,570 --> 00:30:28,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: of people to a sport like running or sometimes repelling 529 00:30:28,800 --> 00:30:32,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: them from it. Because if you are someone who thinks of, " 530 00:30:33,570 --> 00:30:37,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hey, it looks good when I'm wearing really long shorts 531 00:30:37,050 --> 00:30:41,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: or really baggy clothes." Right? You don't see those things 532 00:30:41,880 --> 00:30:44,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: maybe in a marathon. You don't see those things in a half- 533 00:30:44,910 --> 00:30:48,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: marathon. You might look at that and say, " This isn't 534 00:30:48,120 --> 00:30:51,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: really for me these short shorts and these singlets. That's 535 00:30:51,330 --> 00:30:54,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: not really how I like to look." Does that make sense 536 00:30:54,000 --> 00:30:59,459 Rob Simmelkjaer: to you? How do you think fashion and innovation in 537 00:30:59,460 --> 00:31:04,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: fashion can actually help us bring more people and different 538 00:31:04,020 --> 00:31:06,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: kinds of people to the sport of running the way 539 00:31:06,360 --> 00:31:08,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: that your mom brought you into the sport? 540 00:31:08,130 --> 00:31:12,540 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah, that's a great statement. Great question. I feel like 541 00:31:14,100 --> 00:31:17,490 Kwasi Kessie: the way that running is right now with the running boom 542 00:31:17,490 --> 00:31:21,870 Kwasi Kessie: in New York City and there's so many people vying for 543 00:31:22,680 --> 00:31:24,960 Kwasi Kessie: all of these runners and these crews and these clubs, 544 00:31:25,170 --> 00:31:28,170 Kwasi Kessie: I think it's a great time. And I think that 545 00:31:28,440 --> 00:31:32,160 Kwasi Kessie: it creates a diversity in the landscape of how people 546 00:31:32,160 --> 00:31:34,680 Kwasi Kessie: look. I remember when Kevin Hart, he ran the New 547 00:31:34,680 --> 00:31:37,200 Kwasi Kessie: York City Marathon and he had on track pants, and 548 00:31:37,200 --> 00:31:42,510 Kwasi Kessie: I was like, " He's different." I don't know if I could do a marathon 549 00:31:42,510 --> 00:31:49,140 Kwasi Kessie: in pants. You know what I mean? Right now, I think that when people 550 00:31:49,140 --> 00:31:51,570 Kwasi Kessie: are walking on the streets and they see people training, 551 00:31:51,630 --> 00:31:54,990 Kwasi Kessie: I think that it's super diverse. You got people wearing vintage 552 00:31:54,990 --> 00:31:57,300 Kwasi Kessie: tees, you got people wearing crop tops, you got people wearing 553 00:31:57,330 --> 00:32:00,330 Kwasi Kessie: sweats, you got people wearing short shorts, you got people 554 00:32:00,330 --> 00:32:05,130 Kwasi Kessie: wearing long shorts. I think that there's a possibility, if 555 00:32:05,130 --> 00:32:08,100 Kwasi Kessie: you go to Central Park, you're going identify with somebody. 556 00:32:08,340 --> 00:32:14,070 Kwasi Kessie: You know what I mean? It is not like before where, take it for the NBA, 557 00:32:14,220 --> 00:32:17,670 Kwasi Kessie: where it was super long and now it's very diverse 558 00:32:17,670 --> 00:32:21,030 Kwasi Kessie: in terms of the fashion and the culture of running, 559 00:32:21,030 --> 00:32:22,650 Kwasi Kessie: which is great. And I think it's due to the 560 00:32:22,650 --> 00:32:26,700 Kwasi Kessie: running boom and having all this diversity within crews and 561 00:32:26,700 --> 00:32:31,350 Kwasi Kessie: brands. People are just showing up in various ways, which 562 00:32:31,350 --> 00:32:36,180 Kwasi Kessie: is great. Personally, some people don't enjoy the running boom 563 00:32:36,180 --> 00:32:40,440 Kwasi Kessie: right now, but I think it's perfect because it's great 564 00:32:40,440 --> 00:32:43,590 Kwasi Kessie: entry whether you're entering because you want to look cool, 565 00:32:43,590 --> 00:32:47,640 Kwasi Kessie: whether you're entering because of these hyper local run crews 566 00:32:47,640 --> 00:32:51,510 Kwasi Kessie: or if you're entering because such and such branded X, Y, 567 00:32:51,510 --> 00:32:55,320 Kwasi Kessie: Z. Or you're entering just for health. I see all 568 00:32:55,320 --> 00:32:57,630 Kwasi Kessie: these people running and I think it's a great way for me to feel 569 00:32:57,870 --> 00:33:00,210 Kwasi Kessie: I'm healthy. I think that this running boom is great. 570 00:33:00,780 --> 00:33:06,210 Kwasi Kessie: But to answer your question, I think it's super diversified in terms 571 00:33:06,210 --> 00:33:09,270 Kwasi Kessie: of how people are showing up, which is good because 572 00:33:09,270 --> 00:33:11,910 Kwasi Kessie: I think there's identity within all of that. 573 00:33:13,410 --> 00:33:17,220 Becs Gentry: Absolutely. All right, let's talk about the city. We've talked about 574 00:33:17,220 --> 00:33:21,900 Becs Gentry: running, we've talked about running in the city. You are a 575 00:33:22,500 --> 00:33:29,220 Becs Gentry: New York City native, Harlem native. Your career, your representation 576 00:33:29,340 --> 00:33:33,780 Becs Gentry: of you is a combination of New York and your 577 00:33:33,780 --> 00:33:37,980 Becs Gentry: heritage, and it's hugely, hugely beautiful. So I want to know if 578 00:33:38,190 --> 00:33:41,670 Becs Gentry: you ever thought of living anywhere other than New York City? 579 00:33:43,200 --> 00:33:49,590 Kwasi Kessie: Great question. Great question. So I like to consider myself 580 00:33:49,890 --> 00:33:53,490 Kwasi Kessie: the ultimate New Yorker because I'm one of those people 581 00:33:53,490 --> 00:33:55,620 Kwasi Kessie: that looks at a TV show and I'm like, " Oh, 582 00:33:55,620 --> 00:34:00,420 Kwasi Kessie: that's 6th Street and Avenue A." I love New York, 583 00:34:00,450 --> 00:34:03,390 Kwasi Kessie: I love this place. Sometimes it's a little annoying, but 584 00:34:03,780 --> 00:34:07,680 Kwasi Kessie: I love it. I was born here, raised here. To 585 00:34:07,680 --> 00:34:13,380 Kwasi Kessie: answer your question, would I live anywhere else? I've considered 586 00:34:14,760 --> 00:34:18,299 Kwasi Kessie: Florida just for the weather, the consistent weather. 587 00:34:18,900 --> 00:34:19,801 Becs Gentry: Every day in winter, we all do. 588 00:34:19,801 --> 00:34:27,390 Kwasi Kessie: Right? Right, exactly. You know what I'm saying. My father's 589 00:34:27,390 --> 00:34:29,640 Kwasi Kessie: from Ghana, and when I go there, it feels like 590 00:34:29,640 --> 00:34:37,651 Kwasi Kessie: my second home. So I would definitely consider being bicontinental and living in Ghana. 591 00:34:37,651 --> 00:34:37,652 Becs Gentry: Wow. 592 00:34:37,652 --> 00:34:39,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: That's a long commute. 593 00:34:39,510 --> 00:34:43,560 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah, nine hours. Well, direct flight, nine hours. But it 594 00:34:43,560 --> 00:34:46,830 Kwasi Kessie: is a long commute. And it's a totally different world. 595 00:34:47,670 --> 00:34:51,300 Kwasi Kessie: But yeah, I would say those, like Florida. Just change 596 00:34:51,300 --> 00:34:53,520 Kwasi Kessie: of pace, weather. But I'm not really a fan of 597 00:34:53,520 --> 00:34:57,510 Kwasi Kessie: the hurricanes and the flooding, et cetera. But yeah, I'm 598 00:34:57,510 --> 00:35:01,530 Kwasi Kessie: an ultimate New Yorker. I will always have a address 599 00:35:01,560 --> 00:35:03,510 Kwasi Kessie: in New York, God's will, for the rest of my 600 00:35:03,510 --> 00:35:06,450 Kwasi Kessie: life. No matter what it is, I got to have 601 00:35:06,960 --> 00:35:08,880 Kwasi Kessie: a place to come in New York City, for sure. 602 00:35:09,239 --> 00:35:10,531 Becs Gentry: Yes, I love that. 603 00:35:10,531 --> 00:35:14,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: I hear that. We like having you here. So, you, as a young person, 604 00:35:14,340 --> 00:35:17,460 Rob Simmelkjaer: we mentioned earlier, you were running races with New York Roadrunners. 605 00:35:18,030 --> 00:35:20,489 Rob Simmelkjaer: What's your journey as a runner been like? So you 606 00:35:20,489 --> 00:35:22,469 Rob Simmelkjaer: started out, do you remember how old you were when 607 00:35:22,469 --> 00:35:23,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: you ran your first Roadrunners race? 608 00:35:24,630 --> 00:35:29,820 Kwasi Kessie: I was young. My first Roadrunners race, I actually asked 609 00:35:29,820 --> 00:35:32,670 Kwasi Kessie: my mom, because she was just always making sure I 610 00:35:32,670 --> 00:35:35,880 Kwasi Kessie: was active and doing stuff because I think I was just one of those boys, 611 00:35:35,880 --> 00:35:38,879 Kwasi Kessie: but I probably was like five, four. 612 00:35:40,140 --> 00:35:40,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, that's young. 613 00:35:41,100 --> 00:35:45,750 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah, I have pictures and it's just like... My friends 614 00:35:45,810 --> 00:35:49,500 Kwasi Kessie: have kids that participate in New York Roadrunners races. They 615 00:35:49,950 --> 00:35:53,730 Kwasi Kessie: have the race for the adults and then the kids. So 616 00:35:54,030 --> 00:35:58,290 Kwasi Kessie: I remember the mindset of just... I didn't know technique 617 00:35:58,290 --> 00:36:00,239 Kwasi Kessie: or anything. I'm just running as hard as I could, as fast 618 00:36:00,750 --> 00:36:05,460 Kwasi Kessie: as I could, just everything that I could do in 619 00:36:05,460 --> 00:36:09,660 Kwasi Kessie: those moments. It was a good time because it made 620 00:36:09,660 --> 00:36:11,730 Kwasi Kessie: me... No matter what place I came in, it was 621 00:36:11,730 --> 00:36:15,900 Kwasi Kessie: just like I accomplished something that day. It made me feel good and 622 00:36:15,900 --> 00:36:18,480 Kwasi Kessie: I wanted my mom's approval, and she was always very... 623 00:36:19,500 --> 00:36:21,120 Kwasi Kessie: showing me a lot of love and to me, " You did a 624 00:36:21,120 --> 00:36:25,230 Kwasi Kessie: great job." No matter what I did, it's just like, " You finished." I 625 00:36:25,230 --> 00:36:28,020 Kwasi Kessie: always finished, but she was just always showing me love. 626 00:36:28,020 --> 00:36:34,710 Kwasi Kessie: So, it started with those kids races. I used to 627 00:36:34,739 --> 00:36:37,410 Kwasi Kessie: play a lot of different sports, whether it be baseball, 628 00:36:37,410 --> 00:36:40,859 Kwasi Kessie: I played hockey and I played basketball, so I didn't 629 00:36:40,860 --> 00:36:44,670 Kwasi Kessie: really run as much. I just ran in basketball just 630 00:36:44,670 --> 00:36:49,500 Kwasi Kessie: doing suicides. And then a local church in Harlem, Abyssinia 631 00:36:49,500 --> 00:36:52,799 Kwasi Kessie: Baptist Church, they had a track team, and my mom 632 00:36:52,800 --> 00:36:54,120 Kwasi Kessie: was like, " You should go try out." So I went 633 00:36:54,120 --> 00:36:56,400 Kwasi Kessie: and tried out, and this was at Riverbank State Park 634 00:36:56,940 --> 00:37:00,210 Kwasi Kessie: on a track, and I almost passed out. I was 635 00:37:00,210 --> 00:37:04,410 Kwasi Kessie: just like, " No..." This is during high school. And I 636 00:37:04,410 --> 00:37:10,410 Kwasi Kessie: was like, " No, this is not for me." Fast- forward, 637 00:37:10,560 --> 00:37:15,239 Kwasi Kessie: I'm dating my ex at the time and I was like, " 638 00:37:15,239 --> 00:37:17,399 Kwasi Kessie: Damn, I want to run my marathon like my mom did. 639 00:37:17,400 --> 00:37:19,050 Kwasi Kessie: I could do it." And I was just trying to 640 00:37:19,050 --> 00:37:22,140 Kwasi Kessie: figure a way in, and my mom was like, when 641 00:37:22,140 --> 00:37:25,080 Kwasi Kessie: she signed up for a marathon, she paid whatever. It was 642 00:37:25,080 --> 00:37:30,029 Kwasi Kessie: something small and she just signed up. Navigating how to 643 00:37:30,030 --> 00:37:36,390 Kwasi Kessie: get into the marathon was something that I was just trying 644 00:37:36,390 --> 00:37:38,700 Kwasi Kessie: to navigate. And then my ex at the time was like, " 645 00:37:39,060 --> 00:37:41,850 Kwasi Kessie: You should go with Team for Kids." She was like, "It's 646 00:37:41,969 --> 00:37:44,189 Kwasi Kessie: a great support system." She did the homework for me 647 00:37:44,430 --> 00:37:46,799 Kwasi Kessie: and I was like, " All right, cool." So that's how 648 00:37:46,800 --> 00:37:49,560 Kwasi Kessie: I landed in Team for Kids and doing my first 649 00:37:49,560 --> 00:37:53,280 Kwasi Kessie: marathon and the rest is history. Again, it was such 650 00:37:53,280 --> 00:37:58,530 Kwasi Kessie: a great experience. I always suggest people, when they're entering 651 00:37:59,070 --> 00:38:01,739 Kwasi Kessie: the marathon world and New York City Marathon, to definitely 652 00:38:01,830 --> 00:38:03,960 Kwasi Kessie: sign up for Team for Kids. It's life changing. 653 00:38:04,320 --> 00:38:07,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: Are you time conscious when it comes to your marathons? 654 00:38:07,500 --> 00:38:09,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: Are you focused on time or are you focused on a 655 00:38:09,900 --> 00:38:13,319 Rob Simmelkjaer: good time? How much are you trying to set PRs 656 00:38:13,320 --> 00:38:15,629 Rob Simmelkjaer: and really focus on how fast you're going? 657 00:38:15,840 --> 00:38:17,940 Becs Gentry: I mean, Rob, come on, he's run it 11 times. 658 00:38:17,940 --> 00:38:20,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: I got to figure he's pretty focused on time, but I 659 00:38:20,790 --> 00:38:21,001 Rob Simmelkjaer: don't want to assume. You know? Because some people- 660 00:38:21,000 --> 00:38:30,089 Kwasi Kessie: No, you're right. You're right. So, I became focused on time around marathon, 661 00:38:30,630 --> 00:38:38,610 Kwasi Kessie: I would say, marathon seven. I think Marathon eight, I 662 00:38:38,610 --> 00:38:42,810 Kwasi Kessie: was locked in. I always have someone that I run 663 00:38:42,840 --> 00:38:45,600 Kwasi Kessie: my marathon for so I could keep at it in 664 00:38:45,600 --> 00:38:48,270 Kwasi Kessie: my spirit while I'm running, because a marathon is a 665 00:38:48,270 --> 00:38:51,719 Kwasi Kessie: marathon. So, I was actually running that marathon for my 666 00:38:51,719 --> 00:38:56,010 Kwasi Kessie: sister, which she's a huge influence in my life, and she 667 00:38:56,160 --> 00:39:00,000 Kwasi Kessie: helped raise me along with my mom. So I had 668 00:39:00,270 --> 00:39:04,920 Kwasi Kessie: pacers. It was wild. That was my best marathon and 669 00:39:04,920 --> 00:39:09,630 Kwasi Kessie: that was a 408. And that time I think I was 670 00:39:09,750 --> 00:39:15,270 Kwasi Kessie: just trying to beat, I think, Oprah's marathon time. A 671 00:39:15,270 --> 00:39:16,950 Kwasi Kessie: few celebrities' marathon times. 672 00:39:16,950 --> 00:39:17,250 Becs Gentry: Wow. I love that goal. 673 00:39:19,260 --> 00:39:22,320 Kwasi Kessie: I had beat a few celebrities' marathon times, so I 674 00:39:22,320 --> 00:39:25,980 Kwasi Kessie: was happy with that. But I always have a great 675 00:39:25,980 --> 00:39:35,160 Kwasi Kessie: marathon until like 5th Ave or Mile 16 or Queensborough. I'm flowing. 676 00:39:36,090 --> 00:39:39,690 Kwasi Kessie: But this year will be, I think, my best marathon 677 00:39:39,690 --> 00:39:43,920 Kwasi Kessie: time because I'm choosing to... I have a great coach, 678 00:39:43,920 --> 00:39:50,100 Kwasi Kessie: Coach Medina, and I'm choosing to run a 10K a 679 00:39:50,100 --> 00:39:53,910 Kwasi Kessie: day, just to keep me in that zone of running. 680 00:39:54,150 --> 00:39:54,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: Every single day? 681 00:39:55,260 --> 00:39:56,489 Kwasi Kessie: Every day, 10K a day. 682 00:39:57,120 --> 00:39:57,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: I love it. I love it. 683 00:39:58,800 --> 00:39:58,860 Becs Gentry: Wow. 684 00:39:58,920 --> 00:40:02,100 Kwasi Kessie: After this podcast, I'm actually going to do my 10K. 685 00:40:02,910 --> 00:40:04,500 Kwasi Kessie: Actually, I got to do seven miles based on my 686 00:40:04,500 --> 00:40:07,560 Kwasi Kessie: training schedule, because I'm just building a base for New 687 00:40:07,560 --> 00:40:09,870 Kwasi Kessie: York. I'm even training for anything in particular, just building a 688 00:40:09,870 --> 00:40:13,620 Kwasi Kessie: base. But yeah, this is going to definitely be my best 689 00:40:13,620 --> 00:40:19,500 Kwasi Kessie: marathon. And I think in the past it's been nutrition, it's 690 00:40:19,500 --> 00:40:22,950 Kwasi Kessie: been just different things that have thrown me out of 691 00:40:22,950 --> 00:40:24,480 Kwasi Kessie: whack or just going out too hot. 692 00:40:24,630 --> 00:40:25,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: The fueling is everything. 693 00:40:25,860 --> 00:40:26,461 Becs Gentry: So tough. 694 00:40:26,461 --> 00:40:29,609 Kwasi Kessie: It's the last thing people think of, but it's just like- 695 00:40:29,940 --> 00:40:30,120 Becs Gentry: Should be the first. 696 00:40:30,930 --> 00:40:33,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's so important. And when I hear someone talk like 697 00:40:33,900 --> 00:40:39,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: you're talking about having these issues late, when you're breaking 698 00:40:39,030 --> 00:40:41,219 Rob Simmelkjaer: down and having... And by the way, I really have 699 00:40:41,219 --> 00:40:45,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: learned that myself a little bit the last year. I've 700 00:40:45,960 --> 00:40:48,464 Rob Simmelkjaer: run two marathons in the last seven months or so, 701 00:40:48,465 --> 00:40:52,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: and I've never had focused on fueling. But that's when 702 00:40:52,500 --> 00:40:54,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: it really starts to come into play. Becs can say 703 00:40:54,750 --> 00:40:58,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: better than anybody how important it is and how it really 704 00:40:58,140 --> 00:41:00,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: starts to pay off, or you start to pay the 705 00:41:00,210 --> 00:41:02,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: price those last six or seven miles. 706 00:41:02,790 --> 00:41:08,340 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah, 100%. I think it's the last thing people think 707 00:41:08,340 --> 00:41:11,489 Kwasi Kessie: of, and probably one of the most important things. People focus 708 00:41:11,489 --> 00:41:14,009 Kwasi Kessie: on their training and what they're going to wear and how 709 00:41:14,010 --> 00:41:16,410 Kwasi Kessie: much sleep they get and what they may eat the 710 00:41:16,410 --> 00:41:20,489 Kwasi Kessie: night before, pasta party or whatever. But it's just like on that 711 00:41:20,489 --> 00:41:23,610 Kwasi Kessie: course and during your training, making sure that things are 712 00:41:23,610 --> 00:41:27,090 Kwasi Kessie: gut friendly, things are fueling you properly, making sure you 713 00:41:27,090 --> 00:41:30,150 Kwasi Kessie: get the right amount of salt, amino acids and caffeine 714 00:41:30,150 --> 00:41:35,130 Kwasi Kessie: or whatever. All of that stuff is top tier. But to 715 00:41:35,130 --> 00:41:40,920 Kwasi Kessie: answer your question, I am definitely, this 12th consecutive marathon, 716 00:41:41,190 --> 00:41:45,390 Kwasi Kessie: God's will in November, will be definitely my best. And 717 00:41:45,390 --> 00:41:49,000 Kwasi Kessie: I am looking to PR for sure. 718 00:41:49,000 --> 00:41:49,002 Becs Gentry: (inaudible) ? 719 00:41:49,440 --> 00:41:52,020 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah. And my goal, I'm going to put this out 720 00:41:52,020 --> 00:41:55,080 Kwasi Kessie: there, my goal for New York City Marathon, most people 721 00:41:55,080 --> 00:41:56,819 Kwasi Kessie: don't do this, but I'm going to say it. Kwasi 722 00:41:56,820 --> 00:42:04,980 Kwasi Kessie: Kessie will Boston qualify in New York City. 723 00:42:04,980 --> 00:42:05,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: Whoa. 724 00:42:05,310 --> 00:42:07,591 Kwasi Kessie: I know it's a tall task because- 725 00:42:07,591 --> 00:42:07,592 Becs Gentry: You can do it. 726 00:42:07,591 --> 00:42:11,520 Kwasi Kessie: ... this course is very New York City. It's challenging. 727 00:42:11,969 --> 00:42:16,380 Kwasi Kessie: But that's my goal because I've often had opportunities to 728 00:42:16,380 --> 00:42:19,140 Kwasi Kessie: run Boston, but I'm like, " I want to earn it." 729 00:42:19,140 --> 00:42:21,060 Kwasi Kessie: And I definitely want to earn it and do it 730 00:42:21,120 --> 00:42:23,880 Kwasi Kessie: in New York City. No Jersey, no... I want to 731 00:42:23,880 --> 00:42:25,620 Kwasi Kessie: do New York City Marathon- 732 00:42:26,040 --> 00:42:29,371 Becs Gentry: Yep. All those bridges. 733 00:42:29,371 --> 00:42:31,680 Kwasi Kessie: ... Boston Qualify. Yeah. All of those hills that don't look like hills when you just 734 00:42:31,920 --> 00:42:32,880 Kwasi Kessie: walking them, but they're there. 735 00:42:32,969 --> 00:42:36,360 Becs Gentry: Yeah, Willis Avenue Bridge looks flat on a daily basis. 736 00:42:36,390 --> 00:42:39,660 Kwasi Kessie: Right. 5th Avenue, it looks- 737 00:42:41,430 --> 00:42:41,671 Becs Gentry: It looks flat and smooth. 738 00:42:41,671 --> 00:42:44,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's amazing, everything looks flat in a taxi, right? I mean, you're at a 739 00:42:44,820 --> 00:42:47,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: cab or you're... Even more, you're in the subway. I mean, the subway, 740 00:42:47,940 --> 00:42:51,421 Rob Simmelkjaer: there's no hills. You just get from one street to another. 741 00:42:51,421 --> 00:42:51,810 Becs Gentry: It's so true. 742 00:42:52,530 --> 00:42:54,989 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's only when you run this city, you start to 743 00:42:54,989 --> 00:42:58,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: realize how many hills there are on that little island 744 00:42:58,410 --> 00:42:58,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: in Manhattan. 745 00:42:59,370 --> 00:43:03,270 Becs Gentry: Absolutely. All right, everyone, you heard it here first. This is it, this 746 00:43:03,270 --> 00:43:07,651 Becs Gentry: November, it's Kwasi taking New York to Boston. We love that. 747 00:43:07,651 --> 00:43:07,921 Stephanie Sokol: That's a fact. We're going to do that. 748 00:43:08,969 --> 00:43:12,630 Becs Gentry: Let's shift gears ever so slightly, because April is earth 749 00:43:12,630 --> 00:43:15,330 Becs Gentry: month. So we've already talked a little bit about your... 750 00:43:15,780 --> 00:43:18,720 Becs Gentry: What did you call it? Cross-continental or was it intercontinental? That's a hotel. 751 00:43:18,720 --> 00:43:18,990 Kwasi Kessie: Bicontinental 752 00:43:19,589 --> 00:43:28,200 Becs Gentry: Bicontinental. Bicontinental lifestyle with your Ghanaian heritage. Sustainability is a 753 00:43:28,200 --> 00:43:31,560 Becs Gentry: big thing when it comes to fashion, when it comes 754 00:43:31,560 --> 00:43:34,770 Becs Gentry: to running, you're looking... Rob can talk about this way 755 00:43:34,770 --> 00:43:39,779 Becs Gentry: more than anyone, but making sure that races are cleaning 756 00:43:39,780 --> 00:43:42,690 Becs Gentry: up after themselves and giving back to this planet that 757 00:43:42,690 --> 00:43:45,540 Becs Gentry: gives us the ability to run around it. So for 758 00:43:45,540 --> 00:43:51,750 Becs Gentry: you in fashion and styling and getting people out there to run 759 00:43:51,960 --> 00:43:56,009 Becs Gentry: a move, how important is sustainability into your job? 760 00:43:56,670 --> 00:44:03,300 Kwasi Kessie: Oh, it's super important. Even going as far as making 761 00:44:03,300 --> 00:44:07,080 Kwasi Kessie: sure that you have reusable water bottles or you're using 762 00:44:08,670 --> 00:44:13,980 Kwasi Kessie: public water fountains and just making sure... I can't account 763 00:44:13,980 --> 00:44:17,340 Kwasi Kessie: how many times, how many I've run in Central Park 764 00:44:17,340 --> 00:44:19,469 Kwasi Kessie: and had a gel and just have held it for 765 00:44:20,219 --> 00:44:22,860 Kwasi Kessie: their life so that I'm not throwing it on the 766 00:44:22,860 --> 00:44:25,649 Kwasi Kessie: floor or making sure I put it in the trash. Or even 767 00:44:25,650 --> 00:44:27,750 Kwasi Kessie: if I miss, I go back and make sure that 768 00:44:28,080 --> 00:44:31,170 Kwasi Kessie: I put it in trash because I love New York 769 00:44:31,170 --> 00:44:33,810 Kwasi Kessie: City. But I think that as a whole, as a 770 00:44:33,810 --> 00:44:36,690 Kwasi Kessie: community, we could do better in terms of making sure 771 00:44:36,810 --> 00:44:42,540 Kwasi Kessie: it's cleaner. I think we often take those things for 772 00:44:42,540 --> 00:44:45,690 Kwasi Kessie: granted in terms of how sustainable we could be within 773 00:44:45,690 --> 00:44:50,700 Kwasi Kessie: ourselves. But yeah, sustainability is super important. I think that 774 00:44:51,060 --> 00:44:55,799 Kwasi Kessie: waste... As humans, we waste too much. So yeah, everything 775 00:44:55,800 --> 00:45:01,620 Kwasi Kessie: from reusable water bottles to making sure that we clean 776 00:45:01,620 --> 00:45:06,270 Kwasi Kessie: up our waste as we run is super important. Especially 777 00:45:06,270 --> 00:45:12,360 Kwasi Kessie: when it comes to fashion, not having too much. Meaning 778 00:45:12,719 --> 00:45:17,730 Kwasi Kessie: we don't need 10 shoes. I think maybe three, four 779 00:45:17,730 --> 00:45:20,969 Kwasi Kessie: max, in terms of your rotation. But it's easy to 780 00:45:20,969 --> 00:45:23,969 Kwasi Kessie: get carried away with as many options as we have, 781 00:45:24,030 --> 00:45:27,780 Kwasi Kessie: again, with this running boom and all the excitement around 782 00:45:27,780 --> 00:45:30,600 Kwasi Kessie: it. But yeah, I think sustainability is super important. I 783 00:45:30,600 --> 00:45:34,980 Kwasi Kessie: also, when my friends run with me, I'm also making 784 00:45:34,980 --> 00:45:39,030 Kwasi Kessie: sure that they're conscious of not littering and making sure 785 00:45:39,030 --> 00:45:42,630 Kwasi Kessie: that we're doing the proper protocol in terms of making 786 00:45:42,630 --> 00:45:44,700 Kwasi Kessie: sure this city thrives. 787 00:45:44,940 --> 00:45:47,370 Becs Gentry: Yeah, I like what you said about keeping it minimal 788 00:45:47,370 --> 00:45:50,400 Becs Gentry: as well, not having too much because for most of 789 00:45:50,400 --> 00:45:54,120 Becs Gentry: us, especially if you're... Running is, for the vast majority 790 00:45:54,120 --> 00:45:58,110 Becs Gentry: of people, their hobby. You have other hats that you have to 791 00:45:58,110 --> 00:46:02,790 Becs Gentry: wear throughout the day, jobs, responsibilities. So having less choice 792 00:46:03,540 --> 00:46:05,879 Becs Gentry: in your early morning or if you're squeezing your run 793 00:46:05,880 --> 00:46:08,130 Becs Gentry: into a certain time of day, not standing in front 794 00:46:08,130 --> 00:46:10,530 Becs Gentry: of your wardrobe, being like, " Oh, which dope hat am 795 00:46:10,530 --> 00:46:12,780 Becs Gentry: I going to wear? Which trainers am I going to 796 00:46:12,780 --> 00:46:15,600 Becs Gentry: wear today?" Just being like, " This is what's clean and this 797 00:46:15,600 --> 00:46:18,180 Becs Gentry: is what's here today." And then that kind of links 798 00:46:18,180 --> 00:46:21,060 Becs Gentry: back to having those special pieces for your big races 799 00:46:21,060 --> 00:46:27,030 Becs Gentry: that can become the heirlooms to your family. Yeah, that's 800 00:46:27,030 --> 00:46:29,430 Becs Gentry: a great point. Keep it minimal in the day to 801 00:46:29,430 --> 00:46:30,990 Becs Gentry: day, special on the big occasions. 802 00:46:30,990 --> 00:46:32,700 Kwasi Kessie: Exactly, exactly. 803 00:46:34,080 --> 00:46:36,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm a big fan of minimalism. Absolutely. I try to... 804 00:46:37,590 --> 00:46:41,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: How many running shoes do you have in rotation at 805 00:46:41,400 --> 00:46:45,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: any one time? It's actually an interesting question. I personally 806 00:46:45,150 --> 00:46:50,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: usually have three, probably two trainers and then one for 807 00:46:50,100 --> 00:46:53,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: races. I see... Becs right now is hiding her face in shame. 808 00:46:55,110 --> 00:46:59,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm guessing it's a few more than three. Becs, be honest. 809 00:46:59,790 --> 00:47:03,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: How many? I mean, you run for a living, you're on 810 00:47:03,060 --> 00:47:04,111 Rob Simmelkjaer: the treadmill every day. I do too, but I mean you're doing it- 811 00:47:04,111 --> 00:47:07,560 Becs Gentry: I run for living, yeah. And I have outfits for Peloton. 812 00:47:07,800 --> 00:47:09,391 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, you've got outfits, you're on camera, so it's a different story. 813 00:47:09,391 --> 00:47:15,719 Becs Gentry: I have five or six pairs at work. Although, there was 814 00:47:15,719 --> 00:47:18,239 Becs Gentry: a new drop, so I have maybe nine right now 815 00:47:18,239 --> 00:47:23,219 Becs Gentry: in my locker. And then at home, I probably have 816 00:47:23,310 --> 00:47:27,540 Becs Gentry: 10 that I wear because some are my outdoor ones and 817 00:47:27,540 --> 00:47:30,930 Becs Gentry: some are my tread ones. Especially in winter as well, man, 818 00:47:30,930 --> 00:47:32,759 Becs Gentry: because sometimes if I'm doing double days and it's been 819 00:47:32,969 --> 00:47:35,640 Becs Gentry: wet outside, I don't want to put on wet shoes 820 00:47:36,299 --> 00:47:37,920 Becs Gentry: in the afternoon. I have to make to make sure- 821 00:47:39,480 --> 00:47:40,109 Rob Simmelkjaer: Right, I know where you go next time I'm looking for some shoe recommendations. 822 00:47:41,130 --> 00:47:44,760 Becs Gentry: I had so many from the Great World Race. I'm 823 00:47:44,760 --> 00:47:46,890 Becs Gentry: using those, I haven't bought anymore. 824 00:47:46,890 --> 00:47:47,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: It makes sense. 825 00:47:47,250 --> 00:47:49,589 Becs Gentry: It's just because I had so many shoes from that 826 00:47:49,590 --> 00:47:52,770 Becs Gentry: race that I'm going through them now. I literally have not bought a new 827 00:47:52,770 --> 00:47:53,790 Becs Gentry: pair of shoes since last year. 828 00:47:54,150 --> 00:47:56,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: It totally makes sense. It totally makes sense. I'm curious, 829 00:47:56,430 --> 00:47:59,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: what about you, Kwasi, how many shoes do you work in to 830 00:47:59,820 --> 00:48:02,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: rotation and how many outfits too? Do you have a 831 00:48:03,060 --> 00:48:06,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: different outfit every day of the week for your runs, or 832 00:48:06,600 --> 00:48:08,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: do you kind of recycle a couple every week? 833 00:48:09,390 --> 00:48:12,900 Kwasi Kessie: Great question. In terms of my rotation, so I have 834 00:48:12,900 --> 00:48:20,160 Kwasi Kessie: a few race day shoes, like super shoes. Then I 835 00:48:20,160 --> 00:48:26,940 Kwasi Kessie: have one everyday runner, like trainer for easy miles. I 836 00:48:26,940 --> 00:48:33,090 Kwasi Kessie: also have a track low profile shoe. So that's my 837 00:48:33,090 --> 00:48:36,960 Kwasi Kessie: rotation right now. I would say it's three to four. 838 00:48:37,350 --> 00:48:42,990 Kwasi Kessie: But in terms of... I have about 10 shoes in total right now. Yeah, 10 shoes in total. 839 00:48:42,989 --> 00:48:42,991 Rob Simmelkjaer: That's pretty amazing, actually. 840 00:48:42,990 --> 00:48:42,991 Becs Gentry: Thank you for making me feel better, Kwasi. Thank you. 841 00:48:42,991 --> 00:48:42,992 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah, yeah. 10 shoes in total. 842 00:48:42,992 --> 00:48:52,049 Becs Gentry: For me, the shoes are my thing. I can wash the same... Especially 843 00:48:52,050 --> 00:48:55,260 Becs Gentry: in winter, don't care what bra color I'm wearing. Summer, 844 00:48:55,320 --> 00:48:59,400 Becs Gentry: very different story. But winter, don't care. Also, don't really 845 00:48:59,400 --> 00:49:01,860 Becs Gentry: care about the long sleeve because it's probably underneath my 846 00:49:01,860 --> 00:49:05,580 Becs Gentry: one jacket. I have one warmer running jacket and one 847 00:49:05,580 --> 00:49:09,150 Becs Gentry: rain jacket. So then my tights are kind of just 848 00:49:09,150 --> 00:49:11,969 Becs Gentry: my tights, and then my shoes and my socks are 849 00:49:12,270 --> 00:49:15,180 Becs Gentry: my personality. If that makes sense. 850 00:49:15,180 --> 00:49:15,780 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah, me too. Yeah. 851 00:49:15,780 --> 00:49:19,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: It makes sense. Accessories, right? It's all about accessories. It makes perfect sense. 852 00:49:22,320 --> 00:49:26,520 Becs Gentry: Yeah, and my running belt, have a lot of those. That's my personality too. If I'm having a... I know it's a long 853 00:49:26,520 --> 00:49:29,250 Becs Gentry: run day and it's really miserable, I'm not just going to put a monotone 854 00:49:29,250 --> 00:49:32,070 Becs Gentry: running belt on. I'll be like, " Okay, I need a bright 855 00:49:32,070 --> 00:49:34,500 Becs Gentry: multicolored one." So when I go and grab my gels, 856 00:49:34,500 --> 00:49:36,989 Becs Gentry: I'm like, " Yes." 857 00:49:36,989 --> 00:49:37,350 Kwasi Kessie: Nice, nice. 858 00:49:37,560 --> 00:49:41,969 Rob Simmelkjaer: I want to ask you, Kwasi, because the vast majority of people have never been " 859 00:49:42,690 --> 00:49:46,980 Rob Simmelkjaer: styled". They've never had a stylist. I've never done that. 860 00:49:47,070 --> 00:49:51,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: And I'm just curious, what is that process of styling 861 00:49:51,180 --> 00:49:55,739 Rob Simmelkjaer: someone? I've heard different terms used, like editing someone's wardrobe, 862 00:49:55,739 --> 00:49:58,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: for instance, or... I have no idea what any of 863 00:49:58,380 --> 00:50:02,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: these things mean. If I said, " Kwasi style me." How 864 00:50:02,010 --> 00:50:03,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: would that start? What would you do? Would you come 865 00:50:03,870 --> 00:50:07,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: to my house, look in my closet, throw probably 90% 866 00:50:07,230 --> 00:50:11,549 Rob Simmelkjaer: of the clothes out? Would you say, " Hey, Rob, what 867 00:50:11,550 --> 00:50:13,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: kind of look are you going for"? How would that 868 00:50:14,100 --> 00:50:15,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: styling session start? 869 00:50:21,719 --> 00:50:21,720 Becs Gentry: This isn't a interview, Kwasi, just so you know. 870 00:50:21,719 --> 00:50:25,410 Kwasi Kessie: I got you. I got you. So, this is how I would start, I'd say... Depending on what 871 00:50:25,410 --> 00:50:27,360 Kwasi Kessie: you were doing, so if you were doing a photo 872 00:50:27,360 --> 00:50:30,900 Kwasi Kessie: shoot or if you just wanted to have your closet 873 00:50:30,900 --> 00:50:35,069 Kwasi Kessie: updated or you were going to a wedding, et cetera, I 874 00:50:35,070 --> 00:50:37,230 Kwasi Kessie: would start with a phone call with you. I would 875 00:50:37,230 --> 00:50:44,850 Kwasi Kessie: say... Just an intro phone conversation. See where you're at fashion- 876 00:50:44,850 --> 00:50:47,669 Kwasi Kessie: wise. What do you, what colors you like, what colors you don't 877 00:50:47,670 --> 00:50:53,100 Kwasi Kessie: like? Who you look at style- wise, who's your fashion 878 00:50:53,100 --> 00:50:58,170 Kwasi Kessie: goats, whether it can be movie stars or personal friends. 879 00:50:59,160 --> 00:51:03,239 Kwasi Kessie: And then I would tailor my styling based on, again, 880 00:51:03,330 --> 00:51:07,170 Kwasi Kessie: where you're going, what you're going to do. But for 881 00:51:07,170 --> 00:51:11,460 Kwasi Kessie: me, I like to get personal with the person. Colors 882 00:51:11,460 --> 00:51:16,020 Kwasi Kessie: you do, you don't. And then I would just... What 883 00:51:16,020 --> 00:51:18,780 Kwasi Kessie: I do is I take that information, I bring it 884 00:51:18,780 --> 00:51:21,510 Kwasi Kessie: to my team, we dissect it, and then we come up 885 00:51:21,510 --> 00:51:25,860 Kwasi Kessie: with brands that would work for you, silhouettes that would 886 00:51:25,860 --> 00:51:31,380 Kwasi Kessie: work for you, colors. Create a mood board. Then I 887 00:51:31,380 --> 00:51:33,660 Kwasi Kessie: would present it to you like, " Hey, Rob, this is 888 00:51:33,660 --> 00:51:36,330 Kwasi Kessie: what I'm thinking. This is the direction I would like 889 00:51:36,330 --> 00:51:38,340 Kwasi Kessie: to go in." Because I want to include you in 890 00:51:38,340 --> 00:51:39,719 Kwasi Kessie: it, because I just don't want to show up with 891 00:51:39,719 --> 00:51:43,770 Kwasi Kessie: stuff. And you'd be like, " This is cool, but I 892 00:51:43,770 --> 00:51:47,640 Kwasi Kessie: was thinking something else." So I would create a mood 893 00:51:47,640 --> 00:51:51,629 Kwasi Kessie: board and you would be like, yay, nay. And then from that 894 00:51:51,630 --> 00:51:55,530 Kwasi Kessie: information that I receive, I would then go out and pull 895 00:51:55,530 --> 00:51:59,160 Kwasi Kessie: clothes, shop, et cetera. We would do a fitting. Fittings 896 00:51:59,160 --> 00:52:02,880 Kwasi Kessie: are my favorite part because you get to... Sometimes you're 897 00:52:02,880 --> 00:52:06,030 Kwasi Kessie: meeting the person for the first time, or... I've even 898 00:52:06,030 --> 00:52:08,850 Kwasi Kessie: done virtual fittings where I've never met the person. So 899 00:52:09,480 --> 00:52:12,480 Kwasi Kessie: we'll do a fitting. Hopefully it's in person. You would 900 00:52:12,510 --> 00:52:15,420 Kwasi Kessie: try things on. I would have my tailor there. We 901 00:52:15,420 --> 00:52:18,600 Kwasi Kessie: would be adjusting, we would be making sure that colors 902 00:52:18,600 --> 00:52:22,680 Kwasi Kessie: fit, that jackets fit right, pants, et cetera, shoes. And 903 00:52:22,680 --> 00:52:25,350 Kwasi Kessie: then I'll also learn more about you in that setting. 904 00:52:26,610 --> 00:52:32,160 Kwasi Kessie: From there, either you would take your outfits with you 905 00:52:32,160 --> 00:52:36,540 Kwasi Kessie: or we would make changes. That's how I usually work. 906 00:52:36,540 --> 00:52:40,529 Kwasi Kessie: I definitely always like to talk to the client first, 907 00:52:40,530 --> 00:52:43,830 Kwasi Kessie: just to make sure I know who they are, where 908 00:52:43,830 --> 00:52:47,850 Kwasi Kessie: they come from, get some inside information, and then I can 909 00:52:47,850 --> 00:52:50,669 Kwasi Kessie: work my magic. So that's usually my process. 910 00:52:50,969 --> 00:52:54,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: That's pretty cool. That actually sounds like a lot of 911 00:52:54,030 --> 00:52:57,569 Rob Simmelkjaer: fun. It sounds like it'd be just a fun process. 912 00:52:57,660 --> 00:53:00,239 Rob Simmelkjaer: I imagine a lot of people, when they start that 913 00:53:00,239 --> 00:53:02,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: process, they don't really know what they like. They kind 914 00:53:02,730 --> 00:53:04,920 Rob Simmelkjaer: of just, I don't know, they've done what they've done. They've 915 00:53:04,920 --> 00:53:07,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: had habits. We all have our habits, the places we 916 00:53:07,890 --> 00:53:11,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: go, the things we wear, depending on the situation. So, 917 00:53:12,239 --> 00:53:16,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: actually, going and examining what you wear, really being thoughtful 918 00:53:16,260 --> 00:53:18,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: about it, maybe it's just me, that's not something I've 919 00:53:18,780 --> 00:53:22,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: really done that much of. So it just sounds like 920 00:53:22,170 --> 00:53:23,219 Rob Simmelkjaer: an interesting process. 921 00:53:23,549 --> 00:53:27,090 Kwasi Kessie: You know what it is too, to your point, people may not know what they 922 00:53:27,090 --> 00:53:29,279 Kwasi Kessie: like, but they know what they don't like. They're like, " 923 00:53:29,670 --> 00:53:34,110 Kwasi Kessie: I don't want to wear X, Y, Z. I don't 924 00:53:34,110 --> 00:53:38,040 Kwasi Kessie: like that color." But it's also fun to also bring 925 00:53:38,040 --> 00:53:41,700 Kwasi Kessie: people options that they may not have thought of. And 926 00:53:41,700 --> 00:53:44,550 Kwasi Kessie: I always think of styling as a... It's a upgrade. 927 00:53:44,550 --> 00:53:48,719 Kwasi Kessie: So however you thought you could look, it is like, let's exceed 928 00:53:48,719 --> 00:53:52,469 Kwasi Kessie: that expectation and take you to the next level. And 929 00:53:52,469 --> 00:53:54,779 Kwasi Kessie: that's what I think that people are paying for, that 930 00:53:54,780 --> 00:53:59,279 Kwasi Kessie: service of taking things to the next level, exceeding expectations. 931 00:53:59,790 --> 00:54:04,290 Kwasi Kessie: I always try to wow and exceed expectations with all 932 00:54:04,290 --> 00:54:06,660 Kwasi Kessie: my clients. It's like, "Damn, I didn't know this was possible." 933 00:54:06,660 --> 00:54:09,180 Kwasi Kessie: That's always like... I get a real joy and a 934 00:54:09,180 --> 00:54:10,380 Kwasi Kessie: kick out of that, for sure. 935 00:54:10,680 --> 00:54:13,650 Becs Gentry: I love that. It's definitely something I think is a 936 00:54:13,650 --> 00:54:17,670 Becs Gentry: luxury, but as you say, there are different variations to 937 00:54:17,670 --> 00:54:22,170 Becs Gentry: what you can offer. I think when people have a 938 00:54:22,170 --> 00:54:26,820 Becs Gentry: big event these days, it's nice to have that, " Okay, someone help 939 00:54:26,820 --> 00:54:31,440 Becs Gentry: me just accelerate how I'm going to feel." Because there's 940 00:54:31,440 --> 00:54:34,110 Becs Gentry: nothing better than feeling like... You catch yourself in a reflection 941 00:54:34,110 --> 00:54:37,469 Becs Gentry: or a mirror, whatever, you're like, " Nice." Okay." And then 942 00:54:37,469 --> 00:54:41,250 Becs Gentry: that confidence shines through no matter where you're going or 943 00:54:41,250 --> 00:54:46,650 Becs Gentry: whatever your importance is of the day. So, when it 944 00:54:46,650 --> 00:54:50,520 Becs Gentry: comes to thinking back, from your days of your mom 945 00:54:50,520 --> 00:54:53,880 Becs Gentry: inspiring you to run, her getting you into running with 946 00:54:53,880 --> 00:54:58,469 Becs Gentry: New York Roadrunners as a kid, everywhere you've gone in 947 00:54:58,469 --> 00:55:03,239 Becs Gentry: your amazing career and personally on this running journey, have 948 00:55:03,239 --> 00:55:05,700 Becs Gentry: you got any advice that you would give our younger 949 00:55:05,730 --> 00:55:12,060 Becs Gentry: listeners right now on how to keep fighting for their 950 00:55:12,239 --> 00:55:14,880 Becs Gentry: dreams, their aspirations to become their reality? 951 00:55:16,080 --> 00:55:21,330 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah. Younger listeners, older listeners, middle- aged listeners, I feel 952 00:55:21,330 --> 00:55:26,340 Kwasi Kessie: like you have to continue to believe in yourself and 953 00:55:26,340 --> 00:55:32,550 Kwasi Kessie: believe in the process. Again, for me, I've run the 11 954 00:55:32,550 --> 00:55:36,960 Kwasi Kessie: consecutive New York City Marathons, but I still haven't reached 955 00:55:36,960 --> 00:55:40,170 Kwasi Kessie: the goals that I want to reach. I'm continuing to 956 00:55:40,170 --> 00:55:42,270 Kwasi Kessie: learn. And I think that's also a part of the 957 00:55:42,270 --> 00:55:48,180 Kwasi Kessie: process, is learning and then application. So, all right, my 958 00:55:48,239 --> 00:55:51,750 Kwasi Kessie: nutrition isn't what it needs to be. How do I 959 00:55:51,780 --> 00:55:56,940 Kwasi Kessie: now apply information that I've learned to now, nutrition isn't a 960 00:55:56,940 --> 00:56:00,719 Kwasi Kessie: problem. And I think that works in all parts of 961 00:56:00,719 --> 00:56:03,629 Kwasi Kessie: life. It's just like, always continue to believe in yourself 962 00:56:03,630 --> 00:56:07,890 Kwasi Kessie: and continue to chase your goals. Again, my goal for 963 00:56:07,890 --> 00:56:11,370 Kwasi Kessie: running is to... I want to be the streaker that's 964 00:56:11,370 --> 00:56:16,320 Kwasi Kessie: like 90 years old, God's willing, and people being impressed 965 00:56:16,320 --> 00:56:18,540 Kwasi Kessie: by me, like, " Oh, you're still running?" Like, " Yeah, I'm 966 00:56:18,540 --> 00:56:18,751 Kwasi Kessie: still running." 967 00:56:18,751 --> 00:56:18,901 Becs Gentry: Still out there. 968 00:56:20,100 --> 00:56:22,560 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah, that's literally my goal. As long as my body 969 00:56:22,560 --> 00:56:24,450 Kwasi Kessie: and God see fit, I want to be able to 970 00:56:24,960 --> 00:56:29,219 Kwasi Kessie: be moving. Because I'm super inspired by those runners that 971 00:56:29,219 --> 00:56:31,920 Kwasi Kessie: I see. They're wearing a bib with the streaker, they've 972 00:56:31,920 --> 00:56:35,340 Kwasi Kessie: ran 50 consecutive New York City Marathons and they're just 973 00:56:36,540 --> 00:56:40,049 Kwasi Kessie: running away. So that's my goal in running. And in 974 00:56:40,050 --> 00:56:44,549 Kwasi Kessie: terms of fashion, my goal is to really push the 975 00:56:44,550 --> 00:56:49,980 Kwasi Kessie: boundaries of what's possible, whether it be with Noah Lyles 976 00:56:49,980 --> 00:56:54,300 Kwasi Kessie: and track and field or, I'm also a designer as 977 00:56:54,300 --> 00:57:00,239 Kwasi Kessie: well, possibly winning a CFDA award in fashion. So my 978 00:57:00,810 --> 00:57:04,260 Kwasi Kessie: advice is to definitely have faith in yourself, believe in 979 00:57:04,260 --> 00:57:08,940 Kwasi Kessie: yourself, and continue to trust the process. Tweak the process, 980 00:57:09,090 --> 00:57:12,000 Kwasi Kessie: and learn from the process, and also apply what you've 981 00:57:12,000 --> 00:57:15,870 Kwasi Kessie: learned to become better daily, for sure. 982 00:57:15,870 --> 00:57:18,060 Becs Gentry: I love that. Thank you. 983 00:57:18,180 --> 00:57:20,939 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right, so I'm looking ahead to New York City 984 00:57:20,940 --> 00:57:27,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: Marathon November, 2025. And I'm thinking about... I'm visualizing this. 985 00:57:27,450 --> 00:57:32,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm visualizing you crossing that finish line in your Boston 986 00:57:32,850 --> 00:57:35,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: qualifier time but- 987 00:57:35,220 --> 00:57:35,940 Becs Gentry: In your mom's hat. 988 00:57:36,240 --> 00:57:36,361 Rob Simmelkjaer: In your mom's hat, of course. 989 00:57:36,361 --> 00:57:36,362 Kwasi Kessie: Mom's hat. Yeah. 990 00:57:36,362 --> 00:57:39,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: But I'm trying to think about the rest of the 991 00:57:39,270 --> 00:57:43,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: outfit. When will you figure out everything you're wearing? Would 992 00:57:43,530 --> 00:57:45,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: you already know now what you're going to wear? I'm 993 00:57:45,570 --> 00:57:48,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: picturing your flat lie. Do you do those flat lays? 994 00:57:49,020 --> 00:57:49,320 Kwasi Kessie: Oh, yeah. 995 00:57:49,680 --> 00:57:51,301 Rob Simmelkjaer: Do you post those on IG? You put those out for people? 996 00:57:51,301 --> 00:57:55,770 Kwasi Kessie: I do. I do it on my stories. I do it on my feed sometimes 997 00:57:55,770 --> 00:57:58,320 Kwasi Kessie: just for energy purposes, but I definitely do it on 998 00:57:58,320 --> 00:58:03,270 Kwasi Kessie: my stories. I don't know exactly what I'm going to 999 00:58:03,270 --> 00:58:05,640 Kwasi Kessie: be wearing at the moment, but I do know it's 1000 00:58:05,640 --> 00:58:10,200 Kwasi Kessie: going to have some hints of lime green. 1001 00:58:10,500 --> 00:58:14,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: Ooh, I like it. 1002 00:58:14,040 --> 00:58:14,041 Kwasi Kessie: Yeah, yeah. I like that color. 1003 00:58:14,041 --> 00:58:14,189 Rob Simmelkjaer: What's in inspiring that? 1004 00:58:16,140 --> 00:58:19,890 Kwasi Kessie: I just feel like it has a lot of energy. 1005 00:58:20,970 --> 00:58:23,700 Kwasi Kessie: I like to think of myself as a... I think we 1006 00:58:23,700 --> 00:58:25,890 Kwasi Kessie: all should, but I like to think of myself as a superhero 1007 00:58:25,890 --> 00:58:32,520 Kwasi Kessie: and that has some superhero, lightning bolt kind of electricity 1008 00:58:32,520 --> 00:58:37,590 Kwasi Kessie: kind of vibrations to it. So yeah, anything to give 1009 00:58:37,590 --> 00:58:42,120 Kwasi Kessie: myself a mental advantage, I always try to tap into. 1010 00:58:42,480 --> 00:58:44,250 Kwasi Kessie: Definitely some lime green is going to be in there, 1011 00:58:44,250 --> 00:58:44,431 Kwasi Kessie: for sure. 1012 00:58:44,431 --> 00:58:46,051 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right. I'm excited about this. 1013 00:58:46,051 --> 00:58:46,321 Becs Gentry: Me too. 1014 00:58:46,500 --> 00:58:49,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: So we'll be looking out for that outfit. We'll be 1015 00:58:49,440 --> 00:58:52,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: looking out for that lime green, the hat, and the 1016 00:58:52,590 --> 00:58:57,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: whole nine yards as Kwasi Kessie takes on the 2025 TCS 1017 00:58:57,870 --> 00:59:00,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York City Marathon. And I'm sure lots of other 1018 00:59:00,900 --> 00:59:03,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: runs along the way, including your 10K a day, which 1019 00:59:03,540 --> 00:59:04,501 Rob Simmelkjaer: I love. I'm actually- 1020 00:59:04,501 --> 00:59:05,011 Becs Gentry: Yeah, me too. 1021 00:59:05,610 --> 00:59:09,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm really thinking about that. That's just a great way 1022 00:59:09,300 --> 00:59:12,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: to stay really fit. I mean 10K is no joke, 1023 00:59:12,600 --> 00:59:14,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: right, to do every day. That's a lot. 1024 00:59:16,020 --> 00:59:18,780 Kwasi Kessie: It's no joke. Yeah, it's a vibe for me too, because it me honest. 1025 00:59:18,780 --> 00:59:21,360 Kwasi Kessie: It's like, "All right, I ran today." And it makes me feel 1026 00:59:21,360 --> 00:59:24,570 Kwasi Kessie: accomplished like, " I ran today. I'm good." And again, I 1027 00:59:24,570 --> 00:59:28,080 Kwasi Kessie: used to do a 5K at one point. It just wasn't enough 1028 00:59:28,110 --> 00:59:30,690 Kwasi Kessie: And then I'm looking at the new CEO of Red 1029 00:59:30,690 --> 00:59:34,590 Kwasi Kessie: Lobster, a young gentleman and he runs eight miles a 1030 00:59:34,590 --> 00:59:38,130 Kwasi Kessie: day. And then there's this dude somewhere, I saw in the 1031 00:59:38,130 --> 00:59:40,860 Kwasi Kessie: United States on social media, he's been running eight miles 1032 00:59:40,860 --> 00:59:43,920 Kwasi Kessie: a day for decades and then people go and run with 1033 00:59:43,920 --> 00:59:46,650 Kwasi Kessie: him and I'm just like, " I thought my 10K was 1034 00:59:46,650 --> 00:59:48,689 Kwasi Kessie: good." Not to say it's not, but it's just like 1035 00:59:48,690 --> 00:59:51,002 Kwasi Kessie: there's levels. You know what I mean? So, (inaudible) - 1036 00:59:51,480 --> 00:59:54,720 Rob Simmelkjaer: One thing about this running thing, there's a lot of levels. 1037 00:59:54,720 --> 00:59:57,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: We have seen it all. We have met them all 1038 00:59:57,150 --> 01:00:01,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: from the 5K specialist to the ultra marathoner. So, however 1039 01:00:01,590 --> 01:00:03,001 Rob Simmelkjaer: you do it, that's how you do it, right? 1040 01:00:03,001 --> 01:00:03,480 Kwasi Kessie: Right, right. 1041 01:00:03,480 --> 01:00:06,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: And that's what you're doing out there. So Kwasi, awesome 1042 01:00:06,750 --> 01:00:08,401 Rob Simmelkjaer: talking to you, man. Really appreciate it. 1043 01:00:08,401 --> 01:00:08,551 Becs Gentry: Yeah, thank you so much. 1044 01:00:08,610 --> 01:00:12,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: Love what you're doing. Keep going. Good luck with all 1045 01:00:12,180 --> 01:00:15,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: the training and we can't wait to see what it 1046 01:00:15,060 --> 01:00:18,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: is you're wearing, but more importantly, you hopefully having a 1047 01:00:18,540 --> 01:00:21,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: great day, accomplishing your goals and everything you want to do with running this year. 1048 01:00:21,210 --> 01:00:22,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: So thank you so much. 1049 01:00:22,590 --> 01:00:24,540 Kwasi Kessie: Thank you for having me. Thank you Rob and Becs. 1050 01:00:24,990 --> 01:00:27,060 Kwasi Kessie: Also, I want to say a special thank you to 1051 01:00:27,090 --> 01:00:31,830 Kwasi Kessie: New York Roadrunners and Erica for granting me this opportunity. 1052 01:00:31,830 --> 01:00:34,980 Kwasi Kessie: I appreciate telling my story on your platform. Thank you. 1053 01:00:35,190 --> 01:00:36,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: We loved having you. Appreciate you. 1054 01:00:36,570 --> 01:00:36,780 Kwasi Kessie: All right, have a good one. 1055 01:00:51,120 --> 01:00:54,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Roadrunners is a nonprofit organization with a vision 1056 01:00:54,570 --> 01:00:58,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative 1057 01:00:58,410 --> 01:01:01,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: power of running. The support of members and donors like 1058 01:01:01,860 --> 01:01:05,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: you helps us achieve our mission to transform the health 1059 01:01:05,190 --> 01:01:08,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: and well- being of our communities through inclusive and accessible 1060 01:01:08,730 --> 01:01:13,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential. Learn more 1061 01:01:13,320 --> 01:01:18,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: and contribute at nyrr. org/ donate. New York Roadrunners member, 1062 01:01:18,750 --> 01:01:22,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: Stephanie Sokol, didn't always love running, but when she picked 1063 01:01:22,080 --> 01:01:26,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: it up in 2019, she was quickly hooked. Since then, 1064 01:01:26,040 --> 01:01:29,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: she has completed five of the six Abbott World Marathon 1065 01:01:29,130 --> 01:01:33,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: Majors and is preparing for her final one, the 2025 Boston 1066 01:01:33,900 --> 01:01:39,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: Marathon, training with Team for Kids. Stephanie has raised over $ 14, 1067 01:01:39,180 --> 01:01:43,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: 000 for New York Roadrunners youth and community programs, and 1068 01:01:43,470 --> 01:01:47,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: she's committed to raising 2000 more to support youth fitness 1069 01:01:47,640 --> 01:01:50,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: programs. As a back- of- the- pack runner, Boston presents 1070 01:01:50,640 --> 01:01:54,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: an added challenge with its strict time cutoffs, but Stephanie 1071 01:01:54,270 --> 01:01:57,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: is determined to cross that finish line in time. 1072 01:01:57,840 --> 01:02:01,320 Meb: Thanks Rob. Stephanie, welcome to the Set the Pace Podcast. 1073 01:02:01,560 --> 01:02:05,490 Meb: You have completed five of the six world major marathons 1074 01:02:06,300 --> 01:02:09,630 Meb: and about to run the Boston for the final star. 1075 01:02:09,960 --> 01:02:12,240 Meb: What does this milestone means to you? 1076 01:02:13,590 --> 01:02:17,160 Stephanie Sokol: Oh yeah, I don't even know where to begin. It means so 1077 01:02:17,160 --> 01:02:22,530 Stephanie Sokol: much. Having the privilege to have run all of the majors 1078 01:02:22,530 --> 01:02:26,790 Stephanie Sokol: so far and the opportunity to run Boston this year 1079 01:02:26,790 --> 01:02:31,380 Stephanie Sokol: is just incredible. I'm really just proud of myself. It's 1080 01:02:31,380 --> 01:02:36,450 Stephanie Sokol: so difficult. The time commitment to run a marathon, train 1081 01:02:36,450 --> 01:02:40,830 Stephanie Sokol: for a marathon, it's been crazy. So, I'm so proud 1082 01:02:40,830 --> 01:02:44,520 Stephanie Sokol: of myself that I've gotten there. I just can't wait 1083 01:02:44,520 --> 01:02:47,130 Stephanie Sokol: to take on Boston and see what it has in 1084 01:02:47,130 --> 01:02:47,790 Stephanie Sokol: store for me. 1085 01:02:48,840 --> 01:02:53,220 Meb: Well, you didn't love running in 2019, but now you are 1086 01:02:53,310 --> 01:02:57,419 Meb: running the number five. What inspired you to start and 1087 01:02:57,420 --> 01:03:01,260 Meb: how did you evolve in the beginner runners to almost 1088 01:03:01,260 --> 01:03:03,600 Meb: six stars runners in just six years? 1089 01:03:04,410 --> 01:03:08,070 Stephanie Sokol: Yeah, so I hated running so much to the point that 1090 01:03:08,070 --> 01:03:11,400 Stephanie Sokol: I actually quit lacrosse because the coach was telling me 1091 01:03:11,400 --> 01:03:14,610 Stephanie Sokol: that I wasn't fast enough. So what did I do? 1092 01:03:14,970 --> 01:03:19,530 Stephanie Sokol: I quit. Back in 2019, I had moved to Hoboken, 1093 01:03:19,530 --> 01:03:21,360 Stephanie Sokol: I moved out from living with my parents and I 1094 01:03:21,360 --> 01:03:23,250 Stephanie Sokol: was living in a place where I didn't really have 1095 01:03:23,250 --> 01:03:25,260 Stephanie Sokol: a lot of friends and I didn't know what to 1096 01:03:25,260 --> 01:03:27,870 Stephanie Sokol: do. So I took on running, which looking back is 1097 01:03:27,900 --> 01:03:30,420 Stephanie Sokol: so funny because I took on a solo sport to 1098 01:03:30,420 --> 01:03:33,810 Stephanie Sokol: make friends, but ultimately, I actually have in the long 1099 01:03:33,810 --> 01:03:37,920 Stephanie Sokol: run. So when I set out to do something, I don't 1100 01:03:37,920 --> 01:03:41,910 Stephanie Sokol: go small. For that very first half- marathon I ran, 1101 01:03:41,910 --> 01:03:44,190 Stephanie Sokol: I actually had a second one a few weeks later, 1102 01:03:44,190 --> 01:03:48,270 Stephanie Sokol: so went right for it. I didn't think I wanted 1103 01:03:48,270 --> 01:03:50,280 Stephanie Sokol: to run a marathon, this was just something that I 1104 01:03:50,280 --> 01:03:53,550 Stephanie Sokol: was doing to meet people and have a good time 1105 01:03:53,550 --> 01:03:56,430 Stephanie Sokol: and stay healthy. But I had signed up for the 1106 01:03:56,460 --> 01:04:00,030 Stephanie Sokol: 2020 New York City Marathon Lottery and when I didn't 1107 01:04:00,030 --> 01:04:03,240 Stephanie Sokol: get in, that's when I realized I actually really wanted 1108 01:04:03,240 --> 01:04:05,220 Stephanie Sokol: to, and I realized how much it meant for me. 1109 01:04:05,850 --> 01:04:08,520 Stephanie Sokol: And that's, at the time, is when a friend told 1110 01:04:08,520 --> 01:04:11,790 Stephanie Sokol: me about Team for Kids. So within a few minutes 1111 01:04:11,790 --> 01:04:16,230 Stephanie Sokol: of not getting in, I was already signed up. Unfortunately, 1112 01:04:16,260 --> 01:04:19,440 Stephanie Sokol: 2020 never happened because of COVID. So I took a 1113 01:04:19,440 --> 01:04:22,919 Stephanie Sokol: little bit of time off from running and that first 1114 01:04:22,920 --> 01:04:26,550 Stephanie Sokol: practice for the 2021 New York City Marathon with Team 1115 01:04:26,550 --> 01:04:29,430 Stephanie Sokol: for Kids is where everything really changed for me. That's 1116 01:04:29,430 --> 01:04:32,220 Stephanie Sokol: where I met people that I'm still friends with today 1117 01:04:32,220 --> 01:04:35,280 Stephanie Sokol: and coaches that still coach me today. And that is 1118 01:04:35,280 --> 01:04:37,500 Stephanie Sokol: the reason that I'm still running. That's what took me 1119 01:04:37,500 --> 01:04:40,440 Stephanie Sokol: from being someone who didn't really like running to someone 1120 01:04:40,440 --> 01:04:42,540 Stephanie Sokol: who loves it and is held accountable and I keep 1121 01:04:42,540 --> 01:04:46,950 Stephanie Sokol: coming back from there. It just kept snowballing and here 1122 01:04:46,950 --> 01:04:49,890 Stephanie Sokol: I am ready for my sixth star. So, thank you 1123 01:04:49,890 --> 01:04:51,990 Stephanie Sokol: Team for Kids for getting me here. 1124 01:04:52,830 --> 01:04:56,001 Meb: Amazing story. Here you are now, you thought you were (inaudible) 1125 01:04:56,001 --> 01:04:58,980 Meb: sport by making friends left and right or front 1126 01:04:58,980 --> 01:05:03,240 Meb: or back. Now, you are running the Boston Marathon for Team for Kids. Why 1127 01:05:03,240 --> 01:05:04,590 Meb: is this cause so important to you? 1128 01:05:05,520 --> 01:05:08,340 Stephanie Sokol: Yeah, so like I said, a friend had told me about Team for 1129 01:05:08,340 --> 01:05:10,860 Stephanie Sokol: Kids, so I will be completely honest, when I first 1130 01:05:10,860 --> 01:05:14,100 Stephanie Sokol: signed up, I really didn't know what the cause was 1131 01:05:14,100 --> 01:05:17,460 Stephanie Sokol: for. But I'm so grateful that I found such an 1132 01:05:17,460 --> 01:05:22,200 Stephanie Sokol: amazing cause. Team for Kids helping youth with fitness programs 1133 01:05:22,200 --> 01:05:25,740 Stephanie Sokol: across the country is just incredible. So looking back on 1134 01:05:25,740 --> 01:05:30,000 Stephanie Sokol: my journey here, I didn't find that love for running, 1135 01:05:30,000 --> 01:05:32,640 Stephanie Sokol: so at this point in time, I just hope that 1136 01:05:32,880 --> 01:05:36,870 Stephanie Sokol: Team for Kids is able to provide kids with finding 1137 01:05:36,870 --> 01:05:39,630 Stephanie Sokol: a love for something that I didn't love before. So 1138 01:05:40,080 --> 01:05:43,470 Stephanie Sokol: I keep fundraising for such an incredible cause and I'm grateful 1139 01:05:44,070 --> 01:05:48,360 Stephanie Sokol: to everyone who's donated to me and to Team for Kids along the way. 1140 01:05:49,560 --> 01:05:54,030 Meb: Yeah, absolutely. The New York Roadrunners does a great job to fundraise through Team for Kids for young kids to 1141 01:05:54,030 --> 01:05:57,479 Meb: have the ability to sports because running sometimes is not 1142 01:05:57,480 --> 01:05:59,760 Meb: seen as a popular, especially in middle school and high 1143 01:05:59,760 --> 01:06:06,330 Meb: school. So New York Roadrunners does a great job to be able to change that. As you have self- describe back- of- the- 1144 01:06:06,330 --> 01:06:10,350 Meb: pack runner, Boston comes with the extra challenge of strict 1145 01:06:10,350 --> 01:06:13,110 Meb: time limits, how are you preparing for that? 1146 01:06:14,280 --> 01:06:17,970 Stephanie Sokol: Yeah, so I was slow back then and I'm still slow now and that's 1147 01:06:18,450 --> 01:06:22,230 Stephanie Sokol: okay to me. I am finishing and I've run these marathons and 1148 01:06:22,530 --> 01:06:25,590 Stephanie Sokol: that's really all that matters. So I've come to terms 1149 01:06:25,590 --> 01:06:27,360 Stephanie Sokol: with that in terms of- 1150 01:06:27,360 --> 01:06:30,210 Meb: Let me just interrupt you, Stephanie. When you're running 26. 2 1151 01:06:30,210 --> 01:06:34,560 Meb: miles, it's not slow, you are accomplishing something that isn't 1152 01:06:34,560 --> 01:06:37,290 Meb: 1% people around the world accomplish. So don't call yourself 1153 01:06:37,290 --> 01:06:39,270 Meb: slow. You are out there getting from point A to 1154 01:06:39,270 --> 01:06:39,780 Meb: point B to the best you can. 1155 01:06:40,770 --> 01:06:44,310 Stephanie Sokol: That's absolutely true. And what's always been important to me 1156 01:06:44,310 --> 01:06:49,470 Stephanie Sokol: was finishing. The New York City Marathon really helps that 1157 01:06:49,560 --> 01:06:53,250 Stephanie Sokol: anybody finishes, there's no questions asked there. But some of 1158 01:06:53,250 --> 01:06:57,300 Stephanie Sokol: the other cities that host the World Major Marathons don't 1159 01:06:57,300 --> 01:06:59,970 Stephanie Sokol: necessarily have that time. They have to open the roads 1160 01:06:59,970 --> 01:07:02,910 Stephanie Sokol: back up and we have to follow their rules and 1161 01:07:02,910 --> 01:07:05,880 Stephanie Sokol: guidelines. So I know going into Boston that there's a 1162 01:07:05,880 --> 01:07:09,120 Stephanie Sokol: strict cutoff. That I have roughly six hours, maybe a 1163 01:07:09,120 --> 01:07:12,300 Stephanie Sokol: little bit more than that. So I'm doing everything in 1164 01:07:12,300 --> 01:07:15,090 Stephanie Sokol: my power to prepare for that. I'm getting the hill 1165 01:07:15,090 --> 01:07:18,930 Stephanie Sokol: work in, I'm mentally preparing myself that I know I 1166 01:07:18,930 --> 01:07:19,560 Stephanie Sokol: can do it. 1167 01:07:20,370 --> 01:07:23,550 Meb: Stephanie, you're going to crash it. Just keep being yourself, don't change anything now. 1168 01:07:23,550 --> 01:07:27,180 Meb: You just had done the United Airlines NYC Half and 1169 01:07:27,180 --> 01:07:28,290 Meb: you're ready to go, so- 1170 01:07:28,560 --> 01:07:28,561 Stephanie Sokol: Yes. 1171 01:07:28,561 --> 01:07:33,300 Meb: As you are a big Peloton fan and love running to Becs Gentry's class 1172 01:07:33,300 --> 01:07:35,910 Meb: who hosts the show here on Set the Pace, what 1173 01:07:35,910 --> 01:07:39,840 Meb: is that her coaching that you like about and motivate you? 1174 01:07:40,590 --> 01:07:48,270 Stephanie Sokol: Yeah, so from the very beginning when I first found Becs, 2019, I couldn't run a mile. I really couldn't 1175 01:07:48,300 --> 01:07:51,420 Stephanie Sokol: run it. And Becs would always say, " Forward is a 1176 01:07:51,420 --> 01:07:56,790 Stephanie Sokol: pace," and that's really what resonated with me. I continue 1177 01:07:56,790 --> 01:07:59,790 Stephanie Sokol: to run with Becs when I do my long runs. 1178 01:07:59,790 --> 01:08:02,370 Stephanie Sokol: I'll just stack a bunch of 45- minute runs on, 1179 01:08:02,370 --> 01:08:04,860 Stephanie Sokol: so I'm taking my fuel and I'm putting on the 1180 01:08:04,860 --> 01:08:09,540 Stephanie Sokol: next Peloton class. Having that community, having Becs in my 1181 01:08:09,540 --> 01:08:12,030 Stephanie Sokol: ear and all of the other coaches has been really 1182 01:08:12,030 --> 01:08:13,980 Stephanie Sokol: motivating throughout all of my training. 1183 01:08:15,000 --> 01:08:18,599 Meb: Awesome. Just absolutely amazing story, going for your sixth star 1184 01:08:18,930 --> 01:08:21,600 Meb: in Boston. We are so grateful for all the work 1185 01:08:21,600 --> 01:08:23,400 Meb: that you do for Team for Kids and wish you 1186 01:08:23,400 --> 01:08:25,111 Meb: all the best on April 21st, 2025. 1187 01:08:25,111 --> 01:08:29,280 Stephanie Sokol: Thank you so much, Meb. It's been amazing talking with you. 1188 01:08:29,760 --> 01:08:32,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: Thank you so much for joining us Stephanie, thanks for 1189 01:08:32,340 --> 01:08:35,460 Rob Simmelkjaer: being a member of New York Roadrunners and good luck 1190 01:08:35,760 --> 01:08:37,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: in Boston. Now, it's time for the final part of 1191 01:08:37,740 --> 01:08:39,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: our show, today's Meb Minute. 1192 01:08:40,140 --> 01:08:44,550 Meb: For those of you training for this year's Boston Marathon, we are almost 1193 01:08:44,550 --> 01:08:47,550 Meb: three weeks out from the race day. And if it's 1194 01:08:47,550 --> 01:08:50,850 Meb: not too late to prepare yourself for these legendary hills. 1195 01:08:51,120 --> 01:08:54,720 Meb: Focus on hill repeats, find a steep incline and run 1196 01:08:54,720 --> 01:08:59,370 Meb: hard uphill, then recover by jogging or walking down. Don't 1197 01:08:59,370 --> 01:09:03,030 Meb: neglect the downhill running either. As Boston has a steep 1198 01:09:03,030 --> 01:09:07,830 Meb: descent that can really strain your quads, incorporate strength training 1199 01:09:07,830 --> 01:09:10,860 Meb: for your legs, core. To build your power, you need 1200 01:09:10,860 --> 01:09:15,210 Meb: to tackle both climbs and descents. Also, try to simulate 1201 01:09:15,210 --> 01:09:18,900 Meb: the course by doing long runs and variety terrain, keeping 1202 01:09:18,900 --> 01:09:22,770 Meb: your pace steady despite the hills. The Boston hills are 1203 01:09:22,770 --> 01:09:26,220 Meb: tough, but with the right preparation you can win on 1204 01:09:26,220 --> 01:09:30,300 Meb: those hills. I've done the Boston Marathon many times, people 1205 01:09:30,300 --> 01:09:33,120 Meb: focus on the hills, but don't forget about the descents 1206 01:09:33,120 --> 01:09:35,849 Meb: of the hills. You have to be patient. You have 1207 01:09:35,850 --> 01:09:38,880 Meb: to be on goal, visualizing what you're going to do 1208 01:09:38,880 --> 01:09:41,460 Meb: on race day. So when you're training, wherever you might 1209 01:09:41,460 --> 01:09:44,670 Meb: be, when a hill comes up on your course, start 1210 01:09:44,670 --> 01:09:47,639 Meb: running that hill hard and visualize like Heartbreak Hill or 1211 01:09:47,640 --> 01:09:50,340 Meb: the Newton Hill so that way, on race day, you'll 1212 01:09:50,340 --> 01:09:52,351 Meb: be ready to tackle it and you will win those hills. 1213 01:09:52,351 --> 01:09:55,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: And that does it for another episode of Set the 1214 01:09:55,140 --> 01:09:58,228 Rob Simmelkjaer: Pace. We want to thank our awesome guest today, Kwasi 1215 01:09:58,260 --> 01:10:02,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: Kessie and our member, Stephanie Sokol. If you liked the 1216 01:10:02,040 --> 01:10:05,309 Rob Simmelkjaer: episode, please make sure you go ahead and subscribe, rate 1217 01:10:05,310 --> 01:10:07,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: it, leave a comment for the show. Send a question 1218 01:10:07,590 --> 01:10:09,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: to me and Becs, we'll be happy to answer it. It helps 1219 01:10:09,990 --> 01:10:12,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: other people find the show as well. Enjoy the miles, 1220 01:10:12,870 --> 01:10:14,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: everybody. We'll see you next week.