1 00:00:03,960 --> 00:00:08,309 Speaker 1: Thank you New York. Today we're reminded of the power 2 00:00:08,309 --> 00:00:13,139 Speaker 1: of community and the power of coming together. Athletes on 3 00:00:13,139 --> 00:00:13,739 Speaker 1: your mark. 4 00:00:15,870 --> 00:00:19,889 Speaker 2: The first woman to finish for the second straight year here in 5 00:00:19,890 --> 00:00:23,040 Speaker 2: the New York City Marathon is Miki Gorman, a smiling 6 00:00:23,040 --> 00:00:27,002 Speaker 2: Miki Gorman. And why not, 2: 29: 30 the time for (inaudible) . 7 00:00:27,809 --> 00:00:30,450 Speaker 3: Look at the emotion of Shalane Flanagan as she comes 8 00:00:30,450 --> 00:00:31,200 Speaker 3: to the line. 9 00:00:31,349 --> 00:00:34,859 Becs Gentry: Pointing to his chest, pointing to the USA, he so 10 00:00:34,859 --> 00:00:44,129 Becs Gentry: proudly wears across his chest. A great day for Meb Keflezighi. 11 00:00:44,130 --> 00:00:47,339 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hey everybody, and welcome to another edition of Set the 12 00:00:47,340 --> 00:00:51,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: Pace presented by Peloton, the official podcast of New York 13 00:00:51,150 --> 00:00:53,519 Rob Simmelkjaer: Road Runners. I'm your host and CEO of New York 14 00:00:53,519 --> 00:00:57,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: Road Runners, Rob Simmelkjaer. With me as co- host the 15 00:00:57,000 --> 00:01:00,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: marvelous Becs Gentry. Becs, how are you? Good to see you. 16 00:01:01,140 --> 00:01:04,410 Becs Gentry: Hi, I am very good, Rob. Happy Father's Day. 17 00:01:04,950 --> 00:01:10,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: Aw, thank you. It was a great, great Father's Day weekend. 18 00:01:10,350 --> 00:01:13,619 Rob Simmelkjaer: It was lovely. I spent tons of time with my 19 00:01:13,620 --> 00:01:16,709 Rob Simmelkjaer: girls, I appreciate that. It was lovely. We had a 20 00:01:16,709 --> 00:01:20,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: good time. We all went out Saturday together to the 21 00:01:20,340 --> 00:01:25,409 Rob Simmelkjaer: amazing Citizens Queens 10K out at Flushing Meadows Park. And Becs, I 22 00:01:25,410 --> 00:01:26,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: know you had the weekend off from- 23 00:01:26,910 --> 00:01:26,941 Becs Gentry: I did. 24 00:01:26,941 --> 00:01:31,259 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... teaching and from running, but it was a beautiful 25 00:01:31,260 --> 00:01:34,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: day. Not the coolest day to run, but it's June, 26 00:01:34,860 --> 00:01:37,679 Rob Simmelkjaer: you can't expect cool. It was a hot run, but 27 00:01:38,099 --> 00:01:42,479 Rob Simmelkjaer: a great turnout and there was a festival and so 28 00:01:42,480 --> 00:01:45,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: many people. Citizens did an amazing job just making it 29 00:01:45,630 --> 00:01:49,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: a special experience for everyone. I ran the 10K. My 30 00:01:49,320 --> 00:01:52,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: daughter Julia ran the stage three kids race that was 31 00:01:52,830 --> 00:01:53,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: a one miler- 32 00:01:54,240 --> 00:01:54,241 Becs Gentry: Congratz Julia. 33 00:01:54,241 --> 00:01:56,309 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... she ran in under seven minutes, so that was 34 00:01:56,309 --> 00:01:56,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: great for her. 35 00:01:56,880 --> 00:01:56,940 Becs Gentry: Wow. 36 00:01:57,540 --> 00:01:59,519 Rob Simmelkjaer: But the star of the day was my little one 37 00:01:59,520 --> 00:02:03,119 Rob Simmelkjaer: Annika, who never runs really says she hates it. She 38 00:02:03,120 --> 00:02:05,639 Rob Simmelkjaer: ran the stage two, which was a half mile run, 39 00:02:05,639 --> 00:02:09,179 Rob Simmelkjaer: kind of a fun run untimed. And she leaves the starting 40 00:02:09,180 --> 00:02:12,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: line flying. And Julia and I are like, " Oh, that's 41 00:02:12,180 --> 00:02:14,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: not good, she's going to tire out." And she turns 42 00:02:14,910 --> 00:02:17,519 Rob Simmelkjaer: around and comes back, and she ran it like under 43 00:02:17,639 --> 00:02:18,481 Rob Simmelkjaer: four minutes. It was unbelievable. 44 00:02:18,481 --> 00:02:19,440 Becs Gentry: Oh my goodness. 45 00:02:19,440 --> 00:02:21,871 Rob Simmelkjaer: Under three, what am I saying? Under three minutes for- 46 00:02:21,871 --> 00:02:21,872 Becs Gentry: Annika. 47 00:02:21,872 --> 00:02:24,389 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... a half mile. It was crazy. So we were so 48 00:02:24,389 --> 00:02:27,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: happy for her. She was fired up, and then that 49 00:02:27,090 --> 00:02:29,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: led into a great Father's Day. So it was a lot, a lot of fun. 50 00:02:30,120 --> 00:02:33,240 Becs Gentry: That sounds like you have two future running stars on 51 00:02:33,240 --> 00:02:34,529 Becs Gentry: your hands with those times. 52 00:02:34,800 --> 00:02:36,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, we'll see. Jules runs- 53 00:02:36,750 --> 00:02:36,841 Becs Gentry: We'll see. 54 00:02:36,841 --> 00:02:39,479 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... cross country in high school, so she's into it. 55 00:02:39,480 --> 00:02:42,359 Rob Simmelkjaer: Annika, maybe that'll get her excited about it. Because she 56 00:02:42,359 --> 00:02:45,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: had never expressed any interest in running. But the smile 57 00:02:45,510 --> 00:02:47,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: when she crossed the finish line was priceless. 58 00:02:48,990 --> 00:02:50,040 Becs Gentry: That's what we like to see. 59 00:02:50,250 --> 00:02:52,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, those kids races are so special. 60 00:02:53,280 --> 00:02:53,370 Becs Gentry: They are. 61 00:02:53,370 --> 00:02:56,669 Rob Simmelkjaer: Our team led by Herman Martinez does such a great 62 00:02:56,669 --> 00:02:59,549 Rob Simmelkjaer: job with our youth events. And for those out there 63 00:02:59,549 --> 00:03:02,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: listening, I really encourage you if you're a runner, look 64 00:03:02,820 --> 00:03:05,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: at the schedule of our youth series. We have so 65 00:03:05,430 --> 00:03:08,519 Rob Simmelkjaer: many youth races, a lot of them are alongside the 66 00:03:08,520 --> 00:03:12,179 Rob Simmelkjaer: adult races. We have one or two that are solo. 67 00:03:12,179 --> 00:03:14,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: And it's just great to get your kids out there, 68 00:03:14,580 --> 00:03:17,038 Rob Simmelkjaer: put a bib on them and just give them the 69 00:03:17,038 --> 00:03:20,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: feeling of running a race. We start as young as 70 00:03:20,730 --> 00:03:23,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: two years old with these races, so it's just a 71 00:03:23,880 --> 00:03:25,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: great experience for the kids. 72 00:03:25,380 --> 00:03:27,360 Becs Gentry: I can't wait for Tallulah to do her first New York 73 00:03:27,660 --> 00:03:30,390 Becs Gentry: Road Runners Youth Race. It's going to be good. 74 00:03:30,390 --> 00:03:30,451 Rob Simmelkjaer: You got to make it happen. 75 00:03:30,451 --> 00:03:35,250 Becs Gentry: Oh, so soon, so soon. Few more months. But this 76 00:03:35,250 --> 00:03:35,791 Becs Gentry: weekend was so good. 77 00:03:35,791 --> 00:03:39,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: Oh yeah. Becs, we put out a funny video actually on Father's 78 00:03:39,630 --> 00:03:42,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: Day, New York Road Runners with a bunch of dads 79 00:03:42,690 --> 00:03:45,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: talking about being a runner dad, and things they do 80 00:03:45,420 --> 00:03:48,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: with their kids. And one of them was a guy 81 00:03:48,150 --> 00:03:52,109 Rob Simmelkjaer: named John Phillips on our team who literally says, " Of 82 00:03:52,109 --> 00:03:54,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: course, I'm a runner dad, so of course I signed 83 00:03:54,540 --> 00:03:56,460 Rob Simmelkjaer: my kid up for a race the day she turned 84 00:03:56,460 --> 00:03:58,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: two years old." And it shows her- 85 00:03:58,110 --> 00:03:58,111 Becs Gentry: Brilliant. 86 00:03:58,111 --> 00:04:00,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... picking his kid up and running with her to 87 00:04:00,750 --> 00:04:02,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: the finish line. So I expect that to be you Becs. 88 00:04:03,420 --> 00:04:06,659 Becs Gentry: More than likely it will be. October 22nd, let's go. 89 00:04:09,120 --> 00:04:12,630 Becs Gentry: But now listen, I hear that there were record number of finishes at 90 00:04:12,630 --> 00:04:15,180 Becs Gentry: the Citizens Queens 10K this weekend, is that right? 91 00:04:15,390 --> 00:04:20,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: It was crazy Becs, 12,094 finishers, a record- 92 00:04:20,640 --> 00:04:20,640 Becs Gentry: Oh, my goodness. 93 00:04:20,640 --> 00:04:24,719 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... record crowd. Incredible day. Congrats to the winners that 94 00:04:24,719 --> 00:04:29,818 Rob Simmelkjaer: day by the way. Yenew Alamirew Getahun was the men's winner at 95 00:04:29,850 --> 00:04:31,919 Rob Simmelkjaer: 30 minutes and 45 seconds. 96 00:04:31,919 --> 00:04:32,159 Becs Gentry: Oh my gosh. 97 00:04:32,159 --> 00:04:35,519 Rob Simmelkjaer: That's a blazing time for 10K. Can you believe that time? 98 00:04:35,880 --> 00:04:36,630 Becs Gentry: So fast. 99 00:04:37,140 --> 00:04:40,469 Rob Simmelkjaer: Just bananas. And on the women's side it was Roberta 100 00:04:40,469 --> 00:04:42,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: Groner, New York Road Runners member. She's been a guest 101 00:04:42,870 --> 00:04:45,089 Rob Simmelkjaer: on Set the Pace, she comes up with the win, 102 00:04:45,420 --> 00:04:47,488 Rob Simmelkjaer: 34 minutes and one second. 103 00:04:47,488 --> 00:04:47,729 Becs Gentry: Beautiful. 104 00:04:47,729 --> 00:04:49,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: She's just an absolute wonder. 105 00:04:49,740 --> 00:04:53,220 Becs Gentry: She is. She is. Oh my goodness. And congrats to 106 00:04:53,220 --> 00:04:59,880 Becs Gentry: the non- binary winner with Jacob Caswell in 36: 32. All 107 00:04:59,880 --> 00:05:04,620 Becs Gentry: these times, absolutely everyone's times, not just the winners were phenomenal. 108 00:05:04,620 --> 00:05:04,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: Amazing. 109 00:05:04,800 --> 00:05:06,570 Becs Gentry: Congratulations to you all. 110 00:05:06,720 --> 00:05:09,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, it was amazing. And I went out and ran 111 00:05:09,540 --> 00:05:12,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: a pretty good race myself. I set a PR in 112 00:05:12,120 --> 00:05:15,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: the 10K, which was great. I have to say I 113 00:05:15,450 --> 00:05:18,809 Rob Simmelkjaer: have to thank my pacer, and my chief of staff 114 00:05:18,809 --> 00:05:21,719 Rob Simmelkjaer: by the way, Iber Gonzalez Vidals, who works for us 115 00:05:21,719 --> 00:05:24,479 Rob Simmelkjaer: at Road Runners, and he's also an incredible runner. He 116 00:05:24,600 --> 00:05:27,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: works for us at Road Runners and he's an incredible 117 00:05:27,330 --> 00:05:30,089 Rob Simmelkjaer: runner. And a couple of weeks ago I said, "I think I 118 00:05:30,089 --> 00:05:32,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: could maybe run a good time in Queens. It's flat." 119 00:05:33,360 --> 00:05:35,969 Rob Simmelkjaer: I had aspirations of running even faster than I ended 120 00:05:35,969 --> 00:05:39,809 Rob Simmelkjaer: up running. And Iber who's way faster than me, agreed 121 00:05:39,809 --> 00:05:43,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: to pace me. And so we set a plan, and we 122 00:05:43,260 --> 00:05:45,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: go out and start running the pace that we plan 123 00:05:45,600 --> 00:05:49,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: to run. At two miles index I was like, " I cannot 124 00:05:49,830 --> 00:05:52,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: keep this pace up, there's no way we're going to 125 00:05:52,710 --> 00:05:53,219 Rob Simmelkjaer: run that time." 126 00:05:53,220 --> 00:05:53,221 Becs Gentry: Oh no. 127 00:05:53,221 --> 00:05:56,099 Rob Simmelkjaer: It was just hot enough that I felt like I was 128 00:05:56,099 --> 00:05:59,339 Rob Simmelkjaer: really dying from about two miles on. But we hung 129 00:05:59,339 --> 00:06:02,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: on there and ran in just over 42 minutes and it 130 00:06:02,730 --> 00:06:04,289 Rob Simmelkjaer: was a great race for me, so I had a 131 00:06:04,290 --> 00:06:04,919 Rob Simmelkjaer: really good time. 132 00:06:05,190 --> 00:06:10,229 Becs Gentry: Amazing. Congratulations. These PRs, they keep coming, they keep on flowing. 133 00:06:10,440 --> 00:06:13,289 Rob Simmelkjaer: I don't think there's many left Becs, I think I've tapped out. 134 00:06:13,290 --> 00:06:15,659 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm going to take a little time off from racing 135 00:06:15,660 --> 00:06:17,759 Rob Simmelkjaer: hard now, and then we'll see what the fall brings, 136 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:20,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: but it should be a lot of fun. And Becs, there's 137 00:06:20,850 --> 00:06:23,070 Rob Simmelkjaer: so much going on at Road Runners in the month 138 00:06:23,070 --> 00:06:23,219 Rob Simmelkjaer: of June. 139 00:06:23,219 --> 00:06:23,370 Becs Gentry: There is. 140 00:06:23,370 --> 00:06:24,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: We've got such a- 141 00:06:24,120 --> 00:06:24,150 Becs Gentry: Oh my gosh. 142 00:06:24,150 --> 00:06:24,151 Rob Simmelkjaer: ... busy month. 143 00:06:24,151 --> 00:06:24,301 Becs Gentry: So many races. 144 00:06:26,670 --> 00:06:29,639 Rob Simmelkjaer: So many races. It's like one after the other. This 145 00:06:29,639 --> 00:06:32,939 Rob Simmelkjaer: coming Sunday we'll be back in Central Park for one 146 00:06:32,940 --> 00:06:35,249 Rob Simmelkjaer: of the most inspiring races of the year, the Achilles 147 00:06:35,250 --> 00:06:39,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hope and Possibility for Miler presented by TD Bank. That's 148 00:06:39,990 --> 00:06:43,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: always such an inspiring run, Becs, as we see all of 149 00:06:43,380 --> 00:06:47,459 Rob Simmelkjaer: the great work that Achilles does with athletes with disabilities, 150 00:06:47,460 --> 00:06:49,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: and it's just so inspiring to see them all out there 151 00:06:50,339 --> 00:06:53,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: racing in that event. So it's a really a special one. 152 00:06:53,639 --> 00:06:55,500 Becs Gentry: Oh my gosh, I can't wait. I'll be sending you 153 00:06:55,500 --> 00:06:58,140 Becs Gentry: all lots of love from the other side of the pond. 154 00:06:58,830 --> 00:07:01,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: Absolutely. As you head back to the UK for a 155 00:07:02,040 --> 00:07:04,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: visit home, I know you'll enjoy yourself over there. So 156 00:07:05,400 --> 00:07:06,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: we'll miss you, but I know you'll have a great 157 00:07:06,900 --> 00:07:10,349 Rob Simmelkjaer: time. And then we've got a great show today, Becs, 158 00:07:10,410 --> 00:07:14,370 Rob Simmelkjaer: such an honor to speak with Nikki Hiltz. For anybody 159 00:07:14,370 --> 00:07:18,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: who follows track and field, Nikki really has become such 160 00:07:18,420 --> 00:07:22,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: a trailblazer in that world. A professional middle distance runner, 161 00:07:22,950 --> 00:07:28,949 Rob Simmelkjaer: really specializing in that 1, 500 meters, 800 meters as well. Nikki, 162 00:07:28,949 --> 00:07:33,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: a powerful advocate for the LGBTQ community as well. Nikki 163 00:07:33,120 --> 00:07:36,690 Rob Simmelkjaer: identifies as non- binary and they've been breaking barriers and 164 00:07:36,690 --> 00:07:39,719 Rob Simmelkjaer: setting records on and off the track, and they'll be 165 00:07:39,719 --> 00:07:42,840 Rob Simmelkjaer: here to share their story with us. A great conversation 166 00:07:42,840 --> 00:07:44,879 Rob Simmelkjaer: with Nikki Hiltz coming up in just a little bit. 167 00:07:44,880 --> 00:07:47,459 Rob Simmelkjaer: And then for our member moment this week. Meb will 168 00:07:47,459 --> 00:07:49,679 Rob Simmelkjaer: be here with New York Road Runners' Runner of the 169 00:07:49,680 --> 00:07:53,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: Year in the non- binary category, ages 45 to 49, 170 00:07:53,820 --> 00:07:58,559 Rob Simmelkjaer: Rob Roberts. Rob just started running marathons in 2021, but 171 00:07:58,559 --> 00:08:00,989 Rob Simmelkjaer: now has many to his name and we can't wait 172 00:08:00,990 --> 00:08:04,078 Rob Simmelkjaer: for you to hear his story too. And then for 173 00:08:04,080 --> 00:08:06,209 Rob Simmelkjaer: today's Meb Minute, we're going to get some tips on one of 174 00:08:06,209 --> 00:08:09,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: the most important summertime running topics, especially in a week 175 00:08:09,630 --> 00:08:11,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: as hot as this one has been, especially on the 176 00:08:11,520 --> 00:08:14,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: East Coast, hydration. Got to stay hydrated. 177 00:08:14,880 --> 00:08:18,570 Becs Gentry: Oh my goodness, what a show. What a show. I'm 178 00:08:18,570 --> 00:08:21,779 Becs Gentry: very excited for everyone to hear the conversation we had 179 00:08:21,780 --> 00:08:24,510 Becs Gentry: with Nikki because it's such an exciting time for them. And 180 00:08:24,540 --> 00:08:29,790 Becs Gentry: Meb Minute is going to be invaluable team, take everything 181 00:08:29,790 --> 00:08:31,440 Becs Gentry: he says and try it. 182 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:35,459 Rob Simmelkjaer: Absolutely. So looking forward to a good show. 183 00:08:36,030 --> 00:08:38,339 Becs Gentry: Get ready to go the extra mile with walking and 184 00:08:38,340 --> 00:08:41,910 Becs Gentry: running content fit for all levels available on the Peloton 185 00:08:41,910 --> 00:08:45,120 Becs Gentry: app. Tap in and track your workouts all in one 186 00:08:45,120 --> 00:08:48,150 Becs Gentry: place with the Just Walk or Just Run features to 187 00:08:48,150 --> 00:08:53,069 Becs Gentry: easily get moving towards your goals. No equipment needed. Find 188 00:08:53,070 --> 00:08:56,009 Becs Gentry: the Peloton app in the Apple, Android and Google app 189 00:08:56,009 --> 00:09:00,119 Becs Gentry: stores. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner for New York 190 00:09:00,119 --> 00:09:00,749 Becs Gentry: Road Runners. 191 00:09:01,020 --> 00:09:04,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: Nikki Hiltz is a champion middle distance runner specializing in 192 00:09:04,650 --> 00:09:07,858 Rob Simmelkjaer: the 800 meter and the 1, 500 meter events. They live 193 00:09:07,860 --> 00:09:11,189 Rob Simmelkjaer: and train in Flagstaff, Arizona under the guidance of Coach 194 00:09:11,190 --> 00:09:15,689 Rob Simmelkjaer: Mike Smith. In 2023, Nikki won the national championship in 195 00:09:15,690 --> 00:09:21,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: the 1500 meters, and recently ran a phenomenal 359 in the 1500 at 196 00:09:21,630 --> 00:09:26,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: the Prefontaine Classic. As an openly non- binary athlete Nikki 197 00:09:26,010 --> 00:09:30,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, and emphasizes the importance of 198 00:09:30,210 --> 00:09:33,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: mental health and sports. And Nikki is headed next week 199 00:09:33,990 --> 00:09:37,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: to the Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon. They use their 200 00:09:37,260 --> 00:09:40,949 Rob Simmelkjaer: platform to humanize trans and non- binary people and inspire 201 00:09:40,950 --> 00:09:44,728 Rob Simmelkjaer: so many people by sharing their story. Nikki, so awesome 202 00:09:44,730 --> 00:09:46,559 Rob Simmelkjaer: to have you on Set the Pace, really, it's an 203 00:09:46,559 --> 00:09:49,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: honor. We are such fans of you at New York 204 00:09:49,830 --> 00:09:51,779 Rob Simmelkjaer: Road Runners and everything you're doing. So welcome to the 205 00:09:51,780 --> 00:09:52,828 Rob Simmelkjaer: show. Thanks for joining us. 206 00:09:53,400 --> 00:09:56,550 Nikki Hiltz: Thank you. Thank you so much for having me. I love a 207 00:09:56,550 --> 00:09:59,460 Nikki Hiltz: good podcast. So, so excited for this conversation. 208 00:10:00,059 --> 00:10:02,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: Who doesn't love a good podcast? I'm sure you are 209 00:10:02,280 --> 00:10:05,490 Rob Simmelkjaer: asked to do more than your share of podcasts, Nikki, 210 00:10:05,490 --> 00:10:09,328 Rob Simmelkjaer: given your incredible success and your story. So wait, let's 211 00:10:09,330 --> 00:10:12,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: start at the start here. How is it going getting 212 00:10:12,660 --> 00:10:15,809 Rob Simmelkjaer: ready for Eugene? How are you feeling? What do you 213 00:10:15,809 --> 00:10:19,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: feel like your chances are to make yourself an Olympic team? 214 00:10:20,400 --> 00:10:24,208 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, it's crazy. We're two weeks out. I think yesterday 215 00:10:24,210 --> 00:10:27,990 Nikki Hiltz: was exactly two weeks from round one, and so it's 216 00:10:27,990 --> 00:10:32,429 Nikki Hiltz: crazy it's finally here. There's a lot of feelings, I 217 00:10:32,429 --> 00:10:35,790 Nikki Hiltz: think a lot of excitement, definitely a lot of nervousness. 218 00:10:35,820 --> 00:10:39,540 Nikki Hiltz: But I just can't believe it's finally here. This is what 219 00:10:39,780 --> 00:10:42,509 Nikki Hiltz: we've been working towards for the last three years it 220 00:10:42,509 --> 00:10:47,640 Nikki Hiltz: feels like. So I think I feel pretty good though. 221 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:51,900 Nikki Hiltz: I'm in the best shape of my life, and that's 222 00:10:51,900 --> 00:10:54,390 Nikki Hiltz: always a great place to be in going into a 223 00:10:54,390 --> 00:11:00,960 Nikki Hiltz: big important race. I feel confident. I love championship racing 224 00:11:00,960 --> 00:11:04,469 Nikki Hiltz: because there's no rabbits, there's no pace lights, it's literally 225 00:11:04,469 --> 00:11:07,740 Nikki Hiltz: just let's go out and try to beat everyone that's 226 00:11:07,740 --> 00:11:12,958 Nikki Hiltz: next to me. And so I love that. And I think I'm just excited to race and 227 00:11:12,960 --> 00:11:16,920 Nikki Hiltz: to execute a really good 1, 500 and hopefully that lands 228 00:11:16,920 --> 00:11:18,060 Nikki Hiltz: me for second or third. 229 00:11:19,139 --> 00:11:23,489 Becs Gentry: I think you're going to do it because judging by your insane 230 00:11:23,490 --> 00:11:27,210 Becs Gentry: performance at the Prefontine classic, my jaw was on the floor. 231 00:11:27,210 --> 00:11:28,770 Becs Gentry: As a long distance runner. I was like, " That makes 232 00:11:28,770 --> 00:11:35,099 Becs Gentry: me feel physically sick." Unreal fast. How was it coming 233 00:11:35,099 --> 00:11:38,460 Becs Gentry: off the back of that and going into this insanely 234 00:11:39,389 --> 00:11:43,828 Becs Gentry: important training plan? How was that the high and then, 235 00:11:43,950 --> 00:11:46,440 Becs Gentry: okay, I've got to refocus my brain. 236 00:11:47,280 --> 00:11:49,950 Nikki Hiltz: Totally. It was kind of scary because it was my 237 00:11:49,950 --> 00:11:53,969 Nikki Hiltz: first 15 of the season. I've kind of approached this 238 00:11:53,969 --> 00:11:57,840 Nikki Hiltz: season differently than I have maybe past outdoor seasons. I 239 00:11:58,170 --> 00:12:01,078 Nikki Hiltz: really haven't raced that much. I did a couple of 240 00:12:01,080 --> 00:12:04,170 Nikki Hiltz: eights in early May, which I think got me ready 241 00:12:04,170 --> 00:12:06,988 Nikki Hiltz: for when we went out fast at Pre. And I 242 00:12:06,990 --> 00:12:08,760 Nikki Hiltz: think the Olympic trials is going to go out fast 243 00:12:08,760 --> 00:12:13,499 Nikki Hiltz: too, so just practicing that. But it's weird, I think 244 00:12:13,500 --> 00:12:18,150 Nikki Hiltz: I've really leaned into training the past six months whereas 245 00:12:18,240 --> 00:12:22,679 Nikki Hiltz: before I would rely on racing into shape more. And 246 00:12:22,679 --> 00:12:26,340 Nikki Hiltz: I think that's just shown how I've maybe grown as 247 00:12:26,340 --> 00:12:30,659 Nikki Hiltz: an athlete or grown in my confidence, and I don't need 248 00:12:30,660 --> 00:12:33,780 Nikki Hiltz: to race a ton to know that I'm a good 249 00:12:33,780 --> 00:12:39,360 Nikki Hiltz: racer. I have that confidence in myself. After the meet, 250 00:12:39,630 --> 00:12:44,880 Nikki Hiltz: it was obviously just such a fun weekend. TrackTown did 251 00:12:44,880 --> 00:12:47,220 Nikki Hiltz: such a good job of putting that meat on, and 252 00:12:48,090 --> 00:12:50,999 Nikki Hiltz: just such a cool atmosphere. And then coming back to 253 00:12:51,660 --> 00:12:56,728 Nikki Hiltz: Quiet Flagstaff was definitely a change. But I think I've 254 00:12:56,730 --> 00:13:02,040 Nikki Hiltz: just been leaning into training, and just really knowing the 255 00:13:02,040 --> 00:13:06,750 Nikki Hiltz: training is what is going to make you do... It's 256 00:13:06,750 --> 00:13:08,580 Nikki Hiltz: what's going to make you fit so that you can 257 00:13:08,580 --> 00:13:11,609 Nikki Hiltz: do all the right moves you want to do in 258 00:13:11,609 --> 00:13:13,049 Nikki Hiltz: the race if that makes sense. 259 00:13:14,250 --> 00:13:18,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: Nikki 1, 500 meters and 800 even faster, but it goes 260 00:13:18,960 --> 00:13:22,858 Rob Simmelkjaer: by so quickly, it just happens so fast. We talk 261 00:13:22,860 --> 00:13:25,139 Rob Simmelkjaer: of course on this show a lot about marathons and half- 262 00:13:25,139 --> 00:13:28,169 Rob Simmelkjaer: marathons. But I'm sure you go into these races with 263 00:13:28,170 --> 00:13:31,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: a plan, everybody's got a plan. As Mike Tyson used 264 00:13:31,410 --> 00:13:33,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: to say, everybody's got a plan until they get hit 265 00:13:33,000 --> 00:13:37,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the face. You walk in with a plan, and 266 00:13:37,350 --> 00:13:41,729 Rob Simmelkjaer: then how do you try to make your plan actually 267 00:13:41,730 --> 00:13:46,949 Rob Simmelkjaer: happen over a race that is so short and unexpected 268 00:13:46,949 --> 00:13:54,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: things happen, unexpected pace, unexpected people doing unexpected things. How 269 00:13:54,120 --> 00:13:57,119 Rob Simmelkjaer: do you execute a plan while at the same time 270 00:13:57,120 --> 00:14:00,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: being ready for the unexpected in a race where things 271 00:14:00,240 --> 00:14:01,379 Rob Simmelkjaer: can happen so quickly? 272 00:14:03,750 --> 00:14:05,129 Nikki Hiltz: I think you just said it, you have to be ready for 273 00:14:05,129 --> 00:14:08,970 Nikki Hiltz: everything and anything. And I think the only thing predictable about the 1, 274 00:14:09,090 --> 00:14:12,510 Nikki Hiltz: 500 is that it's going to be unpredictable. But I 275 00:14:12,510 --> 00:14:14,939 Nikki Hiltz: think that's why I love this event. It keeps me 276 00:14:14,940 --> 00:14:18,990 Nikki Hiltz: on my toes and obviously I have a plan to 277 00:14:18,990 --> 00:14:21,690 Nikki Hiltz: some extent, a rough outline I would say. But it's 278 00:14:21,690 --> 00:14:24,150 Nikki Hiltz: really just about getting in there and trusting your instincts. 279 00:14:24,150 --> 00:14:27,690 Nikki Hiltz: And I'm such a nerd. I watch so many 15, 280 00:14:27,720 --> 00:14:32,309 Nikki Hiltz: 000s, I really study this event. I know what to 281 00:14:32,309 --> 00:14:35,189 Nikki Hiltz: do when certain things happen and if I don't and 282 00:14:35,190 --> 00:14:37,560 Nikki Hiltz: if something new happens in a race, it's almost like 283 00:14:37,650 --> 00:14:39,870 Nikki Hiltz: I get excited of like, " Oh, this is something new 284 00:14:39,870 --> 00:14:43,980 Nikki Hiltz: I'm learning." And so yeah, I think you have to 285 00:14:44,310 --> 00:14:47,940 Nikki Hiltz: run races to your strength and my strength is my 286 00:14:47,940 --> 00:14:54,149 Nikki Hiltz: finishing kick. It's pretty simple. It's complicated and hard and 287 00:14:54,150 --> 00:14:56,820 Nikki Hiltz: very difficult thing to do, but it's simple. I just 288 00:14:56,820 --> 00:14:59,400 Nikki Hiltz: sit and kick, that's at the end of the day 289 00:14:59,400 --> 00:15:03,450 Nikki Hiltz: my strategy. And sometimes I'm sitting and the pace is 290 00:15:04,350 --> 00:15:07,140 Nikki Hiltz: fast pace and sometimes it's slow and then it becomes 291 00:15:07,140 --> 00:15:10,680 Nikki Hiltz: about positioning. So I don't know, I think it's just 292 00:15:10,980 --> 00:15:14,250 Nikki Hiltz: a fun chess match for me out there. And that's why 293 00:15:14,309 --> 00:15:16,949 Nikki Hiltz: I love championship racing, it's like who can figure it 294 00:15:16,949 --> 00:15:18,449 Nikki Hiltz: out and who can be at the right place at 295 00:15:18,449 --> 00:15:19,080 Nikki Hiltz: the right time. 296 00:15:19,860 --> 00:15:23,640 Becs Gentry: I love that it's like a chess match. So there's 297 00:15:24,270 --> 00:15:27,780 Becs Gentry: four minutes let's say of the 1, 500 and you are not just 298 00:15:27,840 --> 00:15:30,420 Becs Gentry: absolutely crushing it, but you're having this game of chess 299 00:15:30,420 --> 00:15:33,960 Becs Gentry: in your brain, that's inspiring. So talking of learning new 300 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:38,760 Becs Gentry: things, you've been working with Coach Mike Smith. And you've 301 00:15:38,760 --> 00:15:42,840 Becs Gentry: always been an incredible athlete, but recently you have been 302 00:15:43,410 --> 00:15:45,690 Becs Gentry: breaking your own records. You've been going for it, you've been 303 00:15:46,410 --> 00:15:50,280 Becs Gentry: just leveling up every single time. So is there something 304 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:54,389 Becs Gentry: that you, or he, or together you've been doing differently 305 00:15:54,389 --> 00:15:55,079 Becs Gentry: in your training? 306 00:15:57,749 --> 00:16:01,590 Nikki Hiltz: I think just when I first moved here in March 307 00:16:01,590 --> 00:16:05,610 Nikki Hiltz: of 2022, so it's been two full years, it was 308 00:16:05,610 --> 00:16:09,359 Nikki Hiltz: really just the focus on let's get stronger. I've always 309 00:16:09,360 --> 00:16:13,200 Nikki Hiltz: had a really good finishing kick. But I just wasn't 310 00:16:13,200 --> 00:16:15,360 Nikki Hiltz: quite strong enough to be there to be able to 311 00:16:15,360 --> 00:16:18,060 Nikki Hiltz: use it. So that was the main goal was it 312 00:16:18,060 --> 00:16:21,540 Nikki Hiltz: was focus on the third lap, that's the hardest lap 313 00:16:21,540 --> 00:16:25,710 Nikki Hiltz: of the 1, 500. And so I think I've really, really 314 00:16:25,710 --> 00:16:32,100 Nikki Hiltz: built out my threshold, aerobic threshold, we do this thing 315 00:16:32,100 --> 00:16:34,890 Nikki Hiltz: called double threshold. I'm sure the whole running world is 316 00:16:34,890 --> 00:16:38,249 Nikki Hiltz: sick of hearing about it. It's you work out in 317 00:16:38,250 --> 00:16:40,380 Nikki Hiltz: the morning and then you come back in the afternoon. 318 00:16:42,599 --> 00:16:45,179 Nikki Hiltz: It's nothing crazy fast, it's threshold pace, it's just the 319 00:16:45,179 --> 00:16:49,260 Nikki Hiltz: volume. It gets you over weeks and weeks, months and 320 00:16:49,260 --> 00:16:51,510 Nikki Hiltz: months, years and years just gets you stronger. And so 321 00:16:52,170 --> 00:16:54,660 Nikki Hiltz: that I think has been the really big focus. And 322 00:16:54,660 --> 00:16:59,880 Nikki Hiltz: my training partners are 5K, 10K athletes, so that obviously helps 323 00:16:59,880 --> 00:17:03,480 Nikki Hiltz: in that arena too, but also not completely abandoning my 324 00:17:03,480 --> 00:17:08,550 Nikki Hiltz: speed. Every Friday I do 800 workouts specifically. I'm doing 325 00:17:09,210 --> 00:17:14,820 Nikki Hiltz: 60 pace or under on Friday, so it's really hitting 326 00:17:15,090 --> 00:17:18,480 Nikki Hiltz: two ends of the spectrum. On Tuesdays I'm running 80 327 00:17:18,480 --> 00:17:20,908 Nikki Hiltz: pace and on Fridays I'm running 60 pace. And then 328 00:17:21,119 --> 00:17:23,129 Nikki Hiltz: when I get in the race, it's somewhere in between. 329 00:17:24,810 --> 00:17:28,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: It almost sounds like your speed is the thing that 330 00:17:28,650 --> 00:17:31,138 Rob Simmelkjaer: you know is there that you can count on. It 331 00:17:31,140 --> 00:17:34,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: seems like you've always had that. And in sports we all 332 00:17:34,230 --> 00:17:37,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: have that. We all have a thing if we're good and 333 00:17:37,320 --> 00:17:40,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: we excel at a sport, one part of that thing 334 00:17:40,320 --> 00:17:42,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: that we know we can go to. So it sounds 335 00:17:42,150 --> 00:17:44,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: like for me maybe in tennis, maybe it's my backhand 336 00:17:44,970 --> 00:17:48,388 Rob Simmelkjaer: that's reliable, or whatever it may be. For you the 337 00:17:48,390 --> 00:17:51,840 Rob Simmelkjaer: kick seems like the thing you know is there. So 338 00:17:51,840 --> 00:17:55,799 Rob Simmelkjaer: is that why you're training with these 5K and 10 K runners 339 00:17:55,799 --> 00:17:59,549 Rob Simmelkjaer: to build up the part that you aren't always as 340 00:17:59,549 --> 00:18:02,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: sure of, the second and the third lap before you 341 00:18:02,280 --> 00:18:03,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: can get to that kick? 342 00:18:03,570 --> 00:18:09,000 Nikki Hiltz: Exactly, you said it perfectly. And I think, I don't 343 00:18:09,000 --> 00:18:12,750 Nikki Hiltz: know, I think really good athletes can look at themselves 344 00:18:12,750 --> 00:18:14,339 Nikki Hiltz: in the mirror and be like, "Okay, what am I bad 345 00:18:14,340 --> 00:18:17,580 Nikki Hiltz: at? What do I need help with?" And I that's I think what 346 00:18:17,580 --> 00:18:22,260 Nikki Hiltz: I did coming off the last Olympic trials. Not to 347 00:18:22,260 --> 00:18:28,259 Nikki Hiltz: say I'm bad at something, but it's like, " Where's room for improvement?" And so I just dove 348 00:18:28,260 --> 00:18:32,549 Nikki Hiltz: headfirst into at the start of 2022 to really figure that 349 00:18:32,549 --> 00:18:35,849 Nikki Hiltz: out. And altitude was something I had dabbled in. I 350 00:18:35,849 --> 00:18:40,020 Nikki Hiltz: had done training camps and stuff and Flagstaff and things 351 00:18:40,650 --> 00:18:42,898 Nikki Hiltz: like that, but I was like I think this is going to 352 00:18:42,900 --> 00:18:44,490 Nikki Hiltz: be good for me in the long haul. And it's 353 00:18:44,490 --> 00:18:46,440 Nikki Hiltz: just really cool to see it paying off. 354 00:18:47,969 --> 00:18:50,759 Becs Gentry: That is, because you're originally from California. 355 00:18:51,388 --> 00:18:52,770 Nikki Hiltz: Yes. Santa Cruz, California. 356 00:18:52,949 --> 00:18:55,350 Becs Gentry: Santa Cruz, That's it. So going up into the mountains 357 00:18:55,350 --> 00:19:02,070 Becs Gentry: in Flagstaff, you're surrounded by the running mecca almost. Just 358 00:19:02,070 --> 00:19:06,750 Becs Gentry: everyone is out there living and training and inspiring one 359 00:19:06,750 --> 00:19:09,869 Becs Gentry: another. And I guess one of my questions I'm dying 360 00:19:09,869 --> 00:19:12,540 Becs Gentry: to know, which is totally probably off script here. But 361 00:19:12,810 --> 00:19:17,850 Becs Gentry: being that you are in Flagstaff and surrounded by people 362 00:19:17,940 --> 00:19:21,359 Becs Gentry: over many different disciplines who are training out there with 363 00:19:21,690 --> 00:19:25,290 Becs Gentry: hopes of making the team for the Olympics, how do 364 00:19:25,290 --> 00:19:30,718 Becs Gentry: you keep yourself grounded but also motivated? 365 00:19:32,430 --> 00:19:34,890 Nikki Hiltz: No, that's a really good question. I feel like it's 366 00:19:34,890 --> 00:19:38,520 Nikki Hiltz: so applicable just right now. I was saying we're two 367 00:19:38,520 --> 00:19:42,418 Nikki Hiltz: weeks out from this thing that everyone wants so badly. 368 00:19:42,719 --> 00:19:46,020 Nikki Hiltz: And so I think it is really important to surround yourself with people 369 00:19:46,020 --> 00:19:50,668 Nikki Hiltz: who are just good energy, and are approaching it in 370 00:19:50,670 --> 00:19:56,220 Nikki Hiltz: a way that maybe you approach it. It's a really 371 00:19:56,220 --> 00:19:59,369 Nikki Hiltz: delicate thing because everyone, we all want it and we are all 372 00:19:59,369 --> 00:20:01,888 Nikki Hiltz: working so hard for it, but it's like you also 373 00:20:01,888 --> 00:20:06,720 Nikki Hiltz: have to protect your space. And I've surrounded myself with really 374 00:20:06,720 --> 00:20:12,270 Nikki Hiltz: awesome people. My partner Emma, she just found out today 375 00:20:12,270 --> 00:20:15,000 Nikki Hiltz: that she's officially accepted into the trials. 376 00:20:17,670 --> 00:20:17,671 Becs Gentry: Yeah, congrats Emma. 377 00:20:17,671 --> 00:20:22,049 Nikki Hiltz: It's so exciting. And so being around her, obviously, every day is awesome. 378 00:20:23,340 --> 00:20:25,740 Nikki Hiltz: Maddie Borman has become a really good friend, she's training 379 00:20:25,740 --> 00:20:28,109 Nikki Hiltz: up here and she's in the steeplechase as well. And 380 00:20:28,920 --> 00:20:34,320 Nikki Hiltz: I think just finding people, Rachel Smith and Mike are 381 00:20:34,320 --> 00:20:36,178 Nikki Hiltz: like they just have such a good head on their 382 00:20:36,179 --> 00:20:40,289 Nikki Hiltz: shoulders. And know that yes we're going to Eugene to 383 00:20:40,559 --> 00:20:42,720 Nikki Hiltz: try to make an Olympic team. But at the end 384 00:20:42,720 --> 00:20:44,310 Nikki Hiltz: of the day we're going to Eugene to just try 385 00:20:44,310 --> 00:20:48,750 Nikki Hiltz: to execute a really good race. And that's what we 386 00:20:48,750 --> 00:20:52,469 Nikki Hiltz: practice and what we do, and that's something I'm confident, 387 00:20:52,469 --> 00:20:55,859 Nikki Hiltz: I'm really good at. It's just finding yourself people that believe 388 00:20:55,859 --> 00:20:57,720 Nikki Hiltz: in you, and then also have the same mindset of 389 00:20:57,720 --> 00:21:03,330 Nikki Hiltz: let's just be really process focused instead of outcome oriented. 390 00:21:03,330 --> 00:21:06,780 Nikki Hiltz: And so that's been really helpful for me. 391 00:21:07,170 --> 00:21:10,379 Rob Simmelkjaer: It makes so much sense to think that way because 392 00:21:10,380 --> 00:21:13,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: your process and your performance, that's the part you can 393 00:21:13,590 --> 00:21:17,429 Rob Simmelkjaer: control. You can't control what other people do, and ultimately 394 00:21:17,430 --> 00:21:20,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: whether you make the team or not is in part 395 00:21:20,700 --> 00:21:23,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: based on what other people do, but you can't control 396 00:21:23,010 --> 00:21:26,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: that. So it must make it a lot easier to 397 00:21:26,730 --> 00:21:30,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: manage the next couple of weeks thinking that way. And 398 00:21:30,420 --> 00:21:33,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm impressed with you that you're even sitting here doing 399 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:35,369 Rob Simmelkjaer: a podcast two weeks out from this thing. I can 400 00:21:35,369 --> 00:21:39,840 Rob Simmelkjaer: tell you must be mentally very strong that you're able 401 00:21:39,840 --> 00:21:42,720 Rob Simmelkjaer: to have a conversation like this and talk about it. 402 00:21:44,040 --> 00:21:46,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: Does it relax you to talk about it and have 403 00:21:46,950 --> 00:21:51,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: these conversations, or does it make you feel any different, 404 00:21:51,030 --> 00:21:52,319 Rob Simmelkjaer: or is it just kind of part of what you 405 00:21:52,590 --> 00:21:53,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: have to do as a pro athlete? 406 00:21:54,300 --> 00:21:57,570 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, it's part of it. We talk about the trials almost 407 00:21:57,570 --> 00:22:00,750 Nikki Hiltz: every day. It's in my mind, it's in the back 408 00:22:00,750 --> 00:22:02,700 Nikki Hiltz: of my mind, why not talk about it? I think 409 00:22:02,700 --> 00:22:07,019 Nikki Hiltz: just pretending it doesn't exist or trying to not talk 410 00:22:07,020 --> 00:22:09,329 Nikki Hiltz: about it would almost fester inside of you more. 411 00:22:10,469 --> 00:22:11,639 Rob Simmelkjaer: What trials, what are you talking about? Is that a thing? 412 00:22:11,639 --> 00:22:19,740 Nikki Hiltz: But I think also I've been in this sport long enough. In 2021, 413 00:22:20,638 --> 00:22:26,580 Nikki Hiltz: I felt so much pressure and stress to make the 414 00:22:26,580 --> 00:22:29,909 Nikki Hiltz: team, and there was I felt like all this stuff 415 00:22:29,910 --> 00:22:33,300 Nikki Hiltz: riding on it. And then the worst thing happened, I didn't make 416 00:22:33,300 --> 00:22:37,050 Nikki Hiltz: the team and I was fine. My life went on, 417 00:22:37,050 --> 00:22:39,780 Nikki Hiltz: and I have a beautiful life. And then I moved 418 00:22:39,780 --> 00:22:42,119 Nikki Hiltz: to Flagstaff the next year and then my life got 419 00:22:42,119 --> 00:22:46,949 Nikki Hiltz: even better. And then I've had championships where I did make... 420 00:22:46,949 --> 00:22:49,020 Nikki Hiltz: last year I won the whole thing. So I've had 421 00:22:49,020 --> 00:22:53,430 Nikki Hiltz: the experience of having both outcomes of doing it and 422 00:22:53,430 --> 00:22:55,800 Nikki Hiltz: not doing it. And it actually, no matter what the 423 00:22:55,800 --> 00:22:58,710 Nikki Hiltz: outcome is, it doesn't change your life at all. And 424 00:22:58,710 --> 00:23:01,740 Nikki Hiltz: I think that going into this, it's almost like not 425 00:23:01,740 --> 00:23:04,740 Nikki Hiltz: making the Olympic team in 2021 was a blessing in 426 00:23:04,740 --> 00:23:07,920 Nikki Hiltz: disguise. Because now I'm like that can happen again, and 427 00:23:07,920 --> 00:23:10,198 Nikki Hiltz: it's going to be fine if the outcome isn't what 428 00:23:10,200 --> 00:23:10,500 Nikki Hiltz: I want. 429 00:23:11,670 --> 00:23:13,350 Becs Gentry: Wow, I love that. And it sounds like you have 430 00:23:13,350 --> 00:23:18,150 Becs Gentry: such a supportive team around you from obviously Emma, but 431 00:23:18,150 --> 00:23:22,980 Becs Gentry: also friends and training partners and coaches, it's lucky and it's 432 00:23:23,010 --> 00:23:29,550 Becs Gentry: so inspiring. And honestly from seeing what you do as 433 00:23:29,550 --> 00:23:33,270 Becs Gentry: an athlete, and the love that you give back, and the 434 00:23:33,270 --> 00:23:38,430 Becs Gentry: inspiration that you give back to the LGBTQ+ community is just, 435 00:23:38,940 --> 00:23:45,330 Becs Gentry: it's wonderful. It's really something that athletes right now are 436 00:23:45,359 --> 00:23:49,230 Becs Gentry: getting more and more voice to be able to stand up and 437 00:23:49,230 --> 00:23:51,840 Becs Gentry: use these platforms in the way that they want to. 438 00:23:51,869 --> 00:23:53,879 Becs Gentry: It's not closed off and it's not, I don't know, 439 00:23:55,290 --> 00:24:01,140 Becs Gentry: policed maybe. And so is that helping you, knowing how 440 00:24:01,140 --> 00:24:04,680 Becs Gentry: many people out there are looking to you with just 441 00:24:05,520 --> 00:24:07,830 Becs Gentry: thanks and inspiration? 442 00:24:08,970 --> 00:24:16,349 Nikki Hiltz: Totally, it's always lovely to have support. I feel like 443 00:24:16,350 --> 00:24:24,119 Nikki Hiltz: people say in the LGBTQ community, " We're with you." Those 444 00:24:24,119 --> 00:24:26,130 Nikki Hiltz: words just, I don't know, means so much to me 445 00:24:26,130 --> 00:24:30,869 Nikki Hiltz: because this is such a solo sport. It's not a 446 00:24:30,869 --> 00:24:35,670 Nikki Hiltz: team sport, you can have obviously coaches, training partners, partners, 447 00:24:35,670 --> 00:24:38,040 Nikki Hiltz: things like that. But at the end of the day it's just you on 448 00:24:38,040 --> 00:24:41,218 Nikki Hiltz: the track making it happen or not. And so I think, " 449 00:24:42,690 --> 00:24:46,950 Nikki Hiltz: We're with you, we're cheering you on." It does make 450 00:24:46,950 --> 00:24:50,219 Nikki Hiltz: it feel like I have a purpose or community with me when 451 00:24:50,219 --> 00:24:53,309 Nikki Hiltz: I'm out there. And I think that's just so powerful. 452 00:24:57,030 --> 00:25:00,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: Nikki, what's interesting to me when I look at your 453 00:25:00,570 --> 00:25:05,369 Rob Simmelkjaer: trajectory is you came out as transgender and non- binary 454 00:25:05,369 --> 00:25:10,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: in 2021. I believe it was after that trials where 455 00:25:10,920 --> 00:25:12,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: you didn't make the team, is that correct? 456 00:25:13,380 --> 00:25:15,450 Nikki Hiltz: It was actually before it was March- 457 00:25:16,680 --> 00:25:16,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: Is that before? 458 00:25:16,831 --> 00:25:16,832 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah. So it was- 459 00:25:16,832 --> 00:25:16,833 Rob Simmelkjaer: So soon before. 460 00:25:16,833 --> 00:25:17,369 Nikki Hiltz: ... three months before. 461 00:25:17,369 --> 00:25:23,309 Rob Simmelkjaer: Soon before. But then since then you have just skyrocketed 462 00:25:23,309 --> 00:25:26,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: in terms of your results. I'm sure there's a lot 463 00:25:26,250 --> 00:25:29,939 Rob Simmelkjaer: of factors, your training and your coaching and just where 464 00:25:29,940 --> 00:25:33,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: you're at as an athlete, but has that been part 465 00:25:33,270 --> 00:25:37,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: of it? Your ability to be out there as your 466 00:25:37,470 --> 00:25:42,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: true self, running as who you are and having everybody 467 00:25:42,300 --> 00:25:46,559 Rob Simmelkjaer: know it. Do you think that's part of what is 468 00:25:46,559 --> 00:25:49,349 Rob Simmelkjaer: driving the success that you are having on the track 469 00:25:49,380 --> 00:25:50,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: the last couple of years? 470 00:25:51,090 --> 00:25:55,110 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, definitely. I think I was holding this thing inside. 471 00:25:57,690 --> 00:26:02,099 Nikki Hiltz: I think when you have serene emotions, or energy, or 472 00:26:02,099 --> 00:26:04,438 Nikki Hiltz: stress about something. Kind of like I was saying if 473 00:26:04,440 --> 00:26:07,619 Nikki Hiltz: you just hold it in, it's going to weigh you 474 00:26:07,619 --> 00:26:10,830 Nikki Hiltz: down or just... I don't know, so I do really feel 475 00:26:10,830 --> 00:26:15,750 Nikki Hiltz: like when I came out about my gender identity and 476 00:26:15,929 --> 00:26:21,240 Nikki Hiltz: it was a weight lifted. But I think it kind 477 00:26:21,240 --> 00:26:24,509 Nikki Hiltz: of took a while for maybe the running world to 478 00:26:24,510 --> 00:26:29,820 Nikki Hiltz: catch up and start normalizing using they, them pronouns, and 479 00:26:30,060 --> 00:26:35,790 Nikki Hiltz: it is an adjustment period. It's almost like the better 480 00:26:35,790 --> 00:26:38,549 Nikki Hiltz: the running world gets at it, the better, the more 481 00:26:38,549 --> 00:26:41,129 Nikki Hiltz: I feel seen safe and supported, and then of course 482 00:26:41,129 --> 00:26:43,770 Nikki Hiltz: I can be better at my craft. I think it 483 00:26:43,770 --> 00:26:48,240 Nikki Hiltz: definitely is all connected. I remember in 2016 I came 484 00:26:48,240 --> 00:26:52,650 Nikki Hiltz: out initially about my sexuality and then boom, 2017 was my 485 00:26:52,650 --> 00:26:55,168 Nikki Hiltz: best year I ever had in college. So it was 486 00:26:55,650 --> 00:26:58,890 Nikki Hiltz: paralleling that, but now with my gender identity and so 487 00:27:00,000 --> 00:27:05,580 Nikki Hiltz: it's definitely not a coincidence. Just very grateful for all 488 00:27:05,580 --> 00:27:08,458 Nikki Hiltz: the people who have made space for me. 489 00:27:10,800 --> 00:27:13,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: I just think Nikki, and you talk about mental health 490 00:27:13,830 --> 00:27:17,069 Rob Simmelkjaer: a lot in your travels as an athlete. We talk 491 00:27:17,070 --> 00:27:19,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: about it a lot at New York Road Runners, and 492 00:27:19,710 --> 00:27:21,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: here on this podcast. And I just think it's such 493 00:27:21,960 --> 00:27:26,099 Rob Simmelkjaer: an interesting case study in what makes someone be able 494 00:27:26,099 --> 00:27:29,879 Rob Simmelkjaer: to perform at their best, whether it's in athletics or 495 00:27:30,179 --> 00:27:34,799 Rob Simmelkjaer: any other walk of life, your job, your relationships, whatever 496 00:27:34,799 --> 00:27:38,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: it is. When you have this stuff that's weighing you 497 00:27:38,430 --> 00:27:43,619 Rob Simmelkjaer: down, it's just hard. And we think we can compartmentalize 498 00:27:43,619 --> 00:27:46,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: and say, " Okay, well, I'm going to take that thing 499 00:27:46,260 --> 00:27:48,809 Rob Simmelkjaer: and put that in a drawer, and not look at 500 00:27:48,809 --> 00:27:51,839 Rob Simmelkjaer: that because I'm focused on running this race." But you 501 00:27:51,839 --> 00:27:55,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: can only do that so much and at some point 502 00:27:55,710 --> 00:27:59,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: those things that are nagging you will affect your performance 503 00:27:59,850 --> 00:28:03,599 Rob Simmelkjaer: or your training. But when those things are resolved and 504 00:28:03,599 --> 00:28:07,859 Rob Simmelkjaer: you feel like you're unified as a person, that's how 505 00:28:07,859 --> 00:28:10,229 Rob Simmelkjaer: you can really get the best out of yourself. 506 00:28:11,099 --> 00:28:12,539 Nikki Hiltz: Totally, 100%. 507 00:28:14,580 --> 00:28:19,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's just fascinating. What do you say to other athletes who 508 00:28:20,220 --> 00:28:24,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: maybe are going through it or before where you were 509 00:28:24,150 --> 00:28:28,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: maybe in your journey, maybe the 2020 version of a 510 00:28:28,080 --> 00:28:31,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: Nikki Hiltz. Do you give advice to people, whether it's 511 00:28:31,410 --> 00:28:33,869 Rob Simmelkjaer: specific individuals or just in general? What do you say 512 00:28:33,869 --> 00:28:34,169 Rob Simmelkjaer: to them? 513 00:28:36,990 --> 00:28:39,840 Nikki Hiltz: I think for me the biggest struggle was not feeling 514 00:28:39,840 --> 00:28:44,940 Nikki Hiltz: that I belonged, because I think I didn't see... I'm 515 00:28:44,940 --> 00:28:48,419 Nikki Hiltz: the first. I didn't see someone like me or have 516 00:28:48,420 --> 00:28:51,450 Nikki Hiltz: representation of someone using they, them pronouns and what that 517 00:28:51,450 --> 00:28:53,970 Nikki Hiltz: even looks like. And so I'm like, "Okay, I guess that 518 00:28:53,970 --> 00:28:57,809 Nikki Hiltz: doesn't belong in track and field or sports." I think that 519 00:28:57,809 --> 00:29:04,710 Nikki Hiltz: was really hard to get over. So I would say 520 00:29:04,710 --> 00:29:10,560 Nikki Hiltz: you do belong. Anyone who competes in this sport belongs 521 00:29:10,560 --> 00:29:15,420 Nikki Hiltz: in this sport. It's not reserved for just one gender 522 00:29:15,420 --> 00:29:18,780 Nikki Hiltz: or one race or one body type. That's the beautiful 523 00:29:18,780 --> 00:29:21,179 Nikki Hiltz: part about track and field, it's like a hundred different 524 00:29:21,179 --> 00:29:26,430 Nikki Hiltz: sports within one sport. And so I do think that just 525 00:29:26,430 --> 00:29:31,590 Nikki Hiltz: you belong wherever you decide to be, that's the case. 526 00:29:33,120 --> 00:29:36,300 Nikki Hiltz: I think that there are people in this sport and 527 00:29:36,300 --> 00:29:40,709 Nikki Hiltz: world that are willing to make space for you, and 528 00:29:40,709 --> 00:29:43,080 Nikki Hiltz: see you, and try to understand you even if they 529 00:29:43,080 --> 00:29:48,360 Nikki Hiltz: don't have the same identity. It's obviously scary, and it's 530 00:29:50,520 --> 00:29:53,700 Nikki Hiltz: such a leap of faith to come out about something, 531 00:29:53,700 --> 00:29:57,540 Nikki Hiltz: but that's where the biggest growth happens. And, I don't 532 00:29:57,540 --> 00:30:01,470 Nikki Hiltz: know, I'm a big Brene Brown fan, courage and vulnerability 533 00:30:01,470 --> 00:30:08,820 Nikki Hiltz: are one and the same. And so, I don't know. 534 00:30:10,170 --> 00:30:13,439 Nikki Hiltz: Just you belong and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. 535 00:30:14,280 --> 00:30:18,450 Becs Gentry: And that's such a good mental health piece of advice 536 00:30:18,450 --> 00:30:21,000 Becs Gentry: as well, no matter what is going on of just 537 00:30:21,000 --> 00:30:26,550 Becs Gentry: you belong, find your true self and you belong where 538 00:30:26,550 --> 00:30:29,700 Becs Gentry: you are. And that's just such a wonderful message for 539 00:30:29,700 --> 00:30:32,280 Becs Gentry: anyone out there as a mom. I'm definitely, that's something 540 00:30:32,280 --> 00:30:35,580 Becs Gentry: that I constantly am making sure I'm reminding my... She's 541 00:30:35,670 --> 00:30:40,260 Becs Gentry: only 20 months, so got a while. But you have 542 00:30:40,260 --> 00:30:41,971 Becs Gentry: to take it in to your life. 543 00:30:41,971 --> 00:30:41,972 Rob Simmelkjaer: You belong in bed, right? 544 00:30:41,972 --> 00:30:41,973 Becs Gentry: You belong in bed. 545 00:30:41,973 --> 00:30:41,974 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's bedtime. 546 00:30:41,974 --> 00:30:48,300 Becs Gentry: That's what is said quite often, " Mom really wants to go for a run, please 547 00:30:48,300 --> 00:30:51,659 Becs Gentry: can you go to bed." But Nikki, I loved your post 548 00:30:51,660 --> 00:30:56,490 Becs Gentry: on Instagram about just how open you were about saying 549 00:30:56,490 --> 00:31:02,100 Becs Gentry: it's no coincidence that it's Pride month, and you were just like, " 550 00:31:02,639 --> 00:31:04,080 Becs Gentry: I want to be an Olympian at the end of 551 00:31:04,080 --> 00:31:08,639 Becs Gentry: this month." And how thankful you were to the community of 552 00:31:08,639 --> 00:31:11,280 Becs Gentry: giving you the love and the support and seeing you. 553 00:31:11,820 --> 00:31:14,730 Becs Gentry: And I just think has that really given you a 554 00:31:14,730 --> 00:31:17,820 Becs Gentry: good boost just being like, it's going to happen, it's 555 00:31:17,820 --> 00:31:21,510 Becs Gentry: June, this is, "I'm literally flying my flag as high as I 556 00:31:21,510 --> 00:31:27,420 Becs Gentry: possibly can right now to make this Olympic dream come true." It must be magical 557 00:31:27,420 --> 00:31:27,899 Becs Gentry: in your mind. 558 00:31:27,899 --> 00:31:33,930 Nikki Hiltz: Emma and I joke whenever you race during Pride Month, it's 559 00:31:33,930 --> 00:31:42,960 Nikki Hiltz: impossible to lose. June 30th is the final day of 560 00:31:42,960 --> 00:31:45,390 Nikki Hiltz: the trials, it's the final day of Pride Month. It's the 1, 561 00:31:45,420 --> 00:31:49,140 Nikki Hiltz: 500 final. I think it would be no better way to 562 00:31:49,140 --> 00:31:53,550 Nikki Hiltz: close out the month than running a really good 1,500. It 563 00:31:53,550 --> 00:31:57,750 Nikki Hiltz: is very exciting. That's the beautiful part is like we 564 00:31:57,750 --> 00:31:59,729 Nikki Hiltz: said, no matter what the outcome is I know that 565 00:32:00,570 --> 00:32:02,880 Nikki Hiltz: I'm a part of this community and I'm so proud 566 00:32:02,880 --> 00:32:06,240 Nikki Hiltz: to be a part of it. And there's so much 567 00:32:06,240 --> 00:32:09,900 Nikki Hiltz: love and support no matter what happens in those four minutes. 568 00:32:13,440 --> 00:32:16,410 Becs Gentry: Can I just ask as well as somebody who's gone 569 00:32:16,410 --> 00:32:22,020 Becs Gentry: through a quick rise to notoriety, let's say, and somebody 570 00:32:22,020 --> 00:32:25,260 Becs Gentry: who tries, tries, not your standard, also didn't make the 571 00:32:25,260 --> 00:32:29,850 Becs Gentry: Olympic team and haven't tried again though. But when it 572 00:32:29,850 --> 00:32:36,150 Becs Gentry: comes to that recognition level and you're a leader, you're 573 00:32:36,150 --> 00:32:40,050 Becs Gentry: such a leader, but knowing that you have that role. 574 00:32:40,500 --> 00:32:43,320 Becs Gentry: But also at the same time having to actually really 575 00:32:44,100 --> 00:32:48,120 Becs Gentry: go to that internal Nikki and have that conversation with 576 00:32:48,120 --> 00:32:51,990 Becs Gentry: yourself about your training, how do you balance that mental 577 00:32:51,990 --> 00:32:53,130 Becs Gentry: health side? 578 00:32:54,990 --> 00:32:59,670 Nikki Hiltz: I think that's a great question. I have a sports psych 579 00:33:00,270 --> 00:33:03,540 Nikki Hiltz: who I meet with weekly, and I think that has 580 00:33:03,540 --> 00:33:14,040 Nikki Hiltz: really helped me to compartmentalize the two. I think in 581 00:33:14,040 --> 00:33:18,570 Nikki Hiltz: the past I've tried to be this spokesperson for the 582 00:33:18,570 --> 00:33:21,870 Nikki Hiltz: queer community, and I do still identify as that and 583 00:33:21,870 --> 00:33:26,190 Nikki Hiltz: claim that as an advocate. But I think more, not 584 00:33:26,190 --> 00:33:28,469 Nikki Hiltz: stressing and focusing more on that, but just like, " Okay, 585 00:33:28,469 --> 00:33:32,759 Nikki Hiltz: the better I do at my sport, the bigger I'm 586 00:33:32,759 --> 00:33:35,459 Nikki Hiltz: going to get." And just focus on that and then 587 00:33:35,459 --> 00:33:37,350 Nikki Hiltz: the rest is going to come kind of a thing. 588 00:33:38,700 --> 00:33:40,080 Nikki Hiltz: I don't know, does that make sense? So I think 589 00:33:40,320 --> 00:33:44,610 Nikki Hiltz: separating the two of actually the trials is just about 590 00:33:44,610 --> 00:33:48,508 Nikki Hiltz: performance. It's just about showing up, being seen, doing my 591 00:33:48,509 --> 00:33:53,249 Nikki Hiltz: job. And then outside of that just having the identity 592 00:33:53,250 --> 00:33:57,690 Nikki Hiltz: I have, that's enough. I don't need to go and 593 00:33:57,900 --> 00:34:04,139 Nikki Hiltz: be on the senate floor campaigning for these anti- trans 594 00:34:04,139 --> 00:34:06,630 Nikki Hiltz: laws or things like that. I think I can just 595 00:34:06,630 --> 00:34:09,089 Nikki Hiltz: actually focus on what I'm good at. And then also 596 00:34:09,089 --> 00:34:13,080 Nikki Hiltz: obviously if I get an interview and there's a question 597 00:34:13,109 --> 00:34:16,320 Nikki Hiltz: about it, totally happy to answer it. But I think 598 00:34:16,320 --> 00:34:18,060 Nikki Hiltz: the more and more I can hone in on just 599 00:34:19,320 --> 00:34:22,710 Nikki Hiltz: racing and doing my best there, then that's going to 600 00:34:22,710 --> 00:34:25,890 Nikki Hiltz: actually help the community as well. 601 00:34:26,580 --> 00:34:26,969 Becs Gentry: Fully agree. 602 00:34:26,969 --> 00:34:32,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: It makes sense because we can only do so much, right? You can't be everything. You can't be 603 00:34:32,190 --> 00:34:37,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: an elite Olympic level athlete, and an activist, and a 604 00:34:37,290 --> 00:34:42,719 Rob Simmelkjaer: politician, and a partner and all that. We can't do every 605 00:34:42,719 --> 00:34:45,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: single thing, so it all makes sense to me. But 606 00:34:45,900 --> 00:34:50,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: you are so eloquent in talking about these issues and 607 00:34:50,790 --> 00:34:54,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: you're kind enough to do a little internal chat with 608 00:34:54,540 --> 00:34:57,629 Rob Simmelkjaer: our New York Roadrunner staff a couple of weeks ago. 609 00:34:57,630 --> 00:35:01,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: And got great questions and inspired people so much here in 610 00:35:01,980 --> 00:35:03,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: talking about it. And we talked a little bit on 611 00:35:03,750 --> 00:35:09,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: that call about the non- binary division, and of course 612 00:35:09,000 --> 00:35:12,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: we've really pioneered that here at New York Road Runners. 613 00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:16,468 Rob Simmelkjaer: And it's a journey. Sometimes we get some things right, 614 00:35:16,469 --> 00:35:19,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: sometimes we don't, but we're working on making it better 615 00:35:19,860 --> 00:35:24,149 Rob Simmelkjaer: every day. And I remember asking you during that conference, 616 00:35:24,989 --> 00:35:29,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: you're competing obviously in Eugene with women, you're in the 617 00:35:29,160 --> 00:35:33,179 Rob Simmelkjaer: female division, and is that where you felt you should 618 00:35:33,179 --> 00:35:36,239 Rob Simmelkjaer: be at this point? Do you think there should be 619 00:35:36,239 --> 00:35:40,799 Rob Simmelkjaer: a non- binary Olympics division and medals and all that 620 00:35:40,799 --> 00:35:43,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: at some point? And you gave a really interesting answer 621 00:35:43,410 --> 00:35:44,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: you can share here. 622 00:35:46,260 --> 00:35:49,979 Nikki Hiltz: In track and field at the professional level, it's very 623 00:35:49,980 --> 00:35:54,599 Nikki Hiltz: binary, there's the woman's category in the men's category. For 624 00:35:54,599 --> 00:35:59,158 Nikki Hiltz: me right now I feel totally okay in the women's category. 625 00:35:59,730 --> 00:36:02,520 Nikki Hiltz: But I think something that really helps me is just 626 00:36:02,520 --> 00:36:06,780 Nikki Hiltz: inclusive language. So I remember at Pre when they were 627 00:36:06,780 --> 00:36:10,139 Nikki Hiltz: announcing us on the start line, the in standing announcer 628 00:36:10,139 --> 00:36:13,350 Nikki Hiltz: was like, " Here are the athletes competing in the women's 1, 500," 629 00:36:13,830 --> 00:36:17,939 Nikki Hiltz: and then announce the field. Instead of here are the 1, 500 630 00:36:21,030 --> 00:36:24,239 Nikki Hiltz: woman, it's just little tweaks that can go a long 631 00:36:24,239 --> 00:36:27,990 Nikki Hiltz: way in making sure I feel safe and seen and 632 00:36:28,230 --> 00:36:33,089 Nikki Hiltz: accepted. I think obviously also the normalization of pronouns has 633 00:36:33,089 --> 00:36:38,760 Nikki Hiltz: been huge. The announcers, broadcasters, my competitors, training partners, everyone 634 00:36:38,760 --> 00:36:43,410 Nikki Hiltz: just casually using they, them pronouns also obviously helps me 635 00:36:43,410 --> 00:36:48,839 Nikki Hiltz: feel accepted. And so I think those, even though I'm 636 00:36:48,840 --> 00:36:52,799 Nikki Hiltz: competing, yes, in the woman's category, I don't 100% identify 637 00:36:52,799 --> 00:36:58,140 Nikki Hiltz: as a woman. Those little simple inclusive language can really, 638 00:36:58,140 --> 00:37:01,890 Nikki Hiltz: really, really change how I'm feeling. And then on top 639 00:37:01,890 --> 00:37:03,630 Nikki Hiltz: of that, your second part of your question of would 640 00:37:04,710 --> 00:37:07,559 Nikki Hiltz: I want a non- binary category? It's like I don't 641 00:37:07,559 --> 00:37:10,319 Nikki Hiltz: know if right now that makes sense because it's just 642 00:37:10,320 --> 00:37:13,320 Nikki Hiltz: me. It would be like what the men run, then 643 00:37:13,320 --> 00:37:15,780 Nikki Hiltz: the woman run and then I run alone, that's not what 644 00:37:15,780 --> 00:37:19,170 Nikki Hiltz: I want. But I also don't have all the answers. I'm 645 00:37:19,170 --> 00:37:23,039 Nikki Hiltz: just one non- binary person trying to figure out... I'm 646 00:37:23,040 --> 00:37:25,739 Nikki Hiltz: the first in the US in this sport. I'm trying 647 00:37:25,739 --> 00:37:28,949 Nikki Hiltz: to just figure out what makes sense for me. But like 648 00:37:28,949 --> 00:37:31,320 Nikki Hiltz: I said, I think the more we can use inclusive 649 00:37:31,320 --> 00:37:35,580 Nikki Hiltz: language, the better. And I think you guys as New 650 00:37:35,580 --> 00:37:38,309 Nikki Hiltz: York Road Runners are in the same boat of you're like, " 651 00:37:38,309 --> 00:37:41,249 Nikki Hiltz: Well, we're the first that major marathon to have an non- 652 00:37:41,250 --> 00:37:45,000 Nikki Hiltz: binary category. We're just trying to figure it out. Maybe 653 00:37:45,000 --> 00:37:47,549 Nikki Hiltz: we're going to make mistakes sometimes, or we don't speak for 654 00:37:47,549 --> 00:37:50,069 Nikki Hiltz: all major marathons." You know what I mean? It's kind 655 00:37:50,070 --> 00:37:52,710 Nikki Hiltz: of the same thing of we're just trying to navigate 656 00:37:52,710 --> 00:37:57,809 Nikki Hiltz: it as best we can. But I do think what 657 00:37:57,809 --> 00:37:59,639 Nikki Hiltz: you're doing is awesome. And I think you have a 658 00:38:01,559 --> 00:38:05,070 Nikki Hiltz: whole team trying to make space for people who five 659 00:38:05,070 --> 00:38:10,500 Nikki Hiltz: years ago had no space. Does that answer your question? 660 00:38:10,770 --> 00:38:11,880 Nikki Hiltz: I feel like I kind of rambled. 661 00:38:12,150 --> 00:38:16,139 Rob Simmelkjaer: No, it was perfect and we appreciate it. It is 662 00:38:16,139 --> 00:38:21,929 Rob Simmelkjaer: not an easy thing to figure out, but you're blazing 663 00:38:21,929 --> 00:38:25,288 Rob Simmelkjaer: a trail. And some of the controversy you hear about, 664 00:38:26,430 --> 00:38:29,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: we all know some of that's driven by different agendas, 665 00:38:30,270 --> 00:38:32,819 Rob Simmelkjaer: it's just there's a lot of politics in all of that. 666 00:38:32,820 --> 00:38:35,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: We all know that. But another thing I know you 667 00:38:35,400 --> 00:38:39,509 Rob Simmelkjaer: said in that conversation, which I really appreciated, was how 668 00:38:39,509 --> 00:38:41,939 Rob Simmelkjaer: do you react to someone who messes up, because it's 669 00:38:41,940 --> 00:38:46,739 Rob Simmelkjaer: hard. I'm a lot older than you and I've been 670 00:38:46,739 --> 00:38:50,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: using only male and female pronouns from my entire life. 671 00:38:50,910 --> 00:38:54,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: And I'm now learning to make this adjustment to use 672 00:38:54,900 --> 00:38:57,509 Rob Simmelkjaer: they, them pronouns and getting a lot better at it, 673 00:38:57,509 --> 00:39:00,299 Rob Simmelkjaer: but still sometimes will mess up. And so how do 674 00:39:00,300 --> 00:39:03,959 Rob Simmelkjaer: you react to that when you know someone's trying, but 675 00:39:04,200 --> 00:39:07,469 Rob Simmelkjaer: they still trying to find their way to the right 676 00:39:07,469 --> 00:39:09,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: way to speak in these spaces? 677 00:39:14,009 --> 00:39:17,370 Nikki Hiltz: People are going to mess up, and I totally understand that. I think even when 678 00:39:18,480 --> 00:39:22,440 Nikki Hiltz: I was first coming out, I would misgender myself. It's 679 00:39:22,440 --> 00:39:26,040 Nikki Hiltz: hard to adjust it, especially when you're only used to 680 00:39:26,040 --> 00:39:28,919 Nikki Hiltz: using she, her, he, him. But I think it's really 681 00:39:28,920 --> 00:39:32,700 Nikki Hiltz: important if you're someone that does mess up and you 682 00:39:32,700 --> 00:39:35,699 Nikki Hiltz: catch it, be like, " Oh, sorry, I mean they." If 683 00:39:35,699 --> 00:39:38,520 Nikki Hiltz: you accidentally said she and then quickly move on. I 684 00:39:38,520 --> 00:39:48,270 Nikki Hiltz: think that's best practiced. I can tell when someone's doing 685 00:39:48,270 --> 00:39:55,350 Nikki Hiltz: it intentionally and purposely to, I don't know, harm me 686 00:39:55,350 --> 00:39:57,510 Nikki Hiltz: or I don't know how to explain. Like on Twitter 687 00:39:58,320 --> 00:40:00,810 Nikki Hiltz: I know when you're like, " Okay, you're using she because 688 00:40:00,810 --> 00:40:03,689 Nikki Hiltz: you're like them is stupid," or whatever. 689 00:40:04,050 --> 00:40:04,709 Becs Gentry: They're trying to prove a point. 690 00:40:05,639 --> 00:40:10,230 Nikki Hiltz: Yes, exactly. I can tell the difference between that versus, I don't know, 691 00:40:10,230 --> 00:40:13,770 Nikki Hiltz: some boomer who has never heard a they, them pronoun 692 00:40:13,770 --> 00:40:17,009 Nikki Hiltz: in their life accidentally be like, " Oh, Nikki, she's so 693 00:40:17,010 --> 00:40:18,000 Nikki Hiltz: good." It's harmless. 694 00:40:21,960 --> 00:40:26,099 Becs Gentry: Oh my gosh, I have a relationship question. I know 695 00:40:26,099 --> 00:40:28,709 Becs Gentry: a lot of our listeners will be so interested to 696 00:40:28,709 --> 00:40:34,560 Becs Gentry: know how you and Emma are like... How is home 697 00:40:34,560 --> 00:40:39,690 Becs Gentry: life with you both now? It must be quite high 698 00:40:39,690 --> 00:40:45,839 Becs Gentry: intensity and just how do you manage the home relationship? 699 00:40:45,839 --> 00:40:49,259 Becs Gentry: And obviously, I don't want to deep dive, but unless 700 00:40:49,260 --> 00:40:51,030 Becs Gentry: you want to I'm a listener. I'm a good listener. 701 00:40:54,330 --> 00:40:56,489 Nikki Hiltz: I think that's funny that you said intense, because Emma and I 702 00:40:56,489 --> 00:41:01,080 Nikki Hiltz: are both very intense people. We are very fun and 703 00:41:01,080 --> 00:41:05,489 Nikki Hiltz: funny and outgoing and all those things, but we're intense 704 00:41:05,489 --> 00:41:09,390 Nikki Hiltz: and so definitely we have a lot of conversations about 705 00:41:09,390 --> 00:41:13,109 Nikki Hiltz: just so many things all the time. I don't know, 706 00:41:13,110 --> 00:41:18,690 Nikki Hiltz: but I think I'm filming a documentary, and we're in the 707 00:41:18,690 --> 00:41:21,329 Nikki Hiltz: middle of it and it's going to hopefully follow my 708 00:41:21,870 --> 00:41:24,450 Nikki Hiltz: path to the Olympic Games. And they were just here 709 00:41:24,480 --> 00:41:28,320 Nikki Hiltz: this weekend filming and they were like, " Okay, our whole 710 00:41:28,320 --> 00:41:30,180 Nikki Hiltz: goal this weekend is just to be flies on the 711 00:41:30,180 --> 00:41:37,500 Nikki Hiltz: wall and just see how you and Emma interact," it's all 712 00:41:37,500 --> 00:41:41,309 Nikki Hiltz: those things. There's joy, there's laughter, there's fun, funny, and 713 00:41:41,309 --> 00:41:45,629 Nikki Hiltz: then there's also intense moments of being queer is hard, 714 00:41:45,630 --> 00:41:49,830 Nikki Hiltz: and both navigating having really big goals in a couple 715 00:41:49,830 --> 00:41:53,160 Nikki Hiltz: of weeks is also hard. I don't really know how 716 00:41:53,160 --> 00:41:57,299 Nikki Hiltz: to explain it, but hopefully you'll see some of that 717 00:41:57,299 --> 00:41:58,349 Nikki Hiltz: in the documentary. 718 00:41:58,349 --> 00:41:58,618 Becs Gentry: I'll wait. 719 00:41:59,309 --> 00:42:04,890 Nikki Hiltz: Stay tuned. But no, Emma obviously I love her and 720 00:42:04,890 --> 00:42:09,750 Nikki Hiltz: I spend all my time with her. It's like she's 721 00:42:09,750 --> 00:42:13,259 Nikki Hiltz: taught me a lot when it comes to how I 722 00:42:13,259 --> 00:42:17,010 Nikki Hiltz: think about things. And she's also honestly helped me a 723 00:42:17,010 --> 00:42:19,140 Nikki Hiltz: lot in terms of when we were talking about earlier, 724 00:42:19,440 --> 00:42:24,629 Nikki Hiltz: thinking about being outcome oriented versus just process focused. And 725 00:42:25,110 --> 00:42:27,480 Nikki Hiltz: that's something she really preaches. And so we try to 726 00:42:27,630 --> 00:42:30,870 Nikki Hiltz: check each other on that of like, " Oh, you're thinking 727 00:42:30,870 --> 00:42:33,509 Nikki Hiltz: too much about the outcome right now, let's just focus 728 00:42:33,509 --> 00:42:38,130 Nikki Hiltz: on doing." I don't know, that's a good question, but 729 00:42:39,480 --> 00:42:40,410 Nikki Hiltz: you'll have to see. 730 00:42:41,280 --> 00:42:43,860 Becs Gentry: I hope that the end of the documentary or at some part 731 00:42:43,860 --> 00:42:45,270 Becs Gentry: there's both of you learning French. 732 00:42:47,340 --> 00:42:47,850 Nikki Hiltz: Seriously. 733 00:42:50,070 --> 00:42:54,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: She withdrew, Emma did from the marathon trials, but is 734 00:42:54,000 --> 00:42:56,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: going to Eugene in what event? 735 00:42:57,000 --> 00:42:58,170 Nikki Hiltz: Steeplechase. 736 00:42:58,560 --> 00:43:02,639 Rob Simmelkjaer: Exactly. Exciting. Great news. And I'm sure it's going to 737 00:43:02,639 --> 00:43:05,819 Rob Simmelkjaer: be an exciting time for you, and your household, and your 738 00:43:05,820 --> 00:43:10,139 Rob Simmelkjaer: families and everybody. And we are all rooting for you. 739 00:43:10,139 --> 00:43:12,539 Rob Simmelkjaer: Of course, we're rooting for all the Americans. We want 740 00:43:12,540 --> 00:43:14,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: everybody to have a great meet and we'll be rooting 741 00:43:14,160 --> 00:43:16,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: for everybody of course in Paris. But we are rooting 742 00:43:16,530 --> 00:43:18,690 Rob Simmelkjaer: for you, Nikki, at New York Roadrunners because you've been 743 00:43:18,690 --> 00:43:23,939 Rob Simmelkjaer: such a great, great leader, and a great role model 744 00:43:24,270 --> 00:43:27,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: in this sport. So we hope you have all the 745 00:43:27,150 --> 00:43:30,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: best, everything goes well for you in Eugene. Thank you 746 00:43:30,810 --> 00:43:33,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: so much for being who you are for joining us. 747 00:43:33,780 --> 00:43:37,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: We really appreciate it and hope to see you in Paris. 748 00:43:38,190 --> 00:43:40,140 Nikki Hiltz: Yay. Thank you guys so much. This was so fun 749 00:43:53,310 --> 00:43:56,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: Time now for today's member moment, and people run for 750 00:43:56,670 --> 00:43:59,099 Rob Simmelkjaer: a lot of reasons. Some people run for their physical 751 00:43:59,099 --> 00:44:02,069 Rob Simmelkjaer: health, some people love the community that running brings them, 752 00:44:02,070 --> 00:44:04,259 Rob Simmelkjaer: and some people run for their mental health. And then 753 00:44:04,559 --> 00:44:07,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: some people do it to more authentically express who they 754 00:44:07,830 --> 00:44:11,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: really are. Today's member moment is with Rob Roberts. This 755 00:44:11,430 --> 00:44:15,119 Rob Simmelkjaer: year's NYRR Runner of the Year in the non- binary 756 00:44:15,120 --> 00:44:20,099 Rob Simmelkjaer: category, age 45 to 49. Rob's award was well- earned with five 757 00:44:20,099 --> 00:44:22,619 Rob Simmelkjaer: runs so far this year, and we are honored to 758 00:44:22,619 --> 00:44:24,149 Rob Simmelkjaer: have him on the show with Meb. 759 00:44:25,020 --> 00:44:28,350 Meb: Thanks Rob. Rob, welcome to the podcast. 760 00:44:28,890 --> 00:44:29,310 Rob Roberts: Thank you. 761 00:44:29,910 --> 00:44:32,309 Meb: Rob. What does it mean for you to represent non- 762 00:44:32,309 --> 00:44:34,829 Meb: binary runners in such an inspiring way? 763 00:44:35,250 --> 00:44:42,299 Rob Roberts: So it's an interesting question. Floored, surprised, honored, all come 764 00:44:42,299 --> 00:44:46,410 Rob Roberts: to mind. When I opened that box and I saw 765 00:44:46,410 --> 00:44:49,500 Rob Roberts: the award, I really was at a loss for words. 766 00:44:50,160 --> 00:44:57,359 Rob Roberts: It was an incredible feeling. And I think what really 767 00:44:57,360 --> 00:44:59,549 Rob Roberts: comes to mind is that I hope that I am 768 00:45:00,120 --> 00:45:05,310 Rob Roberts: inspiring others. I hope that I'm helping others, and I 769 00:45:05,310 --> 00:45:08,580 Rob Roberts: hope I'm doing a good job. I don't necessarily look 770 00:45:08,580 --> 00:45:11,910 Rob Roberts: at myself as an inspiration to people, but if I 771 00:45:11,910 --> 00:45:14,489 Rob Roberts: can help one person out or help a few people 772 00:45:14,489 --> 00:45:19,710 Rob Roberts: out, I think that's important. And talking with other non- 773 00:45:19,710 --> 00:45:22,530 Rob Roberts: binary runners in the New York area and outside of 774 00:45:22,530 --> 00:45:25,350 Rob Roberts: New York, I have gotten a little bit of feedback 775 00:45:25,860 --> 00:45:29,250 Rob Roberts: about what a positive thing it is. And I've mentioned 776 00:45:29,250 --> 00:45:33,929 Rob Roberts: this to New York Road Runners before, when I ran my 777 00:45:33,929 --> 00:45:35,820 Rob Roberts: first marathon in New York I didn't know that it 778 00:45:35,820 --> 00:45:39,420 Rob Roberts: was an option. And I appreciate that New York Road 779 00:45:39,600 --> 00:45:44,340 Rob Roberts: Runners has let me choose that, and lets us as 780 00:45:44,340 --> 00:45:49,920 Rob Roberts: a group identify how we feel best as the mixture 781 00:45:49,920 --> 00:45:52,559 Rob Roberts: of all different things. And I know that that's not 782 00:45:52,559 --> 00:45:55,140 Rob Roberts: true in all parts of this country and all parts 783 00:45:55,140 --> 00:45:58,500 Rob Roberts: of this world. And I think the one thing that 784 00:45:58,500 --> 00:46:02,040 Rob Roberts: I hope that I do most is give somebody who's 785 00:46:02,040 --> 00:46:05,550 Rob Roberts: in that situation an opportunity to look and go, " Hey, 786 00:46:05,700 --> 00:46:10,289 Rob Roberts: this is somebody who represents us," and maybe appreciate that, 787 00:46:10,350 --> 00:46:14,339 Rob Roberts: feel not so alone. And know that there's a person 788 00:46:14,340 --> 00:46:18,060 Rob Roberts: and people, and an organization, and a group that have 789 00:46:18,060 --> 00:46:20,130 Rob Roberts: got their back whether they can say it out loud 790 00:46:20,130 --> 00:46:20,430 Rob Roberts: or not. 791 00:46:20,849 --> 00:46:24,030 Meb: Absolutely. You're inspiring many people. Let's go back a little 792 00:46:24,030 --> 00:46:28,319 Meb: bit to you started running in 2020, what inspired you 793 00:46:28,320 --> 00:46:29,490 Meb: to start running again? 794 00:46:30,870 --> 00:46:34,500 Rob Roberts: Great question. So I had a I'll call it a 795 00:46:34,500 --> 00:46:39,269 Rob Roberts: minor surgery, but important to me on March 13th of 796 00:46:39,270 --> 00:46:44,009 Rob Roberts: 2020, which here in New York was exactly two days 797 00:46:44,009 --> 00:46:48,870 Rob Roberts: before the hospitals shut down because of COVID. And running 798 00:46:48,870 --> 00:46:51,000 Rob Roberts: helped me with that recovery and helped me fill a 799 00:46:51,000 --> 00:46:54,960 Rob Roberts: void. I travel for work, I'm in consulting, I'm on 800 00:46:54,960 --> 00:46:57,120 Rob Roberts: the road every week. And all of a sudden I went 801 00:46:57,120 --> 00:47:01,110 Rob Roberts: from that to never leaving my house. At the same 802 00:47:01,110 --> 00:47:06,420 Rob Roberts: time, the world was falling apart around me and sanity 803 00:47:06,750 --> 00:47:09,660 Rob Roberts: and sleep were difficult to come by. And I had 804 00:47:09,660 --> 00:47:12,690 Rob Roberts: a choice that I could make. I could sit on 805 00:47:12,690 --> 00:47:15,239 Rob Roberts: my phone at 3: 00 in the morning and doom scroll, 806 00:47:15,239 --> 00:47:18,659 Rob Roberts: and let anxiety and bad news consume me, or I 807 00:47:18,660 --> 00:47:22,410 Rob Roberts: could get out and do something positive. And following that 808 00:47:22,410 --> 00:47:27,299 Rob Roberts: surgery, it was a unique experience even for the doctor 809 00:47:27,300 --> 00:47:31,080 Rob Roberts: who said, " I can't approve you to go out and 810 00:47:31,080 --> 00:47:34,080 Rob Roberts: run. I can't approve you to lift weights until I 811 00:47:34,080 --> 00:47:35,579 Rob Roberts: see you. So I don't really know what I could 812 00:47:35,580 --> 00:47:38,669 Rob Roberts: do, but go out and walk." So I did. And 813 00:47:38,670 --> 00:47:41,399 Rob Roberts: I started walking, and I started walking further, and I 814 00:47:41,400 --> 00:47:44,790 Rob Roberts: started walking faster. And then I met with the doctor 815 00:47:44,790 --> 00:47:49,649 Rob Roberts: virtually and we talked about it. One of my goals 816 00:47:50,429 --> 00:47:53,400 Rob Roberts: was to do a half- marathon, whether it was speed 817 00:47:53,400 --> 00:47:56,969 Rob Roberts: walking or jogging or whatever it was. And I hit 818 00:47:56,969 --> 00:47:59,549 Rob Roberts: that goal in an unofficial way in the summer of 819 00:47:59,549 --> 00:48:03,029 Rob Roberts: 2020, and my doctor was great about it, he went, " 820 00:48:03,090 --> 00:48:05,250 Rob Roberts: I didn't mean that you'd never run a half- marathon, 821 00:48:05,250 --> 00:48:09,929 Rob Roberts: I was just trying to prepare you for life." But 822 00:48:09,929 --> 00:48:11,969 Rob Roberts: he really inspired me by saying, " Hey, look, this is 823 00:48:11,969 --> 00:48:14,700 Rob Roberts: something that you may not do." I was able to 824 00:48:14,700 --> 00:48:16,919 Rob Roberts: turn that into something that I could do. And getting 825 00:48:16,920 --> 00:48:22,380 Rob Roberts: out and running gave me an outlet for my energy, it 826 00:48:22,440 --> 00:48:26,939 Rob Roberts: let me burn off anxiety. And it also probably more 827 00:48:26,940 --> 00:48:28,799 Rob Roberts: importantly, and part of the reason we're here is it 828 00:48:29,160 --> 00:48:34,379 Rob Roberts: helped me find supportive community of runners and friends who 829 00:48:34,379 --> 00:48:37,169 Rob Roberts: got me to do the crazy things that I do 830 00:48:37,170 --> 00:48:41,880 Rob Roberts: now, like running. And I'll tell you it was the 831 00:48:41,880 --> 00:48:44,849 Rob Roberts: summer of 2021 when I got a phone call that said, " 832 00:48:44,849 --> 00:48:47,969 Rob Roberts: Hey, do you want one of our clubs?" Let me 833 00:48:47,969 --> 00:48:52,199 Rob Roberts: say this my local running club, North Merrick Runners, their 834 00:48:52,199 --> 00:48:55,290 Rob Roberts: motto is run as you are. And I think in 835 00:48:55,380 --> 00:48:58,560 Rob Roberts: many ways I've challenged them on that, and they've stepped 836 00:48:58,560 --> 00:49:01,260 Rob Roberts: up and they've been a wonderful supporting group in every 837 00:49:01,260 --> 00:49:04,619 Rob Roberts: way, shape and form. But they gave me an opportunity 838 00:49:04,620 --> 00:49:08,160 Rob Roberts: to run the marathon in 2021, and it's something that 839 00:49:08,160 --> 00:49:12,360 Rob Roberts: I never would've done had I not made that change 840 00:49:12,629 --> 00:49:15,300 Rob Roberts: or that decision early on that I want to do 841 00:49:15,300 --> 00:49:18,570 Rob Roberts: something positive with my time. I want to better myself, 842 00:49:19,620 --> 00:49:22,440 Rob Roberts: and maybe even get some other people around me to 843 00:49:23,190 --> 00:49:23,910 Rob Roberts: run as well. 844 00:49:24,450 --> 00:49:27,239 Meb: That's a great story. How was that journey though from 845 00:49:27,239 --> 00:49:30,179 Meb: having the surgery and to do your first TCS New 846 00:49:30,180 --> 00:49:33,540 Meb: York City Marathon in 2021? What was that feeling coming across 847 00:49:33,540 --> 00:49:34,109 Meb: the finish line? 848 00:49:37,890 --> 00:49:42,480 Rob Roberts: I'm actually tearing up now thinking about it. Crossing that 849 00:49:42,480 --> 00:49:47,430 Rob Roberts: finish line was unreal. Having my parents and my partner 850 00:49:48,510 --> 00:49:51,810 Rob Roberts: in the seats cheering me on at the finish line 851 00:49:52,290 --> 00:49:56,550 Rob Roberts: was incredible. Having strangers around me, high- fiving each other, 852 00:49:56,550 --> 00:49:59,520 Rob Roberts: giving each other hugs. All the way down to somebody 853 00:50:00,059 --> 00:50:02,280 Rob Roberts: putting a medal around my neck, that was unreal. Meb 854 00:50:03,839 --> 00:50:07,500 Rob Roberts: you've been there, you've gotten that in the Olympics. I 855 00:50:07,500 --> 00:50:13,020 Rob Roberts: assume that's what that feeling is like. One analogy that 856 00:50:13,020 --> 00:50:15,359 Rob Roberts: I use a lot at work is that there are hard 857 00:50:15,360 --> 00:50:18,930 Rob Roberts: times in life. And for me, I always think about 858 00:50:19,020 --> 00:50:23,039 Rob Roberts: the Queensboro Bridge. And every New York City Marathon, that 859 00:50:23,039 --> 00:50:25,680 Rob Roberts: Queensboro Bridge has been a hard time in life. You're 860 00:50:25,680 --> 00:50:29,580 Rob Roberts: alone, it's quiet, there's footsteps, you start doubting yourself. And 861 00:50:29,580 --> 00:50:32,880 Rob Roberts: then you come out onto First Avenue, and man, people 862 00:50:32,880 --> 00:50:37,440 Rob Roberts: are cheering for you. It feels like the entire city 863 00:50:38,280 --> 00:50:41,699 Rob Roberts: is pulling together, and they're all pulling for you and 864 00:50:41,699 --> 00:50:45,719 Rob Roberts: those people around you. And again, the entire marathon is 865 00:50:45,719 --> 00:50:49,560 Rob Roberts: like that. But between Central Park and First Avenue, I don't know that I 866 00:50:49,560 --> 00:50:51,060 Rob Roberts: ever feel that way more. 867 00:50:52,290 --> 00:50:55,829 Meb: Rob, I can relate. There's always a struggle in life, 868 00:50:55,829 --> 00:50:58,590 Meb: but there's always a light at the end of the 869 00:50:58,590 --> 00:51:03,000 Meb: tunnel. As you described the Queensboro Bridge, quiet, loneliness and 870 00:51:03,000 --> 00:51:06,600 Meb: whatnot, doubts. But then you hit first avenue, the crowd 871 00:51:06,600 --> 00:51:09,989 Meb: carries you through. So as life as marathon challenges, things 872 00:51:09,989 --> 00:51:13,020 Meb: happen. But I heard you have exciting news that you have a 873 00:51:14,160 --> 00:51:18,150 Meb: new addition to your family that's another even greater cause 874 00:51:18,150 --> 00:51:20,910 Meb: and purpose. Can you tell us a little bit about that 875 00:51:20,910 --> 00:51:21,960 Meb: to our audience please? 876 00:51:22,140 --> 00:51:27,480 Rob Roberts: I do, and I appreciate you asking that. Yes. So we have an 18- 877 00:51:27,480 --> 00:51:31,710 Rob Roberts: month old who is with us. And about 11 days 878 00:51:31,710 --> 00:51:38,370 Rob Roberts: ago we had a new baby join us who has 879 00:51:38,370 --> 00:51:43,500 Rob Roberts: already run 500 miles inside of his mother. And he's 880 00:51:43,980 --> 00:51:47,759 Rob Roberts: well versed in running whether he wants to be or 881 00:51:47,759 --> 00:51:49,501 Rob Roberts: not, as is his brother. 882 00:51:49,501 --> 00:51:53,489 Meb: Great. That's great. Great. Congratulations. 883 00:51:53,969 --> 00:51:54,419 Rob Roberts: Thank you. 884 00:51:54,419 --> 00:51:59,850 Meb: Well, Rob, keep inspiring people. Everybody have different stories to 885 00:51:59,850 --> 00:52:02,730 Meb: tell as 50,000 people do the TCS New York City 886 00:52:02,730 --> 00:52:04,920 Meb: Marathon, or many of the New Yorker Road Runners races. 887 00:52:04,920 --> 00:52:08,069 Meb: And we just glad that you were inspiring to many non- 888 00:52:08,070 --> 00:52:10,709 Meb: binary categories. So congratulations on a job well done. 889 00:52:12,300 --> 00:52:16,319 Rob Roberts: Thank you. And again, I really look at the New York 890 00:52:16,320 --> 00:52:19,590 Rob Roberts: road running community and New York Road Runners, and I 891 00:52:19,590 --> 00:52:22,889 Rob Roberts: want to say thanks for having my back. Thanks for 892 00:52:22,889 --> 00:52:27,899 Rob Roberts: having everyone's back, and enabling myself and others to be 893 00:52:27,900 --> 00:52:30,810 Rob Roberts: okay with who they are. It really has made a 894 00:52:30,810 --> 00:52:34,950 Rob Roberts: huge difference in my life mentally, which has impacted other 895 00:52:34,950 --> 00:52:38,579 Rob Roberts: things as well. And not just for myself, but more 896 00:52:38,580 --> 00:52:43,410 Rob Roberts: so for the community and communities at large. Thank you all. 897 00:52:43,679 --> 00:52:44,190 Meb: Thanks, Rob. 898 00:52:44,580 --> 00:52:46,768 Rob Simmelkjaer: Now it's time for today's Med Minutes. 899 00:52:47,070 --> 00:52:51,989 Meb: Thanks, Rob. Hydration is crucial and hydration is something that 900 00:52:51,989 --> 00:52:55,110 Meb: you do every single day. Some people think it's just 901 00:52:55,110 --> 00:52:57,420 Meb: when you run or when you work out, but it's 902 00:52:57,420 --> 00:52:59,309 Meb: something that you need to do on a day- to- 903 00:52:59,309 --> 00:53:04,889 Meb: day base, sometimes even hourly. Hydration is good indicator about 904 00:53:04,889 --> 00:53:08,910 Meb: your performance. If you feel thirsty by that time you'll 905 00:53:08,910 --> 00:53:12,930 Meb: have to increase your performance by about 25%, which is 906 00:53:12,930 --> 00:53:17,309 Meb: a huge, huge deal. So hydration is something that you 907 00:53:17,309 --> 00:53:20,370 Meb: need to do every day. On the race day you 908 00:53:20,370 --> 00:53:23,969 Meb: need to do before, during, and after. You have to 909 00:53:23,969 --> 00:53:26,850 Meb: stick with it and to stick to something that works 910 00:53:26,850 --> 00:53:29,670 Meb: for you. It's not just plain water is not always 911 00:53:29,850 --> 00:53:33,239 Meb: simple. It's something that you don't want to wash out the 912 00:53:33,239 --> 00:53:36,599 Meb: nutrition that you've been consuming. So you need to be 913 00:53:36,599 --> 00:53:41,009 Meb: able to have electrolytes once a day or orange juice, 914 00:53:41,010 --> 00:53:43,410 Meb: or something that will give you sugar to be able 915 00:53:43,410 --> 00:53:45,630 Meb: to just keep you going. I think it's important to 916 00:53:46,350 --> 00:53:50,010 Meb: hydrate way out before race, and then during the race 917 00:53:50,070 --> 00:53:53,730 Meb: you stick to something that you've been training for. If 918 00:53:53,730 --> 00:53:55,469 Meb: you're fortunate enough, even if you have to carry it 919 00:53:55,469 --> 00:53:57,780 Meb: for a little bit, or if you're meeting some family 920 00:53:57,780 --> 00:54:01,199 Meb: members during the run or during the race. So it is 921 00:54:01,230 --> 00:54:04,080 Meb: important to be able to just monitor your hydration. And 922 00:54:04,560 --> 00:54:08,429 Meb: rule of thumb, I think Lance Armstrong started this, it's 923 00:54:08,429 --> 00:54:11,670 Meb: kind of nasty, but at the same time it's a 924 00:54:11,670 --> 00:54:13,410 Meb: good indicator. You just don't want it all washed out, 925 00:54:13,410 --> 00:54:15,929 Meb: you want it to have a little color to your 926 00:54:15,929 --> 00:54:17,969 Meb: urine. So that's a good way that I have used 927 00:54:17,969 --> 00:54:20,880 Meb: it because if it's too yellow, then you definitely dehydrated. 928 00:54:20,880 --> 00:54:25,230 Meb: So you want to be able to just be able to drink as much as he 929 00:54:25,230 --> 00:54:28,110 Meb: can, but you don't want to overdo that as well 930 00:54:28,110 --> 00:54:28,799 Meb: just with water. 931 00:54:29,130 --> 00:54:31,799 Rob Simmelkjaer: And that does it for a really special episode of 932 00:54:31,799 --> 00:54:34,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: Set The Pace. I want to thank our guest Nikki 933 00:54:34,350 --> 00:54:37,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hiltz. We're all going to be watching out for Nikki 934 00:54:37,140 --> 00:54:39,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: in Eugene. Also want to thank our New York Road 935 00:54:39,480 --> 00:54:42,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: Runners member of the week, Rob Roberts. Want to wish 936 00:54:42,360 --> 00:54:46,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: everybody out there a very happy Pride Month. Remember, if 937 00:54:46,290 --> 00:54:49,859 Rob Simmelkjaer: you like this episode, please go ahead, subscribe, rate, leave 938 00:54:49,860 --> 00:54:52,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: a comment for the show on whatever platform you're listening to. 939 00:54:52,949 --> 00:54:55,799 Rob Simmelkjaer: This will help other people find it as well. We'll 940 00:54:55,800 --> 00:54:57,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: see you next time. Enjoy the miles.