Martin Gjesing | CEO & Co-founder MOON

Running has become popular of its easiness to do all day, everyday and everywhere. We spoke to CEO & Co-founder Martin Gjesing from MOON International about his relationship to running.

- Martin Gjesing
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- CEO & Co-founder of creative studio MOON International
- IG handle @moon_intl

When did you touch running for the first time and how was your experience?

"I started running 15 years ago - I was traveling all over the world with Acne Studios, and running was the perfect way to see all the cities I visited, even if I was only there for a short while. At the same time it was kind of the only sports I could really do when been on the road 180-200 days a year. To me it was an amazing way to let go of work, and just be in the now - hours early before the cities woke up."

How do you prefer your running sessions and have you tried out any of these running crews?

"I really love running by myself, either super early in the morning, around 5 o clock, when I have the streets all for myself, or in the rush hour, when the streets are overly crowded and you have to be very observant, a sort of urban trail. Running sessions with friends also works - but I prefer smaller groups."

How does running affect your life?

"It gives me a chance to take a break from everything around me, and reflect over what is going on, could be work, family projects or just give me a chance to listen for one hour of non-stop music. That is rare when you have two kids, and run a hectic creative studio with lots of projects going on, all the time."

Many runners have had the opportunity to experience a state of euphoria while running, also called Runners High. Have you tried it and how did you achieved this feeling?

"I get it in small dozes every time - I always come back a better person, it takes away stress, and adds extra energy to my everyday. But on the extreme side, I thinks when I run trail, in particular in the mountains when I go on holiday, either in Thailand or Sicily, in 35+ degrees, and burning sun, that is fucking awesome!"

If you could go for a morning run with anyone in the world, who would it be?

"Always with Frederik my partner in crime at MOON, best friend and Co-founder of MOON International with me. Occasionally maybe Bruce Springsteen could join."

Road vs. Trail?

"I love both - busy streets of London, mountains in Italy."

Do you listen to music while running? And if you do, can you recommend a favorite track?

"I listen non stop if on my own, I cannot run without music. My current favorite track is Tougher Then The Rest, by Bruce Springsteen."

What do you think of when thinking of METAL HEALTH CLUB?

"A cool bunch of guys running - finished off by a good cup of coffee. And a club anyone should be part of if you are into rock n roll."