“You don't have to be an elite runner, you don't have to be super pro. All you have to do is have the willingness and enjoy running and I think it changes people's lives.”

I started running with adidas Runners New York about three years ago and I learned through a social media campaign that adidas Runtastic was looking for ambassadors. I thought it was a good opportunity to learn more about the app and also to share more about running and how good it is for you.

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I was lucky enough to live close to the beach, so I would do very short runs, three or four mornings a week. I didn't start doing races until about seven years ago when one of my best friends had it on her bucket list to run a marathon and asked if I'd do it with her. I got hooked and I just couldn’t stop running.

“Running with music can change even your view on running itself.”

Some people say they can't run for more than 10 minutes and that they get bored. And you know, I have a lot of friends that are into weightlifting and bodybuilding and everybody's always hating on cardio, but I think that music can make a big difference because you just disconnect... I listen to all types of music. If I want to go fast, I will pick up tempo music, but at the beginning of the run I don't mind, I can even listen to opera if I feel like it.

Whenever I go to a different city I try to figure out the music that is hot at the moment in that place. Two years ago, I ran a marathon in Cape Town, South Africa and I brought back so much music that I still use in my workouts. It's just a reminder of all the places that I have run. I think the music is really exciting in the Dominican Republic and Brazil. I like to keep my playlists right on the two hour mark because I say, "Okay, this is the playlist to get you through a half marathon".

“You feel like you don't have anything on… It's almost like the music is part of you.”

Running headphones need to be light. Music is the important thing... During the pandemic, I went back to running alone and the adidas FWD-01 headphones have been life saving. I actually came to love them even more. And wherever I go, I bring them. I always, always carry them. I like that they're strong. They're not like headphones that you're afraid to put down because you think they're gonna break or get dirty. I really love this design, and it's not only me; everybody says, “Oh, this is different. I love this”.

“Now it’s part of me. I don’t see myself living without running.”

To me, running is a way not only to relax and to forget about stressful things, but also in my case, I felt it connected me more to the community here in New York City. I wasn't born here. I didn't grow up here. It has made me feel connected to New York City and ultimately to the world. It gives you an incentive to travel and to meet more people and conquer those major marathon medals.

Deivid is an adidas Runtastic ambassador. You can follow him on Instagram @deividvaldez. Runtastic has two apps: the adidas Running app and the adidas Training app, which allow you to track your runs and workouts and take part in challenges. Join millions of Runtastic users achieving their fitness goals.