Book Review: Shut Up and Run: How To Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger, by Robin Arzón

Robin Arzón is badass.  Make no mistake, this woman is as fierce and strong as they come. A former lawyer turned ultramarathoner (someone who runs any distance over 26.2 miles, usually 50K and 100K events), Robin’s life is defined by running and “sweat with swagger.”

It’s a life that was nearly taken from her one night in a horrific and violent attack; she emerged determined to transform her life through health and wellness. Today, she’s the Vice President of Fitness Programming for Peloton Cycle, a motivational speaker, brand ambassador and much more.

(Oh, and she’s a Philly girl like me, which means her grit and toughness is the real deal.)

Shut Up and Run packs a lot into its 192 pages. Whether you’re a new runner (like yours truly) or someone who regularly competes in marathons, there’s something in Shut Up and Run for runners at every level — even if you’re still sitting on the couch, contemplating whether you can do this. (Spoiler Alert: you can.)

“Start before you’re ready. Today seems like a good day.” 

Robin offers her personal inspirations for running (her mother, who has MS) along with a generous helping of motivation with splashy graphics, full-color photos, and quotes. (Two of my favorites: “Regret is a heavier weight to carry than hard work — in running, life, and love,” and “Be open to getting lost so that you end up moving in the right direction.”)  There are strategies for training — whether that means a 5k or 50k race.

After reading this, even I felt like I could be an ultramarathoner — and I say this as someone who has only been running for a year and not very consistently (to put it mildly). That’s the kind of book Shut Up and Run is: one that makes you believe you have the power to do extraordinary things.

“The human body is capable of extraordinary things that start with the choice to try.”

The post Book Review: Shut Up and Run: How To Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger, by Robin Arzón first appeared on melissa firman.

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