Book Review: Shut up and Run
by Robin Arzón
The now-famous Peloton instructor has not always been so well-known. In 2016, she published a book titled Shut up and Run. While I have been known to enjoy a spin class with Peloton, I am at heart, a runner. So I jumped at the chance to read this book.
Books on running fall in a few different categories: running tips and personal journeys, training plans and explanations, and simply running stories.
Among my favorite are Born to Run, the story of a runner/journalist finding a tribe of ultrarunners in Central Mexico. (5 out of 5 recommend for that one).
Robin’s book is a little of them all. It begins with her personal transformation following being held at gunpoint her senior year at New York University, to using running as a form of therapy, to quitting her law firm job and pursuing fitness and running. In there she mixes fashion, running, racing, and training tips.
But, if I had to categorize this as a single kind of book: It’s Motivational.
Seriously, the point of her book is for you to just shut up and run. She doesn’t care if you are running for yourself, for a race, to impress a girl, or because you lost a bet. It’s just that you need to go and get your feet moving outside (ideally). She even gives you some beginner playlists depending on the mood or kind of swagger you are feeling that day. To no surprise, those playlists feature Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and heavy 90s hip hop. Her faves.
As such, some of the things she writes are repetitive and expletive, but having once been a teacher, I get it – she wants it to sink in. Go out and run.
For all it felt pedantic at times, it was still fun and a quick read. It did the job. Though I won’t be reaching out for a new race PR anytime soon (thanks Covid weight), I can’t wait to lace up my shoes and enjoy the summer air.
So in all, shut up, and run.
Stay safe and successful folks!
Photos from the book are from Harper Collins: https://www.stislow.com/client/harpercollins/shut-up-and-run/
________________
Want more?
Read book, tv, and movie reviews here
Random and crypto related blog items here
