Wil Pierce Co founder of run hustle run

There seems to be an impromptu theme for this month's issue, we didn't plan for it but we're glad that it’s turning out this way. Here’s why, it shows that we are not only runners, but we are also world travelers yearning to experience life and all that it has to offer. We learn new ways to experience things through our talents where the focus is not solely on running but other interests. YES, Wil Pierce is a runner, but he doesn't only use his feet to experience things, he also experiences many of life's beauties through the eyes of a lens, through the eyes of a photographer. He also co-founded Run Hustle Run.

MSM: We’ll get into the running part of these questions soon before we do let's chat about your photography. As a fellow production guy, I know photographers see the world entirely differently from the average person as you’re essentially always looking for the shot, the moment etc. do you always find yourself ready with the camera?

Wil: To quote Michael Scott, “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”. Sometimes the shots I miss, haunt me. but like with anything else, I focus on the hits instead of the misses. 

MSM: I noticed that you have a very good eye. It takes years to develop if you stay consistent. What made you fall in love with photography?

Wil: Thank you for that. I fell in love with photography when I was 4 or 5 years old when my father put a camera in my hands. it felt like I had the power of wizards to be able to freeze time. There are some iconic images that bring you right back to the moment it was captured. 

MSM: There’s so much genuine raw unfiltered emotion when it comes to running. To capture that is all about timing, being in the right spot at the right time for the right moment. Have you ever worked double duty with running and photography?

Wil: I’ve been fortunate to be able to capture some of my fellow runners in action. Whether its community runs or races, there’s nothing like getting that perfect shot of someone putting it all out there. occasionally, I will run with my camera to get that different perspective. 

MSM: A good photographer's style is everything as it's what sets them apart from everyone else. What would you say your style of photography is and what are some of the things that you like to do to set yourself apart, to be different.

Wil: I aim to challenge myself by trying new things and taking chances. if it gets too comfortable, time to shake it up. 

MSM: To be different is to bring a special part of yourself to the table. This holds true to running as we are all our own person when it comes to running. WE run our own race and WE fight our own battles mentally and physically. What do you feel sets you apart from most folks, what is it that makes you bring your A game each time.

Wil: Being a runner in itself, sets us apart, bringing my A game means different things on different days. I’m only racing against myself really. I’m always looking to be the best Wil I can be, some days, that means doing post run strength work. Others, it’s about focusing on rest and nutrition. it’s doing all the little things that add up to the larger gains. 

"At the time, there weren’t any running crews in Jamaica Queens, and we wanted to build a place for people to experience the joy of running and community. "

Wil Pierce

MSM: We mentioned seeing the world through the eyes of a photographer as yourself, but you also use your legs to experience many things through running. What have been some of your favorite places to visit in the past and most of all we’re always looking for travel tips, tricks, and deals.