Meet Adama Muench - Runner, Writer, Entrepreneur, Beauty Enthusiast, Traveler, Role Model, Support Squad. I had the good fortune of meeting Adama several years ago through a Nike NYC project and I am so glad the swoosh team brought us together.
Adama is the co-founder and head boss woman of Runaway, an independent travel publication for avid runners. Their 3rd Issue, Portugal, is available now. I promise the cover alone will make you want to go out for a run this very minute.
Her boss-hood is is truly inspiring and so is the way she approaches life. She is incredibly thoughtful about the way she engages with the world, from the company she keeps to the workouts she does, to the products she uses regularly. She is always questioning, always exploring, always present.
I hope you enjoy this interview and check out her work at Runaway.
What is your philosophy around health and wellness?
Similar to the saying 'it's a marathon, not a sprint,' I'd like to be healthy and mobile for as long as possible. I apply this approach to fitness - I don't overdue any one thing - and I apply it to my hair and skin care; why use products with more ingredients than are in an Impossible Burger? I try to be smart about things I do to my body, put in my body, and put on my body. Smart doesn't equate to perfect, though :-)
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about taking care of yourself in adulthood?
Listen to my body. I know myself better than anyone else; why second guess years of experience in my own skin? This quite literally saved my life as had I listened to those around me, I would not have taken myself to the ER and subsequently been diagnosed with life threatening blood clots.
I know you are an avid runner! When did you get into running? What keeps you going?
I was always active, but I only got into running when I signed up for a triathlon in 2010. Outside of warm up for soccer practice etc., I had never been on a run. I will never forget my first run as it was unfortunately a below freezing day in Washington, D.C. I've never looked back! As cliche as it sounds, running is a powerful metaphor for life. You just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other, ya know?
What are your wellness essentials?
I'm kind of basic when it comes to wellness essentials. The first thing that came to mind is deodorant. Does that even count? And sunscreen; all bets are on this for ensuring I age gracefully ;-) This particular pair of running shoes have been a game-changer for me. They've made the last 6 weeks of miles feel so good; I have literally fallen in love with running all over again. Aside from that...Tina Tang and Caroline Schiff. They are definitely my wellness essentials. Super grateful that you introduced me to Tina in your Project by Equinox class two years ago. In addition to being treasured friends, both Tina and Caroline are the best workout homies I could ask for.
Give me your loves & hates about the fitness and wellness space in NYC?
I met the bulk of my friends in New York, my delicious husband included, through fitness. Enough said. However, this city is plagued by fake and toxic energy. I stay out of that nonsense, though. Bye, Felicia!Of all the places you’ve travelled, where do you feel the most inspired?
This question is tough. I moved around a lot growing up and pretty much always lived in big cities (in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa). A strange shift happened a few years ago when I realized that I was far more drawn to non-urban vacation destinations. This may be a consequence of living in NYC for seven years. Small, quiet towns with a gentle sea breeze, as opposed to the overwhelming smell of ass juice, have been really warming my heart lately.In this crazy world, what keeps you sane?
My family. My man. My girl gang. My sneakers. My choir. My local farmers market. And gluten.
Follow: @runaway_mag
Website: https://www.runawaymag.com
