Q — Hey Sam, welcome! How are you doing in sunny Los Angeles?
A — Honestly, this is an epic time in Los Angeles and the United States. We're experiencing both a pandemic and a civil revolution of historic proportions. Some days are filled with emotion and uncertainty, but through it all, I'm doing well, doing the best I can, and feeling truly grateful to be in this moment.
Q — You were born and raised in Los Angeles? What do you cherish most about this city?
A — Yes, I was born and raised in LA! I love the sun, the palm trees, and the incredible diversity.
Q — Have you ever been to Paris on tour? What impression did you get? And... are the French nice or not?
A — I've been lucky enough to come here several times: for tours, Fashion Week, and as a tourist. The music scenes are thriving, and Paris is one of my favorite cities. And then... you have the most beautiful clouds: shapes that look like they came out of a painting.
Q — Tell us about your background: you’re presented as a singer/DJ, but you do much more than that, right?
A — I'm a DJ, singer, and co-founder of an R&B party called "143." And yes, my resume is long and varied: advertising, fashion PR, professional dancer in music videos right after college... All these detours led me to what I do today.
Q — Fitness-wise: have you added running to your routine, or vice versa?
A — I've always been active (sports, dance, gym). But as I toured more often, my health deteriorated: chaotic sleep, jet lag, alcohol, late-night snacking, zero time or space to train. Low energy, bad moods… I reached my limit one night in Hong Kong and vowed to change. Back in LA, I found a great personal trainer to balance nutrition and training with a travel schedule. By focusing on that area, everything else in my life improved.
Q — And the race?
A — I hated it, I found it boring. I would put on really aggressive rap, go for 1.5–2 miles, burn out, and it frustrated me. In November 2019, my friend Nick got me to try “guided runs” on Nike Run Club. I started Coach Bennett’s “First Run”… and it blew my mind: be gentle with your body, take the pressure off. Jazzy music, relaxed atmosphere… I ran relaxed, and 4 miles later, I felt like I could go on forever. I’ve been addicted to that kind of joy ever since.
Q — How often do you run? Specific program or freestyle?
A — I run 4 to 5 times a week: 3 recovery runs of 3–5 miles (5–8 km), 1 shorter, faster run, and 1 distance or time-based run. I'm still a rookie, exploring and learning—it's fun to discover all facets of the sport.
Q — I saw that you were preparing for the Nike Half Marathon in LA before it was canceled… that you finally ran solo! Any goals for the future?
A — Yes! I was training with the Nike coaches (shout-out coach Blue and coach Becc). We had completed about 10 of 12 weeks when the half marathon was canceled; a few friends and I decided to finish the plan and go all the way. I would like to run an official half marathon with Nike. I would also like to do the Athens Marathon—where it all started. And qualifying for Boston is another big goal.
Q — What really motivates you to run?
A — Two things: relax and learn. The rest of my life is about deadlines and ambition. Running is my sacred space: to enjoy and get to know myself and the sport better. I don't try to be the fastest: I run at my "happy pace," and that's enough for me.
Q — Your favorite “cheat meal” after a race?
A — A big bowl of pasta… or a pizza.
Q — What shoes do you run in?
R — Nike ZoomX Next% and HOKA One One Clifton 4.
Q — Share with us an itinerary in LA
A — The beach, always: from Playa del Rey to Manhattan Beach.
Q — If you go with music:
a) to start the run?
b) to help you when things get tough?
A — a) Sunday Service — “Rain”
b) Jamie xx — “Gosh”
Q — Are you booked to set the mood and bring good vibes to a cheering zone at the next Los Angeles Marathon?
R — Yes!