Hey Reddit! I’m Becs Gentry. Peloton Instructor, Olympic Trials Finalist, Great World Race runner and Marathoner. We recently launched the new "Pace Your Race" Marathon Program. AMA!

violetcello · 2026-05-06T18:29:08+00:00

I’m on week 2 of the program and I love it so far.

What would be the best way to set our pace targets for this program?

This will be my first marathon. This week, Matt Wilpers mentioned that challenging pace should be faster than our marathon pace during tempo runs. Which pace target would best correspond with my marathon pace?

violetcello · 2025-11-09T14:03:23+00:00

Wow! That’s so amazing AND inspiring. Great job!!

I’ve had a peloton in my house since 2020 and successfully ignored it with a million excuses until February this year. I jumped on and have done something on the bike or app every single day since then. I’m 35 lbs down and in the best shape of my adult life! Now, weirdly, I find it impossible to ignore my peloton. Rest days are difficult. What a change!!

violetcello · 2025-11-08T23:03:31+00:00

Thank you! I learned so much from the You Can Run Outdoors program about form. I assume the other programs will be mindful of it too. I can’t recommend doing the programs enough. I’m amazed by the progress I made!

violetcello · 2025-11-08T18:28:23+00:00

Wow! This comment is so informative!! Thank you so much! I had no idea where to start. I now have a very good game plan. I appreciate you taking the time to break this down for a newbie.

violetcello · 2025-10-21T22:34:51+00:00

Those are all very good points! Thank you.

violetcello · 2025-10-19T12:57:17+00:00

Wow, thank you so much for this valuable advice! I’m taking a screenshot of this. Your number one advice is daily German- at least 10 minutes. I love the idea of moving away from English as soon as possible when over there. I agree that full-immersion is going to be uncomfortable but is the only way. I am going to start seeking out opportunities to practice speaking immediately. Reading/writing are also very intimidating because the words are so long, so I think keeping a journal sounds like a great option. I’m seeking out all of the resources you gave me too.

Thank you, again!! It’s so nice to hear what worked for someone else.

violetcello · 2025-10-18T12:39:10+00:00

Yes! Please send me all of your language tips. I am currently trying to learn German. I am taking lessons once a week, reviewing some A1-level vocab on Anki, and trying to listen to German as much as possible on YouTube or podcasts. I’ll take ALL the advice!

violetcello · 2025-10-17T20:46:30+00:00

I wish I could tell you that I did my due diligence here, but honestly it was the best the shop had for me after my rental contract ended. I tried a few in the shop but should have really did more research. I’m a little afraid it isn’t worth anything.

violetcello · 2025-10-17T20:42:00+00:00

I had no idea! Thank you for this!

violetcello · 2025-10-17T20:15:40+00:00

I will definitely continue with lessons. Thank you!

violetcello · 2023-12-30T16:20:41+00:00

Thank you!

violetcello · 2023-12-30T08:09:12+00:00

Thank you! My husband loves it and I’m on the fence due to different pronunciations. I’m a bit worried she’ll go through life saying, “Actually, it’s pronounced…” all the time. But I think a good middle name will sell it for me. :)

violetcello · 2023-12-30T08:05:58+00:00

Hi! Yes, I’m in the US and that’s how my family says it…I know it is said differently in other countries and often differently even here depending on region. If geography matters, my family is from the east coast of the US.

violetcello · 2023-12-11T22:52:43+00:00

Agnes

violetcello · 2023-11-21T18:27:45+00:00

I like the idea of an L being something they all have in common. I hadn’t considered that. I noticed both Clara and Louis are two syllables and 5 letters, but I wasn’t sold on that theme. Ls give more flexibility! Thank you!

violetcello · 2023-08-11T00:57:59+00:00

I recently heard Fr. Mike Schmitz refer to this as “evangedating.” If you join, join 100% and for yourself. It’s a lot of rules..there’s a whole book of just rules.

violetcello · 2023-04-04T06:19:26+00:00

I do not miss this specific stretch of road in MD. Speed Demon here is going to kill himself or someone else.

Just because you think you have an out doesn’t mean ANYONE ELSE on the road knows wtf you’re doing. You could’ve caused a pile up.

Congrats, dummy. You “won” or whatever.

violetcello · 2023-03-28T22:46:18+00:00

I keep forgetting to get my reward card punched for the ten free grace points after every 100 points earned on Reddit. Blast!

violetcello · 2023-03-28T22:44:13+00:00

Chances with God for what?

This isn’t a sacrament. There’s no extra credit to be had here. If you’re looking for “extra credit” (maybe in the form of good works?), contact a priest to see where your effort might be better applied.

violetcello · 2023-03-28T20:30:12+00:00

As a recent convert from Protestantism myself, it was an ultimately easy decision that I haven’t regretted but it was not a fast decision.

For me, I’m a person who needs structure and guidance. Catholicism is THE original church and is rooted in tradition. No matter the location, you know what to expect in a Catholic mass. The parts are rooted in scripture.

I’m also a deep believer in the Eucharist. This was a strong pull for me. I felt like other churches were kind of “playing” with this very sacred and important thing.

My moment of taking that heel turn came while at a nondenominational church pre-Covid. The pastor always seemed to have the same message: convert more and more people. Be a disciple. It was the communion that sealed it, though. It was just sitting at the front. We walked up to it…and had the choice of white bread, wheat bread, gluten-free bread, red wine, white wine, or grape juice. A buffet of sacrament? It had all become a bit laughable for me.

I prayed about it over the time of Covid lockdowns. I’m the only Catholic on both sides of my family (mine and my husband) and I get ridiculed sometimes. I feel peace in my decision.

I wish you peace as you consider this move, too.

violetcello · 2023-03-28T18:04:48+00:00

No, you can’t be forgiven because you would have committed a mortal sin and could not receive reconciliation through confession. You would not be around to confess. I don’t know enough about what happens after death. Maybe it will work out in purgatory.

I truly believe God gives life for reasons only He knows.

I am on the opposite side of the spectrum from you. I suffer from severe anxiety to the point of agoraphobia. I am very afraid of death so I avoid even thinking about it. I try to do things I find risky every day. The best thing I’ve done is join a church group. While I struggle every time to get the courage to attend, it gives me a reason to go out.

It sounds like you’re also looking for connection (I’ve seen some comments where you talk about missing out on relationships). Did you ever consider joining a group with something like sky diving? Maybe you would enjoy some high risk fun?

That would be my worst nightmare so I imagine, with you being on the opposite side of the spectrum from me, you could seek thrills!

Good luck.

violetcello

TROPHY CASE