2025 NYRR Hall of Fame Inductee Jenny Simpson’s Latest Adventure

This week, Rob and Becs welcome back to the show Jenny Simpson, a 2025 NYRR Hall of Fame inductee. Jenny has played a pivotal role as an ambassador and special advisor to Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s free youth running program. A three-time Olympian and 11-time U.S. national champion, she dominated the iconic 5th Avenue Mile with a record eight victories. Jenny recently retired from professional racing after finishing the 2024 New York City Marathon and shares her latest adventure—a 50-state running road trip with her husband, Jason, to celebrate local running communities. Plus, Meb talks with Shivaii Nikam, who joined the NYRR Youth Ambassadors program back in 2019, and is now a junior at Brooklyn Technical High School and a member of the school’s cross country and track teams. Meb also speaks with Mohammed Saad, a physical therapist with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a member of the performance team conducting running mechanics assessments to help athletes prevent injuries.

00:00 Welcome to Set the Pace
16:27 Staten Island Half cancellation explained
19:18 NYC Marathon medal reveal and fan response
20:30 Announcing CC Sabathia as 2025 Grand Marshal
21:48 Introducing the NYRR Hall of Fame class
24:32 Jenny Simpson inducted into the Hall of Fame
26:01 Jenny reflects on her NYC legacy
30:28 The meaning of NYRR’s Hall of Fame
36:34 Jenny on youth running and teachers’ impact
39:00 Expanding Rising NYRR nationwide
39:38 Jenny’s marathon reflections and lessons
49:49 Growth beyond racing and life after the pros
56:19 Running in all 50 states
57:58 The joy of connection and availability
59:20 Rob jokes Jenny should run for office
01:00:07 Closing thoughts with Jenny Simpson
01:01:02 Peloton Cross Training spotlight
01:01:21 Member Moment
01:08:16 Meb Minute with HSS
01:17:42 Closing remarks

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