1 00:00:00,330 --> 00:00:02,580 Sam Ryan: I've run Boston now four times and that was my best 2 00:00:02,580 --> 00:00:06,209 Sam Ryan: Boston time. And obviously, I'm older, but I think there's 3 00:00:06,210 --> 00:00:10,650 Sam Ryan: something to be said about running with pressure and running 4 00:00:10,650 --> 00:00:11,850 Sam Ryan: with eyeballs on you. 5 00:00:16,079 --> 00:00:19,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hey everybody. Happy New Year and welcome to Set the 6 00:00:19,710 --> 00:00:22,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: Pace, the official podcast of New York Road Runners presented 7 00:00:22,770 --> 00:00:26,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: by Peloton. I'm Rob Simmelkjaer, the CEO of New York 8 00:00:26,040 --> 00:00:30,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: Road Runners. Becs Gentry is off today. It's New Year's 9 00:00:30,930 --> 00:00:32,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: and we want to wish each and every one of 10 00:00:32,820 --> 00:00:37,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: you an incredibly happy 2026. Hope you had a great 11 00:00:37,500 --> 00:00:43,529 Rob Simmelkjaer: holiday season. Hope you looked back on a terrific 2025, 12 00:00:43,530 --> 00:00:46,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: both for your running life and the rest of your 13 00:00:46,560 --> 00:00:51,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: life. Hope it was a great year and hope that you are excited for the new year 14 00:00:51,180 --> 00:00:55,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: ahead. Becs and I wish you all the best, whether it's 15 00:00:55,260 --> 00:00:58,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: the race that you're training for, a PR you want 16 00:00:58,050 --> 00:01:01,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: to set, a first time marathon you're hoping to accomplish 17 00:01:01,380 --> 00:01:04,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: or any distance that you're looking to take on in 18 00:01:04,290 --> 00:01:06,720 Rob Simmelkjaer: the new year. It's such a great time to look 19 00:01:06,720 --> 00:01:10,319 Rob Simmelkjaer: ahead, set goals, and get excited about the year ahead. 20 00:01:10,319 --> 00:01:13,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: Maybe your goal is just a recovery. A lot of 21 00:01:13,440 --> 00:01:17,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: us, and myself included, ran a lot in 2025 and 22 00:01:17,850 --> 00:01:20,490 Rob Simmelkjaer: still are feeling some of the after effects of that. I think Becs 23 00:01:20,490 --> 00:01:25,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: was in that boat last year after running the 777 race. 24 00:01:25,200 --> 00:01:28,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: And so took a year to kind of recover, reset. 25 00:01:28,260 --> 00:01:30,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: So maybe that's your goal and you got to plan 26 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:33,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: to do that with some cross- training and weight training 27 00:01:33,420 --> 00:01:35,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: and some shorter runs. Or maybe you're going to take 28 00:01:35,970 --> 00:01:38,429 Rob Simmelkjaer: on your first marathon. Maybe you got into a race 29 00:01:38,670 --> 00:01:41,819 Rob Simmelkjaer: you've never gotten into before. Whatever it might be, we 30 00:01:41,819 --> 00:01:45,390 Rob Simmelkjaer: wish you all the best for 2026. And we obviously 31 00:01:45,390 --> 00:01:48,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: hope to see all of you out there at a 32 00:01:48,060 --> 00:01:52,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Road Runners race sometime this year. Well, we've 33 00:01:52,590 --> 00:01:55,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: got a great year ahead of us. We're so excited 34 00:01:55,740 --> 00:01:58,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: about a lot of different things. But of course, as 35 00:01:58,410 --> 00:02:00,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: we often do, we kicked off the new year at 36 00:02:00,540 --> 00:02:03,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Road Runners right where we like to be 37 00:02:03,420 --> 00:02:06,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: at a starting line. The Midnight Run took place on 38 00:02:06,780 --> 00:02:09,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: New Year's Eve and it was a great, great night 39 00:02:09,990 --> 00:02:13,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: out there. This race has been around for a long 40 00:02:13,200 --> 00:02:16,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: time. It was founded in 1979. It's actually one of the 41 00:02:16,740 --> 00:02:21,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: longest standing races at New York Road Runners. Sadly, it 42 00:02:21,570 --> 00:02:23,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: didn't take place last year. You might remember we had 43 00:02:23,700 --> 00:02:27,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: some thunderstorms in the area, but the weather, good this 44 00:02:27,330 --> 00:02:29,549 Rob Simmelkjaer: year. By the way, just so you know, we record 45 00:02:29,550 --> 00:02:31,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: this on Tuesday. So I'm talking to you before the 46 00:02:31,710 --> 00:02:34,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: race, but I'll be out there for New Year's Eve. 47 00:02:35,490 --> 00:02:37,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: Can't wait to ring it in with all of you. 48 00:02:37,230 --> 00:02:40,139 Rob Simmelkjaer: And for those of you who ran, it's sold out 49 00:02:40,139 --> 00:02:42,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: about 5, 000 runners set to take it on. We 50 00:02:42,870 --> 00:02:45,690 Rob Simmelkjaer: hope that you had a great four- mile run through 51 00:02:45,690 --> 00:02:47,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: Central Park. And it's not just a race, of course. 52 00:02:47,700 --> 00:02:49,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's New Year's Eve. So we're not just out there 53 00:02:49,800 --> 00:02:54,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: running. We had live music, fireworks, on course entertainment, these 54 00:02:54,660 --> 00:02:57,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: new glow of the dark bibs, which were a new 55 00:02:57,060 --> 00:03:00,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: thing that our Runner Services Group developed. We've got this 56 00:03:00,480 --> 00:03:03,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: really cool blue light that's on at the finish line 57 00:03:03,480 --> 00:03:05,639 Rob Simmelkjaer: and it shows a Happy New Year message on the 58 00:03:05,639 --> 00:03:08,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: bibs as folks cross the finish line. There's a photo 59 00:03:08,880 --> 00:03:11,669 Rob Simmelkjaer: booth and all kinds of funny games. So it was 60 00:03:11,669 --> 00:03:14,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: a great New Year's Eve. Hope everybody had a great 61 00:03:14,130 --> 00:03:16,919 Rob Simmelkjaer: one and just a great way to ring in the 62 00:03:16,919 --> 00:03:19,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: new year, whether it was that or ... A lot of 63 00:03:19,350 --> 00:03:21,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: folks I know out there in New Year's Day, they 64 00:03:21,600 --> 00:03:23,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: like to get up and get in their first run 65 00:03:23,580 --> 00:03:25,919 Rob Simmelkjaer: of the year bright and early on the first day 66 00:03:25,919 --> 00:03:27,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: of the year. So maybe you're out there doing that. 67 00:03:27,570 --> 00:03:30,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: Maybe you're listening to me as you're out there taking 68 00:03:30,030 --> 00:03:33,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: on your first run of 2026. I hope you're having a 69 00:03:33,270 --> 00:03:36,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: great one and hope that your holiday season was fantastic. 70 00:03:37,260 --> 00:03:41,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: Coming up on this, our first show of 2026, a 71 00:03:41,100 --> 00:03:43,920 Rob Simmelkjaer: true member of the New York Road Runners community, ABC 72 00:03:44,400 --> 00:03:47,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: News, Sam Ryan. Sam, you've seen her on Eyewitness News. 73 00:03:47,970 --> 00:03:50,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: She covers all of our local sports teams. She worked 74 00:03:50,760 --> 00:03:53,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: at ESPN for many years, covering all the different sports. 75 00:03:53,940 --> 00:03:57,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: She's covered Super Bowls. She covered everything. And of course, 76 00:03:57,120 --> 00:04:00,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: she's covered the TCS New York City Marathon many years 77 00:04:00,270 --> 00:04:03,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: at ESPN and ABC. Well, she's going to join us 78 00:04:03,030 --> 00:04:06,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: this year to talk about not just covering these races, 79 00:04:06,540 --> 00:04:08,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: but her own running journey, which is really an incredible 80 00:04:08,910 --> 00:04:12,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: one from having childhood asthma and getting a note from 81 00:04:12,210 --> 00:04:15,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: her doctor saying she didn't have to run one mile 82 00:04:15,270 --> 00:04:20,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: in middle school to now running 13 marathons, including Boston 83 00:04:20,040 --> 00:04:24,089 Rob Simmelkjaer: and Chicago in 2025. So Sam will be here with 84 00:04:24,089 --> 00:04:26,789 Rob Simmelkjaer: us to ring in the new year. Sam was also 85 00:04:26,790 --> 00:04:29,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: running the Midnight Run this year as well. And then 86 00:04:29,400 --> 00:04:32,729 Rob Simmelkjaer: later on the show, running influencer, Christina Gibbons will be 87 00:04:32,730 --> 00:04:35,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: here focusing on the mental side of running. She's here 88 00:04:35,850 --> 00:04:38,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: to tell her story. And then finally, in today's Meb 89 00:04:38,580 --> 00:04:42,089 Rob Simmelkjaer: Minute, Meb will share how winter training can help you 90 00:04:42,089 --> 00:04:45,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: build momentum for your big spring races. I think when 91 00:04:45,600 --> 00:04:48,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: the calendar changes to the new year, if you've got 92 00:04:48,810 --> 00:04:51,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: a spring race that you've signed up for, maybe it's 93 00:04:51,810 --> 00:04:55,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: the United Airlines, NYC Half, maybe it's one of the spring 94 00:04:55,290 --> 00:04:59,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: marathons in Tokyo or London or Boston or whatever it 95 00:04:59,190 --> 00:05:03,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: might be, your mind starts to shift. Now, you're in 96 00:05:03,060 --> 00:05:05,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: the calendar year and you know it's time to start 97 00:05:05,700 --> 00:05:09,390 Rob Simmelkjaer: focusing on getting yourself ready for those spring races. So 98 00:05:09,540 --> 00:05:11,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: Meb will be here to help get you in the 99 00:05:11,760 --> 00:05:14,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: zone and focused on getting ready for whatever you're up 100 00:05:14,580 --> 00:05:15,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: to this spring. 101 00:05:16,320 --> 00:05:21,330 Speaker 3: Peloton's most advanced tread yet is here. The new Peloton cross- 102 00:05:21,330 --> 00:05:25,650 Speaker 3: training series, Tread Plus, powered by Peloton IQ, designed for 103 00:05:25,650 --> 00:05:29,400 Speaker 3: runners who want top tier performance. It features premium hardware 104 00:05:29,460 --> 00:05:32,969 Speaker 3: that makes every run and workout more efficient, effective, and 105 00:05:32,970 --> 00:05:37,950 Speaker 3: motivating. And it accelerates your personal growth mile after mile. 106 00:05:38,550 --> 00:05:42,240 Speaker 3: The rubberized slat belt cushions every single step and creates 107 00:05:42,240 --> 00:05:46,409 Speaker 3: an energizing running space for each stride. And with strength 108 00:05:46,410 --> 00:05:49,980 Speaker 3: workouts, you can stack right into your routine. You'll build 109 00:05:49,980 --> 00:05:53,940 Speaker 3: lower body muscle to support stronger runs. With auto incline 110 00:05:53,940 --> 00:05:58,410 Speaker 3: adjusting automatically to match instructor queues, your intensity stays exactly 111 00:05:58,410 --> 00:06:00,779 Speaker 3: where it needs to be so you can stay in 112 00:06:00,779 --> 00:06:05,670 Speaker 3: the zone and focus on your workout. Experience our most advanced 113 00:06:05,670 --> 00:06:10,830 Speaker 3: tread yet at onepeloton. com. Peloton, the official digital fitness 114 00:06:10,830 --> 00:06:12,600 Speaker 3: partner of New York Road Runners. 115 00:06:13,110 --> 00:06:17,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: Our final guest of 2025 is someone very familiar to 116 00:06:17,580 --> 00:06:20,490 Rob Simmelkjaer: us at New York Road Runners and to our fans 117 00:06:20,490 --> 00:06:23,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: out there, Sam Ryan, who is a sports anchor at 118 00:06:23,880 --> 00:06:26,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: Channel 7 in New York. And she's been on the 119 00:06:26,610 --> 00:06:29,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: air with us for years, helping us to tell the 120 00:06:29,010 --> 00:06:32,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: stories of our races and our runners. And she is 121 00:06:32,940 --> 00:06:36,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: one of our runners herself. She's lived those stories, completing 122 00:06:36,180 --> 00:06:41,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: 13 marathons, including four New York City marathons, and she's 123 00:06:41,010 --> 00:06:44,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: been an ambassador for our team for kids. And the 124 00:06:44,820 --> 00:06:47,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: last time I spoke with Sam was up in Boston, 125 00:06:48,360 --> 00:06:51,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: right before the Boston Marathon where she was hoping to 126 00:06:51,480 --> 00:06:54,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: have a good day. And since then, she's added Chicago 127 00:06:54,870 --> 00:06:57,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: to her list. And this week, she's going to come 128 00:06:57,870 --> 00:07:01,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: back out to Central Park to run the Midnight Run 129 00:07:01,170 --> 00:07:05,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: with us to celebrate 2026. Sam, great to see you. 130 00:07:05,880 --> 00:07:09,510 Sam Ryan: So great to see you. Happy holidays and happy New 131 00:07:09,510 --> 00:07:13,410 Sam Ryan: Year. What an honor to be the final guest of 2025. Wow. 132 00:07:13,710 --> 00:07:15,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. I guess you're kind of technically ... It's kind of 133 00:07:15,810 --> 00:07:17,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: like the Midnight Run. You're like the last of '25 and 134 00:07:18,060 --> 00:07:21,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: the first of '26 because this episode will actually post on 135 00:07:21,630 --> 00:07:24,179 Rob Simmelkjaer: New Year's Day. So happy New Year to everybody out 136 00:07:24,180 --> 00:07:27,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: there listening, obviously. And first, I want to go back 137 00:07:27,750 --> 00:07:31,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: to Boston. We were together at the House of Blues, 138 00:07:31,050 --> 00:07:34,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: I remember in Boston when you were getting ready for your 139 00:07:34,080 --> 00:07:36,720 Rob Simmelkjaer: run up there. How did it go? 140 00:07:38,460 --> 00:07:42,090 Sam Ryan: I think I do better under pressure because I put 141 00:07:42,090 --> 00:07:45,420 Sam Ryan: it out there. We were on the podcast. I had 142 00:07:45,420 --> 00:07:47,370 Sam Ryan: not run a marathon in about four and a half, 143 00:07:47,370 --> 00:07:54,300 Sam Ryan: five years, and pretty much thought that my carbon fiber 144 00:07:54,300 --> 00:07:58,860 Sam Ryan: plate shoes were in the past. And I believe I 145 00:07:58,860 --> 00:08:01,800 Sam Ryan: called it the redemption tour, the redemption run when we 146 00:08:01,800 --> 00:08:05,460 Sam Ryan: last spoke. I didn't know what to expect and I 147 00:08:05,460 --> 00:08:08,880 Sam Ryan: had the marathon build and it was really fun to have 148 00:08:08,880 --> 00:08:15,270 Sam Ryan: a healthy training block and really focus more on weight 149 00:08:15,270 --> 00:08:22,890 Sam Ryan: training and nutrition, and it worked in my favor. I've 150 00:08:22,890 --> 00:08:25,110 Sam Ryan: run Boston now four times and that was my best 151 00:08:25,110 --> 00:08:30,330 Sam Ryan: Boston time. And obviously, I'm older, but I think there's 152 00:08:30,330 --> 00:08:34,800 Sam Ryan: something to be said about running with pressure and running 153 00:08:34,800 --> 00:08:38,490 Sam Ryan: with eyeballs on you. I only slept an hour and 47 154 00:08:38,490 --> 00:08:43,110 Sam Ryan: minutes the night before and the nerves were ... I had 155 00:08:43,110 --> 00:08:47,970 Sam Ryan: the anxiety going. I used my Peloton sleep meditation app. 156 00:08:47,970 --> 00:08:52,350 Sam Ryan: I probably went through five of them to try to 157 00:08:52,350 --> 00:08:56,069 Sam Ryan: get to sleep. Finally, I put my AirPods in and 158 00:08:56,070 --> 00:08:59,220 Sam Ryan: used white noise to get to sleep and I was under 159 00:08:59,220 --> 00:09:01,170 Sam Ryan: the covers of the hotel. I didn't know how I was going to do it. 160 00:09:01,170 --> 00:09:04,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: I always say the sleep the night before a marathon is kind 161 00:09:04,290 --> 00:09:07,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: of like a bonus if you get it. You're not 162 00:09:07,080 --> 00:09:09,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: really going to sleep so well the night before, typically. 163 00:09:09,900 --> 00:09:12,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's those nights before that, you got to build up the 164 00:09:12,540 --> 00:09:13,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: sleep. Yeah. 165 00:09:13,559 --> 00:09:16,050 Sam Ryan: It's like when you're a second- grader and the night 166 00:09:16,050 --> 00:09:18,120 Sam Ryan: before the first day of school, who's going to be in 167 00:09:18,120 --> 00:09:20,790 Sam Ryan: my class? You just don't know. Back in the day, 168 00:09:20,790 --> 00:09:25,530 Sam Ryan: we didn't know any of that. Yeah. And I was 169 00:09:25,530 --> 00:09:28,800 Sam Ryan: really happy. For me, like I said, it was my 170 00:09:28,800 --> 00:09:31,110 Sam Ryan: best. I'm not a fast runner, but it was my 171 00:09:31,110 --> 00:09:34,470 Sam Ryan: best marathon time for Boston. 172 00:09:34,470 --> 00:09:35,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: That's awesome. 173 00:09:35,790 --> 00:09:37,500 Sam Ryan: I just wanted a four in front of my time 174 00:09:37,500 --> 00:09:38,099 Sam Ryan: and I got it. So I'm really happy with it. 175 00:09:38,309 --> 00:09:40,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm happy for you. That's fantastic. 176 00:09:40,290 --> 00:09:40,290 Sam Ryan: Thank you. 177 00:09:40,290 --> 00:09:43,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: And then you turned around and obviously got the bug again 178 00:09:43,740 --> 00:09:46,679 Rob Simmelkjaer: because you turned around and I guess about six months 179 00:09:46,679 --> 00:09:50,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: later, ran Chicago, which you know I ran as well. And 180 00:09:50,850 --> 00:09:53,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: that was, I think you and I have chatted, that was 181 00:09:53,400 --> 00:09:56,429 Rob Simmelkjaer: a warm day for me. It was a beautiful day, 182 00:09:56,670 --> 00:09:58,679 Rob Simmelkjaer: but it got a little warm for me and it caused 183 00:09:58,679 --> 00:10:00,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: me to fall apart in the second half of the 184 00:10:00,900 --> 00:10:02,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: race. How was Chicago for you? 185 00:10:02,880 --> 00:10:09,059 Sam Ryan: Same. Same. I had the perfect build. It was actually, 186 00:10:09,450 --> 00:10:15,120 Sam Ryan: I was stronger than Boston and I really focused on the 187 00:10:15,390 --> 00:10:19,860 Sam Ryan: glycogen stores, carb loading. I tried to take in all 188 00:10:20,130 --> 00:10:23,790 Sam Ryan: the science of it, monitoring my VO2 max, just doing 189 00:10:23,790 --> 00:10:27,270 Sam Ryan: everything the right way. Now, I knew I had the 190 00:10:27,270 --> 00:10:30,360 Sam Ryan: base. I knew I could do the distance. Now, I 191 00:10:30,360 --> 00:10:33,929 Sam Ryan: wanted to add more speed. I wanted to finish feeling 192 00:10:34,200 --> 00:10:38,970 Sam Ryan: healthy and not have any issues. And I felt really 193 00:10:38,970 --> 00:10:41,760 Sam Ryan: good going into that. I actually, I ran a local 194 00:10:41,760 --> 00:10:45,360 Sam Ryan: half marathon as part of my taper a few weeks 195 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:49,020 Sam Ryan: before and I finished third of my age group. So 196 00:10:49,020 --> 00:10:51,270 Sam Ryan: that was just a bonus. I'm like, " Oh, this is great." 197 00:10:51,390 --> 00:10:51,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: Nice. 198 00:10:51,540 --> 00:10:53,250 Sam Ryan: And I think a lot of people were telling me, " 199 00:10:53,400 --> 00:10:57,090 Sam Ryan: You will PR this race. You're so ready. It's flat." 200 00:10:57,390 --> 00:11:01,949 Sam Ryan: It was pancake flat and the energy was amazing. The 201 00:11:01,950 --> 00:11:04,530 Sam Ryan: walk from my hotel was maybe two blocks. It was 202 00:11:04,530 --> 00:11:09,929 Sam Ryan: amazing. Everything was perfect, but it did get warm. And 203 00:11:11,010 --> 00:11:13,530 Sam Ryan: I think something about ... And I don't know if you 204 00:11:13,530 --> 00:11:15,780 Sam Ryan: can speak to this also, with the terrain. When the 205 00:11:15,780 --> 00:11:23,280 Sam Ryan: course elevation, you prepare for a hilly marathon and sometimes 206 00:11:23,280 --> 00:11:26,130 Sam Ryan: you take it easy on or you crush the uphills, 207 00:11:26,340 --> 00:11:28,350 Sam Ryan: but there's the reward of the downhill, but you don't 208 00:11:28,350 --> 00:11:31,290 Sam Ryan: want to push the downhill. When you have a flat 209 00:11:32,520 --> 00:11:35,610 Sam Ryan: marathon, you need to prepare for that also. And it 210 00:11:35,610 --> 00:11:38,309 Sam Ryan: was a steady pace and that's something that I'm not 211 00:11:38,309 --> 00:11:42,000 Sam Ryan: used to. So none of my training runs were pancake flat. 212 00:11:42,030 --> 00:11:44,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's hard to find that around New York. Yeah. 213 00:11:44,610 --> 00:11:49,650 Sam Ryan: Yeah. And it was different. I had side stitch issues. 214 00:11:50,970 --> 00:11:55,830 Sam Ryan: I spoke to Becs, our colleague and coach afterwards. And 215 00:11:56,550 --> 00:11:58,620 Sam Ryan: it's my breathing. I need to adjust my breathing, so 216 00:11:58,620 --> 00:12:01,170 Sam Ryan: that's something else I need to work on. So I 217 00:12:01,410 --> 00:12:03,570 Sam Ryan: entered the lottery again for next year and I got 218 00:12:03,570 --> 00:12:06,630 Sam Ryan: in. So this will be my Chicago redemption. 219 00:12:08,640 --> 00:12:12,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right. I love it. I love it. I similarly would ... Yeah, perhaps I'll go for redemption 220 00:12:12,750 --> 00:12:15,059 Rob Simmelkjaer: in Chicago because it wasn't the day I wanted, but we'll 221 00:12:15,059 --> 00:12:20,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: see. It sounds very similar actually to the day you 222 00:12:20,040 --> 00:12:24,179 Rob Simmelkjaer: had. And, yeah, flat takes some adjusting too. I had 223 00:12:24,179 --> 00:12:26,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: a good race in Berlin the year before on flat, 224 00:12:26,190 --> 00:12:28,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: but it definitely takes some getting used to. And I 225 00:12:28,860 --> 00:12:31,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: think it's something that people do need to train for. 226 00:12:32,370 --> 00:12:34,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: Sam, it's interesting having this conversation with you at the end 227 00:12:34,440 --> 00:12:35,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: of the year, because I think a lot of people 228 00:12:36,540 --> 00:12:39,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: who run and run marathons, here we are at the 229 00:12:39,750 --> 00:12:41,490 Rob Simmelkjaer: end of the year, beginning of a new year, right? 230 00:12:41,490 --> 00:12:44,670 Rob Simmelkjaer: And everybody's thinking back on the year they just had 231 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:48,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: looking ahead to the year and okay, what are their 232 00:12:48,420 --> 00:12:51,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: hopes? What are their dreams? What races have they maybe 233 00:12:51,120 --> 00:12:54,959 Rob Simmelkjaer: already gotten into? What are they hoping to get into? Maybe 234 00:12:54,960 --> 00:12:57,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the case of New York where folks are still 235 00:12:57,870 --> 00:13:00,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: going to be waiting for the drawing in the early 236 00:13:00,720 --> 00:13:04,469 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the winter. What are you looking ahead towards with 237 00:13:04,470 --> 00:13:08,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: excitement? It sounds like Chicago. Any other kind of like year- 238 00:13:08,100 --> 00:13:10,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: end or year beginning thoughts you're having right now about 239 00:13:10,740 --> 00:13:13,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: what you did accomplish and what you're hoping to accomplish 240 00:13:13,590 --> 00:13:14,699 Rob Simmelkjaer: next year when it comes to running? 241 00:13:16,350 --> 00:13:20,910 Sam Ryan: Really Chicago, but for me, it's more about my younger 242 00:13:20,910 --> 00:13:25,590 Sam Ryan: self was in awe with a marathon distance and completing 243 00:13:25,590 --> 00:13:27,990 Sam Ryan: the marathon. And if I could go out and get 244 00:13:27,990 --> 00:13:31,920 Sam Ryan: a PR, that was great. For me now, it's about 245 00:13:32,100 --> 00:13:36,360 Sam Ryan: health, staying healthy, no injuries. And to go through this 246 00:13:36,630 --> 00:13:41,280 Sam Ryan: year, two marathon training blocks without any injuries, I'm knocking 247 00:13:41,280 --> 00:13:44,939 Sam Ryan: on wood right now. I'm thankful for that. And just 248 00:13:44,940 --> 00:13:49,979 Sam Ryan: to learn more about health, nutrition, fitness. I was talking 249 00:13:49,980 --> 00:13:53,880 Sam Ryan: about glycogen stores earlier, VO2 max. I'm trying to understand 250 00:13:54,059 --> 00:13:57,059 Sam Ryan: VO2 max and how that plays in. Am I a 251 00:13:57,059 --> 00:14:00,960 Sam Ryan: speedy runner? No. I think I said that already, but 252 00:14:00,990 --> 00:14:05,820 Sam Ryan: how can I maximize this science to be a stronger, 253 00:14:05,820 --> 00:14:09,240 Sam Ryan: more efficient runner? And I think something that's telling, and 254 00:14:09,240 --> 00:14:11,400 Sam Ryan: I don't know if you experienced this also, when I 255 00:14:11,400 --> 00:14:17,880 Sam Ryan: finished Chicago the next day, there was no soreness, there 256 00:14:17,880 --> 00:14:20,370 Sam Ryan: were no issues. And granted, I didn't have the time 257 00:14:20,370 --> 00:14:24,420 Sam Ryan: I wanted, but I was six minutes slower than Boston. 258 00:14:24,690 --> 00:14:26,581 Sam Ryan: So that's not a big chunk of time. 259 00:14:26,581 --> 00:14:28,141 Rob Simmelkjaer: Fascinating. That's fascinating, by the way. 260 00:14:28,141 --> 00:14:33,330 Sam Ryan: But I did not have any issues walking downstairs. The 261 00:14:33,330 --> 00:14:38,460 Sam Ryan: soreness that my younger self would experience there, I mean, 262 00:14:38,520 --> 00:14:41,370 Sam Ryan: there was no icing afterwards. I walked away from that 263 00:14:41,460 --> 00:14:43,800 Sam Ryan: and I felt really good and I think that's telling 264 00:14:43,800 --> 00:14:47,700 Sam Ryan: of my training. So although I had side stitch issues 265 00:14:47,700 --> 00:14:50,430 Sam Ryan: and that was hampering me the last six miles of 266 00:14:50,430 --> 00:14:56,010 Sam Ryan: Chicago and there were heat issues, physically my muscles, they 267 00:14:56,010 --> 00:14:58,050 Sam Ryan: felt strong. So let's keep it up. 268 00:14:58,680 --> 00:15:03,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. I felt similarly after Chicago, not that sore. Partly 269 00:15:03,360 --> 00:15:05,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: I think because I also just called off the dogs 270 00:15:05,400 --> 00:15:07,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the second half of the race. Once I got 271 00:15:07,350 --> 00:15:10,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: to about 17 or 18 and I was like, " This is not going to be 272 00:15:10,680 --> 00:15:14,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: my day." I really did pull back a lot and 273 00:15:14,790 --> 00:15:17,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: just kind of turned it into a pleasure run. So 274 00:15:17,400 --> 00:15:20,370 Rob Simmelkjaer: that definitely helped with the soreness. But hey, every day 275 00:15:20,370 --> 00:15:23,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: is different. Every marathon is different. Every year is different. 276 00:15:23,850 --> 00:15:26,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: And that's what's exciting about the beginning of a new year. 277 00:15:26,220 --> 00:15:28,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: You just never know what's going to come at you, 278 00:15:28,770 --> 00:15:32,670 Rob Simmelkjaer: whether it's in running or in life. So it's always 279 00:15:32,670 --> 00:15:34,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: an exciting time when we start a new year. And so 280 00:15:34,950 --> 00:15:36,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: you're going to be starting the new year with us 281 00:15:36,360 --> 00:15:39,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: in Central Park at the Midnight Run. By the time 282 00:15:39,090 --> 00:15:41,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: folks listen to this, it will be the new year. 283 00:15:41,100 --> 00:15:46,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: But you last ran this 10 years ago and it's 284 00:15:46,470 --> 00:15:50,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: a very special and unique event in New York and 285 00:15:50,640 --> 00:15:54,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the running world. What helped you decide to come 286 00:15:54,450 --> 00:15:55,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: back and run it again this year? 287 00:15:57,630 --> 00:16:02,070 Sam Ryan: I love being part of the running community. And I 288 00:16:02,070 --> 00:16:08,400 Sam Ryan: felt that 10 years ago, 2015, 2016, heading into the Midnight 289 00:16:08,400 --> 00:16:15,630 Sam Ryan: Run, that was 2016 later that year, I ran at 290 00:16:15,630 --> 00:16:20,850 Sam Ryan: that point, a marathon PR. PR and since then, the 291 00:16:20,850 --> 00:16:23,700 Sam Ryan: 2017 New York City Marathon, but the 2016 New York 292 00:16:23,700 --> 00:16:27,240 Sam Ryan: City Marathon was magical for me. And I think that 293 00:16:27,240 --> 00:16:30,480 Sam Ryan: year, just kicking off the new year in Central Park 294 00:16:30,510 --> 00:16:33,840 Sam Ryan: with New York Road Runners on the running community, really 295 00:16:33,870 --> 00:16:37,950 Sam Ryan: just you embrace the commitment to running and to see 296 00:16:37,950 --> 00:16:41,280 Sam Ryan: so many faces out there. Our colleague and dear friend 297 00:16:41,280 --> 00:16:42,571 Sam Ryan: Liz Cho, she's running this also. 298 00:16:42,571 --> 00:16:43,171 Rob Simmelkjaer: That's awesome. 299 00:16:43,560 --> 00:16:48,690 Sam Ryan: And this makes me so excited, because to see her 300 00:16:48,690 --> 00:16:55,320 Sam Ryan: journey and to see if we can run and what 301 00:16:55,320 --> 00:16:58,650 Sam Ryan: we accomplish and others watch and they take note and 302 00:16:58,650 --> 00:17:02,790 Sam Ryan: then they're inspired by it or motivated by it, how 303 00:17:02,790 --> 00:17:05,639 Sam Ryan: fun is that? So to see Liz's journey, and I 304 00:17:05,640 --> 00:17:07,590 Sam Ryan: remember when I got back from Boston and she wanted 305 00:17:07,590 --> 00:17:09,570 Sam Ryan: to know all about it and she was very curious. 306 00:17:10,109 --> 00:17:15,480 Sam Ryan: And then being part of the Good Morning America Relay, 307 00:17:15,900 --> 00:17:19,590 Sam Ryan: she really embraced the New York City Marathon and now 308 00:17:19,590 --> 00:17:22,109 Sam Ryan: she's running the New York City Half and running this 309 00:17:22,109 --> 00:17:26,280 Sam Ryan: New Year's Eve as well to see her journey is 310 00:17:26,790 --> 00:17:30,689 Sam Ryan: it's fun. It's fun to see the growth in the 311 00:17:30,690 --> 00:17:34,080 Sam Ryan: running community. And when it's your colleagues and your friends, 312 00:17:34,350 --> 00:17:38,100 Sam Ryan: because we were there. So we wanted to know everything 313 00:17:38,100 --> 00:17:41,340 Sam Ryan: about it. We got the bug and when you get ... 314 00:17:41,609 --> 00:17:43,500 Sam Ryan: I don't want to say I ever lost the bug, 315 00:17:43,500 --> 00:17:46,980 Sam Ryan: but a couple of years ago, " Yeah, I ran so many 316 00:17:46,980 --> 00:17:49,830 Sam Ryan: marathons," but I never felt that I was going to 317 00:17:49,830 --> 00:17:53,699 Sam Ryan: run a marathon again, although I didn't officially hang it 318 00:17:53,700 --> 00:17:57,359 Sam Ryan: up. So to know there's something left in the tank, 319 00:17:57,420 --> 00:18:03,540 Sam Ryan: it's comforting to be back, but when you see others 320 00:18:03,540 --> 00:18:07,050 Sam Ryan: too, when you see others embrace it and join the 321 00:18:07,050 --> 00:18:08,700 Sam Ryan: journey, it's so much fun. 322 00:18:08,970 --> 00:18:12,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, it is, and it's a special thing to do it 323 00:18:12,420 --> 00:18:15,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: at midnight, the dawn of a new year in Central 324 00:18:15,240 --> 00:18:17,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: Park and the vibe of it. 325 00:18:17,340 --> 00:18:18,629 Sam Ryan: The energy. 326 00:18:18,629 --> 00:18:21,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: Now a couple years as CEO, I'll be out there 327 00:18:22,140 --> 00:18:27,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: on Wednesday night as well celebrating 2026 with our community. 328 00:18:27,270 --> 00:18:29,129 Rob Simmelkjaer: And yeah, there's just something really special about it. It's 329 00:18:29,130 --> 00:18:33,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: very positive and it's a fun way to start a new 330 00:18:33,540 --> 00:18:35,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: year. I love- 331 00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:38,280 Sam Ryan: No, I did this 10 years ago, so I don't know what's changed, but I 332 00:18:38,280 --> 00:18:43,050 Sam Ryan: remember the fireworks at the start and just the energy, 333 00:18:43,170 --> 00:18:48,030 Sam Ryan: and wow. And as you start running, the fireworks are 334 00:18:48,030 --> 00:18:54,930 Sam Ryan: still ... The sky is amazing. I take it in and 335 00:18:54,930 --> 00:18:59,220 Sam Ryan: I don't race it, but you just ... And you have 336 00:18:59,220 --> 00:19:03,270 Sam Ryan: the revelers from Times Square after the ball drops. 337 00:19:03,359 --> 00:19:03,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: They come up. 338 00:19:03,810 --> 00:19:06,480 Sam Ryan: They're making their way through Central Park. So all of 339 00:19:06,480 --> 00:19:11,609 Sam Ryan: a sudden, it's like running the marathon. You have spectators 340 00:19:11,609 --> 00:19:14,490 Sam Ryan: and people cheering for you along Central Park, which is 341 00:19:14,490 --> 00:19:17,220 Sam Ryan: just amazing. They're coming back from their parties or Times 342 00:19:17,220 --> 00:19:20,880 Sam Ryan: Square and they're welcoming the runners through Central Park. So it was 343 00:19:21,150 --> 00:19:23,220 Sam Ryan: just the electricity is amazing. 344 00:19:23,310 --> 00:19:27,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. It's really cool. Sam, I love the idea of 345 00:19:27,240 --> 00:19:31,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: someone like you. You cover sports obviously for a living, 346 00:19:31,410 --> 00:19:33,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: not only the marathon, but you cover all of our 347 00:19:33,450 --> 00:19:37,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York teams, you're on Channel 7. And so being 348 00:19:37,350 --> 00:19:40,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: on the reporting side of sports is what you've done 349 00:19:40,380 --> 00:19:43,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: for your career. What does it mean for you with 350 00:19:43,740 --> 00:19:47,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: these races, with marathons and other races to kind of 351 00:19:47,340 --> 00:19:50,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: get to be on the other side? You're an athlete 352 00:19:50,550 --> 00:19:52,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: when it comes to this part of your life. You're 353 00:19:52,350 --> 00:19:56,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: not just covering athletes. How does the running side of 354 00:19:56,220 --> 00:19:59,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: what you do help you maybe on the broadcasting side 355 00:19:59,790 --> 00:20:02,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: in terms of relating to what it's like to be 356 00:20:02,220 --> 00:20:05,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: an athlete and the challenges that these professional athletes are 357 00:20:05,520 --> 00:20:06,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: going through with what they're trying to do? 358 00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:12,929 Sam Ryan: I think it gives me a better understanding about not 359 00:20:13,710 --> 00:20:19,950 Sam Ryan: only going out there and performing in whatever sport they're 360 00:20:19,950 --> 00:20:24,030 Sam Ryan: participating in, but the commitment and the build that goes 361 00:20:24,030 --> 00:20:29,040 Sam Ryan: into it, the training that it involves. When we relate 362 00:20:29,040 --> 00:20:32,970 Sam Ryan: it to running, for example, let's bring up Becs again. 363 00:20:33,000 --> 00:20:37,020 Sam Ryan: Last year, she completed the Great World Race. She ran 364 00:20:37,020 --> 00:20:41,580 Sam Ryan: seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, which is ... 365 00:20:42,030 --> 00:20:52,679 Sam Ryan: I mean, that is an amazing feat. I mean, to 366 00:20:52,920 --> 00:20:56,459 Sam Ryan: understand the magnitude of that and the training, just to 367 00:20:56,460 --> 00:20:59,970 Sam Ryan: train for one marathon, but then to do the back 368 00:20:59,970 --> 00:21:02,459 Sam Ryan: to back, to back to back. And you know, and 369 00:21:02,460 --> 00:21:06,450 Sam Ryan: I know the recovery from one marathon, so to experience 370 00:21:06,450 --> 00:21:09,000 Sam Ryan: that and then to try to put that into perspective, 371 00:21:09,300 --> 00:21:12,330 Sam Ryan: it's just really hard to fathom. Had I not been 372 00:21:12,330 --> 00:21:15,090 Sam Ryan: a runner, I may look at that and say, " Wow, 373 00:21:15,090 --> 00:21:18,960 Sam Ryan: that's amazing?" But not really grasp. And I'm not saying 374 00:21:18,960 --> 00:21:23,669 Sam Ryan: that people don't grasp it, but once you experience the 375 00:21:23,670 --> 00:21:29,010 Sam Ryan: marathon build and the marathon recovery, to know that it's pretty 376 00:21:29,010 --> 00:21:32,010 Sam Ryan: difficult to run a marathon a day after a marathon, 377 00:21:32,190 --> 00:21:36,854 Sam Ryan: let alone seven in seven days on seven continents, it's mind- 378 00:21:36,855 --> 00:21:40,350 Sam Ryan: boggling. So I think it puts into perspective the training, 379 00:21:40,350 --> 00:21:46,619 Sam Ryan: the commitment, and the mindset also, whether it is running. 380 00:21:47,130 --> 00:21:49,619 Sam Ryan: For the example, when we're covering the New York City 381 00:21:49,619 --> 00:21:52,200 Sam Ryan: Marathon, you see, and we talk about it all the time, 55, 382 00:21:52,200 --> 00:21:57,990 Sam Ryan: 000 finishers, 55, 000 stories. And whether it's someone running 383 00:21:57,990 --> 00:22:01,530 Sam Ryan: a two- hour, 31 minute PR or someone running a five- 384 00:22:01,530 --> 00:22:05,429 Sam Ryan: hour, 15 minute PR, that's their story, that's their moment. 385 00:22:05,640 --> 00:22:09,480 Sam Ryan: That's what they worked for. And to see those smiles 386 00:22:09,480 --> 00:22:11,970 Sam Ryan: at the finish line, to see that sense of accomplishment, 387 00:22:12,300 --> 00:22:16,770 Sam Ryan: we've been there and we know they poured their heart 388 00:22:16,770 --> 00:22:21,600 Sam Ryan: out to cross that finish line to cover the 26.2 389 00:22:21,600 --> 00:22:24,720 Sam Ryan: miles. Whatever the story is, whatever obstacles along the way, 390 00:22:24,990 --> 00:22:28,290 Sam Ryan: there is the commitment that goes into that. Whether it's 391 00:22:28,770 --> 00:22:32,369 Sam Ryan: on the grid iron or on the basketball court, there is 392 00:22:32,369 --> 00:22:35,190 Sam Ryan: a buildup. There's training. It's the walk- on who was 393 00:22:35,190 --> 00:22:40,740 Sam Ryan: undrafted. It's the undrafted rookie who's finally getting the start, 394 00:22:40,740 --> 00:22:43,440 Sam Ryan: who went out there and proved himself on the practice 395 00:22:43,440 --> 00:22:47,879 Sam Ryan: squad. It is that journey, that commitment that really transcends 396 00:22:47,880 --> 00:22:48,810 Sam Ryan: all of sports. 397 00:22:48,990 --> 00:22:52,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's such a different thing though when it's your living. 398 00:22:53,070 --> 00:22:56,670 Rob Simmelkjaer: I mean, we all love to do this stuff. We 399 00:22:56,670 --> 00:23:01,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: love to run. We do it for ourselves, for our 400 00:23:01,470 --> 00:23:05,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: mental health, for finding community, and it's awesome. It's so 401 00:23:05,520 --> 00:23:09,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: pure in a way what we do. But these guys 402 00:23:09,180 --> 00:23:11,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: and gals who are out there doing it for a 403 00:23:11,100 --> 00:23:14,879 Rob Simmelkjaer: living, whether it's running or the football and baseball and 404 00:23:14,880 --> 00:23:18,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: basketball and hockey players that you cover at Channel 7, 405 00:23:18,390 --> 00:23:22,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: and it's a business that they're in, and they're out 406 00:23:22,200 --> 00:23:23,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: there. Of course, they're playing to win and to get 407 00:23:23,910 --> 00:23:26,909 Rob Simmelkjaer: better, but it's also their paycheck. It's how they're going 408 00:23:26,910 --> 00:23:31,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: to survive in the world. And I don't know, I'm 409 00:23:31,890 --> 00:23:36,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: always in awe of it. And we all are sports 410 00:23:36,060 --> 00:23:39,720 Rob Simmelkjaer: fans in New York and we criticize our teams when 411 00:23:39,720 --> 00:23:41,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: they're not doing well. And let's face it, we've had 412 00:23:41,520 --> 00:23:43,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: a lot to criticize this football season. 413 00:23:43,650 --> 00:23:45,450 Sam Ryan: Wait, you're a Mets fan, I know that. 414 00:23:45,450 --> 00:23:45,541 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm a Mets fan. That's been a rough go. 415 00:23:45,541 --> 00:23:45,542 Sam Ryan: How are you holding up? How are you holding up? 416 00:23:45,542 --> 00:23:52,800 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm a Giants fan, not much better. The Jets. Sorry for 417 00:23:52,800 --> 00:23:54,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: all those Jets fans out there. At least the Knicks 418 00:23:54,930 --> 00:24:00,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: are doing well, but it's rough being a professional athlete. 419 00:24:00,300 --> 00:24:04,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: You got people criticizing you all the time, coaches being 420 00:24:04,080 --> 00:24:06,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: criticized all the time. We don't have to do that 421 00:24:06,960 --> 00:24:09,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: when we run our marathons. The people who are criticizing 422 00:24:09,990 --> 00:24:13,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: us are ourselves when it comes to running these marathons, 423 00:24:13,020 --> 00:24:16,859 Rob Simmelkjaer: right? I can't imagine what that world is like. 424 00:24:16,859 --> 00:24:23,040 Sam Ryan: Yeah, but we can be our own worst critics also. We're 425 00:24:23,040 --> 00:24:26,640 Sam Ryan: both still sitting here thinking about Chicago and ... 426 00:24:26,640 --> 00:24:31,109 Rob Simmelkjaer: And I know there are all listeners out there right now 427 00:24:31,109 --> 00:24:34,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: thinking about the good days they had and the bad days 428 00:24:34,290 --> 00:24:36,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: they had in 2025. Yep. 429 00:24:36,330 --> 00:24:40,020 Sam Ryan: We're all thinking about that one race where we could 430 00:24:40,020 --> 00:24:41,760 Sam Ryan: have done this. " What if we did this? I could 431 00:24:41,760 --> 00:24:45,720 Sam Ryan: have shaved off two minutes, two minutes doing this. And 432 00:24:45,720 --> 00:24:49,680 Sam Ryan: what went wrong?" Rather than, " Wow, I just ran another 433 00:24:49,680 --> 00:24:52,379 Sam Ryan: marathon. Look at this. This is a beautiful thing. I 434 00:24:52,380 --> 00:24:55,439 Sam Ryan: have the gift of health and I finished my 13th 435 00:24:55,440 --> 00:24:58,290 Sam Ryan: marathon and I should be happy with this and pat 436 00:24:58,290 --> 00:25:01,439 Sam Ryan: myself on the back." But rather than that, it's, " Nope, 437 00:25:01,560 --> 00:25:03,389 Sam Ryan: I have to get better. What can I do to 438 00:25:03,390 --> 00:25:06,510 Sam Ryan: get better? How can I push myself and get those 439 00:25:06,510 --> 00:25:07,230 Sam Ryan: two minutes?" 440 00:25:08,369 --> 00:25:08,399 Rob Simmelkjaer: 100%. 441 00:25:08,400 --> 00:25:08,881 Sam Ryan: But that's what we do. 442 00:25:08,881 --> 00:25:13,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: I remember in Boston, Sam, you were aiming to log a 443 00:25:13,170 --> 00:25:15,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: thousand miles this year. Did you make it? 444 00:25:16,320 --> 00:25:16,830 Sam Ryan: Yes. 445 00:25:17,040 --> 00:25:17,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: Nice job. 446 00:25:17,730 --> 00:25:21,181 Sam Ryan: Yes. With two marathon builds and four half marathons, it was this year. 447 00:25:21,181 --> 00:25:21,182 Rob Simmelkjaer: It's a good way to run a thousand miles. Yeah. That's not too difficult. 448 00:25:21,182 --> 00:25:31,980 Sam Ryan: Yeah. I wasn't anticipating two marathons back in April, but that's 449 00:25:31,980 --> 00:25:32,490 Sam Ryan: what we did. 450 00:25:32,490 --> 00:25:34,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: It happened. What are your goals for- 451 00:25:34,230 --> 00:25:34,740 Sam Ryan: Yeah, we have the bug. 452 00:25:34,740 --> 00:25:38,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: Other than Chicago redemption, do you have any other goals for 2026? 453 00:25:40,080 --> 00:25:45,330 Sam Ryan: Just really stay healthy and rather than an 18- week 454 00:25:45,330 --> 00:25:52,140 Sam Ryan: training block, I don't want to say I'm going to have a 455 00:25:52,140 --> 00:25:54,690 Sam Ryan: more extensive training block, but I really want to focus, 456 00:25:54,690 --> 00:26:02,340 Sam Ryan: like I told you, on nutrition, continue with the weight 457 00:26:02,340 --> 00:26:07,500 Sam Ryan: training and just not take time off. Just really continue 458 00:26:07,500 --> 00:26:11,159 Sam Ryan: this slow build. But there's a base now where I'm 459 00:26:11,160 --> 00:26:13,890 Sam Ryan: not going backwards. So now that I have this base, 460 00:26:14,160 --> 00:26:17,790 Sam Ryan: keep this base up and really` go into Chicago feeling 461 00:26:17,850 --> 00:26:20,550 Sam Ryan: strong and healthy and just getting out of my own 462 00:26:20,550 --> 00:26:23,460 Sam Ryan: head rather than, " Oh, I have side stitch. Oh, this 463 00:26:23,460 --> 00:26:25,109 Sam Ryan: is difficult." Fight it, fight it. 464 00:26:25,109 --> 00:26:26,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah, yeah. 465 00:26:26,220 --> 00:26:27,510 Sam Ryan: We're going to fight the Demogorgons. 466 00:26:27,570 --> 00:26:30,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: Exactly. Fight the demons within. Fight those- 467 00:26:30,270 --> 00:26:32,698 Sam Ryan: That's a Stranger Things reference if you didn't- 468 00:26:33,390 --> 00:26:34,859 Rob Simmelkjaer: I've heard of it. I don't watch the show, but 469 00:26:34,859 --> 00:26:35,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: I've heard the reference. 470 00:26:37,140 --> 00:26:37,170 Sam Ryan: Okay. 471 00:26:37,170 --> 00:26:39,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: We talked about in Boston, you had asthma as a 472 00:26:39,810 --> 00:26:44,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: kid and you had a doctor's note to keep from 473 00:26:44,040 --> 00:26:46,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: having to run the mile in school, right? So what's 474 00:26:46,890 --> 00:26:49,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: it like for you to look back on that young 475 00:26:49,980 --> 00:26:53,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: Sam who wasn't able to run a mile and see 476 00:26:53,880 --> 00:26:55,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: what you're doing now running these marathons? 477 00:26:56,640 --> 00:27:04,710 Sam Ryan: It was not athletic at all. I remember homecoming in 478 00:27:04,710 --> 00:27:08,070 Sam Ryan: high school and I was in the marching band. I 479 00:27:08,070 --> 00:27:15,179 Sam Ryan: was not an athlete. And between asthma and scoliosis, I 480 00:27:15,180 --> 00:27:18,899 Sam Ryan: never thought ... I remember the first time we ran the 481 00:27:18,900 --> 00:27:22,889 Sam Ryan: mile in, I believe it was middle school and I 482 00:27:22,890 --> 00:27:25,590 Sam Ryan: was towards the end and it was just like, " Yeah, 483 00:27:25,590 --> 00:27:29,790 Sam Ryan: no, this is not for me." And then with the 484 00:27:29,790 --> 00:27:33,060 Sam Ryan: asthma and the scoliosis, I had the note and I 485 00:27:33,390 --> 00:27:40,830 Sam Ryan: never had to do that again. And to go back 486 00:27:40,859 --> 00:27:45,210 Sam Ryan: and to think about that, because now what's neat is 487 00:27:46,470 --> 00:27:52,770 Sam Ryan: I'll hear from teens and from some of my students 488 00:27:53,040 --> 00:27:57,300 Sam Ryan: who are amazed when I had to cancel class on ... 489 00:27:57,330 --> 00:28:00,869 Sam Ryan: I teach at Hofstra, I'm an adjunct professor. So on 490 00:28:02,609 --> 00:28:04,740 Sam Ryan: the Boston Marathon, I had to cancel my class and 491 00:28:04,740 --> 00:28:08,910 Sam Ryan: the day after the Chicago Marathon, I canceled class. And 492 00:28:08,910 --> 00:28:11,850 Sam Ryan: when I explained the reason why, because I'm running marathons, 493 00:28:12,210 --> 00:28:19,020 Sam Ryan: to see how my students, they were really impressed. They were, " 494 00:28:19,920 --> 00:28:25,590 Sam Ryan: Wow, you're running a marathon?" So to think that the 495 00:28:25,590 --> 00:28:29,399 Sam Ryan: younger me would never have not even think about a 496 00:28:29,400 --> 00:28:34,500 Sam Ryan: marathon, but just completing a mile or two miles and 497 00:28:34,650 --> 00:28:38,580 Sam Ryan: to love it. I mean, this was something I despised, 498 00:28:38,850 --> 00:28:41,880 Sam Ryan: but now to go out there and to not feel 499 00:28:41,970 --> 00:28:45,990 Sam Ryan: myself until I run, or even last night on my 500 00:28:45,990 --> 00:28:52,800 Sam Ryan: treadmill, just to get the miles in and to feel better, it 501 00:28:52,800 --> 00:28:59,160 Sam Ryan: strengthened me. Yeah, I still gasp and I get side 502 00:28:59,160 --> 00:29:03,630 Sam Ryan: stitched, but my breathing is better and I don't use 503 00:29:03,630 --> 00:29:06,450 Sam Ryan: my inhaler. I haven't used my inhaler in a while. 504 00:29:07,350 --> 00:29:09,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: You ran, I think, your first marathon or two with 505 00:29:09,750 --> 00:29:10,381 Rob Simmelkjaer: an inhaler, right? Just in case. 506 00:29:10,381 --> 00:29:11,610 Sam Ryan: With an inhaler. 507 00:29:11,670 --> 00:29:11,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. 508 00:29:12,270 --> 00:29:14,940 Sam Ryan: Oh, yeah. Yeah. My first couple of marathons and races 509 00:29:15,210 --> 00:29:18,960 Sam Ryan: with the inhaler in my pouch. I believe my New 510 00:29:18,960 --> 00:29:23,400 Sam Ryan: York City Marathon finish picture from the photo from 2013, 511 00:29:23,430 --> 00:29:26,130 Sam Ryan: I'm holding my inhaler up in my hand. I have 512 00:29:26,130 --> 00:29:29,489 Sam Ryan: a Hershey bar in one hand and my inhaler in 513 00:29:29,490 --> 00:29:32,220 Sam Ryan: the other hand, just because I didn't know. I had 514 00:29:32,220 --> 00:29:38,520 Sam Ryan: never tackled that distance, nor had I at that stage 515 00:29:38,850 --> 00:29:41,790 Sam Ryan: run even a 5k and just pushed it where I 516 00:29:43,290 --> 00:29:46,440 Sam Ryan: just put my foot on the gas and pushed it 517 00:29:46,440 --> 00:29:48,930 Sam Ryan: because I just didn't know am I going to start 518 00:29:48,930 --> 00:29:52,020 Sam Ryan: wheezing? And once I learned and played with the distance, 519 00:29:52,080 --> 00:29:55,080 Sam Ryan: I'm like, " Okay, I'm getting stronger and healthier." 520 00:29:55,410 --> 00:29:58,980 Rob Simmelkjaer: Did you just grow out of it, the asthma and the 521 00:29:58,980 --> 00:30:02,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: need for the inhalers? How did that happen? I know 522 00:30:02,190 --> 00:30:06,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: I've spoken to people who had asthma or exercise- induced 523 00:30:06,090 --> 00:30:08,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: asthma as a young person, and then it just got 524 00:30:08,550 --> 00:30:10,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: better as they grew and their lungs developed. What was 525 00:30:10,650 --> 00:30:11,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: the story for you? 526 00:30:12,240 --> 00:30:18,360 Sam Ryan: Yeah, I don't know. I remember in my 20s going to a 527 00:30:18,360 --> 00:30:22,500 Sam Ryan: pulmonologist and having the test done, and I was very 528 00:30:22,500 --> 00:30:32,820 Sam Ryan: dependent on my inhaler. Anytime I would get sick, have 529 00:30:32,820 --> 00:30:36,330 Sam Ryan: the inhaler nearby, but just wouldn't push it. And I 530 00:30:36,690 --> 00:30:40,950 Sam Ryan: don't know what the science is behind it or the 531 00:30:40,950 --> 00:30:45,360 Sam Ryan: medical terminology behind it, but I do know, and nor 532 00:30:45,360 --> 00:30:47,700 Sam Ryan: do I want to say to anyone with asthma, " If 533 00:30:47,700 --> 00:30:50,940 Sam Ryan: you go run, you'll be okay," because I don't know. 534 00:30:51,870 --> 00:30:55,320 Sam Ryan: But I do know that gradually, when it's exercise- induced 535 00:30:55,320 --> 00:31:02,430 Sam Ryan: asthma, as I started gradually adding distance, my capacity was ... 536 00:31:03,000 --> 00:31:06,720 Sam Ryan: It's like, " Okay, now I can go. I'm building up 537 00:31:06,720 --> 00:31:09,450 Sam Ryan: my stamina." And rather than running to the corner, now 538 00:31:09,450 --> 00:31:12,030 Sam Ryan: I can run to the corner and around the corner. Now, 539 00:31:12,030 --> 00:31:14,970 Sam Ryan: I can run a whole loop around the block. Now, I 540 00:31:14,970 --> 00:31:18,000 Sam Ryan: can run one and a half times around the block. 541 00:31:18,330 --> 00:31:22,710 Sam Ryan: And I didn't feel winded. And I think that is 542 00:31:23,070 --> 00:31:25,320 Sam Ryan: just the growth and the strength. And I don't know what 543 00:31:26,610 --> 00:31:29,700 Sam Ryan: the medical terminology or their physiology is behind that, but 544 00:31:29,700 --> 00:31:30,870 Sam Ryan: it works. For me, it does. 545 00:31:31,290 --> 00:31:33,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. All right. I'm going to make you talk sports 546 00:31:33,480 --> 00:31:35,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: with me for a quick minute here before we say 547 00:31:35,790 --> 00:31:40,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: goodbye. So the New York sports scene right now, a 548 00:31:40,110 --> 00:31:43,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: mixed bag, let's say. The last team to win a 549 00:31:43,410 --> 00:31:45,390 Rob Simmelkjaer: pro team to win a championship in New York, well, it was 550 00:31:45,390 --> 00:31:48,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: actually the Liberty. They won a championship not long ago. 551 00:31:48,900 --> 00:31:53,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: What do you think the next professional sports team in New 552 00:31:53,130 --> 00:31:55,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: York to win a championship will be? 553 00:31:55,920 --> 00:32:00,031 Sam Ryan: Well, Gotham just won. Gotham FC. 554 00:32:00,031 --> 00:32:00,032 Rob Simmelkjaer: Oh, yes, that's right. Major sport as well. 555 00:32:00,032 --> 00:32:00,390 Sam Ryan: In the National Women's Soccer League. 556 00:32:00,390 --> 00:32:04,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yep. Okay. Yep. And they've won a couple times. They've won a couple times actually in 557 00:32:04,290 --> 00:32:07,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: a fairly short history. Yeah. 558 00:32:08,340 --> 00:32:10,410 Sam Ryan: Well, the Jets and Giants, we know this is not 559 00:32:10,410 --> 00:32:11,940 Sam Ryan: their season and- 560 00:32:11,940 --> 00:32:14,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: They seem a long way off. 561 00:32:16,200 --> 00:32:19,530 Sam Ryan: The Liberty are strong. The Knicks, they're having a really 562 00:32:19,530 --> 00:32:24,181 Sam Ryan: good season. They just won the NBA Cup. I do know that they're not finished. 563 00:32:24,181 --> 00:32:24,511 Rob Simmelkjaer: Do you think they have a chance to be- 564 00:32:24,511 --> 00:32:26,040 Sam Ryan: Do I think they have a chance? Absolutely. 565 00:32:26,100 --> 00:32:26,459 Rob Simmelkjaer: Yeah. 566 00:32:26,580 --> 00:32:33,060 Sam Ryan: Absolutely. They're a strong team. They're a deep team. Their bench 567 00:32:33,090 --> 00:32:36,690 Sam Ryan: is solid. So, yeah, I think the Knicks have a 568 00:32:36,900 --> 00:32:37,740 Sam Ryan: really good shot. 569 00:32:38,730 --> 00:32:42,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: Can you imagine Sam how crazy New York will go 570 00:32:43,260 --> 00:32:47,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: if the New York Knicks win a championship? I'm in 571 00:32:47,040 --> 00:32:50,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: my 50s and I don't remember the Knicks winning a 572 00:32:50,250 --> 00:32:53,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: champion. They won a couple times in the early 70s, 573 00:32:53,460 --> 00:32:56,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: but there are 50 year old Knicks fans who have never 574 00:32:56,940 --> 00:32:59,670 Rob Simmelkjaer: seen the Knicks win a championship. And this is a 575 00:32:59,670 --> 00:33:03,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: real basketball city. So I think the city would lose it 576 00:33:04,110 --> 00:33:06,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: if the Knicks made it to the finals and certainly 577 00:33:06,150 --> 00:33:06,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: if they won. 578 00:33:07,470 --> 00:33:14,160 Sam Ryan: And they've come close against the Spurs, but now look 579 00:33:14,160 --> 00:33:18,870 Sam Ryan: what they're building. And I really like this team. Let's 580 00:33:18,870 --> 00:33:22,260 Sam Ryan: also look at our NHL teams. And when you look 581 00:33:22,260 --> 00:33:24,090 Sam Ryan: at the Eastern Conference and you look at the Metro 582 00:33:24,090 --> 00:33:27,720 Sam Ryan: Division, that Metro Division is also close. So you could 583 00:33:27,720 --> 00:33:31,290 Sam Ryan: be in third or fourth place, but still within two 584 00:33:31,290 --> 00:33:36,930 Sam Ryan: or three points of first. So really, that's anyone's. Wouldn't 585 00:33:36,930 --> 00:33:40,740 Sam Ryan: count the Devils- Rangers or Islanders out either. We'll see 586 00:33:40,740 --> 00:33:46,170 Sam Ryan: how that shakes down. Yankees, we're still waiting to see 587 00:33:46,230 --> 00:33:51,330 Sam Ryan: on Cody Bellinger and we're still waiting to see are 588 00:33:51,330 --> 00:33:54,810 Sam Ryan: the Yankees finished? Is Brian Cashman finished? But the Yankees 589 00:33:54,810 --> 00:33:57,510 Sam Ryan: had a good team. They got beat by a better 590 00:33:57,510 --> 00:34:02,160 Sam Ryan: team, the Blue Jays. And we'll see what the Yankees 591 00:34:02,160 --> 00:34:04,709 Sam Ryan: do in the remaining of this off season. As for 592 00:34:04,710 --> 00:34:09,779 Sam Ryan: the Mets, you know. I mean, Mets said goodbye to 593 00:34:09,780 --> 00:34:12,810 Sam Ryan: Peter Alonso. They said goodbye to Edwin Diaz. They said 594 00:34:12,810 --> 00:34:15,270 Sam Ryan: goodbye to Jeff McNeil. It's tough for Mets fans right 595 00:34:15,270 --> 00:34:18,960 Sam Ryan: now. We'll see what David Sterns, if he makes any 596 00:34:19,020 --> 00:34:23,730 Sam Ryan: more moves or is this ... And also, I forgot to say 597 00:34:24,060 --> 00:34:29,430 Sam Ryan: Brandon Nimmo as well. So is this a dismantling of 598 00:34:29,430 --> 00:34:33,359 Sam Ryan: the team as we know it? Yeah. Rebuild or do 599 00:34:33,360 --> 00:34:38,280 Sam Ryan: they add star players? We'll see. We'll see what the 600 00:34:38,280 --> 00:34:41,819 Sam Ryan: Mets will put out there on the diamond this year, 601 00:34:41,850 --> 00:34:44,910 Sam Ryan: but the Yankees do have a good team and they 602 00:34:44,940 --> 00:34:48,000 Sam Ryan: are getting back a healthy Gerrit Cole. So keep that 603 00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:51,210 Sam Ryan: in mind too. Max Fried had a stellar season, last 604 00:34:51,210 --> 00:34:53,969 Sam Ryan: season for the Yankees. And now Gerrit Cole, while he'll 605 00:34:53,969 --> 00:34:57,510 Sam Ryan: miss opening day, he'll be back probably late April, early 606 00:34:57,510 --> 00:35:00,750 Sam Ryan: May. You have two aces now. That's pretty amazing. 607 00:35:01,020 --> 00:35:03,299 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right. So I'm putting my money on the Knicks 608 00:35:03,300 --> 00:35:06,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: as the next New York team to win a championship 609 00:35:06,450 --> 00:35:08,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: and that would really be fun to see. So we 610 00:35:08,910 --> 00:35:11,399 Rob Simmelkjaer: will see, Sam. I'm looking forward to seeing you out 611 00:35:11,400 --> 00:35:13,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: there in Central Park on New Year's Eve. And of 612 00:35:13,590 --> 00:35:16,589 Rob Simmelkjaer: course, looking forward to checking you out all year long 613 00:35:16,590 --> 00:35:19,920 Rob Simmelkjaer: on Channel 7. Thanks for your awesome coverage of all 614 00:35:19,920 --> 00:35:21,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: of our events. And I know we'll see you for the 615 00:35:21,750 --> 00:35:25,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: United Airlines NYC Half on the air as well this 616 00:35:25,200 --> 00:35:28,109 Rob Simmelkjaer: spring. So can't wait to see out there, but thanks 617 00:35:28,110 --> 00:35:29,489 Rob Simmelkjaer: for joining us and happy New Year. 618 00:35:30,270 --> 00:35:32,700 Sam Ryan: Oh, thank you for having me and for everyone out 619 00:35:32,700 --> 00:35:36,120 Sam Ryan: there running. I mean, we are our own worst critics, 620 00:35:36,120 --> 00:35:40,440 Sam Ryan: obviously, but you're doing it. We are all doing this 621 00:35:40,440 --> 00:35:43,500 Sam Ryan: and we're doing this because we all share this love 622 00:35:43,500 --> 00:35:47,069 Sam Ryan: and passion for running. And I'm so thankful for New 623 00:35:47,070 --> 00:35:49,890 Sam Ryan: York Road Runners and for all of you and the support 624 00:35:49,890 --> 00:35:51,690 Sam Ryan: of the running community. You guys are all awesome. 625 00:35:51,900 --> 00:35:53,399 Rob Simmelkjaer: Awesome. Thanks, Sam. Happy New Year. 626 00:35:54,180 --> 00:35:55,049 Sam Ryan: Happy New Year to you. 627 00:35:56,610 --> 00:35:59,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Road Runners is a nonprofit organization with a 628 00:35:59,640 --> 00:36:03,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the 629 00:36:03,030 --> 00:36:07,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: transformative power of running. The support of members and donors 630 00:36:07,110 --> 00:36:10,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: like you helps us achieve our mission to transform the 631 00:36:10,320 --> 00:36:14,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: health and wellbeing of our communities through inclusive and accessible 632 00:36:14,190 --> 00:36:18,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential. Learn more 633 00:36:18,810 --> 00:36:24,239 Rob Simmelkjaer: and contribute at nyrr. org/ donate. Christina Gibbons is a 634 00:36:24,239 --> 00:36:26,969 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Road Runners member who four years ago wasn't 635 00:36:26,969 --> 00:36:30,029 Rob Simmelkjaer: sure she could run a full mile. Since then, she's 636 00:36:30,030 --> 00:36:34,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: only completed four half marathons. Her running journey hasn't been 637 00:36:34,140 --> 00:36:37,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: without some setbacks. She had to pause training twice due 638 00:36:37,440 --> 00:36:40,739 Rob Simmelkjaer: to injuries. Experiences that taught her patience and a deeper 639 00:36:40,739 --> 00:36:45,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: appreciation for building strength, both physically and mentally. Christina has 640 00:36:45,870 --> 00:36:49,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: also built quite a following on TikTok by sharing the 641 00:36:49,110 --> 00:36:52,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: ups and downs of her journey and highlighting how running 642 00:36:52,500 --> 00:36:55,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: has helped her mental health. Something we talk about a 643 00:36:55,410 --> 00:36:58,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: lot here at New York Road Earners. And the beginning of the new 644 00:36:58,080 --> 00:37:01,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: year is a great time to think about that aspect 645 00:37:01,290 --> 00:37:03,690 Rob Simmelkjaer: of running as well. Here's Meb with Christina. 646 00:37:04,380 --> 00:37:07,770 Meb: Thanks, Rob. Christina, welcome to Set the Pace Podcast. How are 647 00:37:07,770 --> 00:37:08,489 Meb: you feeling today? 648 00:37:09,569 --> 00:37:10,560 Christina Gibbons: Feeling pretty good. 649 00:37:11,879 --> 00:37:14,190 Meb: Well, we're so delighted to have you. When you think back 650 00:37:14,190 --> 00:37:16,230 Meb: the time when you were running, you didn't feel like you 651 00:37:16,290 --> 00:37:20,850 Meb: run one mile hard, what finally helped you believe that you can go that distance? 652 00:37:21,600 --> 00:37:26,700 Christina Gibbons: Honestly, slowing down and that it's not about the pace. 653 00:37:26,700 --> 00:37:29,969 Christina Gibbons: I think beginning when I started, I really wanted to 654 00:37:29,969 --> 00:37:33,750 Christina Gibbons: improve, so I needed to put that mindset of running 655 00:37:33,750 --> 00:37:36,750 Christina Gibbons: as fast as I can aside. So I always tell 656 00:37:36,750 --> 00:37:40,440 Christina Gibbons: people that if they're just getting into running to slow 657 00:37:40,440 --> 00:37:43,109 Christina Gibbons: down and it will help them love running, not hate 658 00:37:43,110 --> 00:37:44,880 Christina Gibbons: it. And ultimately, that was my goal. 659 00:37:45,719 --> 00:37:47,850 Meb: It's a good call. Some people have the misconception that 660 00:37:47,850 --> 00:37:51,180 Meb: I got to go hard and survive, but slow is wise. 661 00:37:51,570 --> 00:37:52,050 Christina Gibbons: Yes. 662 00:37:52,080 --> 00:37:56,040 Meb: You have had to stop due to injury twice. And 663 00:37:56,040 --> 00:37:59,070 Meb: what did you learn about yourself during those breaks and 664 00:37:59,070 --> 00:38:01,710 Meb: what helped you come back each time? 665 00:38:03,480 --> 00:38:08,219 Christina Gibbons: Yeah, those injuries were not fun. I learned, honestly, during 666 00:38:08,219 --> 00:38:12,000 Christina Gibbons: those breaks, I learned a lot about proper fueling, proper 667 00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:17,250 Christina Gibbons: warming up. I learned PT exercises. And most importantly, I 668 00:38:17,250 --> 00:38:20,340 Christina Gibbons: learned that I needed to actively make a decision to 669 00:38:20,340 --> 00:38:23,609 Christina Gibbons: take recovery days, or else my body was going to 670 00:38:23,610 --> 00:38:25,110 Christina Gibbons: choose those days for me. 671 00:38:25,950 --> 00:38:28,260 Meb: Yeah. Injuries are part of the sport, but it's not 672 00:38:28,260 --> 00:38:30,180 Meb: how many times you fall, but how many times you 673 00:38:30,180 --> 00:38:33,600 Meb: get back up. So you tell your stories on TikTok 674 00:38:33,630 --> 00:38:36,810 Meb: about mental side of running. What made you want to 675 00:38:36,810 --> 00:38:40,230 Meb: share that publicly and how has running helped you feel 676 00:38:40,230 --> 00:38:41,219 Meb: stronger mentally? 677 00:38:41,489 --> 00:38:45,780 Christina Gibbons: Yeah. I always say running is a mental game. I even 678 00:38:45,780 --> 00:38:48,330 Christina Gibbons: think the rest and recovery days are part of that 679 00:38:48,330 --> 00:38:52,380 Christina Gibbons: game as well. Running is hard. There are so many 680 00:38:52,380 --> 00:38:55,290 Christina Gibbons: points during a run and even the moments before a 681 00:38:55,290 --> 00:38:57,570 Christina Gibbons: run where my brain will convince me that I either 682 00:38:57,570 --> 00:39:00,480 Christina Gibbons: can't do it or don't want to do it. And 683 00:39:00,480 --> 00:39:03,600 Christina Gibbons: it really isn't about wanting to do it or not 684 00:39:03,600 --> 00:39:06,810 Christina Gibbons: because in order to build mental toughness, we sometimes have 685 00:39:06,810 --> 00:39:08,940 Christina Gibbons: to do the things that we don't want to do. 686 00:39:09,900 --> 00:39:11,460 Christina Gibbons: Of course, there's a fine line and we have to 687 00:39:11,820 --> 00:39:15,120 Christina Gibbons: be a little bit easier on ourselves. But I always 688 00:39:15,120 --> 00:39:17,160 Christina Gibbons: say if you don't feel like going for a run, 689 00:39:17,340 --> 00:39:19,680 Christina Gibbons: do it anyways and then see how you feel during it, you 690 00:39:20,310 --> 00:39:21,300 Christina Gibbons: might surprise yourself. 691 00:39:21,989 --> 00:39:24,719 Meb: Christina, that's a wise advice because the hardest part I 692 00:39:24,719 --> 00:39:28,170 Meb: tell people is lacing your shoes up and getting out of the door. And 693 00:39:28,200 --> 00:39:30,870 Meb: once you get out after a mile, so you will 694 00:39:30,870 --> 00:39:33,359 Meb: have that energy and endorphin. 695 00:39:34,140 --> 00:39:34,620 Christina Gibbons: Yes. 696 00:39:34,680 --> 00:39:37,410 Meb: But preparation is the key success, but you have said 697 00:39:37,410 --> 00:39:40,560 Meb: that racing in Central Park made you feel connected to 698 00:39:40,560 --> 00:39:45,509 Meb: the running community. What does being part of the NYRR races 699 00:39:45,510 --> 00:39:46,320 Meb: mean to you now? 700 00:39:47,190 --> 00:39:49,920 Christina Gibbons: I love running in Central Park. I really never get 701 00:39:49,920 --> 00:39:53,880 Christina Gibbons: tired of it. And when I first started running, it 702 00:39:53,880 --> 00:39:56,969 Christina Gibbons: was honestly just a personal challenge just to see how 703 00:39:56,969 --> 00:40:01,468 Christina Gibbons: much that I can achieve. And as I got into 704 00:40:01,469 --> 00:40:04,230 Christina Gibbons: racing over the past few years with NYRR, it connected 705 00:40:04,230 --> 00:40:07,020 Christina Gibbons: me with a lot of people who share the same 706 00:40:07,020 --> 00:40:12,510 Christina Gibbons: hobby, same mindset. I've also met so many lovely people 707 00:40:12,510 --> 00:40:17,879 Christina Gibbons: from NYRR volunteer opportunities and races. So it truly has 708 00:40:17,880 --> 00:40:21,180 Christina Gibbons: just built up the running community for me and I've loved it. 709 00:40:22,020 --> 00:40:24,210 Meb: Yeah, definitely. The New York Road Runners do an amazing 710 00:40:24,210 --> 00:40:27,030 Meb: job, but also been in Central Park. Some people ask me, " 711 00:40:27,510 --> 00:40:28,920 Meb: Can you live in New York?" I said, " Well, if 712 00:40:28,920 --> 00:40:30,840 Meb: I'm close enough to Central Park, I think I can." 713 00:40:30,840 --> 00:40:32,370 Meb: So the community is pretty, pretty deep. 714 00:40:32,370 --> 00:40:32,969 Christina Gibbons: Exactly. 715 00:40:34,620 --> 00:40:38,790 Meb: So you have built a following online while also training. 716 00:40:39,030 --> 00:40:42,270 Meb: How do you balance creating content with focusing on your 717 00:40:42,390 --> 00:40:43,021 Meb: own running goals? 718 00:40:43,021 --> 00:40:51,930 Christina Gibbons: I mean, I genuinely enjoy training and running for leisurely purposes. 719 00:40:51,930 --> 00:40:56,700 Christina Gibbons: I feel like creating content fits in perfectly, especially when 720 00:40:56,700 --> 00:41:00,180 Christina Gibbons: training because I wanted to show people the realistic side 721 00:41:00,180 --> 00:41:03,900 Christina Gibbons: of training that some days I won't hit my paces, 722 00:41:04,110 --> 00:41:07,860 Christina Gibbons: that my hill workouts are actually hard. And then also 723 00:41:07,860 --> 00:41:11,100 Christina Gibbons: sometimes that I don't always take my easy days easy 724 00:41:11,100 --> 00:41:13,410 Christina Gibbons: and that I have to remind myself to do that. 725 00:41:14,310 --> 00:41:17,670 Christina Gibbons: So creating content really hasn't felt like an extra thing 726 00:41:17,670 --> 00:41:21,000 Christina Gibbons: to do because I'm excited to share my experience with 727 00:41:21,120 --> 00:41:24,509 Christina Gibbons: people in hopes that other people can join such a 728 00:41:24,510 --> 00:41:25,440 Christina Gibbons: welcome community. 729 00:41:26,640 --> 00:41:29,700 Meb: That's a wonderful community it is. And so saying that 730 00:41:29,880 --> 00:41:32,130 Meb: how hard it was the first time you ran a mile or I 731 00:41:32,130 --> 00:41:33,900 Meb: didn't think I can go now to be able to 732 00:41:33,900 --> 00:41:36,030 Meb: be embraced in the community, can you tell us the 733 00:41:36,030 --> 00:41:36,840 Meb: lessons you learned? 734 00:41:37,469 --> 00:41:41,550 Christina Gibbons: Yeah. I mean, first of all is that I built 735 00:41:41,670 --> 00:41:45,450 Christina Gibbons: a lot of mental toughness and a lot of discipline 736 00:41:45,810 --> 00:41:48,360 Christina Gibbons: from just going from one mile to like now I 737 00:41:48,360 --> 00:41:52,110 Christina Gibbons: go. My long runs are like 12 miles on weekends, 738 00:41:52,110 --> 00:41:58,530 Christina Gibbons: which is just so fulfilling. And like I said before, 739 00:41:58,530 --> 00:42:02,640 Christina Gibbons: I think just being part of these races and this 740 00:42:02,640 --> 00:42:06,029 Christina Gibbons: community, I've been able to also meet so many people 741 00:42:06,030 --> 00:42:09,030 Christina Gibbons: to run with as well that have really helped me, 742 00:42:09,330 --> 00:42:15,989 Christina Gibbons: again, build the strength and really build the encouragement as 743 00:42:15,989 --> 00:42:16,950 Christina Gibbons: well to keep running. 744 00:42:17,640 --> 00:42:19,980 Meb: New York Road Runners has done a great job trying to bring the 745 00:42:19,980 --> 00:42:24,330 Meb: camaraderie together and positive energy and many great runs. So 746 00:42:24,330 --> 00:42:26,520 Meb: thank you for being at Set the Pace and best wishes. 747 00:42:26,880 --> 00:42:27,509 Christina Gibbons: Thank you. 748 00:42:28,200 --> 00:42:30,690 Rob Simmelkjaer: Thank you so much, Christina for joining us. Thanks for 749 00:42:30,690 --> 00:42:33,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: being a member of New York Runners. Thanks to all 750 00:42:33,090 --> 00:42:35,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: of you, by the way. Over 90, 000 of you 751 00:42:35,700 --> 00:42:37,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: who come into the new year as members of New 752 00:42:37,770 --> 00:42:40,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: York Road Runners, we are so thrilled to have you 753 00:42:40,140 --> 00:42:42,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: all as part of our community. Now on to the 754 00:42:42,750 --> 00:42:45,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: final part of our show, today is Meb Minute. 755 00:42:45,810 --> 00:42:48,239 Meb: Off season is a great way and a slow pressure 756 00:42:48,239 --> 00:42:51,780 Meb: for goals. Sometimes you tell those goals to your friends 757 00:42:51,840 --> 00:42:55,110 Meb: or partners or your training partners and things like that. 758 00:42:55,380 --> 00:42:58,739 Meb: Big goals start with tiny ones. For example, saying, " Hey, 759 00:42:59,160 --> 00:43:02,910 Meb: I just want to run this many miles, especially New 760 00:43:02,910 --> 00:43:05,190 Meb: Year resolution." As they come up to just say, "Hey, I 761 00:43:05,190 --> 00:43:09,150 Meb: just want to run 15 miles a week or I 762 00:43:09,150 --> 00:43:12,840 Meb: want to run 50 miles this month," whatever that might 763 00:43:12,840 --> 00:43:17,730 Meb: be. If you hit your weekly runs, that's a win. 764 00:43:18,270 --> 00:43:21,570 Meb: If you do your strength training, that's another win. Win 765 00:43:21,570 --> 00:43:26,310 Meb: is tax. Confidence build up from overcoming situations and from 766 00:43:26,670 --> 00:43:30,270 Meb: building confidence and doing the small things. After the good race 767 00:43:30,270 --> 00:43:32,790 Meb: for me as an elite athlete, it's always great to say, " 768 00:43:32,790 --> 00:43:34,200 Meb: I want to be able to set a new goal." 769 00:43:34,590 --> 00:43:36,750 Meb: In fact, my brother Howie, my manager, I tell him, " 770 00:43:36,960 --> 00:43:39,840 Meb: All right, that went really well." Sometimes I say, " You're 771 00:43:39,840 --> 00:43:41,850 Meb: good as your last race." So that race went really 772 00:43:41,850 --> 00:43:44,820 Meb: well and say, " Hey, sign up for Boston Marathon or 773 00:43:44,820 --> 00:43:47,250 Meb: for the London Marathon or Chicago Marathon. Let's go after 774 00:43:47,250 --> 00:43:51,210 Meb: that." So focusing on the process and showing up daily 775 00:43:51,210 --> 00:43:56,340 Meb: and improve is very, very important. I think momentum, you 776 00:43:56,340 --> 00:43:58,590 Meb: got to write the momentum. And it is a beautiful 777 00:43:58,590 --> 00:44:00,960 Meb: thing when things going your way, when they click. For 778 00:44:00,960 --> 00:44:05,279 Meb: example, I've been very fortunate when things click, like the 2004 779 00:44:05,280 --> 00:44:07,290 Meb: Olympics, I was already signed up for New York City 780 00:44:07,290 --> 00:44:10,080 Meb: Marathon and you have to make some sacrifice. I have to 781 00:44:10,080 --> 00:44:13,290 Meb: pass on, visit to the White House as an Olympian 782 00:44:13,290 --> 00:44:16,200 Meb: to get ready because you want to prove people wrong that, " 783 00:44:16,500 --> 00:44:18,989 Meb: Meb got silver medal. It was a fluke." I'm like, "No, 784 00:44:19,140 --> 00:44:20,400 Meb: it's not. I'm going to show it to you in 785 00:44:20,400 --> 00:44:23,009 Meb: New York." So you train for those things. So make 786 00:44:23,010 --> 00:44:25,860 Meb: sure you set your goals right away. And again, if 787 00:44:25,860 --> 00:44:28,200 Meb: you had a bad race, that's okay. You just got 788 00:44:28,200 --> 00:44:30,540 Meb: to set a new goal and you would be amazed what 789 00:44:30,540 --> 00:44:33,570 Meb: the body can do. When the mind and the body 790 00:44:33,570 --> 00:44:35,520 Meb: meets, amazing things can happen. 791 00:44:36,390 --> 00:44:39,390 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right, folks, that does it for our first 2026 792 00:44:39,390 --> 00:44:41,339 Rob Simmelkjaer: episode of Set the Pace. We want to thank our 793 00:44:41,340 --> 00:44:46,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: guest, Sam Ryan from WABC and Christina Gibbons. Once again, 794 00:44:46,830 --> 00:44:49,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: happy New Year to everybody out there. Hope to see 795 00:44:49,830 --> 00:44:52,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: each and every one of you at a race or 796 00:44:52,110 --> 00:44:55,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: a run, a group training event, maybe out there on 797 00:44:55,230 --> 00:44:58,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: one of our virtual runs or somewhere in our New 798 00:44:58,860 --> 00:45:01,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: York Road Runners calendar. We hope that you all join 799 00:45:01,680 --> 00:45:03,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: us somewhere and we hope you have a great, great 800 00:45:03,630 --> 00:45:07,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: year. Remember, if you like the episode, subscribe, leave a 801 00:45:07,590 --> 00:45:10,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: rating or a comment so we can hear from you. 802 00:45:10,500 --> 00:45:13,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: Have a great, great 2026. Enjoy the miles. We'll see 803 00:45:13,890 --> 00:45:14,370 Rob Simmelkjaer: you next week.