1 00:00:00,780 --> 00:00:03,000 Nikki Hiltz: To be good at this sport, you have to do 2 00:00:03,000 --> 00:00:05,940 Nikki Hiltz: all the physical stuff. You have to run the mileage, 3 00:00:05,940 --> 00:00:08,129 Nikki Hiltz: do the workouts, do the weight sessions, sit in the 4 00:00:08,130 --> 00:00:11,340 Nikki Hiltz: sauna, all the little things. Then you also have to 5 00:00:11,340 --> 00:00:14,730 Nikki Hiltz: do that on the mental side too. I feel like since 6 00:00:14,730 --> 00:00:20,160 Nikki Hiltz: 2023, really prioritize that. I journal a lot. I meditate every 7 00:00:20,160 --> 00:00:23,190 Nikki Hiltz: single day. I have some crazy meditation streak that I 8 00:00:23,190 --> 00:00:26,400 Nikki Hiltz: am like I can't break, which I know that's not 9 00:00:26,400 --> 00:00:27,570 Nikki Hiltz: the point of meditation. 10 00:00:32,610 --> 00:00:35,190 Bex Gentry: Welcome to Set the Pace, the official podcast of New 11 00:00:35,190 --> 00:00:39,690 Bex Gentry: York Roadrunners presented by Peloton. I'm your host Peloton instructor, 12 00:00:39,720 --> 00:00:42,060 Bex Gentry: Bex Gentry, and I'm so happy to be here with 13 00:00:42,060 --> 00:00:45,630 Bex Gentry: you. Wow, my wonderful co- host and CEO of New 14 00:00:45,630 --> 00:00:50,460 Bex Gentry: York Roadrunners Robson Mouquet is traveling for work, so that 15 00:00:50,460 --> 00:00:52,380 Bex Gentry: leaves me to bring you all of the news of 16 00:00:52,380 --> 00:00:54,750 Bex Gentry: the weekend and kind of selfishly, I'm going to start 17 00:00:54,750 --> 00:00:58,500 Bex Gentry: with a little bit of fantastic news and a really special 18 00:00:58,500 --> 00:01:01,830 Bex Gentry: weekend that I personally had over in Los Angeles. I 19 00:01:01,830 --> 00:01:05,818 Bex Gentry: was honored to be able to celebrate the actress Jennifer 20 00:01:05,819 --> 00:01:10,770 Bex Gentry: Garner completing 67 days of movement. Jen decided after her 21 00:01:10,770 --> 00:01:13,080 Bex Gentry: birthday earlier this year in April that she wanted to 22 00:01:13,080 --> 00:01:16,770 Bex Gentry: move and do something for Save the Children to raise 23 00:01:16,770 --> 00:01:20,670 Bex Gentry: awareness of her work as an ambassador for the nonprofit. $ 24 00:01:21,420 --> 00:01:23,730 Bex Gentry: 67 is all it takes to help save a child from 25 00:01:23,730 --> 00:01:26,550 Bex Gentry: the brink of nutrition. She took the number 67 and 26 00:01:26,550 --> 00:01:29,760 Bex Gentry: decided 67 days nonstop every single day, she was going 27 00:01:29,760 --> 00:01:32,250 Bex Gentry: to move a minimum of a mile in some way 28 00:01:32,550 --> 00:01:35,490 Bex Gentry: and she did it. I jumped on board with her 29 00:01:35,490 --> 00:01:37,050 Bex Gentry: as a lot of you probably know if you follow 30 00:01:37,050 --> 00:01:41,130 Bex Gentry: me on Instagram or on Peloton, and it was incredible. We 31 00:01:41,130 --> 00:01:44,490 Bex Gentry: decided to hold a finale on Sunday in Los Angeles. 32 00:01:44,490 --> 00:01:46,530 Bex Gentry: We had over 200 people show up to a secret 33 00:01:46,530 --> 00:01:51,300 Bex Gentry: location and we ran a mile together and hopefully, helped 34 00:01:51,300 --> 00:01:55,290 Bex Gentry: elevate to the voice of Save the Children and the 35 00:01:55,290 --> 00:01:57,360 Bex Gentry: work that still needs to be done in order to 36 00:01:57,360 --> 00:02:00,450 Bex Gentry: help save as many children as possible from the brink 37 00:02:00,450 --> 00:02:03,570 Bex Gentry: of starvation. Thank you to anybody who showed up in 38 00:02:03,570 --> 00:02:05,640 Bex Gentry: person, to anybody who ran with us virtually, and to 39 00:02:05,640 --> 00:02:08,639 Bex Gentry: everybody who is able to donate. If you feel like 40 00:02:08,639 --> 00:02:11,430 Bex Gentry: finding out more, please let me know. You can start 41 00:02:11,430 --> 00:02:14,549 Bex Gentry: your own. It doesn't end there. I actually finished mine 42 00:02:14,940 --> 00:02:18,990 Bex Gentry: on Tuesday of this week and there we are. You can 43 00:02:18,990 --> 00:02:20,610 Bex Gentry: do yours. You can do yours if you want to 44 00:02:20,610 --> 00:02:24,389 Bex Gentry: move for 67 days. All right, so coming up, talking 45 00:02:24,389 --> 00:02:28,440 Bex Gentry: of wonderful things, this coming weekend, New York Roadrunners has 46 00:02:28,440 --> 00:02:33,900 Bex Gentry: not one but two storied races on deck. On Saturday, 47 00:02:33,930 --> 00:02:39,570 Bex Gentry: June 28th, it is the 44th annual Front Runners New 48 00:02:39,570 --> 00:02:43,230 Bex Gentry: York LGBT Pride run and are, you can do yours I of 49 00:02:44,190 --> 00:02:54,419 Bex Gentry: I actually this week and move on Saturday. Look out 50 00:02:54,660 --> 00:02:59,130 Bex Gentry: for a very tall, very handsome Italian, that's all I'll 51 00:02:59,130 --> 00:03:03,870 Bex Gentry: say. On Sunday June 29th, it is the 23rd annual 52 00:03:03,900 --> 00:03:07,530 Bex Gentry: Achilles Hope and Possibility of Four Miles presented by TD 53 00:03:07,530 --> 00:03:11,520 Bex Gentry: Bank. Another wonderful race and I can't wait for you 54 00:03:11,520 --> 00:03:13,290 Bex Gentry: all to get out and move. It is looking like 55 00:03:13,290 --> 00:03:15,690 Bex Gentry: it's actually going to be cooler this weekend as well, 56 00:03:15,690 --> 00:03:19,530 Bex Gentry: so perfect, but right now it is a really, really 57 00:03:19,560 --> 00:03:22,710 Bex Gentry: hot week here in New York City. Temperatures are expected 58 00:03:22,919 --> 00:03:26,910 Bex Gentry: to be in the nineties plus until the weekend where 59 00:03:26,910 --> 00:03:29,850 Bex Gentry: it will drop to the low eighties. If you are 60 00:03:29,880 --> 00:03:32,850 Bex Gentry: finishing off training for these races or any others ahead, 61 00:03:33,270 --> 00:03:37,080 Bex Gentry: this is just a coach's reminder to train carefully, stay 62 00:03:37,080 --> 00:03:43,290 Bex Gentry: hydrated, utilize those inside machines, aka treadmills, and really do, 63 00:03:43,290 --> 00:03:45,240 Bex Gentry: if you are having to run outside, run as early 64 00:03:45,240 --> 00:03:47,340 Bex Gentry: as possible, run in the most shaded route you can 65 00:03:47,340 --> 00:03:50,040 Bex Gentry: find, and if you need to, please don't be too 66 00:03:50,040 --> 00:03:53,100 Bex Gentry: proud to cut your workout short. It's better to get 67 00:03:53,100 --> 00:03:55,830 Bex Gentry: a good short workout in, then overdo it on a 68 00:03:55,830 --> 00:03:58,860 Bex Gentry: really long one. All right, so with all of that, 69 00:03:58,860 --> 00:04:02,460 Bex Gentry: I wish you a wonderful running weekend. Okay, coming up 70 00:04:02,460 --> 00:04:07,080 Bex Gentry: on today's show, one of my favorite athletes and a 71 00:04:07,080 --> 00:04:10,200 Bex Gentry: past guest of ours, Nikki Hiltz, returns to set the 72 00:04:10,200 --> 00:04:14,790 Bex Gentry: pace almost exactly a year from their previous episode. Oh 73 00:04:14,790 --> 00:04:17,640 Bex Gentry: my goodness, what a year it has been. I cannot 74 00:04:17,640 --> 00:04:21,029 Bex Gentry: wait to talk to them about the Olympics Grand Slam 75 00:04:21,029 --> 00:04:26,220 Bex Gentry: track and all of the awesome changes that 2024 brought 76 00:04:26,220 --> 00:04:28,920 Bex Gentry: for them. For today's member moment, Meb will be here 77 00:04:28,920 --> 00:04:33,029 Bex Gentry: with New York Roadrunners member Mauricio Balandino, and then back 78 00:04:33,029 --> 00:04:37,440 Bex Gentry: to Meb for today's Meb Minutes. All about recovery rituals. 79 00:04:37,529 --> 00:04:40,529 Bex Gentry: Ooh, that sounds good, Meb. All right, stay tuned. Try 80 00:04:40,529 --> 00:04:43,440 Bex Gentry: the Peloton app for free and access classes for every 81 00:04:43,440 --> 00:04:45,930 Bex Gentry: type of runner. Whether you're training for your first race 82 00:04:45,990 --> 00:04:49,290 Bex Gentry: or you're a seasoned pro. From outdoor runs and intervals, 83 00:04:49,380 --> 00:04:52,860 Bex Gentry: to strength, yoga and stretching, you'll find the perfect fit 84 00:04:52,890 --> 00:04:55,980 Bex Gentry: for every part of your routine. Whether it's a long 85 00:04:55,980 --> 00:04:58,560 Bex Gentry: run day or you just need a quick five minute 86 00:04:58,560 --> 00:05:01,830 Bex Gentry: reset, the Peloton app meets you where you are and 87 00:05:01,830 --> 00:05:05,880 Bex Gentry: helps you become a stronger, faster runner because it's designed 88 00:05:05,910 --> 00:05:08,970 Bex Gentry: for someone like you. Try the app free for 30 89 00:05:08,970 --> 00:05:11,490 Bex Gentry: days and download it now from the app store or 90 00:05:11,490 --> 00:05:16,440 Bex Gentry: Google Play terms apply. Peloton, the official digital fitness partner 91 00:05:16,560 --> 00:05:19,890 Bex Gentry: for New York Roadrunners. Today, we get to catch up 92 00:05:19,890 --> 00:05:24,930 Bex Gentry: with Olympian, Nikki Hiltz, a title we couldn't actually use a 93 00:05:24,930 --> 00:05:29,370 Bex Gentry: last time Nikki joined us on the show. What a year it 94 00:05:29,370 --> 00:05:31,980 Bex Gentry: has been for them. Right after we spoke to Nikki, 95 00:05:31,980 --> 00:05:35,969 Bex Gentry: they earned their spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics where they 96 00:05:35,970 --> 00:05:39,150 Bex Gentry: went on to make history by reaching the 1, 500 meter 97 00:05:39,150 --> 00:05:43,589 Bex Gentry: final. Since then, Nikki has continued to set new records 98 00:05:43,589 --> 00:05:46,589 Bex Gentry: on the track and taken on the unique challenge of 99 00:05:46,589 --> 00:05:50,580 Bex Gentry: competing in the high profile Grand Slam track series, which 100 00:05:50,580 --> 00:05:55,290 Bex Gentry: ended with a surprise twist. Nikki's season has been packed 101 00:05:55,290 --> 00:05:59,580 Bex Gentry: with personal milestones, headline making races, and plenty of lessons 102 00:05:59,580 --> 00:06:02,669 Bex Gentry: from the front lines of professional running and here they 103 00:06:02,670 --> 00:06:05,070 Bex Gentry: are. Hi, how are you? 104 00:06:05,670 --> 00:06:07,080 Nikki Hiltz: I'm so good, how are you? 105 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:10,410 Bex Gentry: I am great, even the better for having you here 106 00:06:10,410 --> 00:06:14,730 Bex Gentry: today. It is such an honor. I was listening back 107 00:06:14,730 --> 00:06:19,589 Bex Gentry: to our last conversation with Rob, obviously, almost exactly a year 108 00:06:19,589 --> 00:06:23,159 Bex Gentry: ago. You were days away from Eugene ... 109 00:06:23,160 --> 00:06:23,161 Nikki Hiltz: Crazy. 110 00:06:23,161 --> 00:06:29,010 Bex Gentry: ... and you could feel the excitement, nerves, passion in 111 00:06:29,190 --> 00:06:32,940 Bex Gentry: your voice, and then the next thing I kind of 112 00:06:32,940 --> 00:06:36,630 Bex Gentry: remember was being in Paris watching you run and just 113 00:06:36,630 --> 00:06:43,830 Bex Gentry: being like, " Oh wow, this is so freaking cool." I want to jump 114 00:06:43,830 --> 00:06:45,990 Bex Gentry: straight in with you and you are probably never going 115 00:06:45,990 --> 00:06:49,140 Bex Gentry: to be sick of talking about the Olympics, so hopefully 116 00:06:49,140 --> 00:06:49,680 Bex Gentry: that's okay. 117 00:06:50,520 --> 00:06:52,589 Nikki Hiltz: Of course. No, I love it. Yeah, yesterday was, I 118 00:06:53,339 --> 00:06:55,650 Nikki Hiltz: don't know, National Olympic Day or whatever and I was 119 00:06:56,220 --> 00:06:58,229 Nikki Hiltz: going through my camera roll and brought me back, so 120 00:06:58,230 --> 00:07:02,279 Nikki Hiltz: yeah, no, I'm definitely never not happy to talk about 121 00:07:02,279 --> 00:07:02,730 Nikki Hiltz: that time. 122 00:07:03,510 --> 00:07:07,470 Bex Gentry: Brilliant. Okay, so let's go back to crossing the line 123 00:07:07,560 --> 00:07:09,420 Bex Gentry: at the Olympic trials because I feel like that's where we left 124 00:07:09,420 --> 00:07:14,340 Bex Gentry: off with you. Crossing the line at the US Olympic trials, not 125 00:07:14,340 --> 00:07:18,750 Bex Gentry: just crossing the line, breaking the meet record. Can you 126 00:07:18,750 --> 00:07:22,740 Bex Gentry: take us inside your mind during those final 100 meters 127 00:07:22,740 --> 00:07:25,590 Bex Gentry: and what made it, if it did, I'm sure it 128 00:07:25,590 --> 00:07:28,860 Bex Gentry: did feel different to any of your races you'd had before? 129 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:31,980 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, I mean, it's such a funny thing because you're 130 00:07:31,980 --> 00:07:34,620 Nikki Hiltz: trying to approach it. I felt like that whole week 131 00:07:34,620 --> 00:07:36,660 Nikki Hiltz: leading up, I was trying to just tell myself, " It's 132 00:07:36,660 --> 00:07:39,450 Nikki Hiltz: just like any other race. It's not that deep, just 133 00:07:39,600 --> 00:07:44,220 Nikki Hiltz: do your best." Then there's just all this elevated branding everywhere 134 00:07:44,220 --> 00:07:47,070 Nikki Hiltz: and we're also the very last race of the trials 135 00:07:47,070 --> 00:07:51,720 Nikki Hiltz: essentially. You're just seeing people become Olympian after Olympian. There's 136 00:07:51,720 --> 00:07:53,850 Nikki Hiltz: all this hype being built, but you're trying to be like, " 137 00:07:53,940 --> 00:07:57,750 Nikki Hiltz: Nope, just focus on do what you always do, try 138 00:07:57,750 --> 00:08:00,720 Nikki Hiltz: to get a good position, kick hard," all this stuff. 139 00:08:01,500 --> 00:08:03,960 Nikki Hiltz: I just remember that last 200 meters. It was kind 140 00:08:03,960 --> 00:08:06,840 Nikki Hiltz: of the first time I allowed myself to, " No, this 141 00:08:06,840 --> 00:08:09,150 Nikki Hiltz: is the Olympic trials. This is the Olympics. A top 142 00:08:09,150 --> 00:08:12,690 Nikki Hiltz: three finish means you're going to Paris," but I think 143 00:08:12,690 --> 00:08:14,550 Nikki Hiltz: I did a good job of not really allowing myself 144 00:08:14,550 --> 00:08:17,010 Nikki Hiltz: to go there until the last hundred, and I think 145 00:08:17,010 --> 00:08:19,770 Nikki Hiltz: that's why you saw that really explosive kick, 'cause I 146 00:08:19,770 --> 00:08:23,460 Nikki Hiltz: was like, " Oh, let's go." It was one of those 147 00:08:23,460 --> 00:08:26,490 Nikki Hiltz: things where I was with 200 to go, I was in fourth place. There 148 00:08:26,490 --> 00:08:29,220 Nikki Hiltz: was three New Balance athletes in front of me and 149 00:08:30,090 --> 00:08:31,920 Nikki Hiltz: three teammates in front of me. It was like Ellie, 150 00:08:31,920 --> 00:08:35,580 Nikki Hiltz: Heather, and Emily, and I was like, I remember thinking, " 151 00:08:36,450 --> 00:08:39,090 Nikki Hiltz: Wow, that'd be crazy if they swept." I was like, " 152 00:08:39,270 --> 00:08:43,319 Nikki Hiltz: No, get back in the race." Then with, yeah, I 153 00:08:43,319 --> 00:08:45,720 Nikki Hiltz: think with a hundred to go, I was in third, 154 00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:47,190 Nikki Hiltz: so I was on the team with a hundred to 155 00:08:47,190 --> 00:08:49,380 Nikki Hiltz: go and then it was just like, " No, I want to 156 00:08:49,380 --> 00:08:52,140 Nikki Hiltz: win. I want to see if I have enough." Because 157 00:08:52,140 --> 00:08:54,360 Nikki Hiltz: the year before I had won the national championships and 158 00:08:54,360 --> 00:08:58,650 Nikki Hiltz: I wanted to defend my title. Then yeah, crossing the 159 00:08:58,650 --> 00:09:01,140 Nikki Hiltz: finish line, I think one of the biggest emotions was 160 00:09:01,140 --> 00:09:04,230 Nikki Hiltz: just relief. I think that's kind of sad that that's 161 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:07,709 Nikki Hiltz: one of the first feelings because that emotion relief means 162 00:09:07,710 --> 00:09:11,880 Nikki Hiltz: like there was a lot of stress or something built 163 00:09:11,880 --> 00:09:14,730 Nikki Hiltz: up and then it's a let go. At the same 164 00:09:14,730 --> 00:09:16,830 Nikki Hiltz: time, that's kind of the reality of the trials. It's 165 00:09:16,830 --> 00:09:21,420 Nikki Hiltz: so stressful and it's so do or die. Then there 166 00:09:21,420 --> 00:09:23,640 Nikki Hiltz: was so much joy. It was like we did it 167 00:09:24,540 --> 00:09:26,760 Nikki Hiltz: and there was Emily and Ellie with me and we were like, " 168 00:09:26,760 --> 00:09:29,610 Nikki Hiltz: We're Olympians," and then I hugged Emma and I hugged, 169 00:09:30,420 --> 00:09:32,370 Nikki Hiltz: I had a camera crew there. There was a documentary 170 00:09:32,370 --> 00:09:34,199 Nikki Hiltz: following me. It was just so much love and support 171 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:37,410 Nikki Hiltz: and the people who were on the journey with me. Yeah, 172 00:09:37,410 --> 00:09:40,230 Nikki Hiltz: it was just one of the best moments of my 173 00:09:40,230 --> 00:09:41,340 Nikki Hiltz: life for sure. 174 00:09:42,179 --> 00:09:45,000 Bex Gentry: Oh my gosh, I can't even, I mean, I can 175 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:47,130 Bex Gentry: slightly relate. I have run an Olympic trials but not 176 00:09:47,130 --> 00:09:51,929 Bex Gentry: on the track and is very ... I mean, I had 177 00:09:51,929 --> 00:09:55,650 Bex Gentry: a very similar mentality to you of it's not that 178 00:09:55,650 --> 00:09:59,820 Bex Gentry: deep, it's just a marathon, just get it done. Then 179 00:09:59,820 --> 00:10:02,400 Bex Gentry: at the end you're like, " No, but it means everything 180 00:10:02,400 --> 00:10:02,700 Bex Gentry: to me." 181 00:10:04,710 --> 00:10:05,520 Nikki Hiltz: No, it's so real. 182 00:10:05,700 --> 00:10:09,059 Bex Gentry: It's so real. Oh my goodness. Okay, so you've come 183 00:10:09,059 --> 00:10:12,690 Bex Gentry: over the finish line, you've broken the record, you have 184 00:10:12,840 --> 00:10:18,330 Bex Gentry: made your spot, your coveted spot on the team and 185 00:10:18,510 --> 00:10:21,929 Bex Gentry: realized that it was a different race. It was a 186 00:10:21,929 --> 00:10:25,320 Bex Gentry: very different race to anything you've done before. As you were 187 00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:28,110 Bex Gentry: in that moment, I remember when we spoke last time, 188 00:10:28,110 --> 00:10:30,719 Bex Gentry: you said you were leaning into training rather than racing 189 00:10:30,809 --> 00:10:36,660 Bex Gentry: into shape. Did that element of your mentality and training 190 00:10:37,559 --> 00:10:40,620 Bex Gentry: come through for you in whether it was in that 191 00:10:40,620 --> 00:10:43,020 Bex Gentry: moment, at the end of the trials or in the 192 00:10:43,020 --> 00:10:47,010 Bex Gentry: weeks leading up to Paris? How did that change? Because 193 00:10:47,010 --> 00:10:50,309 Bex Gentry: it's very different to being training for the trials to 194 00:10:50,309 --> 00:10:53,160 Bex Gentry: then being like, okay, well now I have to be 195 00:10:53,490 --> 00:10:55,559 Bex Gentry: ready to race in the Olympics, like what? 196 00:10:56,220 --> 00:10:59,699 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, no, that's a good question. I mean, I think 197 00:10:59,700 --> 00:11:02,250 Nikki Hiltz: last year when we were looking at the trials and 198 00:11:02,250 --> 00:11:05,400 Nikki Hiltz: looking to, okay, you have to beat all these people in order 199 00:11:05,400 --> 00:11:06,870 Nikki Hiltz: to make the team, it was one of those things 200 00:11:06,870 --> 00:11:07,980 Nikki Hiltz: where I'm like, okay, I'm probably going to have to 201 00:11:07,980 --> 00:11:12,329 Nikki Hiltz: be in sub four shape and maybe indecently sub four 202 00:11:12,330 --> 00:11:16,050 Nikki Hiltz: shape. I think we prioritize, like I know how to 203 00:11:16,050 --> 00:11:19,140 Nikki Hiltz: race and my racing tactics are so sharp, and I've done 204 00:11:19,140 --> 00:11:21,480 Nikki Hiltz: this for so long that I don't need to race 205 00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:24,030 Nikki Hiltz: sharp and I need to get strong because we know 206 00:11:24,030 --> 00:11:25,500 Nikki Hiltz: Ellie St. Pierre is going to take it out. It is 207 00:11:26,610 --> 00:11:29,730 Nikki Hiltz: just kind of like that was our tactic. I'm actually 208 00:11:29,730 --> 00:11:32,040 Nikki Hiltz: really happy that I trained for so long because I 209 00:11:32,040 --> 00:11:34,470 Nikki Hiltz: got so fit. I was able to run 3: 55, 210 00:11:34,470 --> 00:11:36,780 Nikki Hiltz: which at the time I think was a three or 211 00:11:36,780 --> 00:11:41,040 Nikki Hiltz: four second PR. Then it was like I had done 212 00:11:41,220 --> 00:11:43,410 Nikki Hiltz: this such huge training block that by the time the 213 00:11:43,410 --> 00:11:46,710 Nikki Hiltz: trials happened, I was so excited to race. I love 214 00:11:46,710 --> 00:11:50,040 Nikki Hiltz: racing and that's why I do this, and the training, it kind 215 00:11:50,040 --> 00:11:52,439 Nikki Hiltz: of is mundane and boring. I've learned within the past 216 00:11:52,440 --> 00:11:54,420 Nikki Hiltz: few years to actually really love the training side too, 217 00:11:54,420 --> 00:11:57,240 Nikki Hiltz: but that doesn't come naturally for me. The grind is 218 00:11:57,240 --> 00:12:01,559 Nikki Hiltz: like, it's hard. Then it was once the trials were 219 00:12:01,559 --> 00:12:03,000 Nikki Hiltz: over, I went, I was like, " Okay, I want to 220 00:12:03,000 --> 00:12:06,929 Nikki Hiltz: keep racing until," and so I did a race in 221 00:12:06,929 --> 00:12:11,490 Nikki Hiltz: LA and then the Olympics are, there are three rounds. Yeah, I think I was just 222 00:12:11,490 --> 00:12:14,160 Nikki Hiltz: excited to race. I actually got very sick after the 223 00:12:14,160 --> 00:12:16,829 Nikki Hiltz: trials. I got COVID, which I think every single person 224 00:12:16,830 --> 00:12:20,370 Nikki Hiltz: in Eugene did. It was pretty bad, but it was 225 00:12:20,850 --> 00:12:23,040 Nikki Hiltz: one of those things that I had a down week 226 00:12:23,130 --> 00:12:26,490 Nikki Hiltz: anyways, it was so much hype. It was fine, but 227 00:12:26,970 --> 00:12:29,609 Nikki Hiltz: I do think that kind of offset my training a 228 00:12:29,610 --> 00:12:33,540 Nikki Hiltz: bit leading into the Olympics, just it was kind of a quick 229 00:12:33,540 --> 00:12:35,760 Nikki Hiltz: turnaround from the trials to Paris. 230 00:12:35,760 --> 00:12:36,240 Bex Gentry: So close. 231 00:12:36,870 --> 00:12:41,220 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, but I got back and I went to St. 232 00:12:41,220 --> 00:12:46,140 Nikki Hiltz: Moritz like 10 days leading into Paris, and yeah, I think I 233 00:12:46,140 --> 00:12:48,329 Nikki Hiltz: was ready. I was so ready to keep racing because 234 00:12:48,330 --> 00:12:52,710 Nikki Hiltz: that's the fun part. The rounds in same thing. It 235 00:12:52,710 --> 00:12:53,910 Nikki Hiltz: was like we knew the rounds were going to be 236 00:12:53,910 --> 00:12:58,530 Nikki Hiltz: fast. You just know how the 15s run on the global stage on 237 00:12:58,530 --> 00:13:00,420 Nikki Hiltz: the women's side. I mean, I guess sometimes the men's 238 00:13:00,420 --> 00:13:03,809 Nikki Hiltz: too, but it's just fast. We know exactly how that 239 00:13:03,809 --> 00:13:05,460 Nikki Hiltz: finals is going to go, so you can actually really 240 00:13:05,460 --> 00:13:08,790 Nikki Hiltz: prepare for it in training. Yeah, I don't really know 241 00:13:08,790 --> 00:13:10,500 Nikki Hiltz: if that answered your question. I just kind of rambled about 242 00:13:10,500 --> 00:13:11,370 Nikki Hiltz: training for a while. 243 00:13:11,370 --> 00:13:17,010 Bex Gentry: No, and it just kind of shows that after the Olympics, I've never 244 00:13:17,010 --> 00:13:21,540 Bex Gentry: heard somebody have COVID at the best time. That could have happened 245 00:13:21,780 --> 00:13:25,620 Bex Gentry: in those few weeks between the trials and your Olympic 246 00:13:25,620 --> 00:13:29,309 Bex Gentry: races, but you just sort of stayed in the zone, 247 00:13:29,640 --> 00:13:33,480 Bex Gentry: I guess, of doing what you like to do, which 248 00:13:33,480 --> 00:13:37,800 Bex Gentry: is show up, race and just be in it for 249 00:13:37,800 --> 00:13:39,990 Bex Gentry: you and put your fitness to the test, which is 250 00:13:39,990 --> 00:13:44,940 Bex Gentry: so cool. So, so cool. Okay. Talking of coldness and 251 00:13:45,510 --> 00:13:50,370 Bex Gentry: change and just the message that you, and I think 252 00:13:50,370 --> 00:13:52,710 Bex Gentry: I said this to you last time, the message that you bring 253 00:13:52,710 --> 00:13:57,900 Bex Gentry: to the world of sport is so unique, and I kind 254 00:13:57,900 --> 00:14:00,300 Bex Gentry: of hate that it's unique, but there needs to be one 255 00:14:00,300 --> 00:14:04,920 Bex Gentry: unique person for things to become much more known. I 256 00:14:04,920 --> 00:14:08,160 Bex Gentry: think for you at Paris Olympics, you became the first 257 00:14:08,160 --> 00:14:12,300 Bex Gentry: openly transgender and non- binary American to reach an individual 258 00:14:12,300 --> 00:14:16,679 Bex Gentry: Olympic trial. What does that mean to you as Nikki? 259 00:14:17,220 --> 00:14:20,640 Nikki Hiltz: It's crazy. I think it's just one of those things 260 00:14:20,640 --> 00:14:23,460 Nikki Hiltz: where it's just who I am. I can't really separate 261 00:14:23,460 --> 00:14:28,260 Nikki Hiltz: it from my identity 'cause it is my identity, and 262 00:14:28,260 --> 00:14:30,240 Nikki Hiltz: then I'm also an Olympian, which is also such a 263 00:14:30,240 --> 00:14:34,560 Nikki Hiltz: unique, Olympic finalist that's also such a unique identity. I 264 00:14:34,560 --> 00:14:37,620 Nikki Hiltz: think it's really special when people say that because it's 265 00:14:37,620 --> 00:14:39,780 Nikki Hiltz: like, yeah, it's the two things I'm really proud of 266 00:14:39,780 --> 00:14:43,530 Nikki Hiltz: coming together. I'm an Olympic finalist. I'm also non- binary, 267 00:14:43,530 --> 00:14:45,330 Nikki Hiltz: and I'm so proud to be queer and a part 268 00:14:45,330 --> 00:14:48,180 Nikki Hiltz: of the transgender community and underneath that umbrella of what 269 00:14:48,180 --> 00:14:51,930 Nikki Hiltz: it means to be transgender. Yeah, it's really special, and 270 00:14:51,930 --> 00:14:57,030 Nikki Hiltz: it's definitely something I don't take lightly. I want to 271 00:14:57,030 --> 00:15:00,479 Nikki Hiltz: be a good, I don't know, role model, representation of 272 00:15:00,480 --> 00:15:05,040 Nikki Hiltz: my community. I try to be kind and be gracious 273 00:15:05,040 --> 00:15:08,670 Nikki Hiltz: and be just me and hope that that can help 274 00:15:08,670 --> 00:15:12,720 Nikki Hiltz: normalize, oh wow, trans people aren't these big, crazy scary 275 00:15:12,720 --> 00:15:14,580 Nikki Hiltz: things that a lot of people are trying to make 276 00:15:14,580 --> 00:15:17,820 Nikki Hiltz: them out to be. Yeah, it definitely means a lot 277 00:15:17,820 --> 00:15:20,430 Nikki Hiltz: and I'm very proud of that accomplishment. 278 00:15:28,110 --> 00:15:31,530 Bex Gentry: So you should be, and in last year's interview you said, I know I'm not the first, I know I'm the first, but I'm not the last. I'm interested, you've done so much advocacy work, you've 279 00:15:31,530 --> 00:15:36,510 Bex Gentry: done so many events and you've had so much exposure 280 00:15:36,510 --> 00:15:39,990 Bex Gentry: since the Olympics. Have you met or heard from other 281 00:15:39,990 --> 00:15:44,790 Bex Gentry: young athletes or just other humans who have felt seen 282 00:15:44,790 --> 00:15:48,990 Bex Gentry: and been able to rise up because of your journey? 283 00:15:49,290 --> 00:15:53,340 Nikki Hiltz: Oh, totally. Yeah. I mean, I meet a lot of queer kids 284 00:15:53,340 --> 00:15:56,490 Nikki Hiltz: and specifically at track meets, which I think is awesome. 285 00:15:57,750 --> 00:16:01,739 Nikki Hiltz: I don't know what sport is the most welcoming, but 286 00:16:02,100 --> 00:16:04,470 Nikki Hiltz: I think just it's really cool about track. They feel 287 00:16:04,470 --> 00:16:06,900 Nikki Hiltz: safe at a track meet and they can come and 288 00:16:06,900 --> 00:16:09,120 Nikki Hiltz: say hi and say, " Hi, my name's so- and-so, I'm 289 00:16:09,120 --> 00:16:11,729 Nikki Hiltz: also non- binary," and it just fills my heart with 290 00:16:12,450 --> 00:16:16,260 Nikki Hiltz: so much joy. It makes me feel less alone. Then 291 00:16:16,260 --> 00:16:19,500 Nikki Hiltz: I always give them a hug, like, yeah, I don't 292 00:16:19,500 --> 00:16:24,030 Nikki Hiltz: know, but yeah, I think it's really cool. I think representation or 293 00:16:24,570 --> 00:16:26,910 Nikki Hiltz: I don't know, motivation, it's kind of a two- way 294 00:16:26,910 --> 00:16:31,740 Nikki Hiltz: street. I think when people say they're non- binary, they're 295 00:16:31,740 --> 00:16:34,440 Nikki Hiltz: just saying it to let me know, but it really 296 00:16:34,440 --> 00:16:37,530 Nikki Hiltz: motivates me. I'm like, or they say, " You're an inspiration." I'm like, "" 297 00:16:37,530 --> 00:16:40,050 Nikki Hiltz: No, you telling me, that really motivates me and wants me 298 00:16:40,050 --> 00:16:42,030 Nikki Hiltz: to keep showing up because now I can put a 299 00:16:42,030 --> 00:16:45,150 Nikki Hiltz: face and a name to someone who know I'm showing 300 00:16:45,150 --> 00:16:48,570 Nikki Hiltz: up for that person who I just met." Yeah, I 301 00:16:48,570 --> 00:16:52,470 Nikki Hiltz: love connecting with my community and yeah, no, it's definitely, 302 00:16:52,470 --> 00:16:57,840 Nikki Hiltz: like you said, since the Olympics has become a lot 303 00:16:57,840 --> 00:17:01,020 Nikki Hiltz: more and a little overwhelming, but I always try to 304 00:17:01,020 --> 00:17:03,510 Nikki Hiltz: make time for people and sign as many autographs, to 305 00:17:03,510 --> 00:17:07,170 Nikki Hiltz: take as many photos. Yeah, I mean, I have time, 306 00:17:07,320 --> 00:17:11,910 Nikki Hiltz: why not? It's fun. The people I meet, I say 307 00:17:11,910 --> 00:17:14,790 Nikki Hiltz: this all the time, but my followers are genuinely the 308 00:17:14,790 --> 00:17:17,220 Nikki Hiltz: coolest people in the world. I'll meet someone who's like, "Ph, 309 00:17:17,460 --> 00:17:21,090 Nikki Hiltz: I'm doing, I'm working for NASA, being a rocket scientist, 310 00:17:21,090 --> 00:17:23,970 Nikki Hiltz: and I follow you." I was like, " What? You're way 311 00:17:23,970 --> 00:17:27,840 Nikki Hiltz: cooler than me." I think I would genuinely be friends 312 00:17:27,840 --> 00:17:31,800 Nikki Hiltz: with a lot of them, so yeah, I love meeting 313 00:17:31,800 --> 00:17:33,900 Nikki Hiltz: people and the people I've met have been great. 314 00:17:34,619 --> 00:17:39,180 Bex Gentry: That's amazing. You said that it's sometimes overwhelming though. How 315 00:17:39,180 --> 00:17:42,900 Bex Gentry: do you handle the emotional weight of representing so many people? 316 00:17:44,400 --> 00:17:49,020 Nikki Hiltz: Such a good question. I mean, I think to be good at this 317 00:17:49,020 --> 00:17:51,149 Nikki Hiltz: sport, you have to do all the physical stuff. You 318 00:17:51,150 --> 00:17:53,879 Nikki Hiltz: have to run the mileage, do the workouts, do the 319 00:17:53,880 --> 00:17:56,970 Nikki Hiltz: weight sessions, sit in the sauna, all the little things. 320 00:17:57,090 --> 00:17:59,520 Nikki Hiltz: Then you also have to do that on the mental 321 00:17:59,520 --> 00:18:03,690 Nikki Hiltz: side too. I feel like since 2023 really prioritize that. 322 00:18:05,340 --> 00:18:07,740 Nikki Hiltz: I journal a lot. I meditate every single day. I 323 00:18:07,740 --> 00:18:12,540 Nikki Hiltz: have some crazy meditation streak that I am I can't break, which 324 00:18:12,540 --> 00:18:14,670 Nikki Hiltz: I know that's not the point of meditation. 325 00:18:15,810 --> 00:18:17,490 Bex Gentry: Hey, if it works for you, it works for you/ 326 00:18:18,660 --> 00:18:22,560 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, I'm definitely a perfectionist, but I don't know. I 327 00:18:22,560 --> 00:18:24,480 Nikki Hiltz: try to do all the little things on the mental 328 00:18:24,480 --> 00:18:30,300 Nikki Hiltz: side too. I think that it helps with my running 329 00:18:30,300 --> 00:18:32,580 Nikki Hiltz: and performance when I'm at the trials and it's like, 330 00:18:32,790 --> 00:18:34,619 Nikki Hiltz: okay, top three, make the team. It can help me 331 00:18:34,619 --> 00:18:38,820 Nikki Hiltz: stay very present and assure myself even if that doesn't 332 00:18:38,820 --> 00:18:41,580 Nikki Hiltz: happen. Then I think that also has really helped with 333 00:18:42,330 --> 00:18:45,030 Nikki Hiltz: when it comes to being an advocate in this space 334 00:18:45,030 --> 00:18:49,440 Nikki Hiltz: and time right now, it's really centering myself. Emma, my 335 00:18:49,440 --> 00:18:53,970 Nikki Hiltz: partner, is my best friend and biggest advocate and always 336 00:18:53,970 --> 00:18:57,630 Nikki Hiltz: reminds me, " Hey, your role is just to humanize this 337 00:18:57,630 --> 00:19:00,000 Nikki Hiltz: thing. You don't have to do any more or less 338 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:02,640 Nikki Hiltz: than that. You just have to show up as yourself 339 00:19:02,640 --> 00:19:05,580 Nikki Hiltz: and that's going to be enough." Things like that, conversations 340 00:19:05,910 --> 00:19:07,859 Nikki Hiltz: like that, I can't tell you how many conversations I'm going to 341 00:19:07,920 --> 00:19:11,460 Nikki Hiltz: have about this stuff every single day. It's just very 342 00:19:12,330 --> 00:19:16,379 Nikki Hiltz: reassuring and yeah, I guess, that's how I navigate it. It's 343 00:19:16,590 --> 00:19:20,100 Nikki Hiltz: just with my people and then with prioritizing my mental 344 00:19:20,100 --> 00:19:23,430 Nikki Hiltz: health and then just being really sure of myself. There's 345 00:19:23,430 --> 00:19:26,129 Nikki Hiltz: not a single thing anyone can say that I haven't 346 00:19:26,220 --> 00:19:28,470 Nikki Hiltz: already heard, and I'm like, " Well, that's not true because 347 00:19:29,070 --> 00:19:30,301 Nikki Hiltz: I know myself and that's not real." Yeah, whatever it is, you know what I mean? 348 00:19:30,301 --> 00:19:39,000 Bex Gentry: Yeah. That's a really good message as well, to have somebody outside 349 00:19:39,000 --> 00:19:42,420 Bex Gentry: of you, it's really easy to G yourself up in 350 00:19:42,420 --> 00:19:45,869 Bex Gentry: your own head, but there are days when even things 351 00:19:45,869 --> 00:19:49,170 Bex Gentry: you've heard a hundred times can get to you. To 352 00:19:49,170 --> 00:19:52,770 Bex Gentry: have somebody who has your back right there by your 353 00:19:52,770 --> 00:19:55,290 Bex Gentry: side to say, " Hey, listen, all you've got to do 354 00:19:55,380 --> 00:19:58,800 Bex Gentry: is show up as you," is so beautiful and such 355 00:19:58,859 --> 00:20:02,100 Bex Gentry: an amazing reminder that you just have to be you. 356 00:20:02,369 --> 00:20:05,640 Bex Gentry: That is the greatest gift that you can give, especially 357 00:20:05,640 --> 00:20:07,290 Bex Gentry: when you're on such a big stage as you are. It's 358 00:20:07,710 --> 00:20:10,680 Bex Gentry: the greatest gift that you can give people, and yourself 359 00:20:10,830 --> 00:20:16,800 Bex Gentry: is so nice. Oh my gosh. Go Emma. Okay, so talking 360 00:20:16,800 --> 00:20:21,570 Bex Gentry: about giving gifts, let's talk about the Flagstaff Pride 5K 361 00:20:21,570 --> 00:20:30,389 Bex Gentry: that you've continued to organize. You've raised apparently over $170, 000 362 00:20:30,420 --> 00:20:34,590 Bex Gentry: for the Trevor Project, which is huge. Can you just 363 00:20:34,590 --> 00:20:37,290 Bex Gentry: talk a little bit to everybody about why this event 364 00:20:37,290 --> 00:20:40,889 Bex Gentry: is so central to your life and how since you've 365 00:20:40,890 --> 00:20:42,450 Bex Gentry: been involved, how it's grown so much? 366 00:20:43,290 --> 00:20:46,950 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, no, it's definitely crazy how long it's been a 367 00:20:46,950 --> 00:20:50,280 Nikki Hiltz: thing. We started it in 2020 and that feels like forever 368 00:20:50,280 --> 00:20:54,270 Nikki Hiltz: ago and it's had different versions. We've hosted one in 369 00:20:54,270 --> 00:20:57,450 Nikki Hiltz: Flagstaff in 2022, which was awesome, but the rest of the 370 00:20:57,450 --> 00:21:00,389 Nikki Hiltz: ones have been virtual and we've also done stuff in 371 00:21:00,390 --> 00:21:03,540 Nikki Hiltz: San Diego. It is just had so many different, I guess, 372 00:21:03,780 --> 00:21:09,149 Nikki Hiltz: it's evolved and yeah, we've raised so much money for 373 00:21:10,230 --> 00:21:12,840 Nikki Hiltz: these organizations, but I think just the way we've done 374 00:21:12,840 --> 00:21:15,780 Nikki Hiltz: it is what's really special to me is obviously the 375 00:21:15,780 --> 00:21:18,900 Nikki Hiltz: money is going towards LGBTQ people who really need it 376 00:21:18,900 --> 00:21:23,250 Nikki Hiltz: and that is the best thing ever. It's happening by 377 00:21:23,250 --> 00:21:27,330 Nikki Hiltz: runners coming together and being like, " Hey, I'm queer, or 378 00:21:27,330 --> 00:21:30,480 Nikki Hiltz: I have a queer brother or queer sister, or Hey, I'm just 379 00:21:30,480 --> 00:21:32,700 Nikki Hiltz: an ally and want to support this." Then it's this 380 00:21:32,700 --> 00:21:35,790 Nikki Hiltz: physical representation of people coming together through running to be like, " 381 00:21:35,940 --> 00:21:39,210 Nikki Hiltz: Hey, we're here to support these causes." I think that's 382 00:21:39,210 --> 00:21:42,480 Nikki Hiltz: just so beautiful and something that would've meant so much 383 00:21:42,480 --> 00:21:45,720 Nikki Hiltz: to younger me was just seeing that representation of like, " 384 00:21:46,260 --> 00:21:49,350 Nikki Hiltz: Oh, this is how many people are behind me and 385 00:21:49,350 --> 00:21:50,909 Nikki Hiltz: it's okay to come out or it's okay to be 386 00:21:50,910 --> 00:21:54,540 Nikki Hiltz: myself and I'm going to have a community and family to 387 00:21:54,660 --> 00:21:58,020 Nikki Hiltz: land on." I think that's been really special to see 388 00:21:58,020 --> 00:21:59,850 Nikki Hiltz: that part of it and to see the kind of 389 00:21:59,850 --> 00:22:06,270 Nikki Hiltz: community grow, and there's always a cute shirt involved. It's 390 00:22:06,270 --> 00:22:07,020 Nikki Hiltz: just so fun. 391 00:22:08,100 --> 00:22:08,638 Bex Gentry: We love the shirts. 392 00:22:09,270 --> 00:22:11,580 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, and I put it on with my best friends and 393 00:22:11,699 --> 00:22:13,801 Nikki Hiltz: that's just really fun and special to me. So yeah, this is I guess year six. 394 00:22:13,801 --> 00:22:15,270 Bex Gentry: Oh my gosh. Yeah. 395 00:22:21,359 --> 00:22:26,250 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, so the sixth edition of it and yeah, it's 396 00:22:26,250 --> 00:22:27,119 Nikki Hiltz: exciting stuff. 397 00:22:27,480 --> 00:22:30,960 Bex Gentry: Amazing, and it keeps on growing. It keeps on getting 398 00:22:30,960 --> 00:22:36,179 Bex Gentry: there. Okay, so the industry, the track and field world, 399 00:22:36,180 --> 00:22:42,840 Bex Gentry: let's call it. Just quickly tell me about any surprises 400 00:22:42,840 --> 00:22:50,580 Bex Gentry: or any responses that you've experienced that have taken you 401 00:22:50,580 --> 00:22:52,440 Bex Gentry: about good or bad. It's up to you. You don't 402 00:22:52,440 --> 00:22:55,500 Bex Gentry: have to say one or the other about your advocacy and 403 00:22:55,500 --> 00:22:59,580 Bex Gentry: as your profile has grown exponentially really over the last 404 00:22:59,580 --> 00:23:00,449 Bex Gentry: one to two years. 405 00:23:02,459 --> 00:23:05,638 Nikki Hiltz: Oh my gosh, that's a good question. I don't know, 406 00:23:05,638 --> 00:23:08,520 Nikki Hiltz: I think it's just what's shocking to me is how 407 00:23:09,450 --> 00:23:15,180 Nikki Hiltz: there's so many issues in our world, but the hyper 408 00:23:15,180 --> 00:23:20,160 Nikki Hiltz: fixation of trans people being the biggest issue, I guess 409 00:23:20,160 --> 00:23:25,230 Nikki Hiltz: that's not unique to the track and field world. I don't know. I 410 00:23:25,230 --> 00:23:29,490 Nikki Hiltz: guess in the end of the day there's less than 10 athletes who 411 00:23:29,490 --> 00:23:33,060 Nikki Hiltz: identify as transgender and I think two of them are 412 00:23:33,270 --> 00:23:38,670 Nikki Hiltz: trans women. It's just like, okay, I just think the hysteria, 413 00:23:38,670 --> 00:23:42,000 Nikki Hiltz: I think, blows my mind and I think that's something 414 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:46,050 Nikki Hiltz: that's shocking. Then it's crazy too, for me, the most 415 00:23:46,050 --> 00:23:48,900 Nikki Hiltz: backlash I ever get is when I stand up for 416 00:23:48,900 --> 00:23:51,810 Nikki Hiltz: trans women, it's not even about me ever. It's like, 417 00:23:52,800 --> 00:23:55,290 Nikki Hiltz: how dare you stand up for this marginalized group of 418 00:23:55,290 --> 00:23:58,409 Nikki Hiltz: people who just want to exist? I'm like, okay. 419 00:23:59,850 --> 00:24:03,090 Bex Gentry: It's all bizarre, but that is like, yeah, that's so 420 00:24:03,150 --> 00:24:05,160 Bex Gentry: bizarre that you're like, don't use your voice. 421 00:24:06,060 --> 00:24:10,350 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, and it just shows how much, I guess, scrutiny 422 00:24:10,350 --> 00:24:13,709 Nikki Hiltz: and hate trans woman or other, and it makes me 423 00:24:13,710 --> 00:24:15,960 Nikki Hiltz: really sad, but yeah, of course I'm going to stand 424 00:24:15,960 --> 00:24:17,879 Nikki Hiltz: up for my community and, of course, I think we 425 00:24:17,880 --> 00:24:20,669 Nikki Hiltz: should try to find a way to make sports a 426 00:24:20,670 --> 00:24:22,740 Nikki Hiltz: place for everyone. I don't think anyone should be excluded 427 00:24:22,740 --> 00:24:25,859 Nikki Hiltz: from this. I would love to keep having conversations to 428 00:24:26,190 --> 00:24:28,320 Nikki Hiltz: make space for those people and how do we do 429 00:24:28,320 --> 00:24:32,520 Nikki Hiltz: that? Yeah, that's what I'm interested in, and so I 430 00:24:32,520 --> 00:24:35,550 Nikki Hiltz: think I can handle a little bit of hate to 431 00:24:35,820 --> 00:24:39,629 Nikki Hiltz: in order to do that. Yeah, I also think I'm 432 00:24:39,630 --> 00:24:42,600 Nikki Hiltz: in a position of such privilege. I have such supportive 433 00:24:42,600 --> 00:24:45,540 Nikki Hiltz: family, I have such a supportive partner. Why would I 434 00:24:45,540 --> 00:24:49,950 Nikki Hiltz: not? I went to the ESPYs very shortly after the 435 00:24:49,950 --> 00:24:58,020 Nikki Hiltz: Olympic trials last year and Don Stanley, the South Carolina 436 00:24:58,020 --> 00:25:01,379 Nikki Hiltz: coach, gave this speech that was like, I feel like 437 00:25:01,380 --> 00:25:04,320 Nikki Hiltz: it changed my life. It was like, " Hey, to all 438 00:25:04,320 --> 00:25:06,209 Nikki Hiltz: the athletes sitting out there right now or sitting in 439 00:25:06,210 --> 00:25:08,910 Nikki Hiltz: this room, you got here for a reason. You can 440 00:25:08,910 --> 00:25:13,590 Nikki Hiltz: call it talent and luck." She's like, " But at the 441 00:25:13,590 --> 00:25:16,920 Nikki Hiltz: end of day it's just a lot of luck you 442 00:25:16,920 --> 00:25:19,830 Nikki Hiltz: had to go through ... You never had a career ending 443 00:25:19,830 --> 00:25:24,420 Nikki Hiltz: injury, you never got derailed down the wrong path. All 444 00:25:24,420 --> 00:25:26,010 Nikki Hiltz: these things led to this moment where you can be 445 00:25:26,010 --> 00:25:28,469 Nikki Hiltz: in this room and be an athlete." She's like, " So 446 00:25:28,470 --> 00:25:31,050 Nikki Hiltz: that's luck, that's privilege. What are you going to do 447 00:25:31,050 --> 00:25:34,679 Nikki Hiltz: with it?" I felt like chills around my while body and 448 00:25:34,680 --> 00:25:37,560 Nikki Hiltz: I was like, " Wow, okay, yeah, I am this athlete and 449 00:25:37,560 --> 00:25:39,240 Nikki Hiltz: I have all these goals and dreams and I'm going 450 00:25:39,240 --> 00:25:41,669 Nikki Hiltz: to keep chasing them, but I'm going to stand up 451 00:25:41,670 --> 00:25:42,810 Nikki Hiltz: for people along the way and I'm going to stand 452 00:25:42,810 --> 00:25:44,670 Nikki Hiltz: up for my community. I'm going to stand up for myself and I'm going 453 00:25:44,670 --> 00:25:48,629 Nikki Hiltz: to try to make change as much as possible. Sorry, 454 00:25:49,170 --> 00:25:49,920 Nikki Hiltz: random alarms. 455 00:25:53,220 --> 00:25:55,020 Bex Gentry: That's your alarm. I was really trying to have a sleep in today, you 456 00:25:55,020 --> 00:25:59,460 Bex Gentry: guys. Oh my gosh. 457 00:25:59,460 --> 00:26:00,751 Nikki Hiltz: I don't know if that answers your question. 458 00:26:00,751 --> 00:26:08,879 Bex Gentry: No, it does and I think it's really important that when it comes to how athletes 459 00:26:09,600 --> 00:26:13,170 Bex Gentry: use their platform, it's very individual and there is no 460 00:26:13,410 --> 00:26:16,859 Bex Gentry: rule, there is no training book for how any athlete 461 00:26:16,920 --> 00:26:20,280 Bex Gentry: is going to use their platform or their voice. Some 462 00:26:20,280 --> 00:26:23,129 Bex Gentry: athletes just go out there, they run their races, they 463 00:26:23,130 --> 00:26:26,430 Bex Gentry: do their sport and they go home. That's totally fine 464 00:26:26,490 --> 00:26:28,830 Bex Gentry: if that's what you need to do, that's what you 465 00:26:28,830 --> 00:26:33,090 Bex Gentry: need to do. I think as you said earlier, a 466 00:26:33,090 --> 00:26:38,520 Bex Gentry: marginalized community is one that needs so much more than 467 00:26:38,520 --> 00:26:41,520 Bex Gentry: an athlete that just comes, does the race and goes 468 00:26:41,520 --> 00:26:47,340 Bex Gentry: home. With your success and with your not luck, not 469 00:26:47,340 --> 00:26:50,970 Bex Gentry: just luck, I'm going, you got it. I agree with her, yes, it is a 470 00:26:50,970 --> 00:26:52,590 Bex Gentry: lot of luck, but there's a lot of grit that 471 00:26:52,590 --> 00:26:56,520 Bex Gentry: goes into it too. Let's talk about Grand Slam track, 472 00:26:56,640 --> 00:27:01,409 Bex Gentry: okay, because that is now, the stage was huge last 473 00:27:01,410 --> 00:27:03,750 Bex Gentry: year. The stage was huge for the Olympics, but Grand 474 00:27:03,750 --> 00:27:08,790 Bex Gentry: Slam Track is like it's freaking cool and you've signed 475 00:27:08,790 --> 00:27:12,149 Bex Gentry: on as one of the headliners of Grand Slam Track. There was a 476 00:27:12,150 --> 00:27:17,460 Bex Gentry: lot of excitement about this new league. What drew you 477 00:27:17,520 --> 00:27:19,889 Bex Gentry: to it and what did you hope it would bring 478 00:27:19,890 --> 00:27:21,480 Bex Gentry: to the pro running world? 479 00:27:22,590 --> 00:27:24,450 Nikki Hiltz: Oh my gosh. I mean, when I first heard about 480 00:27:24,450 --> 00:27:26,790 Nikki Hiltz: it was I guess a year ago at this point, 481 00:27:26,790 --> 00:27:28,649 Nikki Hiltz: I was like, " I want to be a part of 482 00:27:28,650 --> 00:27:31,889 Nikki Hiltz: that." It's everything that I love about track. There's no 483 00:27:31,890 --> 00:27:34,890 Nikki Hiltz: pace lights, there's no rabbits. It's not about time trialing. 484 00:27:34,980 --> 00:27:38,220 Nikki Hiltz: It's about pure head- to- head racing and four people 485 00:27:38,220 --> 00:27:40,199 Nikki Hiltz: are going to be consistent in every event group and 486 00:27:40,200 --> 00:27:41,970 Nikki Hiltz: then four people are going to come in as challengers. 487 00:27:41,970 --> 00:27:44,580 Nikki Hiltz: I was like, that's such a cool concept. Then it's 488 00:27:44,580 --> 00:27:47,280 Nikki Hiltz: an eight and a 15. I was just like, sign me up. I 489 00:27:47,280 --> 00:27:51,869 Nikki Hiltz: was like, I'm ready. Obviously, I think I was like, 490 00:27:52,050 --> 00:27:56,700 Nikki Hiltz: well, I'm solid. I'm can commonly say I one of the best 1, 491 00:27:56,700 --> 00:28:00,720 Nikki Hiltz: 500 runners in the country for sure, but I don't 492 00:28:00,720 --> 00:28:02,190 Nikki Hiltz: think I can really say that on the world stage. 493 00:28:02,190 --> 00:28:04,500 Nikki Hiltz: I'm getting there. I was seventh at the Olympics, so it's 494 00:28:04,500 --> 00:28:07,320 Nikki Hiltz: pretty good, but when you have two events like the 495 00:28:07,320 --> 00:28:09,480 Nikki Hiltz: eight and the 15 and you're going after the best 496 00:28:09,480 --> 00:28:11,280 Nikki Hiltz: in the world, I was like, I'll probably be a 497 00:28:11,280 --> 00:28:14,970 Nikki Hiltz: challenger. I'll come in, but I'm not going to get 498 00:28:14,970 --> 00:28:16,709 Nikki Hiltz: one of those racer spots. I think I was just 499 00:28:16,710 --> 00:28:21,330 Nikki Hiltz: kind of preparing myself. Then in October, Kyle Murber sends 500 00:28:21,510 --> 00:28:23,670 Nikki Hiltz: Howie my agent and I an email and was like, " 501 00:28:23,880 --> 00:28:26,490 Nikki Hiltz: Hey, we want Nikki to be a racer in the 502 00:28:26,580 --> 00:28:29,639 Nikki Hiltz: short distance event group." I was like, oh my gosh, 503 00:28:29,640 --> 00:28:32,340 Nikki Hiltz: and then offered me a contract to join the league 504 00:28:32,340 --> 00:28:34,230 Nikki Hiltz: and I was like, " I would've done it for free. 505 00:28:34,830 --> 00:28:37,830 Nikki Hiltz: I would've done it for $ 5. This is amazing." I was like, 506 00:28:38,070 --> 00:28:41,910 Nikki Hiltz: it was the quickest yes in my life. Then ever 507 00:28:41,910 --> 00:28:44,790 Nikki Hiltz: since it was, that was in October, and then it 508 00:28:44,790 --> 00:28:49,620 Nikki Hiltz: was just this really fun, crazy buildup to Kingston, the 509 00:28:49,620 --> 00:28:55,080 Nikki Hiltz: first one in April. Yeah, it's awesome. I think, like 510 00:28:55,080 --> 00:28:58,050 Nikki Hiltz: I said, it's everything that I think we need to 511 00:28:58,050 --> 00:29:01,950 Nikki Hiltz: focus on because there's so much talk about fast times 512 00:29:01,950 --> 00:29:06,660 Nikki Hiltz: and pace lights and super shoes. Yeah, that's part of 513 00:29:06,660 --> 00:29:08,940 Nikki Hiltz: the evolution of our sport, but if we get too 514 00:29:08,940 --> 00:29:12,480 Nikki Hiltz: far away from racing and just head- to- head who 515 00:29:12,480 --> 00:29:14,880 Nikki Hiltz: is going to win this race, I think our sport's 516 00:29:14,880 --> 00:29:17,040 Nikki Hiltz: going to come really boring really fast because it's going 517 00:29:17,040 --> 00:29:19,830 Nikki Hiltz: to be like someone chasing a light around a track 518 00:29:19,830 --> 00:29:22,020 Nikki Hiltz: and then they don't catch the light and then it's 519 00:29:22,020 --> 00:29:23,070 Nikki Hiltz: like oh. 520 00:29:24,030 --> 00:29:24,181 Bex Gentry: It's like AI. 521 00:29:24,181 --> 00:29:27,120 Nikki Hiltz: It's like, what is this? Yeah, I don't want my biggest competitor 522 00:29:27,120 --> 00:29:33,960 Nikki Hiltz: to be a light bulb. I'm sorry. I want it to be people. I don't know. I really loved, 523 00:29:34,050 --> 00:29:36,600 Nikki Hiltz: I think initially just the concept of it. I was 524 00:29:36,600 --> 00:29:37,410 Nikki Hiltz: just so bought in. 525 00:29:37,740 --> 00:29:40,890 Bex Gentry: Yeah, it was, as you say, the concept was really 526 00:29:40,890 --> 00:29:43,860 Bex Gentry: cool. It was for anyone who doesn't know, we have new 527 00:29:43,860 --> 00:29:46,740 Bex Gentry: listeners, Nikki, we have our podcast, listen, but we also 528 00:29:46,740 --> 00:29:49,080 Bex Gentry: are now on iHeartRadio, so there might be some people 529 00:29:49,080 --> 00:29:50,700 Bex Gentry: out there who don't know too much about it. Grand 530 00:29:50,700 --> 00:29:55,680 Bex Gentry: Slam Track was going to be four meets, it starts 531 00:29:55,680 --> 00:29:57,840 Bex Gentry: in Kingston, correct me if I'm wrong on the order, 532 00:29:57,840 --> 00:29:59,970 Bex Gentry: but it was going to go to Philly, then Miami and 533 00:30:00,240 --> 00:30:00,630 Bex Gentry: then LA. 534 00:30:01,680 --> 00:30:03,001 Nikki Hiltz: Miami, then Philly, then LA. 535 00:30:03,001 --> 00:30:08,100 Bex Gentry: Miami, then Philly, then LA and it got through three rounds, and then the LA 536 00:30:08,100 --> 00:30:15,420 Bex Gentry: finale was canceled. You've gone through all of this hype, 537 00:30:15,420 --> 00:30:19,890 Bex Gentry: this would've been the quickest yes for $5 or free, we 538 00:30:19,890 --> 00:30:21,570 Bex Gentry: will delete that one actually. How are you'll be like, 539 00:30:21,570 --> 00:30:23,850 Bex Gentry: no, no, no, no, she didn't say that. They didn't say that, but it was, what was the 540 00:30:27,600 --> 00:30:30,719 Bex Gentry: effect for you when you heard that the LA finale 541 00:30:30,720 --> 00:30:33,150 Bex Gentry: was going to be canceled? That's your season. 542 00:30:33,870 --> 00:30:37,170 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, yeah, I think it was obviously initially it was 543 00:30:37,170 --> 00:30:40,140 Nikki Hiltz: like, whoa, I didn't know they would do that. I 544 00:30:40,140 --> 00:30:43,440 Nikki Hiltz: think it was a little bit shock. Then obviously I love to 545 00:30:43,440 --> 00:30:46,020 Nikki Hiltz: race and I was really looking forward. I had kind 546 00:30:46,020 --> 00:30:48,150 Nikki Hiltz: of a rough one in Philly, which was the third 547 00:30:48,150 --> 00:30:51,720 Nikki Hiltz: one. I was looking for redemption and excited to do 548 00:30:51,720 --> 00:30:55,094 Nikki Hiltz: the grand finale in LA. Yeah, I think I would be lying 549 00:30:55,095 --> 00:30:57,690 Nikki Hiltz: if I said there was a little disappointment. I was 550 00:30:57,690 --> 00:31:01,920 Nikki Hiltz: like, oh, but once I was kind of explained why, 551 00:31:02,160 --> 00:31:06,150 Nikki Hiltz: I was like, "Oh, okay, that makes sense." I think I 552 00:31:06,300 --> 00:31:09,510 Nikki Hiltz: then was like, " Okay, well we had three great ones," 553 00:31:09,510 --> 00:31:13,590 Nikki Hiltz: and you also can't lose something you didn't never had. 554 00:31:13,800 --> 00:31:16,080 Nikki Hiltz: We never had the LA Grand Slam. We were looking 555 00:31:16,080 --> 00:31:17,880 Nikki Hiltz: forward to it and it was going to happen, but 556 00:31:17,880 --> 00:31:20,430 Nikki Hiltz: then it was like, okay, well I don't know, things 557 00:31:20,430 --> 00:31:23,700 Nikki Hiltz: get canceled. They canceled, in 2020, they canceled the Olympic 558 00:31:23,700 --> 00:31:27,690 Nikki Hiltz: games. I think something about 2020 has maybe desensitized me 559 00:31:27,690 --> 00:31:32,370 Nikki Hiltz: to things have canceled. I'm like, " Oh, well, (inaudible) canceled." 560 00:31:32,370 --> 00:31:37,590 Nikki Hiltz: I'm like, I don't know, but I also just, it's hard to be mad 561 00:31:37,590 --> 00:31:40,320 Nikki Hiltz: at them or frustrated or I don't know, because I'm 562 00:31:40,320 --> 00:31:44,310 Nikki Hiltz: so grateful for the first three for what they gave 563 00:31:44,310 --> 00:31:47,010 Nikki Hiltz: us as the athletes, and I can't speak for everyone, 564 00:31:47,010 --> 00:31:48,960 Nikki Hiltz: I can just speak for my experience, but I had 565 00:31:48,960 --> 00:31:52,140 Nikki Hiltz: so much fun at those track meets and the stakes 566 00:31:52,140 --> 00:31:54,330 Nikki Hiltz: have never been higher. I've never had a prize purse 567 00:31:54,330 --> 00:31:56,490 Nikki Hiltz: where I'm going, if I'm first it's 100 K. If 568 00:31:56,490 --> 00:31:59,640 Nikki Hiltz: I'm second, it's 50 K, so those stakes are crazy. 569 00:32:00,750 --> 00:32:03,870 Nikki Hiltz: I've also never had more fun, and people were like, 570 00:32:03,900 --> 00:32:07,110 Nikki Hiltz: you could tell the athletes were just vibing and being like, " 571 00:32:07,350 --> 00:32:09,810 Nikki Hiltz: This is so awesome," and they just took such good 572 00:32:09,810 --> 00:32:13,470 Nikki Hiltz: care of us. Michael Johnson is the founder of the 573 00:32:13,470 --> 00:32:16,020 Nikki Hiltz: league, the head commissioner, and he was obviously an athlete 574 00:32:16,020 --> 00:32:18,450 Nikki Hiltz: himself, and his team of people around him are also 575 00:32:18,450 --> 00:32:21,390 Nikki Hiltz: athletes. Like Kyle (inaudible) , he's a professional runner. Marla 576 00:32:21,390 --> 00:32:25,020 Nikki Hiltz: Kay, she was a sprinter and they are the ones 577 00:32:25,200 --> 00:32:27,780 Nikki Hiltz: leading this thing. They know what athletes need and we're like, " 578 00:32:28,290 --> 00:32:30,750 Nikki Hiltz: Hey, we need meals." They're like, " Got it." We're like, " Hey-" 579 00:32:31,000 --> 00:32:31,002 Bex Gentry: (inaudible) . 580 00:32:31,890 --> 00:32:35,100 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, and the little things too of it's so hard 581 00:32:35,100 --> 00:32:37,080 Nikki Hiltz: a lot of times to get content after a race, it 582 00:32:37,530 --> 00:32:40,410 Nikki Hiltz: just, there's a million photographers there, but no one ever 583 00:32:40,410 --> 00:32:43,800 Nikki Hiltz: sends you anything and it's kind of frustrating. They were like, " 584 00:32:43,800 --> 00:32:46,080 Nikki Hiltz: Hey, we have this app for you where as soon 585 00:32:46,080 --> 00:32:48,120 Nikki Hiltz: as you finish your race, all your photos are going 586 00:32:48,120 --> 00:32:51,090 Nikki Hiltz: to be there." It's just like, what? Yeah, just little 587 00:32:51,090 --> 00:32:54,930 Nikki Hiltz: things like that and things like, Emma is my person's, 588 00:32:55,740 --> 00:32:58,380 Nikki Hiltz: if my coach isn't there or agent, she's both of 589 00:32:58,380 --> 00:33:01,500 Nikki Hiltz: those things and it's so hard. 590 00:33:01,500 --> 00:33:02,220 Bex Gentry: Emma is working. 591 00:33:02,760 --> 00:33:07,290 Nikki Hiltz: No, yeah, she's the camera person. She's like, everything, support, 592 00:33:07,500 --> 00:33:11,640 Nikki Hiltz: athlete support to the T. It's so difficult in track and 593 00:33:11,640 --> 00:33:14,040 Nikki Hiltz: field to get Emma credential for things so I- 594 00:33:14,040 --> 00:33:14,160 Bex Gentry: Really? 595 00:33:15,630 --> 00:33:17,940 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, which is stupid. It's like, nope, she's not your 596 00:33:17,940 --> 00:33:20,820 Nikki Hiltz: coach or she's, and so Grand Slam, I'm like, " Hey, 597 00:33:20,820 --> 00:33:24,090 Nikki Hiltz: can I get a credential?" They're like, " Of course," and 598 00:33:24,090 --> 00:33:26,640 Nikki Hiltz: it's just so easy and stuff. Anyways, I could talk 599 00:33:26,640 --> 00:33:28,002 Nikki Hiltz: about Grand Slam all day, but I think it (inaudible) such a good job. 600 00:33:28,002 --> 00:33:32,700 Bex Gentry: It sounds you think there is a future for these alternative pro track meets? 601 00:33:33,060 --> 00:33:36,450 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, totally, and why not try? I think it's awesome 602 00:33:36,450 --> 00:33:40,830 Nikki Hiltz: that they tried and they built something really cool. Also, 603 00:33:40,830 --> 00:33:43,110 Nikki Hiltz: I think a part of canceling LA was to make 604 00:33:43,110 --> 00:33:46,710 Nikki Hiltz: sure that a 2026 season happened. If I'm looking like long- 605 00:33:46,710 --> 00:33:48,300 Nikki Hiltz: term, that's worth it for me. 606 00:33:50,760 --> 00:33:54,390 Bex Gentry: As you say, it was an epic three meets, so 607 00:33:55,020 --> 00:33:58,950 Bex Gentry: there was fun had for sure. All right, let's talk about training 608 00:33:58,950 --> 00:34:00,570 Bex Gentry: to round this out because I'm sure there's a lot 609 00:34:00,570 --> 00:34:03,660 Bex Gentry: of people out there thinking, " I want to know what 610 00:34:03,660 --> 00:34:08,160 Bex Gentry: they do to stay in shape and be ready to 611 00:34:08,489 --> 00:34:12,270 Bex Gentry: rock those races that you love to do." I'd also 612 00:34:12,300 --> 00:34:16,650 Bex Gentry: selfishly, one of my dreams was, I say was, pre- 613 00:34:16,650 --> 00:34:22,259 Bex Gentry: baby and pre- career to be based somewhere at Arizona 614 00:34:22,260 --> 00:34:27,029 Bex Gentry: to train. You have a training group, you have people 615 00:34:27,030 --> 00:34:30,750 Bex Gentry: who you train with and there's people, there's days where you might 616 00:34:30,750 --> 00:34:36,239 Bex Gentry: train by yourself to be in the zone, in the race zone. Right now, 617 00:34:36,239 --> 00:34:38,730 Bex Gentry: what does that look like for you in Flagstaff and 618 00:34:38,730 --> 00:34:43,410 Bex Gentry: this insane elite community that you can lean on, learn 619 00:34:43,410 --> 00:34:44,819 Bex Gentry: from and push? 620 00:34:45,390 --> 00:34:50,610 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah. No, I mean, I don't really have a group. I'm very 621 00:34:50,610 --> 00:34:54,570 Nikki Hiltz: much on my own. I have a coach that's remote 622 00:34:54,570 --> 00:34:57,960 Nikki Hiltz: and I have Emma that also has the same coach. We're 623 00:34:57,960 --> 00:35:01,500 Nikki Hiltz: both coached by Julie Benson, so it's kind of just 624 00:35:01,500 --> 00:35:04,020 Nikki Hiltz: like me and Emma versus the world, but Flagstaff is 625 00:35:04,020 --> 00:35:06,299 Nikki Hiltz: such an amazing place to live if that's your setup 626 00:35:06,300 --> 00:35:09,750 Nikki Hiltz: because there's so many other groups here or other people 627 00:35:09,750 --> 00:35:12,480 Nikki Hiltz: who have individual setups. I think of someone like Chrissy Gere, 628 00:35:13,020 --> 00:35:14,910 Nikki Hiltz: one of the best steepleers in the nation. She lives 629 00:35:14,910 --> 00:35:17,160 Nikki Hiltz: here and she has a remote coach. We sync up 630 00:35:17,160 --> 00:35:18,960 Nikki Hiltz: a lot because we're like, " Hey, what are you doing 631 00:35:18,960 --> 00:35:24,420 Nikki Hiltz: today?" Then there's the NAZ Elite group that lives here. There's the Dark Sky 632 00:35:24,480 --> 00:35:29,400 Nikki Hiltz: group. They're just such a community and I can go 633 00:35:29,400 --> 00:35:32,700 Nikki Hiltz: for my easy runs with a different person on a 634 00:35:32,700 --> 00:35:35,759 Nikki Hiltz: different trail every single day for a month probably, which 635 00:35:35,760 --> 00:35:36,631 Nikki Hiltz: is just so, yeah, it's just such a special- 636 00:35:36,631 --> 00:35:43,230 Bex Gentry: Your group isn't a quintessential like the NAZ Elite, you don't have a 637 00:35:43,230 --> 00:35:46,799 Bex Gentry: specific group. Your group is, if you feel like it ... 638 00:35:47,100 --> 00:35:47,521 Nikki Hiltz: Whoever I want. 639 00:35:47,520 --> 00:35:50,610 Bex Gentry: ... you can pick somebody, or if you want to just have some solo 640 00:35:50,610 --> 00:35:53,069 Bex Gentry: miles or just you and Emma, you can. 641 00:35:53,700 --> 00:35:54,930 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, yeah, exactly. 642 00:35:56,000 --> 00:35:56,002 Bex Gentry: (inaudible) . 643 00:35:55,739 --> 00:36:00,930 Nikki Hiltz: Yesterday we went on a run, there was eight of us and just yapping about Love 644 00:36:00,930 --> 00:36:04,770 Nikki Hiltz: Island the whole time and people come into town too. 645 00:36:05,160 --> 00:36:07,890 Nikki Hiltz: Elise Cranny's here right now and she's going to be 646 00:36:07,890 --> 00:36:12,210 Nikki Hiltz: here till USAs and that's someone we're good friends. People, Emily 647 00:36:12,210 --> 00:36:14,310 Nikki Hiltz: Infeld's here right now, which I love going on a 648 00:36:14,310 --> 00:36:17,640 Nikki Hiltz: run for Emily, she's just so herself. I love it. 649 00:36:18,750 --> 00:36:23,610 Nikki Hiltz: There's people come in and out and the NAU track, 650 00:36:23,610 --> 00:36:25,770 Nikki Hiltz: which is where we train, is very open, which is 651 00:36:25,860 --> 00:36:28,770 Nikki Hiltz: lovely. I think having a track at 7, 000 feet is 652 00:36:29,969 --> 00:36:35,430 Nikki Hiltz: brutal, but amazing that we have access. Yeah, I think I tell 653 00:36:35,430 --> 00:36:38,130 Nikki Hiltz: people I'm in my Grant Fisher era, I kind of 654 00:36:38,130 --> 00:36:41,640 Nikki Hiltz: am like, okay, I have my coach who's very, our 655 00:36:41,640 --> 00:36:44,160 Nikki Hiltz: workouts and stuff and what we do are very catered 656 00:36:44,160 --> 00:36:49,050 Nikki Hiltz: to me, very individualized. I am picking and choosing what 657 00:36:49,050 --> 00:36:52,170 Nikki Hiltz: I want to do when, and it's very empowering in, 658 00:36:52,800 --> 00:36:55,050 Nikki Hiltz: okay, yeah, I maybe left this group, but now I'm 659 00:36:55,050 --> 00:36:56,550 Nikki Hiltz: going to go off on my own and it's going 660 00:36:56,550 --> 00:36:58,860 Nikki Hiltz: to be epic. Yeah, that's kind of the journey I'm on right now. 661 00:37:01,170 --> 00:37:05,310 Bex Gentry: That sounds, as you said, very empowering and freeing and 662 00:37:05,760 --> 00:37:09,090 Bex Gentry: a really good way to continue to love running. I know a lot of our 663 00:37:09,090 --> 00:37:12,570 Bex Gentry: listeners go through phases and I myself do as well. 664 00:37:12,930 --> 00:37:17,130 Bex Gentry: I feel like when there's too much rigidity in my 665 00:37:17,340 --> 00:37:21,450 Bex Gentry: program, I start to fall away from my love and 666 00:37:21,450 --> 00:37:24,719 Bex Gentry: my passion for running. I hate that because then I 667 00:37:24,719 --> 00:37:28,590 Bex Gentry: get scared. That's when I'm like, " Yeah, no, this is 668 00:37:28,890 --> 00:37:31,500 Bex Gentry: a lot of who I am and I need to 669 00:37:31,500 --> 00:37:35,700 Bex Gentry: love this, so I need to change something else in 670 00:37:35,700 --> 00:37:38,190 Bex Gentry: this program because I need to love it. I need to 671 00:37:38,190 --> 00:37:41,070 Bex Gentry: love it every day." That's super cool that you can 672 00:37:41,070 --> 00:37:43,950 Bex Gentry: just be like this, " Today is, This feels good to 673 00:37:43,950 --> 00:37:46,739 Bex Gentry: do this." Then when the time comes where you need 674 00:37:46,739 --> 00:37:51,510 Bex Gentry: to hone in on whatever it is, then you feel like 675 00:37:51,510 --> 00:37:54,750 Bex Gentry: you've had that freedom beforehand to be like, " Okay, cool. 676 00:37:54,810 --> 00:37:58,980 Bex Gentry: I'm good with this is now this block." That's so nice. 677 00:37:58,980 --> 00:37:59,250 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, totally. 678 00:37:59,880 --> 00:38:04,290 Bex Gentry: Okay. Talking about whatever is next, you've made Olympic final. 679 00:38:05,040 --> 00:38:08,940 Bex Gentry: You are, I think, one of the most well- known 680 00:38:08,940 --> 00:38:16,109 Bex Gentry: faces in track and definitely in advocacy for representation in 681 00:38:16,110 --> 00:38:20,790 Bex Gentry: the sports world. I'm not going to say what's next. I personally 682 00:38:20,910 --> 00:38:25,380 Bex Gentry: freaking hate it when people ask me that, but I 683 00:38:25,380 --> 00:38:28,739 Bex Gentry: want to know about your definition of what fulfills you 684 00:38:29,040 --> 00:38:32,549 Bex Gentry: and your, you and running. We don't need to go 685 00:38:32,550 --> 00:38:38,430 Bex Gentry: any further, you and running. Then what is on your 686 00:38:38,430 --> 00:38:44,640 Bex Gentry: radar right now for Nikki Hiltz's feeling fulfilled? 687 00:38:46,560 --> 00:38:50,609 Nikki Hiltz: I like that. I love that wording of it. This 688 00:38:50,610 --> 00:38:52,710 Nikki Hiltz: is going to sound so weird, but my goal for 689 00:38:52,710 --> 00:38:55,560 Nikki Hiltz: USAs this year is I want to go to dinner 690 00:38:55,560 --> 00:38:59,730 Nikki Hiltz: with my coach and training partners after the race, whatever 691 00:38:59,730 --> 00:39:02,640 Nikki Hiltz: happens, that's what I want. I feel like that's something I've 692 00:39:02,640 --> 00:39:05,189 Nikki Hiltz: been missing and I've had such high highs the past 693 00:39:05,190 --> 00:39:08,460 Nikki Hiltz: two years, but I feel like I want to build 694 00:39:08,460 --> 00:39:11,850 Nikki Hiltz: more of a support system for myself, and I would 695 00:39:11,850 --> 00:39:15,780 Nikki Hiltz: love to win again. Obviously, I love winning, but my 696 00:39:15,780 --> 00:39:17,969 Nikki Hiltz: measure of success in a race is if I run 697 00:39:17,969 --> 00:39:21,930 Nikki Hiltz: a race I'm proud of, and if I am smart 698 00:39:23,280 --> 00:39:25,739 Nikki Hiltz: during the race and don't make too many errors, every 699 00:39:25,739 --> 00:39:28,290 Nikki Hiltz: race can't be perfect, but I walk away happy and 700 00:39:28,290 --> 00:39:30,690 Nikki Hiltz: if I kick hard, the last 200. Things like that are 701 00:39:30,690 --> 00:39:33,570 Nikki Hiltz: kind of my measures of success. Usually when I do 702 00:39:33,570 --> 00:39:36,630 Nikki Hiltz: that, I'm pretty happy with the outcome. Those are my 703 00:39:36,630 --> 00:39:38,489 Nikki Hiltz: goals for USAs is do that and then go to 704 00:39:38,489 --> 00:39:40,980 Nikki Hiltz: dinner with the people that helped get me to that 705 00:39:40,980 --> 00:39:45,120 Nikki Hiltz: moment and were on the journey with me afterwards. Then 706 00:39:45,360 --> 00:39:47,069 Nikki Hiltz: as far as the global stage, kind of the same 707 00:39:47,070 --> 00:39:50,969 Nikki Hiltz: thing. I want to run three rounds at the Tokyo 708 00:39:51,270 --> 00:39:53,879 Nikki Hiltz: World Champs, three 1, 500s that I'm really proud of and 709 00:39:55,200 --> 00:39:58,350 Nikki Hiltz: I want to, when the bell rings in Tokyo, be 710 00:39:58,350 --> 00:40:01,110 Nikki Hiltz: able to touch whoever the leader is. I think in 711 00:40:01,110 --> 00:40:04,110 Nikki Hiltz: Paris, I was seventh and I'm so proud of that 712 00:40:04,110 --> 00:40:06,330 Nikki Hiltz: race and it was such, I went out in 2: 713 00:40:06,330 --> 00:40:09,660 Nikki Hiltz: 03, I think through 800, which is so fast, and 714 00:40:09,660 --> 00:40:11,550 Nikki Hiltz: that's something that used to really scare me as an 715 00:40:11,550 --> 00:40:13,680 Nikki Hiltz: athlete. I was afraid to go out in 2: 10. 716 00:40:13,860 --> 00:40:15,029 Nikki Hiltz: I would be like, " Oh my God, I'm not going 717 00:40:15,030 --> 00:40:18,989 Nikki Hiltz: to have my kick." To go on 2: 03, I was 718 00:40:18,989 --> 00:40:20,940 Nikki Hiltz: like, "I don't care what happens at this point. I put 719 00:40:20,940 --> 00:40:23,700 Nikki Hiltz: myself in it and here we go." Then just with 720 00:40:23,700 --> 00:40:26,250 Nikki Hiltz: the lap to go, I kind of got bumped and it was the 721 00:40:26,820 --> 00:40:29,310 Nikki Hiltz: Olympic final. Of course, everyone's kicking at the same time. 722 00:40:30,960 --> 00:40:32,489 Nikki Hiltz: And then I kind of got deattached and then I 723 00:40:32,489 --> 00:40:34,650 Nikki Hiltz: kicked hard the last 300, but I'm by myself. I'm 724 00:40:34,650 --> 00:40:36,900 Nikki Hiltz: not really in the race anymore, so, yeah, so I 725 00:40:36,900 --> 00:40:39,660 Nikki Hiltz: think taking that experience and applying it to Tokyo, the 726 00:40:39,660 --> 00:40:41,759 Nikki Hiltz: World Championships this year, I'm like, I want to with 400 727 00:40:42,060 --> 00:40:45,839 Nikki Hiltz: to go be in such a good position that there's no 728 00:40:45,840 --> 00:40:48,420 Nikki Hiltz: excuse not to use my kick. I think things like 729 00:40:48,450 --> 00:40:52,080 Nikki Hiltz: that are what really excite me and are motivating me. 730 00:40:52,830 --> 00:40:55,439 Nikki Hiltz: When the training gets hard, long and boring, just think 731 00:40:55,440 --> 00:40:58,380 Nikki Hiltz: of the excitement of when the bell rings and how 732 00:40:58,380 --> 00:41:01,830 Nikki Hiltz: badly you want to be there. Yeah, I think that's kind of where 733 00:41:01,830 --> 00:41:07,379 Nikki Hiltz: I'm at and I'm excited for, yeah, I guess, this 734 00:41:07,380 --> 00:41:09,239 Nikki Hiltz: year feels so much different than last year. I felt 735 00:41:09,239 --> 00:41:11,969 Nikki Hiltz: like last year was so much stress. What we started 736 00:41:11,969 --> 00:41:14,940 Nikki Hiltz: this conversation with the trials and the Olympics and you're 737 00:41:14,940 --> 00:41:19,890 Nikki Hiltz: kind of just tense the whole year. Like it's an Olympic. 738 00:41:20,520 --> 00:41:21,000 Bex Gentry: It's massive. 739 00:41:21,000 --> 00:41:23,850 Nikki Hiltz: (inaudible) what happened. It feels like this year is 740 00:41:24,960 --> 00:41:26,489 Nikki Hiltz: a breath of fresh air like, " Oh, I can try 741 00:41:26,489 --> 00:41:29,069 Nikki Hiltz: new things like Grand Slam," and it's really fun and 742 00:41:29,070 --> 00:41:31,680 Nikki Hiltz: awesome and I got to race some of the best people in the 743 00:41:31,680 --> 00:41:34,620 Nikki Hiltz: world and those event groups and now I can like, " 744 00:41:34,860 --> 00:41:36,989 Nikki Hiltz: Okay, I can go into USAs and do this and 745 00:41:36,989 --> 00:41:38,219 Nikki Hiltz: that," so yeah, 746 00:41:39,030 --> 00:41:44,250 Bex Gentry: The fulfillment is there, I can feel it. The smile 747 00:41:44,250 --> 00:41:50,009 Bex Gentry: on your face right now, our listeners can't see it, but everyone, you're 748 00:41:50,010 --> 00:41:53,219 Bex Gentry: missing out because it feels like Nikki has got fulfillment 749 00:41:53,460 --> 00:41:58,710 Bex Gentry: in sight. That is, I think, a huge message because 750 00:41:58,920 --> 00:42:02,460 Bex Gentry: as long as you give your best and you walk 751 00:42:02,460 --> 00:42:06,690 Bex Gentry: away from that meet, that race and you go to 752 00:42:06,690 --> 00:42:09,180 Bex Gentry: dinner with your loved ones and your support team and 753 00:42:09,180 --> 00:42:11,759 Bex Gentry: you can sit down and you can all hug, high 754 00:42:11,760 --> 00:42:18,000 Bex Gentry: five, whatever is your chosen celebration and feel really proud 755 00:42:18,780 --> 00:42:23,549 Bex Gentry: individually and collectively, that is fulfillment I think. I think 756 00:42:23,550 --> 00:42:27,360 Bex Gentry: that's really important for people because there can only be 757 00:42:27,420 --> 00:42:32,009 Bex Gentry: one winner and it sucks, but you all win if 758 00:42:32,010 --> 00:42:35,520 Bex Gentry: you can come away and go, " I count that, that 759 00:42:35,520 --> 00:42:40,770 Bex Gentry: was amazing. That's awesome that person won, but I won for 760 00:42:40,770 --> 00:42:45,149 Bex Gentry: me." Thank you for sharing that and thank you for 761 00:42:45,239 --> 00:42:50,430 Bex Gentry: everything that you do for the sport, for raising awareness 762 00:42:50,489 --> 00:42:56,460 Bex Gentry: for non- binary transgender athletes around the world. Thank you 763 00:42:56,670 --> 00:43:01,380 Bex Gentry: for being you, showing up and thanks to Emma for 764 00:43:01,469 --> 00:43:05,340 Bex Gentry: being an incredible athlete, but also part of your incredible 765 00:43:05,340 --> 00:43:07,230 Bex Gentry: support. I love that it's like the two of you 766 00:43:07,230 --> 00:43:09,450 Bex Gentry: against the world as you put it when it comes 767 00:43:09,450 --> 00:43:13,440 Bex Gentry: to training and picking what you're doing. Nikki, I know 768 00:43:13,440 --> 00:43:16,710 Bex Gentry: all of us cannot wait to see you on your 769 00:43:16,710 --> 00:43:20,250 Bex Gentry: next stage, and I cannot wait to see an Instagram 770 00:43:20,250 --> 00:43:23,549 Bex Gentry: post of you at dinner afterwards, enjoying every moment of 771 00:43:23,549 --> 00:43:25,800 Bex Gentry: it, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. 772 00:43:26,700 --> 00:43:28,860 Nikki Hiltz: Yeah, that's so sweet. Thank you so much. This has 773 00:43:28,860 --> 00:43:32,790 Nikki Hiltz: been awesome, and you ask really good questions, Bex, I 774 00:43:32,790 --> 00:43:34,620 Nikki Hiltz: was like, oh my gosh. Stumped a couple times. 775 00:43:35,489 --> 00:43:36,000 Bex Gentry: Sorry, but not sorry. 776 00:43:36,000 --> 00:43:39,480 Nikki Hiltz: No, thank you. This has been awesome, and yeah, I 777 00:43:39,480 --> 00:43:40,350 Nikki Hiltz: love New York Roadrunners. Yay. 778 00:43:54,120 --> 00:43:57,510 Speaker 3: New York Roadrunners is a nonprofit organization with a vision to 779 00:43:57,510 --> 00:44:01,379 Speaker 3: build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power 780 00:44:01,380 --> 00:44:04,469 Speaker 3: of running. The support of members and donors like you 781 00:44:04,469 --> 00:44:07,380 Speaker 3: helps us achieve our mission to transform the health and 782 00:44:07,380 --> 00:44:11,520 Speaker 3: wellbeing of our communities through inclusive and accessible running experiences, 783 00:44:11,790 --> 00:44:15,540 Speaker 3: empowering all to achieve their potential. Learn more and contribute 784 00:44:15,719 --> 00:44:18,180 Speaker 3: at nyrr. org/ donate. 785 00:44:18,900 --> 00:44:22,259 Bex Gentry: Mauricio Blandino was at home in Jackson Heights, Queens in 786 00:44:22,350 --> 00:44:25,650 Bex Gentry: 2011 when he fell down the stairs and suffered a 787 00:44:25,650 --> 00:44:30,149 Bex Gentry: traumatic brain injury. The injury left him unable to walk 788 00:44:30,210 --> 00:44:34,680 Bex Gentry: or even maintain his own balance by himself. After emergency 789 00:44:34,680 --> 00:44:38,760 Bex Gentry: surgery and months of intensive physical therapy, he slowly regained 790 00:44:38,760 --> 00:44:42,690 Bex Gentry: his mobility. He joined Achilles International, a running club that 791 00:44:42,690 --> 00:44:46,680 Bex Gentry: pairs athletes with disabilities, with volunteer guides and step- by- 792 00:44:46,680 --> 00:44:50,670 Bex Gentry: step, he went from walking to jogging to running again. 793 00:44:51,360 --> 00:44:56,670 Bex Gentry: Since then, Mauricio has completed numerous races including eight New 794 00:44:56,670 --> 00:44:59,940 Bex Gentry: York City marathons and he has even qualified for the 795 00:44:59,940 --> 00:45:03,900 Bex Gentry: Boston Marathon. Today, he leads the New York City chapter 796 00:45:03,900 --> 00:45:07,830 Bex Gentry: of the Brain Injury Association, helping other brain injury survivors 797 00:45:07,860 --> 00:45:11,910 Bex Gentry: find community and support in their recovery. Meb is here 798 00:45:11,910 --> 00:45:15,030 Bex Gentry: with Mauricio today as he prepares for this weekend's Achilles 799 00:45:15,030 --> 00:45:18,270 Bex Gentry: hope and possibility of four miles presented by TD Bank 800 00:45:18,600 --> 00:45:18,930 Bex Gentry: taken away, Meb. 801 00:45:19,890 --> 00:45:24,330 Meb: Thanks, Bex. Mauricio, welcome to Set the Pace. Where are 802 00:45:24,330 --> 00:45:24,899 Meb: you today? 803 00:45:25,920 --> 00:45:29,550 Mauricio Blandino: Thank you, Meb. I appreciate the invitation to be part of the 804 00:45:30,000 --> 00:45:32,430 Mauricio Blandino: New York Road Runners at the Pace. I'm in Queens, 805 00:45:32,430 --> 00:45:34,350 Mauricio Blandino: New York. I'm a resident of Queens. 806 00:45:34,530 --> 00:45:37,680 Meb: Awesome. Well, glad to have you. Can you help us, 807 00:45:38,250 --> 00:45:41,819 Meb: our audience understand how life- changing your traumatic brain surgery 808 00:45:41,820 --> 00:45:42,600 Meb: was for you? 809 00:45:42,960 --> 00:45:47,129 Mauricio Blandino: Well, it will be 14 years exactly tomorrow that I 810 00:45:47,130 --> 00:45:50,040 Mauricio Blandino: sustained a traumatic brain injury. I had a fall down 811 00:45:50,040 --> 00:45:52,890 Mauricio Blandino: the steps of my home with a hard blow to 812 00:45:52,890 --> 00:45:56,340 Mauricio Blandino: my head at the end of the landing. It required 813 00:45:56,340 --> 00:46:00,509 Mauricio Blandino: a bilateral craniotomy on both sides of my head to 814 00:46:02,880 --> 00:46:06,360 Mauricio Blandino: clip the bleeders I had internally. I had a long 815 00:46:06,360 --> 00:46:11,489 Mauricio Blandino: stay in the hospital where it came to be known 816 00:46:11,489 --> 00:46:17,819 Mauricio Blandino: that I had issues with balance, coordination, other issues developed 817 00:46:17,820 --> 00:46:22,469 Mauricio Blandino: with cognitive issues, the physical, the visual issues too. I 818 00:46:22,469 --> 00:46:29,190 Mauricio Blandino: lost part of my peripheral also, depth perception, difficult to 819 00:46:29,190 --> 00:46:34,950 Mauricio Blandino: run and the conversions we eyes meet and focus on 820 00:46:34,950 --> 00:46:39,150 Mauricio Blandino: detail. When I'm running, it's a bit of a hazard 821 00:46:39,150 --> 00:46:43,440 Mauricio Blandino: because I'm not seeing the road as it is. I'm almost 822 00:46:43,440 --> 00:46:46,560 Mauricio Blandino: seeing a blank slate. I run with a high step 823 00:46:46,560 --> 00:46:53,850 Mauricio Blandino: to avoid any irregularities to it. It affected me physically 824 00:46:53,850 --> 00:46:57,989 Mauricio Blandino: as far as the balance coordination where and also, weakness 825 00:46:57,989 --> 00:47:03,120 Mauricio Blandino: on my right leg. It interfered with my walking. Like 826 00:47:03,120 --> 00:47:06,210 Mauricio Blandino: I mentioned, there was the visual aspect to it, the cognitive 827 00:47:06,210 --> 00:47:12,509 Mauricio Blandino: aspect to it too. Walking, well, it required a tremendous 828 00:47:12,510 --> 00:47:18,480 Mauricio Blandino: amount of physical therapy to my understanding now to strengthen 829 00:47:18,480 --> 00:47:22,739 Mauricio Blandino: my inner core, to help myself stay upright. Till this 830 00:47:22,739 --> 00:47:25,710 Mauricio Blandino: day, I have an issue with my balance and coordination. 831 00:47:25,710 --> 00:47:29,400 Mauricio Blandino: I walk with a very tight core and if I 832 00:47:29,400 --> 00:47:34,620 Mauricio Blandino: relax, I start listing from one side to another, appearing 833 00:47:34,620 --> 00:47:38,640 Mauricio Blandino: a bit drunk, you could say, but it's something I 834 00:47:38,640 --> 00:47:45,480 Mauricio Blandino: learned to manage. There's an issue with my memory. Sometimes 835 00:47:45,480 --> 00:47:48,600 Mauricio Blandino: I lose focus of what I'm saying or what comes 836 00:47:48,600 --> 00:47:54,270 Mauricio Blandino: out. It interferes with my conversation many times in a 837 00:47:54,270 --> 00:47:59,550 Mauricio Blandino: group setting. It took a while to accept the situation 838 00:48:00,570 --> 00:48:07,469 Mauricio Blandino: as far as my brain injury. I lost my employment, 839 00:48:07,530 --> 00:48:11,940 Mauricio Blandino: my identity, you could say, because I think everyone's identity 840 00:48:11,940 --> 00:48:16,140 Mauricio Blandino: relates to what one does in life, employment- wise. I 841 00:48:16,140 --> 00:48:20,670 Mauricio Blandino: lost that, which I was in the jewelry manufacturing industry here 842 00:48:20,670 --> 00:48:23,669 Mauricio Blandino: in New York City, I could not go back to 843 00:48:23,670 --> 00:48:29,820 Mauricio Blandino: it. That's all I did. My studies working for companies, 844 00:48:29,910 --> 00:48:35,489 Mauricio Blandino: manufacturing. It was a wonderful life. I was living there. 845 00:48:36,360 --> 00:48:44,340 Mauricio Blandino: It became internal conflict to accept that loss. It took 846 00:48:44,340 --> 00:48:50,339 Mauricio Blandino: time to accept it. I had to stop and pause 847 00:48:50,670 --> 00:48:54,239 Mauricio Blandino: and be grateful for the time period I had doing 848 00:48:54,270 --> 00:48:59,850 Mauricio Blandino: that. Depression, anxiety also, stemmed from clinical setting, more of 849 00:48:59,850 --> 00:49:03,090 Mauricio Blandino: a clinical issues that evolved from the brain injury, which 850 00:49:03,690 --> 00:49:05,009 Mauricio Blandino: still in effect to this day, 851 00:49:05,190 --> 00:49:07,980 Meb: I could only imagine how many obstacles you have overcome 852 00:49:07,980 --> 00:49:11,610 Meb: and challenges, but you have come at the other side 853 00:49:11,610 --> 00:49:14,520 Meb: of it to say how were you able from not 854 00:49:14,520 --> 00:49:19,319 Meb: being able to walk and be able to rehabilitation from 855 00:49:19,320 --> 00:49:21,900 Meb: walking to eventually run, and how has running played a 856 00:49:21,900 --> 00:49:22,801 Meb: big role in your life now? 857 00:49:22,801 --> 00:49:29,129 Mauricio Blandino: At this moment in time, running has created a steel 858 00:49:29,130 --> 00:49:33,450 Mauricio Blandino: platform for me to stand on. As though the rug 859 00:49:33,450 --> 00:49:36,750 Mauricio Blandino: was pulled underneath me. It took a long time to 860 00:49:37,380 --> 00:49:41,730 Mauricio Blandino: really feel steady in my life and running established. That 861 00:49:41,790 --> 00:49:44,400 Mauricio Blandino: gave me a whole sense of accomplishment. 862 00:49:44,730 --> 00:49:47,580 Meb: Well, not only you are just a runner, but you 863 00:49:47,580 --> 00:49:50,370 Meb: have done the New York City Marathon. You have accomplished 864 00:49:50,370 --> 00:49:54,090 Meb: the London Marathon and even the Boston Marathon. What does 865 00:49:54,090 --> 00:49:57,690 Meb: it feel like for you to cross the marathon finish 866 00:49:57,690 --> 00:50:00,540 Meb: line and knowing how far you have come since 2011? 867 00:50:00,870 --> 00:50:03,630 Mauricio Blandino: My first marathon was in 2015, the New York City 868 00:50:03,630 --> 00:50:07,080 Mauricio Blandino: Marathon. It took a village to get even started with the 869 00:50:07,140 --> 00:50:11,400 Mauricio Blandino: training. It took three years after joining Achilles International to 870 00:50:11,910 --> 00:50:16,259 Mauricio Blandino: take part in the marathon. Crossing that finish line was 871 00:50:17,219 --> 00:50:22,290 Mauricio Blandino: an immense sense of empowerment. It gave that sense of 872 00:50:22,469 --> 00:50:27,150 Mauricio Blandino: control of my body, again, allowing me to know that 873 00:50:27,660 --> 00:50:30,000 Mauricio Blandino: if I accomplish this, I could then apply it to 874 00:50:30,000 --> 00:50:32,520 Mauricio Blandino: just about anything else that I would face in life. 875 00:50:33,810 --> 00:50:38,910 Mauricio Blandino: The dedication I applied to my training was something new 876 00:50:38,910 --> 00:50:42,900 Mauricio Blandino: that I learned to do. Now, Meb, I was not a 877 00:50:42,900 --> 00:50:46,170 Mauricio Blandino: runner prior to my injury. I never ran before. I 878 00:50:46,170 --> 00:50:50,430 Mauricio Blandino: did cycle. I did a lot of charity rides for 879 00:50:51,120 --> 00:50:54,960 Mauricio Blandino: charity events, but that was my only physical activity. My 880 00:50:54,960 --> 00:50:59,190 Mauricio Blandino: brothers were the ballplayers and I didn't take to running. 881 00:50:59,190 --> 00:51:02,580 Mauricio Blandino: I quickly have to jump to Achilles. I joined Achilles 882 00:51:03,030 --> 00:51:06,750 Mauricio Blandino: to continue with the introduction of the physical therapy I was 883 00:51:06,750 --> 00:51:10,500 Mauricio Blandino: going through. My doctors had insisted to take my PT 884 00:51:10,500 --> 00:51:14,040 Mauricio Blandino: out of the clinic. I had isolated myself through depression, 885 00:51:14,040 --> 00:51:17,549 Mauricio Blandino: anxiety were overwhelming, where I was just going in and 886 00:51:17,550 --> 00:51:20,610 Mauricio Blandino: out from clinic to home, and he knew I needed 887 00:51:20,610 --> 00:51:24,690 Mauricio Blandino: to go out and do more with my physical recovery. 888 00:51:25,170 --> 00:51:28,620 Mauricio Blandino: I had joined the Brain Injury Association of New York 889 00:51:28,620 --> 00:51:33,239 Mauricio Blandino: State's support groups and their social groups where one day, 890 00:51:33,270 --> 00:51:36,239 Mauricio Blandino: this was a year and a half after my injury, 891 00:51:36,330 --> 00:51:41,850 Mauricio Blandino: Achilles International was a guest speaker. They had this individual 892 00:51:41,850 --> 00:51:45,060 Mauricio Blandino: who was a brain injury survivor himself, Alan, who spoke 893 00:51:45,060 --> 00:51:48,300 Mauricio Blandino: about his achievements. I listened more closely because of his 894 00:51:48,840 --> 00:51:54,450 Mauricio Blandino: experience with a brain injury, and the staff of Achilles 895 00:51:54,450 --> 00:52:00,180 Mauricio Blandino: spoke about the benefits of physical activity, the socialization factor, 896 00:52:00,180 --> 00:52:03,690 Mauricio Blandino: that community sense, which I was not really understanding what 897 00:52:03,690 --> 00:52:06,239 Mauricio Blandino: it was all about. A group of us from the 898 00:52:06,239 --> 00:52:09,030 Mauricio Blandino: Brain Injury Association went to an Achilles workout one Saturday 899 00:52:09,030 --> 00:52:14,550 Mauricio Blandino: morning, and there I saw this incredible group of individuals, 900 00:52:14,550 --> 00:52:20,700 Mauricio Blandino: all different challenges. The energy was so biting that I 901 00:52:20,820 --> 00:52:23,969 Mauricio Blandino: didn't know how to take it. Everyone was just moving ahead with 902 00:52:23,969 --> 00:52:26,850 Mauricio Blandino: their lives, talking about their accomplishments, what they were going 903 00:52:26,850 --> 00:52:30,870 Mauricio Blandino: to be doing next, and I'm seeing individuals of all 904 00:52:30,870 --> 00:52:36,330 Mauricio Blandino: different challenges here, visually impaired, other brain injury survivors, amputees 905 00:52:36,719 --> 00:52:39,540 Mauricio Blandino: moving on with their lives, and I was not there 906 00:52:39,780 --> 00:52:44,969 Mauricio Blandino: at that moment. Achilles came and I took on Achilles 907 00:52:44,969 --> 00:52:49,800 Mauricio Blandino: to continue with my physical therapy to walk with a 908 00:52:49,800 --> 00:52:53,040 Mauricio Blandino: volunteer to regain that left and right coordination and hold 909 00:52:53,040 --> 00:52:56,219 Mauricio Blandino: it for a minute or two, and then I would 910 00:52:56,219 --> 00:52:59,250 Mauricio Blandino: lose control of it and then repeat and repeat over and 911 00:52:59,250 --> 00:53:02,850 Mauricio Blandino: over again. The process continued until I was able to 912 00:53:02,850 --> 00:53:06,419 Mauricio Blandino: then throw in a jog and hold it for an 913 00:53:06,480 --> 00:53:10,620 Mauricio Blandino: extended period of time. I took note of what was 914 00:53:10,620 --> 00:53:18,390 Mauricio Blandino: happening with my body, and the motivation from others, so 915 00:53:18,390 --> 00:53:21,390 Mauricio Blandino: important to have around you. Like I mentioned, I was not 916 00:53:21,390 --> 00:53:24,930 Mauricio Blandino: a runner. My only attention was for my recovery, the 917 00:53:24,930 --> 00:53:28,230 Mauricio Blandino: physical therapy to continue with it, and that's how it 918 00:53:28,920 --> 00:53:31,259 Mauricio Blandino: kept on going. I wasn't given attention to other people's 919 00:53:31,260 --> 00:53:34,440 Mauricio Blandino: really, not given attention to their races and whatnot. That 920 00:53:34,440 --> 00:53:38,100 Mauricio Blandino: was for them. I had my own agenda to deal 921 00:53:38,100 --> 00:53:41,610 Mauricio Blandino: with, my recovery, and it slowly evolved. 922 00:53:42,120 --> 00:53:44,430 Meb: It only evolved, you have done an amazing thing with 923 00:53:44,430 --> 00:53:46,950 Meb: the Achilles and taking care of yourself and walking to running, 924 00:53:47,400 --> 00:53:50,340 Meb: and now when we were off the stage behind the 925 00:53:50,340 --> 00:53:52,290 Meb: scene, we were talking about how you are also giving 926 00:53:52,290 --> 00:53:55,169 Meb: back now to your mom as a caretaker, and that's 927 00:53:55,170 --> 00:53:58,770 Meb: a full circle, and you are a true champion doing 928 00:53:58,770 --> 00:54:00,660 Meb: a lot of great things to take care of yourself first 929 00:54:00,660 --> 00:54:02,880 Meb: and then helping others and then have to take care of your 930 00:54:02,880 --> 00:54:06,300 Meb: mom and to compare to where you were in 2011. That's amazing. 931 00:54:06,660 --> 00:54:10,290 Mauricio Blandino: Yeah. I've become a advocate for the brain injury community. 932 00:54:10,290 --> 00:54:15,810 Mauricio Blandino: I call on my local representatives to meet up in 933 00:54:15,810 --> 00:54:21,510 Mauricio Blandino: Albany with them, to go over issues that are affecting housing, 934 00:54:21,540 --> 00:54:25,620 Mauricio Blandino: healthcare, care in general, not just for brain injury survivors, 935 00:54:25,620 --> 00:54:29,489 Mauricio Blandino: but for the disability community in general. I think more 936 00:54:29,489 --> 00:54:32,489 Mauricio Blandino: so now, more attention needs to be given to that. 937 00:54:32,940 --> 00:54:35,910 Mauricio Blandino: I was up in Albany just this past spring. I've 938 00:54:35,910 --> 00:54:39,089 Mauricio Blandino: been doing that for a number of years. I've been 939 00:54:39,090 --> 00:54:43,049 Mauricio Blandino: more involved with the Brain Injury Injury Association, knowing that, seeing 940 00:54:43,050 --> 00:54:47,130 Mauricio Blandino: how it helped me and seeing how it's helped others. 941 00:54:47,640 --> 00:54:53,100 Mauricio Blandino: It's another community similar to Achilles sense of knowing. Well, 942 00:54:53,160 --> 00:54:56,640 Mauricio Blandino: it's a more tighter knit because we know each other's 943 00:54:56,700 --> 00:55:01,319 Mauricio Blandino: issues, we discuss each other's issues more freely, our brain 944 00:55:01,320 --> 00:55:06,630 Mauricio Blandino: injury, so it's a community that needs to continue for 945 00:55:06,630 --> 00:55:07,861 Mauricio Blandino: the benefit of our health. 946 00:55:07,861 --> 00:55:11,279 Meb: Well, we're so grateful your difference maker, and thank you 947 00:55:11,280 --> 00:55:15,000 Meb: for sharing your story and impacting others with the similar 948 00:55:15,000 --> 00:55:17,968 Meb: or same injuries that you have had and so grateful 949 00:55:17,969 --> 00:55:19,680 Meb: to have you on the podcast to share your story. 950 00:55:19,710 --> 00:55:21,030 Meb: Mauricio, thanks for being with us. 951 00:55:21,480 --> 00:55:24,239 Bex Gentry: Thank you for joining us, Mauricio and for being a member of 952 00:55:24,239 --> 00:55:28,710 Bex Gentry: New York Roadrunners. Now to the final part of our show, our Meb Minute. 953 00:55:29,040 --> 00:55:33,000 Meb: Recovery ritual (inaudible) pays off. Paying attention to small detail 954 00:55:33,030 --> 00:55:37,589 Meb: is so important when you, sometimes we think about workout, 955 00:55:37,590 --> 00:55:41,549 Meb: workout, workout, but recovery starts immediately after you finish. You'll 956 00:55:41,610 --> 00:55:44,910 Meb: go down, have a banana or apple with peanut butter 957 00:55:45,180 --> 00:55:48,390 Meb: within 30 minutes. You have to have something solid in 958 00:55:48,390 --> 00:55:51,450 Meb: your body, whether it's a shake, whether it's fruits, having 959 00:55:51,450 --> 00:55:53,940 Meb: done those, it would help the muscles get the nutrients 960 00:55:53,940 --> 00:55:58,620 Meb: it needs. Small actions are important because you are able 961 00:55:58,620 --> 00:56:01,920 Meb: to be proactive. What does that mean? You have to 962 00:56:01,920 --> 00:56:04,380 Meb: do the stretching. You have to do ice baths. If 963 00:56:04,380 --> 00:56:06,390 Meb: you are in a beautiful mountain, just like I used 964 00:56:06,390 --> 00:56:08,850 Meb: to do in the river, jump in there, or if you 965 00:56:08,940 --> 00:56:11,400 Meb: are in the city, hot, I mean, cool. Shower is 966 00:56:11,400 --> 00:56:15,779 Meb: very important. You also sometimes want to strength training or 967 00:56:15,780 --> 00:56:18,960 Meb: massage that you need to be good for the body. 968 00:56:19,050 --> 00:56:21,360 Meb: You want to be able to do pre- hab instead 969 00:56:21,360 --> 00:56:23,430 Meb: of rehab because you want to be able to take 970 00:56:23,430 --> 00:56:25,739 Meb: care of your body so it can carry you consistently 971 00:56:25,980 --> 00:56:28,739 Meb: week in, months in to be able to do that. 972 00:56:29,400 --> 00:56:31,319 Meb: More importantly, you want to finish up with a good 973 00:56:31,320 --> 00:56:35,400 Meb: night's sleep as you need to session the summer. If 974 00:56:35,400 --> 00:56:37,020 Meb: you're going to get up early in the morning train, 975 00:56:37,020 --> 00:56:39,420 Meb: you need to go to bed early, and don't worry 976 00:56:39,420 --> 00:56:41,820 Meb: about if you have a race and you don't sleep 977 00:56:41,820 --> 00:56:45,300 Meb: the night before, because consistent training and consistent sleeping will 978 00:56:45,750 --> 00:56:46,469 Meb: take care of it on race day. 979 00:56:47,130 --> 00:56:49,710 Bex Gentry: That does it for another episode of Set the Pace. 980 00:56:49,830 --> 00:56:53,879 Bex Gentry: Thank you to today's guests, Nicki Hiltz and Mauricio Blandino. 981 00:56:54,300 --> 00:56:57,000 Bex Gentry: If you liked this episode, please go ahead and subscribe, 982 00:56:57,030 --> 00:56:59,640 Bex Gentry: rate or leave a comment for the show on whatever 983 00:56:59,640 --> 00:57:03,060 Bex Gentry: platform you are listening on. This not only helps us, 984 00:57:03,090 --> 00:57:05,520 Bex Gentry: but it helps others find out about the show too. 985 00:57:06,000 --> 00:57:06,540 Bex Gentry: Take care.