Selena is a creative freelancer & content creator living in Amsterdam. She started running when she was young playing field hockey to build her fitness and endurance.
Now, Selena loves to run while traveling, waking up early and exploring cities and new places in the peace and quiet of the morning. For her, running is a way to experience the world, and reminder her that she is resilient, healthy and strong.
From Field Hockey to Running
I started running when I was about 13 years old to stay fit during the off-season from field hockey, a sport I’ve played my whole life. Running became an easy way to keep my condition up, but over time, it turned into something I genuinely enjoy. It’s such a simple yet powerful way to stay healthy - you don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership, just your body and the will to move.
That’s one of the things I love most about running: it proves how strong and durable the human body can be. It’s inspiring to think that something so basic can do so much for your health and well-being.
A Love for Sprints and Style
My hockey background definitely shaped my approach to running, especially my love for sprinting. I always enjoyed the rush of chasing the ball, sprinting down the field, and outrunning a defender. That sense of power and confidence stuck with me, and now I love pushing myself with interval training. My favorite workout? A 10–15 minute warm-up followed by 10x200m sprints with 200m jogging in between. There’s something about sprinting by distance rather than time that keeps me focused and motivated.
And while I’m all about performance, I also believe in bringing style to the track. I love black workout clothing - it’s sleek, chic, and always makes me feel great. Investing in high-quality sportswear is so worth it; it’s more practical and looks better too. For me, it’s all about finding that balance between functionality and design.
Running My Favorite Routes
My go-to running route is alongside the Amstel River. It’s incredibly calming, with beautiful reflections on the water and stunning villas that line the way. I always find myself distracted by the gorgeous houses - it’s part of what makes the run so enjoyable.
But running isn’t just something I enjoy at home; it’s also a way I explore the world. I love waking up early while traveling and experiencing cities in the quiet of the morning. Whether it’s along the Seine in Paris or discovering new places, running gives me a unique perspective on the world and helps me connect to myself. It reminds me of my resilience, health, and strength.
My Running Staple
If I had to choose one piece of gear I can’t live without, it would definitely be a pair of black sports leggings. They’re a staple for me - I always feel my best in them. Ever since I discovered Philos leggings, they’ve been my go-to. The buttery-soft fabric and perfect fit make them ideal for both long runs and casual outings. They blend practicality with elegance, which is exactly what I look for in my running wardrobe.
