Runner’s World

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Running has been an inherent pastime for as long as I can remember. It’s always had a positive connotation because it’s an activity I genuinely enjoy, but it wasn’t until my twenties that running became a transcendent experience.

Like any American kid, my school years were peppered with an array of run-related activities: P.E., sports practices, chasing potential lovers on the playground, etc. When I moved to New York City after graduation, my relationship with running became rooted in the deepest, most visceral parts of me. For most of my early twenties, I had a weeknight ritual of ‘midnight runs’ – literally, I would give myself one hour (from midnight to 1AM) to completely decompress while running off some of the excess energy from the day. It was, in every way possible, religious for me.

– one, two, three, four, one, two, three, four…-

Counting my steps became a game. I’d see how mechanical I could get. My pace would ebb and flow in response to the soundtrack of the City. Music started to play an important (and now vital) role a few years ago when I found songs that really pumped me up and made getting over those humps, hills, and valleys that much easier. Music became my fuel to push myself harder, faster, and farther.

As many of you know, I’m a (super) fan of Spotify. Recently, Spotify launched Spotify Running, an incredible new feature that lets you choose your favorite music genre and then matches the tempo to your pace. Because every beat matches your step, you’re going faster and farther – but most importantly, it’s helping you think less about running and more about your favorite music. I love that it connects directly to my phone; my favorite go-to is the “Run Wild” playlist – it’s brimming with my favorite hits from the 00s and today.

To celebrate the launch of Spotify Running, Spotify challenged me to fill in this statement: “Will Run For _______” and I immediately knew what I’d say…

“Will Run For Sweet Satisfaction

Hello, my name is Justin and I’m addicted to sugar; I have the most insatiable sweet tooth. Cookies, cakes, candy, ice cream – you name it, I love it. Honestly, there have been many times where I’m running and think, “if you run for 15 extra minutes you can have a bowl of ice cream tonight.” And you better believe I will run that extra 15 minutes because sweet satisfaction is just the best.

So what’s your story? What’s the one reason you lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement? I’m hosting a little giveaway to give one lucky reader the ultimate Spotify Running hookup: One (1) year Premium subscription to Spotify, One (1) pair of Bose SoundSport in-ear headphones, One (1) $75 Nike Gift Card, and some of my favorite healthy gourmet snacks. Want to win? Details below…


To Enter (US only, 18+):

  1. Comment on this post by filling in the blank with your answer to “Will Run For _____”
  2. It’s that easy!
  3. BONUS ENTRY: Check out Spotify Running on your phone and comment below with your favorite playlist.

I’ll randomly pick the winner on 11/25 and contact him/her via email or Instagram Direct Message. Good luck!

“This post was made possible through my partnership with Spotify. The prize was provided by Spotify, but Spotify and its agents and representatives are not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of Spotify or its agents and representatives.”

 

Scout Sixteen is a lifestyle blog from Justin Livingston. Justin grew up in Mississippi but relocated to New York City in 2008. On Scout Sixteen, Justin shares his passion in fashion, travel, food and drink, and mental wellness.