Jeffrey McEachern on Good Vibes and Six Stars, and All Things United Airlines NYC Half

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Jeffrey McEachern: Sometimes in life we wait for someone to help us, to change us, to do something that we are so afraid of doing and taking the wheel ourselves. And I was like, " No more. I need to take this action." And so I just started running and started training differently and that led me to my first half- marathon in Berlin 2016, which I will never forget.
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Ted Metellus: Thank you, New York. Today, we're reminded of the power of community and the power of coming together. Athletes, on your mark.
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Speaker 3: The first woman to finish for the second straight year here in the New York City Marathon is Mickey Gorman, a smiling Miki Gorman, and why not? 22, 930 the time for good advice.
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Ted Metellus: Look at the emotion of Shalane Flanagan as she comes to the line, pointing to his chest, pointed to the USA, he so proudly wears across his chest. A great day for Meb Keflezighi.
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Becs Gentry: Welcome to Set the Pace, the official podcast of New York Road Runners presented by Peloton. I'm Becs Gentry, and I am your solo host today as our New York Road Runners CEO, Rob Simmelkjaer, you just can't be here today. All right. Well, we have such an exciting episode for you. We have a lot of information coming your way, so get ready to focus, but let me just fill you in on what's been going on. Okay. We are going to be here announcing the United Airlines NYC Half Pro Field. Okay. The race is coming up on St. Patrick's Day weekend, that is Sunday, the 16th of March. We are thrilled to announce that the lineup is filled with defending champions, American record holders, Olympians, Paralympians representing 14 countries. Can you believe it? So here we go. Hold on to your running shoes.
We have defending champions, Abel Kipchumba, Kenenisa Bekele, Geert Schipper, and Susannah Scaroni, all returning to this fabulous course. We have the American and newly minted American half- marathon record holder, Conner Mantz, will be towing that start line. Just an FYI, Connor broke an 18- year- old American record by running 59: 17 in the Houston half- marathon just a few weeks ago. So let's see what he's got in the tank for the UANYC half. We also have Olympians, Mo Ahmed, Hilary Bor, and Woody Kincaid joining Paralympian and 2024 TCS New York City Marathon champion, Daniel Romanchuk, who will be leading the men's FIOD. We have Paris 2024 Olympic Marathoners, Sharon Loledi, Fiona O'Keeffe, Dakota Popehn, and Emily Sisson all ready to battle it out in the women's open division. I mean as somebody who is going to be in the broadcast booth again, yeah, I'll just drop that in there for you. That is riveting and so exciting to know that the professional field is just popping with names who are coming with history, and names who we know are training really hard for other races later on in this spring season.
So get ready to spectate with a lot of enjoyment or run your hearts out on the day. We cannot wait. All right. So our big show today. First up, we are welcoming a dear friend of mine to this episode. All the way from the UK via Germany is Peloton's, Jeffrey McEachern. And then with a little under a month to go before the United Airlines NYC Half, we have New York Roadrunner's Chief Event Production Officer and race director Ted Metellus. He's going to be here to fill you in on everything you need to know about the race. And then we have Meb. He will be here for today's Meb Minute with his advice for what you should be focusing on one month before the United Airlines NYC Half. So stay tuned.
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Jeffrey McEachern's journey is as dynamic as his wonderful Peloton classes. Before becoming a Peloton instructor, he was a talent recruiter for The Voice of Germany, honing his skills in recognizing and nurturing talent. A fellow Tread instructor, Jeffrey's love for music and fashion shines through in his curated playlists and unique class attire. He is known as the chief of good vibes. And Jeffrey's infectious enthusiasm continues to inspire the fitness community around the world, and no doubt will affect the Tokyo Marathon field in a couple of weeks because Jeffrey is getting ready to fly to Japan to earn his Six Star Abbott World Marathon medal. Oh my gosh, Jeffrey, hi.
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Jeffrey McEachern: Hello. Thank you so much. You're so kind. That's so sweet.
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Becs Gentry: It's so lovely to have you on here. You truly are an instructor that I feel so blessed to be on a team with. Your energy as a friend and as colleague is one that I look to, I look for, I lean into, all of the good things because you are the chief of good vibes and anybody listening to this who has ever had the pleasure of meeting you in real life will know that there's no ounce of fake in that name at all.
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Jeffrey McEachern: Thank you.
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Becs Gentry: So thank you for being how wonderful you are. But listen, we're not here-
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Jeffrey McEachern: Thank you so much.
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Becs Gentry: ... to boost, boost, boost you in that way.
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Jeffrey McEachern: We can continue. It's okay. No, thank you so much.
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Becs Gentry: We will, but we're going to talk about how fabulous you are as a runner to begin with. And your running journey is one that a lot of, I know our Peloton members can associate with very well. You started as a hobby runner. You were in the Addie family of running before your time at Peloton and you were the unnamed chief of good vibes really always but you love running. You literally love the community aspect. So I want you to just let the listeners of Set the Pace know about how you first fell in love with running and about your first half- marathon back in 2016.
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Jeffrey McEachern: Yes, thank you. That really ties it back to the time when I started running as well. It was actually, I started running not knowing what I was yet to experience. I started running out of not knowing what else to do. To be honest, 2015 was a very low point in my life. I had made some wrong financial decisions. I had to live on my best friend's couch. And actually that was the movement that got me to say, " I need to do something for myself." Because I was living on my best friend's couch. I was turning in circles or where to take my life, what to do. I quit my job from one day to the next. I actually at the time changed my, like I stopped smoking, I changed my whole life around and I said I need to and I get to move.
So I just laced up. It was the 2nd of December, 2015, I will never forget the day. And I went into the park, it was cold, it was in Berlin, but I just got out and I just started moving and started feeling that power that I was gaining in my body. And of course back then it wasn't full out runs, it was more like what we now call walk plus run. It was more of that situation. So I just got out and started moving. And when I started doing that, I made these my little islands within the day to have time for myself because I had quit my job and I was trying to figure out what to do and who I am. I just took these moments to myself without really knowing what the end goal was.
And then I started feeling more confident, started having time for my thoughts, asking myself who am I? Who do I want to be? How do I want to feel? And just continued from there. And something I say in class a lot is have fun with it. And that's what I did, especially in the beginning. I just was able to move. So I created a playlist that would drive me, that would push me and just got out there and not surprise to you Becs, it was Beyonce on there, a lot of Beyonce.
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Becs Gentry: I'm sure.
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Jeffrey McEachern: And it just really got me pushing, and it was actually in those moments that I started listening to motivational speeches and music and got inspired and had a new moment and a new thought to get some new views and insights to my life who I can be as a person and got inspired by people that have led the way or have done similar things. And I just took that new aspect and that new view into my life. So then I started surrounding myself with people that are running and what can you do and all the fun things. And that's when the first time I heard about a half- marathon.
So the people I was talking to, they knew all about training and what to do and the things to go and they roped me in because they saw I was curious, I was interested and I was like, " You know what? I'm trying to change my life. Let me turn this fear into healing and let me try this." Because I think part of my situation back then was sometimes in life we wait for someone to help us, to change us, to do something that we are so afraid of doing and taking the wheel ourselves. And I was like, " No more. I need to take this action." So I just started running and started training differently and that led me to my first half- marathon in Berlin 2016 which I'll never forget,
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Becs Gentry: It was the Berlin Half.
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Jeffrey McEachern: It was the Berlin Half. And that's why that's so near and dear to my heart because I lived there at the time, it was the first half- marathon I ran. I'm actually going to run it again this year as well, which I'm really excited about. Most of the years I've kept on doing it. It's like a tradition at this point because it just brought me so much healing, and I will never forget running across that finish line, crying like a baby out of that power that I found within myself that for years I did not think I had. I never thought I was a runner. I never thought I was good enough to do certain things. And in that singular moment I proved to myself that I am and that changed my life forever.
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Becs Gentry: Wow. That is so powerful and beautiful. I had no idea that 2015 was such a ride for you and that the end of it was so pivotal in your career. I wish looking back, I was in Berlin all the time at that point, but running with your competitor swoosh variety. But I wish the world had brought us together sooner because I think we were both going through a rough time and we could have been running, but there was a reason why. There was a reason why we weren't well on it.
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Jeffrey McEachern: But there was a reason why. And now being a friend and a colleague, I actually know why. Because I wouldn't have been ready for this conversation that we can have now. I wouldn't have been ready to allow myself to step into the strength that I have now. And that is the beauty of what I do now. And to call you a friend and a colleague and our other teammates is now I am ready to be open to this world and this life and take other people on this journey. If I think if we would've met then, it would've been a high five and a high and I still think we would've connected in some way. But you understand what I'm saying. I really think that as always the divine timing set it for us to meet now, for me to be open in life where I am now.
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Becs Gentry: So talk to me about how running back then 2015 into 2016, those runs, those run plus walks, those moving times, how different were they in how you spoke to yourself compared to when Jeffrey hops out for a run now in 2025?
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Jeffrey McEachern: One thing I will definitely say, actually I'll start with that's the same is the joy. Once I found the way that I could move and the abilities my body has just by being able to do these things, there was a certain joy that I always had in mind or that I felt just when I started moving because I think also the reason I started running is you don't need much, you can just take yourself, but you're going to have to be okay with yourself to take yourself. But just that ability to do that, really open up something so beautiful. What I say is different now is of course, first of all, my training is much more structured and I'm aware of the holistic approach. Back then it was about running and getting out and having time on my feet, which is all the beautiful things. But now I know all that there's runs that are supposed to challenge you, but there's also runs where you're supposed to just have joy with it, that there's recovery runs.
And I think being open to the ability my body has on the day of that run to be open to that, and to let the critic go and see what a privilege it is to move. So I think back then there was moments also of like, " You should be faster. You should be doing this." And then I found my own path and what I should and shouldn't be doing. I get to move, so I can define and I can write that story and that's what it comes down to. Even now when I have a training plan, I'm very strict and I want to take my runs and do the workouts, but also I need to listen to myself. I need to listen to myself as an athlete. I need to listen to myself as a human. I need to listen to myself as a friend. So learning all these things makes it so much lighter nowadays.
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Becs Gentry: Yeah. I love that. That's why we're friends because we have very similar mentality in that respect. So finding your path, you certainly have between 2015 and so the past 10 years, Jeffrey, oh my gosh, the past 10 years you have found your path, and right now you are at the junction of having 5 Abbott World Marathon Major marathons under your belt, and you are literally a couple of weeks away from completing that sought after Six Star marathon. And how does that feel to you?
00:14:32
Jeffrey McEachern: I really tried to approach this race just by being so grateful, Becs, because first of all, when I started running and when I did the first half- marathon, I was one of those people and I've learned not to do that anymore. I would never run a marathon. Why are these people doing this? I enjoy running, but I would never. 2019 I got to cheer one of my best friends on in the Berlin Marathon. And since that day I was hooked and I was like, " I have to do this." So again, and then meeting people like you and other like- minded people that have done this and told me about the Six Star in this journey just opened up a whole new world.
But again, if I think of Jeffrey 2015 who would've not even been able to travel the places that I got to travel within the last year and a half to run these world major marathon, the world alone, world major marathon, I am able to travel. I'm allowed to travel the world and do what I love doing and taking other people on that journey. If you would tell this to little Jeffrey, he would never ever believe you. So just that alone, I'm trying to be mindful of that in my training and as I approach this race because it is a privilege. And of course in my mind, I train for a certain time and have these things in mind, but at the forefront I run for my heart and I run with my heart and I run for the little Jeffrey that would've never thought this is possible. So that is at the forefront of this race.
I'm not going to lie, probably about three years ago, I heard from about the Six Stars for the first time and I completed them. I was lucky enough to complete them. This is a year and a half, so to just get everything under my belt and get them done, I would've never thought that was an opportunity for me physically, mentally, and also, just in the life that I was living.
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Becs Gentry: Absolutely. It is such a privilege to... I'm talking from experience, having done them and it took me about eight years to do it myself. And it is such a privilege to travel the world, do what you love to do, run with your heart, dance, I do not, but you do dance a lot of miles on these courses, and you ran the New York City Marathon, TCS New York City Marathon. You ran that side- by- side with our fellow colleague and one of the most fabulous women. I think we both know Susie Chan.
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Jeffrey McEachern: Yes.
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Becs Gentry: I want to know, tell me, what was that like? How much fun was that day?
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Jeffrey McEachern: Well, I mean that day was just incredible Becs, and as you know, I am very in touch with my emotions, so I cried before we even started the race. Just out of the pure joy that getting to run this race-
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Becs Gentry: Sinatra comes on and you're (inaudible) to crying.
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Jeffrey McEachern: I mean it's like, can you even believe? So another part of me, in 2008, I lived in New York for a year and it was one of the roughest times. So 2008 was a rough time. And then I moved back after a year and the amount of times I sat in Times Square crying, not knowing what I wanted to do in life or where to go. I was working in the fast food industry at the time, so I thought I'm going to move to New York and live the American dream. It didn't quite work for me that way and that's okay. But for years, I blamed the city.
So coming back as a healed version or the journey that I'm on now as a human to be able to run this race. And then the beauty is running it with a friend like Susie who's done all these amazing races and is such a role model in the running space, but also just such a great human. And she gave me this beautiful space of sharing her experience with me but also leaving room for me to experience that day by myself or in my own eyes. And I think she did that so beautifully and I don't even think she was aware of it at the time, but the way that she navigated that, was just so simply beautiful. And I'm so grateful that I got to experience that and make my own memories with her by my side.
00:18:12
Becs Gentry: Yeah. And those photos and videos and everything that you guys shared just really does show, A, your friendship, and B, I think that I could see a moment of guidance here and there from Susie. She's just so generous with her passion as well for running that it's infectious when you're with her I'm sure.
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Jeffrey McEachern: Yeah. And also the joy, I think the joy that we get to do, especially in our job, the joy that we get to do for people. Imagine you're running this race and there's people calling your name and it's not that they're calling your name, but it's the joy that they get from that. And to be able to spark that in someone and then run this race with a friend on this beautiful track of New York City, it's just an incredible experience in itself. Such a joy fest.
00:18:59
Becs Gentry: The sun was shining and-
00:19:00
Jeffrey McEachern: And then that part, the cameras blocking people. It was so funny. It was also hilarious because Susie, she's just so funny and she would just say something that she thinks or feels and it's like the funniest thing. And I'm like, " Susie, I can't stop laughing. I'm trying to run this marathon here. What are you doing to me?" It's just so funny.
00:19:19
Becs Gentry: It'll call work out as you go.
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Jeffrey McEachern: Yeah, exactly.
00:19:22
Becs Gentry: But it's not just the love for you for running. I think one really important thing to acknowledge is the work you've put in for yourself over the past 10 years is very visible, I'm sure to the people in your life who have known you from let's say 2008 to 2016 to 2025 just must look at you with or almost of well done. You did that hard work, you went to those dark places and you found your own light, which is so difficult for a lot of us to do. And alongside that, you are incredibly lucky to now be in a position through Peloton to be able to support other people, organizations that mean a lot to you. And one of those is RED and you've run two marathons, you run Boston and Chicago Marathons in support of RED. So what's your passion and how do you deliver your passion for supporting RED through running?
00:20:29
Jeffrey McEachern: Well, I think that one thing that does go back to is that moment in 2016 when I ran my first half- marathon is that feeling of healing. And in my mind and spirit I was like, " Everybody needs to experience this." But then I came to terms with not everybody's going to want to experience this and everybody has their own journey, but how can I use my voice to share this message and this experience that I had with the people around me and with the world? And also how can I give it more purpose? Because then being aware of this privilege that I have, how can I use my voice? Even before I did work for Peloton, I did things that I could charitably support organizations that were close to my heart because I just felt with this movement and on those days that you don't want to get up or you don't want to do something, if you think of that purpose and if you think of the people that you're affecting by the work and the support that you're doing or able to provide is just the biggest gift.
So I started early on looking for organizations that are close to my heart and due to a personal story of my family from my uncle's side, I found RED and was able to connect with them. And we've been able to create some two great classes for the Peloton platform for World AIDS Day, which has been incredible, with Phoebe in studio and also got to run Boston, Chicago in support of them for their funds and needs in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. And that is such an important cause and it's still a pandemic and it's so important to support where you can.
And even when I share these messages or share what I do, I invite people to be open to finding their passion. I'm not asking everybody to support the same cause, but to find something that you're passionate about. And that is my main message in the work that I do. Find something that you're passionate about and then support it, and give it your voice in whatever way, shape or form you can. Whether it's information, whether it is donation, whatever is available to you, but that is mainly my main message when I fundraise for this cause because it's so important to me.
00:22:22
Becs Gentry: I can imagine as well running with Phoebe. I mean she can be pretty funny. She's been a guest on the podcast here with us and she's got some humor in her as well. So I feel like you attract the fun people to run with Jeffrey.
00:22:37
Jeffrey McEachern: I agree. And speaking of core workout earlier, I think it was Boston, when we were in Boston together, we were trying to do a pre- run warm- up on the Peloton app actually. And we were just laughing the whole time she was commentating and it was just hilarious. It was the best time.
00:22:51
Becs Gentry: Oh my gosh, love her. Okay. So let's rewind back a little bit further before Peloton, we'll get to on Jeffrey, but I think people can see that now if they want to. So let's talk about Jeffrey at The Voice Germany. I mean, if you've ever listened to Jeffrey's playlists or seen him wear an outfit for a special class, you all know where the inspiration has come from. What made you get into that?
00:23:26
Jeffrey McEachern: Well, music was my first love as there is this beautiful song. Music was my first love. My dad used to be a DJ when I was younger, so there was always music playing in our house. And when we had barbecues, he would put on the music and play songs, or serenade my mom with some music that he was listening to. And pictures and videos of me literally sitting with my headphones in front of the vinyl player just listening to music on repeat, on repeat, on repeat. So that's where that started. And music has always been something. It became a safe space as a young adult growing up with finding words that I couldn't say.
And you remember the days where you used to make tapes or CDs for you like your friends or your first love? So music is my love language. So I implement that in class, and then I try to combine that with what I wear because I think there is such an importance and not about being fancy or bright, or the things that people sometimes think, but it should be something that makes you feel like the superhuman that you can be, especially on those days that we might have harder fight to get in that workout or life is challenging where things are going on. And sometimes it is the colorful, the art that really inspires me to just wear that and go out there. But sometimes it's also the I need this today, I need this to be my cape of superpower to do whatever I'm going out there to do. And I think it's different for other people. I just feel it gives me that extra little oomph when I'm out there doing whatever I'm doing.
And I once actually had heard a quote from Lady Gaga, funnily enough where she was talking about certain outfits and she says, " Sometimes it's not about the outfit of course how it makes her feel and then the outfit, but also the awareness it can bring to the message that you're trying to bring across to somebody that's listening." And I think there is an importance in that sometimes it's not just about the outfit, but I got your attention so now you're here, listen. Because also I heard a study that says if you walk with a friend for 12 minutes, it can change their whole perspective on something. And I think as we have the privilege to work out with people and them listening to us, those 12 minutes could make a big difference. So if I get you there, whether it's through the outfit or the class, I can use that moment and share my message with you and see if it can support you in any kind of way.
And working for The Voice. That was the same thing. There was young people that were interested in music and nobody in my family was surprised that I was working in the music field of TV. Just to see them thrive and use their passion and when it came to their vocals, but also to their presence because again, especially if you're on stage for something, it can give you that extra confidence boost, it can lift up your shoulders a little higher, it can make your chest a little prouder to allow you to step out there and be the vessel of whatever that you're out to do out there.
00:26:08
Becs Gentry: Yeah. I love that. I love that, using it. The outfit is the hook and then the (inaudible) .
00:26:13
Jeffrey McEachern: It can be, yeah, because even sometimes, as you know, I teach pride classes as well, and sometimes that can be the bright colors, but sometimes it can just be the black outfit and then people are like, "It's a pride class, but why is he wearing a black outfit?" Well, listen up. I have a story to tell.
00:26:28
Becs Gentry: The message is the color.
00:26:29
Jeffrey McEachern: Yeah. So it can be both ways.
00:26:29
Becs Gentry: I love that. Was there anyone, when you were at The Voice as the talent recruiter, was there anybody who you found " people" that you were like, " This person has IT," and everyone else was like ick?
00:26:53
Jeffrey McEachern: I don't think especially because these were artists or singers that are in the German market, I think there's not where somebody I can reference to be like, " I found that person." I wish I could. But there is certain people that I did believe in that in the show, you have to think, I think they're on their 12th season at this point, but at the time within the show they made it quite far. So there was some artists, because it was literally my job either to find them or when they come into the room for the first time and sing to decide because there is a pre- evaluation before they get to the TV and the judges and all those kinds of things to say this person has potential in their performance and their voice.
And then later on it was even my job to listen in with the vocal coach to decide which songs they could sing and see what their voice can take them. So there's definitely some of the artists that I would say I know that I pushed a little harder to get them to the show and to believe in them to get to where they are within the show. But nobody where I can be like, " Hey, you heard that song or that person." There is one artist, their name is OXA and you can find them on YouTube. I always believed in OXA and the talent that they have, and I'm so proud to see where it's taken them on their journey. So it's incredible to see.
00:28:07
Becs Gentry: Wow. I can't believe you were the secret shopper standing there. I'm not listening but I'm listening.
00:28:14
Jeffrey McEachern: Trust me. And I still do it to this day. Whenever I hear someone sing or hear vocals going on, I'm always on. And you can give them advice and be like," Hey, maybe have you ever tried doing this or singing that or going to..." Yeah, I can't change-
00:28:27
Becs Gentry: This is it guys, I'm going to be able to learn how to sing definitely.
00:28:32
Jeffrey McEachern: Well, I think we should do that outside of the podcast.
00:28:32
Becs Gentry: Yeah. He's like, no, you've actually got a microphone. Let's not. Wow. That's so cool though. Next time you're in New York, I want to go on a subway tour with you and just see if we find any good music.
00:28:45
Jeffrey McEachern: I love that kind of stuff. That's the thing as well. I'm very quick. I listen to a lot of music and I think I got that from my dad and my mom. I listen to a lot of newcomer artists just because I'm so interested in live performance and vocals and all those things. Those really intrigued me. And you don't have to be dancing and doing all the crazy things, but if you're vocals and you can deliver them live. Anyway, I could go on for hours about this, as you can tell.
00:29:06
Becs Gentry: Oh my gosh, you should do a class. Anyway. Talking about love and passion though, let's go to your Peloton persona. Today is Jeffrey, chief of good vibes. As I said, you bring the energy, you bring the love, you bring the smile, you have such a beautiful warming smile that it is just you invite people to be their true selves when they're in your classes. But you've already spoken candidly about having a couple of rough points in your life already and how do you stay so positive? Or at least I know that's a difficult thing to say. How do you maintain positivity whenever the lights are on?
00:29:54
Jeffrey McEachern: I think life is such a beautiful gift when we get to live it. And when I was 16, my best friend's grandma came up to me and she said to me, for whatever reason, I still don't know why she said to me, " Jeffrey, no matter what happens to you in life, never lose your smile." And that is something that has stuck with me till this day. And as you just said about the chief of good vibes and happy and positive, I think one of the major reasons in 2015 is why I wasn't a situation that I was in because I wasn't honest about my feelings and having to deal with emotions and anger and fear and all those things that come to life. But once I learned how to translate that into actually being happy and working towards a happier me, I happily claim to be the chief of good vibes.
Because for me, I believe we all have a default mode in life, and my default mode is joy. Because life will have its flow, life will have its ups, its downs and all the challenges, but also all the beautiful things in between. Life has its flow and I have a choice how to react to it. And when I was living on my best friend's couch in 2015, I was literally on YouTube all night listening to interviews, whether it was Oprah or other people that I thought were inspiring to me. And she said something to the effect of whenever something happens to you in life that challenges you, ask yourself what it is here to teach you. And these little things and little sayings have just changed my life and made me deal with life so I can be happy, so I can bring the joy out.
And I have to say, I'm a fan of visualizing things. And years ago when Cliff actually became a bike instructor, I think it was 2019, 2020, I put Peloton to become a Peloton instructor on my vision board. So I wrote it on my vision board and a few years later, here I am. But having said that, every time I walk up to the Peloton studios and I see that Peloton, it reminds me of my vision board and then I remind myself of how I dreamed and how I wished for this. And when I enter those doors, that's what it's about.
And when that red light turns on and the camera goes, that is that moment because you also, there is so many people on the other side watching and they tuned in for a reason, and I want to be there for them with them and they are there for me in a way. It is an exchange. Although I might not see their faces at all times because they're behind the camera, but there is literally days where I go in and I imagine that camera being someone's face and their joy and their smile, and that just is my reason and my purpose. And again, I can't heal the world, but I can definitely bring across a little message in every class that we get to take together.
00:32:26
Becs Gentry: Yeah. And you certainly do. Your awareness of mental health, your awareness of being an ally, supporting everybody in their pathway to whatever makes them happy is truly unique. I do feel like you are a Switzerland in a way. You are very fair. You are very, very open- minded. You always listen to everybody's conversation, whether it's in your true heart as your true belief, you are not somebody who puts that wall up immediately. You let somebody just talk. And then yeah, I love how you word things and give people space to be themselves. And I think that's what makes you such a strong mental health advocate in the fitness community these days.
00:33:18
Jeffrey McEachern: Thank you.
00:33:19
Becs Gentry: So looking at, I mean, gosh, the many hats you've worn from fast food industry, to the TV music industry, to fitness, is there any massively rewarding moments other than self- progression that stand out to you in your life?
00:33:46
Jeffrey McEachern: I think every step of that journey has taught me something. Whether it was the structure in the fast food industry or a look behind the scenes in the TV industry, there was just so many beautiful moments that prepared me for what I'm doing now. And again, I work with quotes, I work with interviews and the people that have inspired me. And there was something from Beyonce where she was talking about once you find that one thing that you're willing to stay up for at night that you're willing to fight for and do all the work that it takes, and you found it and take that into the world. So this is what I get to do now with all the little steps in between. So I would just say every little section and every little bucket of story brings something to the table that I can use now. And there's just a beauty in that.
We talk about artists reinventing themselves all the time, but actually we as humans, we get to reinvent ourselves all the time. We do. And I would say that is the biggest learning I've had along the years. And then having found your passion, like how do you bring that across and reinvent yourself and share that with the world? So yeah, I think there's little bits and pieces. I think it's little moments like my best friend's, grandma telling me to never stop smiling. That was such a pivotal moment, even at 16. And there was another moment when I was, especially when it comes to movement, there was a moment when I was working at The Voice that there was an older lady who worked on the fourth floor and she walked the stairs every day. She was 84 years old at the time, and there was an elevator right next to it.
So I asked her, I said, " Do you need any help or why don't you take the elevator?" First of all, how rude, how dare I suggest you do that? She's walking the stairs, she seems so fine. But she also said to me, " As long as my body will carry me up these stairs, four flights every day, I will enjoy this and do this no matter how long it takes." And that also was it more these human connection moments I think that have shaped me and gave me the purpose that I support and have in life now.
00:35:45
Becs Gentry: Yeah. And that rings so true because you are a in real life person. I know every time you come to New York, you make the effort to come to Brooklyn and see Tallulah and Austin and myself. And that goes such a long way and means so much to most people, I would hope. Obviously we can all drop a text or WhatsApp or whatever and say hi to people. But having that tactile moment with people you care about, it releases serotonin, it releases all the good things and the good vibes. There we go.
00:36:19
Jeffrey McEachern: I'll also just say on that note, and that is so true because that is something I truly go by is we can say all the words in the world, but it's about how we can make someone feel. And I think in person and especially in our actions actually taking place, there's so much more power because I think we've all had those people in life that talk, talk, talk, but don't take the action. And if there's one thing I promise myself, I want to be there for the people that I care as much as I can. I'm only human and we all are, but I really care for how I make you feel instead of what I say.
00:36:52
Becs Gentry: Yeah, and it's true. So let's look at advice to, we talked about baby Jeffrey and how he would not believe where he is right now. What advice would you give to baby Jeffrey right now on how to get on, stay on, navigate, succeed in the things they want to do?
00:37:20
Jeffrey McEachern: I would definitely say for me it always comes back to love. I think life starts with love and I think life is about love and it is about that. And I'm sure you as a mom can experience this. When I saw for example, how my cousin, who is the mother of my godchildren has been as a mother, it was such a reminder to me that that is what life is about, that love, that nurturing, that care for each other, whatever situation or relationship you're in with someone, the love is what it comes down to. And one thing I would've told myself is that you are loved, enjoy that love, bathe in that love and then believe in yourself and carry that love to others because that for me is something I struggle dealing with or understanding.
And sometimes once I started, and it sounds so we've all heard it, but once I started loving myself, literally looking in the mirror and be like, "I like you." It started with like, " I like you. You're okay. You're cute. You're cool." But then getting to I love you and I'm so proud of you. And I think if the younger version would've heard, I love you for myself more, there's certain things that could have maybe been a bit stronger early on in the process than taking the time that it has taken. So definitely don't believe in that love and then be that love and give it to the rest of the world.
00:38:40
Becs Gentry: And I think everyone of every age can probably hear that, hear the I love yous from self a lot more at the moment, just a little cheeky one in the morning when you're brushing your teeth goes a long way.
00:38:52
Jeffrey McEachern: And also then, because then also it gives you the power to give it to someone else. And it's not always the I love you, but in a work relationship it can be the thank you for that. That was amazing. Thank you for your support, the people in life that support you, service you or whatever it is that you're doing, once you have that self- love and confidence, you're able to share it and that can make everyone a happier person. And we all need to hear it. We all deserve to.
00:39:16
Becs Gentry: We do. And it's back to the grandmas used to say, " You cannot love anyone else if you don't love yourself." And it's true. It's so true. Anyone who's ever had some dark moments with their self, you realize that every barrier goes up to anyone else around you and the love doesn't flow freely. So have that. Take it. Jeffrey, what can we see? What can we expect to see or what do you want us to see for the future, the imminent, the distant future for Jeffrey at Peloton and beyond?
00:39:50
Jeffrey McEachern: I want you to see a lot. In my mind, I'm always planning and I have creative ideas. I will say as being friends with Susie and having friends like you and being surrounded by you people, you get inspired to do some things you never thought you would do. So all I will say is stay tuned because there is some more beautiful races coming up. That's what I'm most excited about to take people on this journey because you know my story a little more, I don't come from being the runner, being in school and doing all the athletic stuff. I make it a choice. I see the privilege, and I want to invite people to do the same and share that love with it. I would say stay tuned for more.
There's some more races coming. On the platform I think as always, just creating that joy and that safe space for everybody just to get on the platform and be able to move. Again, those 12 minutes can make a difference of your view of how you're feeling that day. And I'm there, we are there to guide you through that. So I have some beautiful things in the pipeline, but nothing I can really mention. So that's why I'm arguing about the answers here.
00:40:58
Becs Gentry: No, that's great. Keep everybody on their toes. Keep everybody coming back for more. Jeffrey McEachern, energy we all need it in our lives. We're all very lucky to have it. Jeffrey, thank you so much for being our guest today and I wish you the most beautiful, happy Tokyo Marathon this year.
00:41:17
Jeffrey McEachern: Thank you so much.
00:41:18
Becs Gentry: I am thrilled to see you with that Six Star medal around your neck. Couple of weeks on Sunday, isn't it? Oh my gosh.
00:41:28
Jeffrey McEachern: Yes, exactly. I'm about to pack my bags and go.
00:41:31
Becs Gentry: Oh my gosh. Enjoy the beautiful country that is Japan as well. It's truly amazing. Thank you, Jeffrey.
00:41:36
Jeffrey McEachern: Thank you, Becs. Thank you so much.
00:41:52
Becs Gentry: So while Jeffrey is focused on Japan and the Tokyo Marathon, a lot of our listeners out there are focused on a different distance of this month. The United Airlines NYC Half is less than a month away and there are some big changes at this year's race. As is now a tradition on Set the Pace, here to tell our runners everything they need to know as they prepare to run from Prospect Park to Central Park is chief event production officer and race director of New York Road Runners, the wonderful Ted Metellus. Ted, hi.
00:42:26
Ted Metellus: Becs, what's happening? How are you doing? Thanks for the love there.
00:42:30
Becs Gentry: This is so cool to have you on as always. As I said, it's a tradition now to have you on prior to the races to hear from the race director, but this year specifically is a big wow. I cannot tell you the amount of people who are just grabbing me when I see them with excitement, with intrigue about the course change. Ted, tell us, what is happening?
00:43:00
Ted Metellus: Well, I could tell you one thing that's true to life and Becs hopefully having done these a couple of times with me and hung out and we've chatted and kicked it, perspective is my view in life. It's all about having perspective on things and processing things accordingly. And as a wise person once said, change is inevitable. So you have to navigate around the things that come to you. So for those of you who might have been, I don't want to say living under a rock, but may have been a little busy over the last couple of weeks with the announcement around the United Airlines New City Half marathon, there has been a course change.
So to give you perspective, ring a bell, it's like TV, spy house. We've had seven changes to the course of the United Airlines New York City Half Marathon since the '06 race. The race has got tremendous legacy. So many of the things that we do in New York Road Runners, '06 was the first time we did this race that started in Central Park and navigated with its way downtown to Lower Manhattan as the stories have told, the reason why we did that was to really help do our part to help elevate local businesses in the Lower Manhattan area post 9/ 11.
00:44:13
Becs Gentry: That was when it used to go down the West side Highway?
00:44:17
Ted Metellus: Correct.
00:44:18
Becs Gentry: The runners fave, if you do not ever run in New York City, Central Park and West Side Highway are where everybody floods to. So that's why it was a big deal back then.
00:44:27
Ted Metellus: Correct. And he took the race outside the park. Our Fred Lebow half was once called the Fred Lebow Manhattan Half Marathon. So a lot of history and legacy in the 13. 1 mile distance as it relates to New York Road Runners Manhattan. And then now this iteration of the event where we took the race from just being in Manhattan into Brooklyn in 2018, and Jim Hime, our former race director called it the springtime equivalent of the marathon, to have this really amazing event that is two boroughs that goes over a bridge that runs through major thoroughfares, that goes through Times Square and finishes in the beautiful and iconic Central Park was really a cool thing that we did that was new and different. So here we are. This is a race change course number eight that we have.
00:45:15
Becs Gentry: Lucky number eight.
00:45:16
Ted Metellus: Lucky number eight. Eight actually is my favorite number. So there's that. But the reason why that there's a change in the route, and it wasn't just constantly, I don't want runners to be at home saying, goodness gracious, Road Runners can't make up their mind. They're always changing things. There's some significant construction that's going on on the route that we've had over the last handful of years on South Street. So the changes were so much so that it couldn't be anything that was plated to ensure a safe and logistically sound event. So we had to go back to the drawing board and really look at making some changes. I want to hugely implore and thank the incredible team here at Road Runners that work so hard with our city agency partners that work equally as hard to look at how we can get folks from Brooklyn into Manhattan.
How do we do that and how do we keep the sanctity of the course itself where we keep Flapper's Avenue, Prospect Park, Times Square, FDR Drive, like all of those really iconic sections there. So how do we do it? So you have two bridge options. You're going over the Manhattan Bridge, which we've been doing, which is beautiful and incredible and fantastic, or the bridge right over to its left, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. And having gone out there myself, traversed the bridge, looked at the route, looked at the access points that's there alongside with our incredible course team in our operations team there along with DOT and NYPD and so on and so forth. That was the option that worked best for us to be able to do that. It was able to navigate around similar construction, actually all of the construction that's impacting the route right now. So we were able to navigate around that. So it's a pretty big change. It is going to be beautiful from a runner perspective. What's really interesting is that the elevations a little bit less going over the Brooklyn Bridge, and it was over the Manhattan Bridge.
00:47:09
Becs Gentry: Yeah. So there you go. Everybody be thankful for that one. You are no longer going to be slapping up at Atlantic Avenue staring up that incline going, oh my gosh.
00:47:20
Ted Metellus: Yes. I mean, there's one thing, the route is exactly the same as it's been in the past, and if you don't mind, I'll give you a super- fast course run down. So the race is still starting on Washington Avenue, just south of the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. So if you are taking a subway, which everyone should take the subway to get down there, it's the fastest, most efficient way to get down there. Your landmark is going to be Brooklyn Museum or the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. I would highly recommend the Brooklyn Museum because that's where the gear trucks will all be dropped and parked. That's just before the security screening location.
And it's also just before you enter into your corrals, then you make your way down Washington to the start line area. And the athletes will again start on Washington just before Empire making a turn on Empire, the out and back on Flapper's Avenue is still there. You'll be entering into Prospect Park and then making your way through Grand Army Plaza and up Flapper's Avenue. So that hasn't changed at all. The course changes at approximately mile four, where the athletes will make a left turn onto Tillary, then a turn onto Brooklyn Bridge, and then take the Brooklyn Bridge Roadway on and over to the Brooklyn Bridge.
00:48:34
Becs Gentry: So that's the important part. It's the roadway because there has been this great change on the Brooklyn Bridge now it is totally pedestrianized on the upper level for foot traffic only, whereas before in the past it was bikes and pedestrians. So now we're on the roadway. We're going in, and I mean that is a view. I drove in this morning and I drove where you will all be running and the sun was shining, every wooden slap was causing flashes. But it was stunning. And I was just like, " This is going to be magnificent for people to run over." And I will say as somebody who run... No one runs the roadway because it's illegal outside of a race. But the footing, it's a relayed road recently because of the addition of the bike lane.
00:49:28
Ted Metellus: Correct.
00:49:28
Becs Gentry: So you're on for a smooth ride, whereas the Manhattan Bridge is, it's bumpy, it's hot, holy, it's not great. So this is really, really a treat.
00:49:38
Ted Metellus: Yeah. It's going to be a smooth ride for the athletes for sure. And definitely going underneath those iconic arches on the Brooklyn Bridge is definitely going to be a sight to be seen for the runners and yeah, it's different. It's new, and it's the first time we've ever done it. And there was a question that popped up about course records. Well, new course, new records.
00:49:56
Becs Gentry: Everyone's going to have one. Even if you've run it every year since '06, you're going to have a new record because it's a new course. So Ted, as somebody again who drives off this bridge most days when you are coming off the bridge, are we going chambers, are we going Broadway or we're going back down onto the FDR?
00:50:11
Ted Metellus: You're going back onto the FDR. Exactly. So there is the loop that's coming on. So when you're on that roadway, as you mentioned, which is where the cars are actually driving, there will be any cars on race day, obviously, you'll continue on the Brooklyn Bridge over, there's a loop around which is the exit ramp-
00:50:28
Becs Gentry: That's the first right exit ramp.
00:50:29
Ted Metellus: Correct. The exit ramp that's going to take you onto FDR Drive North, and then that's what you'll be taking to make your way back onto into Manhattan. And that's where the route returns back to it you.
00:50:40
Becs Gentry: Exactly. Yeah. Because essentially if you're not from New York City and haven't ever run this race before, just to give you a geographical understanding, the Brooklyn and the Manhattan Bridges, when they come over into Manhattan, they are like a little triangle and they are pretty much two blocks apart once you get on the Manhattan just about. So it's really not distance- wise, because I know that's the question I've been asked a lot of like, " Well, is this finish line going to be further up north in the park because of the distance?" I'm like, " No, because actually it's really minute distance change."
00:51:12
Ted Metellus: And what's great too, and Rob and I were chatting about this, because this is a question that folks would ask. It's like, " Well, how is the start line of the finish line going to be impacted by this change?" They're not impacted by the change. And one of the biggest reasons why is that out and back on Flatbush Avenue. So from the race operations side of things, having out and backs are always a plus because that's your plus minus point that you can adjust the route, keep your start and finish points stagnant. They do not move and do not change, but that middle part adjusts. And where we were able to take away mileage was on the out and back, very, very minor. You're out there running, you may not even notice the change, but it's a slight change nonetheless. So that's your point of difference.
00:51:53
Becs Gentry: Oh my gosh, amazing. And if the sun is shining, which it normally is, it's traditionally a super cold day. And we'll talk more about all the other logistics of the race. It's normally a super cold day, but if it is a blue sky, a traditional New York wind today like it is today here, it's 15 degrees outside right now. It's gross.
00:52:14
Ted Metellus: Yeah. I was outside getting some miles in this morning. It was chilly.
00:52:18
Becs Gentry: Yeah. Everybody I've seen this morning running outside, looks like I did an Antarctica. I'm like, " Yeah, bless you. I know how you feel." But it is just those views, I mean, I'm going to bang on about it, but just having that Brooklyn Bridge view going up the FDR and then obviously into the iconic Times Square, and then out of Times Square into Central Park. I mean, it's so legendary. All of these points of the city that you are touching. So yeah, talk to us a little bit, let's deep dive a bit more into the race itself and we'll come back to some of the other changes. But you talked about transportation. We're encouraging everybody as always to be as green and eco- friendly as possible. That means take public transport where you can. Nearly did it again, Ted. I nearly did it again. Nearly called you Fred.
00:53:19
Ted Metellus: That's it. You got to look at two podcasts to go.
00:53:19
Becs Gentry: This is now Fred Metellus in my mind, he is a double icon.
00:53:20
Ted Metellus: Not to be confused with Ted LeBow or Ted Corbett or Fred LeBow. Yes, it's all of those things.
00:53:25
Becs Gentry: It's all interchangeable. You're all such legends. I can't handle it. So let's talk about all the other logistics of the race day, baggage, fuel, et cetera on the course.
00:53:36
Ted Metellus: Correct. So I'll walk you through the participant journey with all of those components and if it's okay, can I talk a little bit about the experience as well at Center 415?
00:53:45
Becs Gentry: Yes.
00:53:48
Ted Metellus: For me, in my crazy mind, everything is in sequence. So having run a couple of races in my day, we know exactly what your experience is going to be. So the first thing, first step is definitely going to pick up your bid and packet at the experience there. So this is the United Airlines New City half- marathon experience presented by New Balance at Center 415, 3 days there, the athletes will be able to go and pick up their bibs, get their pre- race equipment and supplies, their nutrition, course descriptions from our incredible coaches. All the folks that will be able to get you up to speed for what the race experience will be.
The city will be in Green St. Patrick's weekend. So that's why I'm wearing my green hat today to show some love and wishing good Irish vibes on everybody. Wishing everybody good luck for that day. And then once you pick up your packet, you got yourself set and you have all your gear and everything ready to go. Race day comes along on Sunday, and on Sunday you are either going to be taking the two or three train down to the Brooklyn Museum location as I mentioned earlier, which is your landmark that you want to use to plug into your GPS maps or whatnot to be able to take a subway down and to make your way over to your backdrop area there. There'll be pre- race water, there'll be restrooms and facilities ready for athletes as needed, medical services that will be there, lactation services that'll be there. All of those components will be on site. Our team will be on site to do any recycling of clothing and gear. Clothing will all be donated away. Equipment and supplies and use items will be sorted properly and recycled properly as well at the start line there.
We will have five waves for the event. This is not including the pro- race waves that will go off. The race starts at 7: 00 AM. So our races will start with some of our pro- fields and we'll chat out a little bit about the pro- fields in a minute definitely. But our pro- wheelchairs will be starting at 7: 00 AM, and then we'll have starts that run consistent. So 7:00 AM, 7: 02 for pro- women wheelchairs, 7: 08 for the pro- open division women, 7: 15, we have some select push rims and hand cyclists. And then at 7: 20 is the pro- men and wave one. So pro- men wave 1, 7: 20, wave 2, 7: 50, wave 3, 8: 20, wave 4, 8: 50 and wave 5, 9: 20. What we ask athletes to plan is to get yourself to baggage drop approximately 25 minutes beforehand. So I have the exact times of when those buses or those trucks would be leaving to make their way over to the start. But wave one, you need to have everything dropped off no later than 6: 50, wave 2, 7: 30, wave 3, 8: 00M, wave 4, 8: 30, and wave 5, 9: 00 AM.
It works out well when you're talking about the United Airlines New York City Half Marathon. Think of it like you would if you were going on a trip. You're not going to show up just as the plane is taking off. You're going to get there before you get there. You want to drop your bag off. You want to get through security. You want to make sure you're comfortable and fine just before starting the race. So please plan accordingly on your travels to the starting line.
00:57:05
Becs Gentry: Absolutely. Yeah. Even if you are somebody who's not dropping a bag, even if you think you don't need anything, you are not the only person running.
00:57:14
Ted Metellus: Correct.
00:57:15
Becs Gentry: There are a lot of other people there who may have the same idea. There are a lot of other people there who might be getting early to a later start than you. So put yourself lower down on the priorities. In terms of timing, get yourself there for comfort as Ted said.
00:57:31
Ted Metellus: Absolutely. Comfort is key for sure. So planning ahead to make that race morning as smooth an experience as possible is going to be key there. So one of the great things too, as the athletes have dropped their bags off, got themselves prepped, but they might need a moment to get themselves center, we will have a Zen Zone at the start line there. So follow the signage to the area where athletes who all come together get themselves centered and ready to go for a 13. 1 mile adventure at the Zen Zone at the start line.
00:58:00
Becs Gentry: And donations for clothing, just keying into the fact that it's a cold time of year in New York and just if it is freezing cold, layer up and there will be plenty of chuck off the layer places for people.
00:58:17
Ted Metellus: Correct. Yeah. So we'll have our teams that are all there. There'll be bins that folks can drop off there, throw away clothes, they'll gently use items that'll all be collected and donated to our local clothing charity partner there. So definitely plan accordingly. This race, Becs, haven't seen it over the many, many years. You're right, it can be pretty chilly out there. It's been as cold as 30 degree Fahrenheit and it's been as mild and comfortable in the mid to upper 50s. So it's in that ballpark there. Know your body and how you need to dress appropriately.
A lot of folks end up shedding a lot of their clothing on the out and back on Flatbush Avenue because that's enough time to get themselves warmed up. We'll also have our teams inside of Prosper Park in the event that they drop their stuff off there. But I ask you as somebody that's picked up their fair share of clothing at the race site, drop it off at the start before you get going. You will get warmed up nicely again because of the difference on the Brooklyn Bridge versus the Manhattan Bridge, you won't have as much elevation. You won't have as much wind because the bridge is set down for the runners on the roadway there. So that's going to be a little bit of a difference as well.
00:59:22
Becs Gentry: Oh my gosh. And then obviously water gels, food along the course, everything that you'll need to fuel for this.
00:59:31
Ted Metellus: Correct. So we'll have water, Gatorade, Endurance, and Morton on the route, approximately every mile and a half to two miles. There'll be an eight station. Again, because of the nature of the time of year that we have for this race with cooler temps, we're able to adjust the aid station placements a little bit wider for folks. They're not necessarily going to overheat as much. There's also a function of logistics of where you are placing elements. You can't put an aid station on the Brooklyn Bridge. You can't. You want to avoid having them just beforehand, so there is no waste that's being blown over into the water. So we have to look at the placement there.
There will be eight stations just before you get on the Brooklyn Bridge. There will be eight stations on the FDR Drive. But yes, eight stations, medical stations and support will be along the course. For all athletes plan accordingly. Pre- race fluids will be available for athletes as well at the start line. So for folks that like to have a water bottle that they want to fill up themselves, definitely bring that. Again, race vests are allowed with bottles. Race belts are allowed with bottles. No bladders. So again, no bladders there for the athletes for those.
So once you've gotten your medal, you've gotten your heat sheet, you have your food bag and you're making way over to meet some loved ones and family and friends at the family reunion, know that the Beyond the Finish Line program is back again. We had it at the marathon. It was tremendous success. People really love being able to see some really cool New York City centric activities, shows, museums, all of these amazing things. Definitely take a look at the Beyond the Finish Line program and definitely RSVP for those programs because they fill up fast. And for some of the waves that are out there, they'll see out rising New York runners that will be participating on the Town Square run. So there'll be close to 1, 500 kids that'll be out there running a mile or so. So they'll be chasing after you as you're making your way up into Central Park.
01:01:26
Becs Gentry: Oh my gosh. And they're loud.
01:01:30
Ted Metellus: Yes, they are. They're cheering for you. You're cheering for them. It's a party.
01:01:34
Becs Gentry: It is a party. And that is a great cue in for our spectators out there. So if you are not running in New York or volunteering at the event, you are cheering. Okay. So how can our spectators have the most wonderful day?
01:01:52
Ted Metellus: So the cool thing about this race here is it will be broadcast, so you'll be able to see it on WABC. So folks will be able to watch it. They'll see us out there running and having a good time. They'll be able to track their athletes as well online through our platforms and seeing where their athletes are going to be. There's definitely some iconic points along the course that you'll be able to catch folks and then hop on subways to step over. So Atlantic Barclays is a great location as the athletes are making their way up the roadway towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Obviously Times Square is a great point to be able to catch them again as they're making their way through. And then you can zip over into the park to see them as they finish and meet them at family reunion.
01:02:31
Becs Gentry: Love that. They're the hotspots. You heard it here first. I'm going to do a selfish plug here for the broadcast as well. If you're not sick of hearing my voice, then you will be after the race. But coverage begins locally on ABC Channel 7 at 6: 00 AM, and the complete live stream of the professional races will be available on New York Road Runners, WABC and ESPN Plus beginning at 7: 00 AM, you'll have myself, Carrie Tollefson and Ryan Fields in the booth this year giving you the down low as it happens on the day, and plenty of other people out on the course giving the love to the runners too. So don't fear if you're not based here in the tri- state area. I'm going to spread it wide there. You can still have the fun of the day. Okay.
So we've covered pre- race, we've covered the expo, we've covered the race. Let's just give some thanks though as well. This is something that it's so dear to us here at New York Road Runners and honestly, we would not be able to put on any of these races if it wasn't for our volunteers, right Ted?
01:03:41
Ted Metellus: Yes. And listen, the mantra is simply this, Becs, see a volunteer, thank a volunteer. See a volunteer, thank a volunteer. And one of the really cool things about New York Road Runners and our volunteer program is while we are truly engaging the community at large and folks that are being of service to our runners in the running community, many of the runners are volunteers themselves. So they are out there volunteering and they're out there being of service to their fellow runners well. So when you're out there, show them some love and say a huge thank you to them.
Because one of the coolest things, and I think we touched on it a little bit, but it's probably great that we close out with a bang, is the volunteers are out there to support spectators and give them guidance, support the runners obviously, and give them support there, but also out there to showcase the beauty and amazingness of New York City to some of the best runners in the world that'll be starting this race off, and that I get the party started with for some of our elite athletes. So we definitely have to chat about that for a second because we have some prime time players out there that'll be running.
01:04:45
Becs Gentry: We do. Okay. So who are we looking out for? Who have we got our eyes on?
01:04:51
Ted Metellus: My gosh. Well, I mean we have all our returning champions that are coming back again, which we're super excited about. That's great. It's always an honor to be able to have these athletes come by and the time of the year that this race falls, it lends itself really, really well as a really strong competitive training run leading into Boston, and some of the other major races that are happening there. It just so happens that we have the newly minted American half- marathon record holder, Conner Mantz that'll be running. So we have some Olympians that will be out there running with us as well.
Mo Ahmed, Hilary Bor, Woody Kincaid, all coming out here. Paralympics will be showing up and representing Daniel Romanchuk, who's amazing, is such a great human. Love his mom, always give her love. She's the best champion there for him. And on the lady's side, I mean definitely looking forward to seeing all our pro athletes " who'll be back again running with us." Sharon Loledi's coming back. We've won our marathon. Fiona O'Keeffe, Emily Sisson. We have some serious talent from the US but also abroad that are coming here to run our streets.
01:05:59
Becs Gentry: I cannot wait. And yeah, just knowing, I think Dakota's running, Boston as well. So as you said, we're going to get a little taste of what she's been doing in her training, maybe just to have a little sea here. So it's going to be an absolutely phenomenal day. Ted, is there anything that we have missed that you want to make sure that we share with our listeners?
01:06:25
Ted Metellus: I think that the only things I want to say, first and foremost, thank you all so much for listening to this podcast. It means a lot because it means that folks are going to come into the event prepared and informed for what will be a great experience, not only for themselves, but their loved ones and fellow runners that are there. Leading into these next couple of weeks up to the event, train yourself and be prepared. Definitely pay attention to the weather. That's going to be the difference between if it's something light that you're wearing or something heavier that you're wearing, what you're going to get rid of and when you're going to get rid of it, making sure that your nutrition is set for the day. Know the change on the course. We don't need you to slow down and take any photos. You can do that when you come back. Definitely the Saturday and Friday, walk over the bridge, take some photos, have some fun. Exactly.
01:07:09
Becs Gentry: Do the shakeout, on the pedestrian side though.
01:07:12
Ted Metellus: Exactly. So I mean, we're 25 days upon the recording of this podcast from the event. So it's enough time to get yourself race ready and have a good time and really, really enjoy themselves. Have some fun. It's truly a blessing to be able to say that this is what we do at New York Road Runners who really inspire people through movement and keep the people running and healthy and active. But the best part about it is that we are doing it as a community to be able to get out there. So I'll leave you with this. When you're standing at the corral and you're getting ready to start, and if you are standing with a buddy, give them a fist pump and show some love.
But definitely show some love to the person, to your left, to your right, in front of you and behind you and say, " Thank you so much for running and having a good time with us today." And then you'll see him at the finish line. I always love this Becs. I know you can fully relate where all of a sudden you make a race buddy on the course, and then you cross the finish line and then you see that person, you give them a high five or a hug and say, " Thank you for keeping me moving." So I say to you, " Thank you for keeping us moving."
01:08:11
Becs Gentry: Yes. Gosh, I love that. And do not to wear your medal with pride-
01:08:17
Ted Metellus: Fully.
01:08:17
Becs Gentry: ... around the city for however long you are here for. Is there engraving of medals?
01:08:22
Ted Metellus: There'll be engraving for medals. We'll have obviously all the amazing merchandise from wearing my New York City have t- shirt now. You'll definitely represent there while you're doing that, and show pride in the hard work that you've put in to get you to the start line.
01:08:34
Becs Gentry: Yeah. Through a tough time of year. I mean, big props to you all. You've trained through a cold winter this year if you've been on the East Coast. So well done. The next 25 days is going to be a joy.
01:08:45
Ted Metellus: For sure.
01:08:47
Becs Gentry: Ted, thank you so much for giving us all of the info that the runners and spectators need for the wonderful United Airlines NYC Half. Thank you for all you do to make this race truly spectacular. You're such an inspiration to us all, so we can't wait to celebrate on March the 16th.
01:09:05
Ted Metellus: Yes, without a doubt. Happy early St. Patrick's Day, everyone. Let's have ourselves an amazing race.
01:09:11
Becs Gentry: And now it's over to Meb for today's Meb Minute.
01:09:15
Meb Keflezighi: With one month ago until the United Airlines NYC Half is time to lock in consistency, your long runs are crucial now. You are the foundation of the race day performance. Aim to hit at least one or two long run that mirror the race distance or come close, but remember to listen to your body. It is also important to stay consistent with your weekly mileage. Mix it in tempo runs, intervals, recovery runs to build this, both the speed and endurance. Keep the steady balance between intensity and recovery to ensure you are building strength without overtraining. The key a month out is consistency, putting the mileage, visualize what you're going to be doing in a month, and then as long as you start working on the tempos, and long runs and visualizing whether it's half- marathon or full marathon, look at the last 10 K of the marathon or the half marathon will help you put in the miles, but at the same time, don't overdo it because it's important to stay healthy getting into the timeline.
01:10:17
Becs Gentry: That does it for another episode of Set the Pace. Thank you to today's guests, Jeffrey McEachern and Ted Metellus. If you like this episode, please do go ahead and subscribe, rate or leave a comment for the show on whatever platform you're listening on. This not only helps us, but it does help others find out about the show too.