Race Recap with @iamdanielvictor

If the phrase “train hard, recover harder” were a person, it would be Daniel Victor. The Brooklyn-based creator, musician and actor recently completed the New York City marathon – a beloved race right here on our home turf. New Yorkers cheer on runners in every neighborhood they pass through. We sat down with Daniel for a race recap and a look into his recovery routine.

Congrats on finishing the NYC marathon! What was your biggest challenge this race?

Hydration! Proper hydration is key when running for so long, and the cramping gets real when you're not on top of it so definitely have a hydration plan in place that works for you to save yourself the hassle of having to put up with bad cramps.

Mind sharing some advice for someone wanting to run a marathon themselves?

Train hard and train often. If you push yourself in your training runs and get used to the feeling of running for long periods of time, you'll be in good shape come race day. Also: recover hard! Make sure that you're stretching out, hydrating and recharging as best you can too. It's that combo that will help you a ton down the road. 

Speaking of recovery, why is bathhousing a part of your wellness routine?

I personally feel like bathhousing helps you get a much deeper recovery than you'd get anywhere else. You get the benefits of contrast therapy, which wildly improves blood flow and circulation as well as strengthening your circulatory system, but also get the luxury of turning your brain off for the time you're there. The space lends itself to peace and mindfulness which is just as important as physical recovery. I'd be in the bathhouse every day if I could.

If you could bathhouse with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

Mike Posner would be such a great person to do that with - I'd want to pick his brain about so much!

Do you have a favorite treatment?

I'm a big fan of sauna sessions [Aufguss] that are led by the team members. Usually, they have essential oils that are thrown on the coals to fill the space with scents that calm your nervous system and relax you from the inside out. That combination of heat, essential oils and guided breathwork is just *chef's kiss*.

What are your other favorite wellness practices?

I love to journal as a way to clear my head, as well as meditation. Honestly though, sometimes just getting a sweat on is my favorite form of wellness practice. If you take care of yourself, yourself will take care of you in the long run.

Tell us what you've been working on lately. Any fun projects coming up?

I've been shooting a music video for my new single coming soon that's been an absolute blast to be working on. I also just had the honor of finishing the NYC Marathon last weekend, and I'm already planning on how to get back out there next year!

Keep up with Daniel over on his Instagram.