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Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger
Ultramarathoner, running coach, VP/Head Instructor at Peloton and Founder of Swagger Society, Robin Arzón, teaches you to “shut up and run” in her inspirational and interactive fitness guide/journal—now with a brand-new introduction by the author. For Robin Arzón, running isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. With nearly 30 marathons and ultramarathons under her belt, running is Robin’s sacred obsession, it’s what connects her with the world outside her door, whether that’s pounding the pavement of big city streets or traversing trails through quiet woods and fields. Shut Up and Run is Robin’s love letter to the sport; written in her one-of-a-kind voice with big energy and style. It celebrates the excitement of running while offering tips, tricks, and visual motivation to help every runner cultivate miles of sweat, laughter, swagger, and friendship. A fitness manual, training program, and self-help guide in one, this gorgeous book—filled with anecdotes, stunning photography, and inspirational quotes—contains essential training tips for every level, Loaded with real-world advice and attitude, this practical guide—written by a runner for runners—will help you crush your next running goal in style.
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2024
827 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
July 12, 2016
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I bought this book because Robin Arzon is a fitness inspiration to me. This book is packed full of fitness motivation and tools to help you run better. The book also features several chapters where Robin shares what motivated her to run, and how beneficial it has been in her life. I can relate to Robin, more than other fitness guru's because she is an ex-corporate lawyer. While most people daydream about quitting their jobs and following their passion, Robin actually did it.
The content is wedged between great action shots of Robin running through New York. The content itself is to quirky and to the point. It ranges from training plans, suggested music playlists, and space to document your own running journey. Robin wants to stress how accessible running is for everyone. Reading the many hardships and set backs Robin had before becoming a ultra-marathoner, I was encouraged to keep making progress with my running.
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I am always happy to support women of color who have used their wide ranging gifts to succeed. I will continue to use this book as a resource, and source of motivation. I wanted some of the tips to be expanded on a bit more, but was still happy with what I learned. If you ever started a running training program or are looking to improve your fitness, this is a great place to start. I would recommend this book to anyone who is ready to run, and be inspired.
I bought this book because Robin Arzon is a fitness inspiration to me. This book is packed full of fitness motivation and tools to help you run better. The book also features several chapters where Robin shares what motivated her to run, and how beneficial it has been in her life. I can relate to Robin, more than other fitness guru's because she is an ex-corporate lawyer. While most people daydream about quitting their jobs and following their passion, Robin actually did it.
The content is wedged between great action shots of Robin running through New York. The content itself is to quirky and to the point. It ranges from training plans, suggested music playlists, and space to document your own running journey. Robin wants to stress how accessible running is for everyone. Reading the many hardships and set backs Robin had before becoming a ultra-marathoner, I was encouraged to keep making progress with my running.
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I am always happy to support women of color who have used their wide ranging gifts to succeed. I will continue to use this book as a resource, and source of motivation. I wanted some of the tips to be expanded on a bit more, but was still happy with what I learned. If you ever started a running training program or are looking to improve your fitness, this is a great place to start. I would recommend this book to anyone who is ready to run, and be inspired.
October 14, 2016
As an ultramarathoner, I was pretty stoked to receive this book as a pre-release giveaway. When it showed up, I was pleased with the quality of the book, paper, and the pictures inside. But, then I started reading and it was downhill from there. Arzon couldn't seem to decide whether she was writing for a brand-new runner, a middle distance runner, or an ultra runner, so her advice was all over the place. Also, complaining about how awful you did in a marathon that is loads faster than the average person runs is seriously annoying. I think she wanted this book to be an everything to everyone running bible, but unfortunately the book suffered from having no real direction or focus because of that.
I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads giveaways.
I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads giveaways.
November 29, 2016
Did this book include every bit of minutiae that seems to appear in every book about running? No. Did it inspire me to look at running as part of my lifestyle instead of just something I do to lose weight or stay fit? Absolutely. I loved Arzon's passion for running and passion for life, and her ability to keep it real. While not an exhaustive or encyclopedic work about running, there are plenty of those. There aren't a lot that inject color and flavor and fun into running, but this one definitely did.
August 25, 2019
Arzon is an inspiring figure with an impressive running pedigree and even more impressive style, attitude, and swagger. This book was fun to read. It’s hard to genuinely figure out how many stars to give this book because your opinion of it is going to be informed by your expectations. If you expect something deeply substantive then look elsewhere. If you want a quick jolt of motivation delivered with a side of pizazz, give this book a read. It’s a quick one.
April 24, 2019
My bible for running. Love Robin. She’s my hero!
September 21, 2021
This book has nice motivational photos/quotes and makes running seem accessible to most people, but it is really disorganized and poorly edited/fact-checked. If pretty pictures get you running, this might be the book for you! Some things were just a bit strange, like covering how to taper after covering how to race. Some things were wrong, like the definition of tactical breathing (completely missed a step) or saying that habits take 66 days to form (that is an average from one study, but the type of habit and all sorts of other factors impact that number including how "big" the habit you are trying to start is.) Other things were contradictory, like stating you should only add about 10% mileage a week as you build up your training, then having a training plans that consistently added much more than 10% a week (the couch to 5k plan suggests running 3.5 miles at the end of week #2, which is setting a lot of beginning runners up for failure.) Arzon seems like an inspiring woman, but this seemed more like a bunch of social media posts thrown together than a solid foundation for new runners or established runners trying something new like ultra running.
August 5, 2025
Paperback- Nothjng ground breaking, but I enjoyed hearing more of Robin’s story outside the world of Peloton. Motivated me for my first half marathon in 6 weeks!
March 13, 2019
Shut Up and Run is another one of the books I kept seeing on display at all bookstores in Germany, and having (mostly) committed to running daily since early winter, I decided to give it a read to see what insights or information I could glean from it. Or perhaps more honestly: what motivation it might impart. And maybe even more honestly: if she perhaps had a secret that would make lacing up daily an easier task.
She did not. Alas.
But overall it was a fun and quick read, although I think reading it in translation (in German) made it a bit less fun, since a lot of the language just didn't translate well, although I at least appreciate the fact that in several instances, they didn't even attempted to translate her mantras and sayings (like: Shut up and run) and so just left the English in there.
The shortcoming of the book is that it is unclear who her audience actually is. As someone who already runs, most of the book didn't feel relevant. A lot of time was spent discussing why to run, and how to find shoes, and the idea of needing to drink water and stretch after a run - i.e. the basics. But then some pages suddenly were geared towards running ultra-marathons, with no transition between the two: You bought shoes? Great! Want to run 100 miles? Great! Shut up and just do it!
....
Uhm. No, no thank you.
But what I did like was her insistence on needing to know why you run (a deeper purpose than just to be fit), journaling about your running, and setting SMART-goals. And in the end, just needing to keep the commitments you make to yourself about running, no matter what.
So overall, not exactly a deep book, or one that one would ever need to reference after reading, but I did like her overall tone, which is summed up well by what she has her morning alarm clock remind her to do each morning: WAKE UP AND DO EPIC SHIT. ... I'll try.
She did not. Alas.
But overall it was a fun and quick read, although I think reading it in translation (in German) made it a bit less fun, since a lot of the language just didn't translate well, although I at least appreciate the fact that in several instances, they didn't even attempted to translate her mantras and sayings (like: Shut up and run) and so just left the English in there.
The shortcoming of the book is that it is unclear who her audience actually is. As someone who already runs, most of the book didn't feel relevant. A lot of time was spent discussing why to run, and how to find shoes, and the idea of needing to drink water and stretch after a run - i.e. the basics. But then some pages suddenly were geared towards running ultra-marathons, with no transition between the two: You bought shoes? Great! Want to run 100 miles? Great! Shut up and just do it!
....
Uhm. No, no thank you.
But what I did like was her insistence on needing to know why you run (a deeper purpose than just to be fit), journaling about your running, and setting SMART-goals. And in the end, just needing to keep the commitments you make to yourself about running, no matter what.
So overall, not exactly a deep book, or one that one would ever need to reference after reading, but I did like her overall tone, which is summed up well by what she has her morning alarm clock remind her to do each morning: WAKE UP AND DO EPIC SHIT. ... I'll try.
March 16, 2025
While very motivating, it contained quite a lot of language and other less than holy content. So, three stars because I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. If I rated it purely on the motivation it brought me, I would give it five stars.
January 17, 2018
I wasn't really a fan of this book- while I love taking Robin Arzon's Peloton classes and following her social media, her motivational/inspirational messaging doesn't translate very well onto the page. It might be worth reading for someone who really has never done a run in their life, but for anyone with a little running under their belt, this book felt a little redundant and not all that inspirational. There are a few okay tips in here, but nothing extraordinary- it felt more like a vision board of running in New York City turned into a book.
Gratuitous photos of Robin in running gear and repetitive tips abound, with a total of maybe 3 or 4 stories tucked in between the advice column content. In summary- eh.
Gratuitous photos of Robin in running gear and repetitive tips abound, with a total of maybe 3 or 4 stories tucked in between the advice column content. In summary- eh.
January 19, 2023
I now know how to run with swagger. some helpful tips and mantras but swagger is key - yolo
December 22, 2024
Great audiobook read by the author. Great tips from an inspirational person!
August 27, 2025
Love you Robin! Peloton Robin got me in shape from my postpartum and quarantine days. She’s always motivated me and this book has great info to get me running again. Highly recommend. 😄
May 11, 2021
4.5* Robin Arzon is one of my favourite Peloton instructors -- she's authentic, fun, engaging, swaggerific, and knows something about overcoming significant trauma (like holy SHIT, you guys). The book isn't an exhaustive manual on running technique, nor do I think it claims to be -- it's like sitting down with a really fun friend who knows a thing or two about running, and wants to share that enthusiasm with you. A super fun read that makes you want to get off your ass and crush some kms :)
May 17, 2025
If you love Robin Arzon, you’ll probably love this book (as evidenced by all the 4 and 5 star reviews). If you’re looking for running inspiration, you’ll probably like this book. If you’re looking for a useful resource with running and training trips, you should probably look elsewhere.
This book reads like a series of Instagram or blog posts. It doesn’t know what it wants to be or who for. There’s tips for beginners just getting into running and tips for ultra runners. Neither really seems adequate. The presentation is haphazard and out of order. Some examples:
Tips for race day include getting the right shoes for your race (what works for a 5k doesn’t work for a marathon)
She talks about how to taper after how to prep for race day and after post-race recovery. Same with fueling, which is at the end.
There is also a decent amount of contradiction. Increase your mileage no more than 10% per week to avoid injury. Taper 20% per week the last few weeks of your training plan before your race. Only run 3-4 times at an easy pace the week of your race… but her training plans? Don’t necessarily include these guidelines.
There are definitely different ways to train and obviously, this is just one person’s advice. But half marathon plan (“suitable for anyone who can run 45 minutes or 4 miles without stopping”) has significantly more runs at higher mileage than the Runner’s World training plan I’ve used for all of my half marathons. The first week starts off with 4 runs and 17 miles and just keeps increasing from there.
Anyway, this wasn’t for me and I didn’t get much out of it.
This book reads like a series of Instagram or blog posts. It doesn’t know what it wants to be or who for. There’s tips for beginners just getting into running and tips for ultra runners. Neither really seems adequate. The presentation is haphazard and out of order. Some examples:
Tips for race day include getting the right shoes for your race (what works for a 5k doesn’t work for a marathon)
She talks about how to taper after how to prep for race day and after post-race recovery. Same with fueling, which is at the end.
There is also a decent amount of contradiction. Increase your mileage no more than 10% per week to avoid injury. Taper 20% per week the last few weeks of your training plan before your race. Only run 3-4 times at an easy pace the week of your race… but her training plans? Don’t necessarily include these guidelines.
There are definitely different ways to train and obviously, this is just one person’s advice. But half marathon plan (“suitable for anyone who can run 45 minutes or 4 miles without stopping”) has significantly more runs at higher mileage than the Runner’s World training plan I’ve used for all of my half marathons. The first week starts off with 4 runs and 17 miles and just keeps increasing from there.
Anyway, this wasn’t for me and I didn’t get much out of it.
November 16, 2020
I was interested in reading this book since I became a Peloton user and discovered Robin Arzon. She was one of the first instructors I rode with... shortly after my daughter’s diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. It would be in my second class with Robin, that I would notice an Omnipod attached to her arm, a device that delivers insulin. It was like meeting a new friend... this woman who is strong as hell, a badass Peloton instructor and confidence boosting is a Type 1 Diabetic. She made me see that you can “do epic shit” even with Type 1 Diabetes. So when I heard about her book, I wanted to find out more. Selfishly, I wanted to hear her story - how she dealt with T1, when was she diagnosed... though this book contained bits of that information, it was more of an instructional running book... which I actually didn’t mind since I have been a runner most of my life. Her knowledge is vast and she gives many extremely helpful tips and pointers. I enjoyed this book and found it interesting, but, if you aren’t a runner and looking for specific information on training and racing, this might not be the book for you.
March 6, 2022
I LOVE ROBIN! I have always loved running but doing Peloton runs with Robin as my coach has been such a positive experience for me! When I found out she had written a book I knew I needed to read it! The book is a work of art. It’s full of her positive vibe. Great quotes, artwork and photographs. She tells her story of how she got into running. I loved the lists she includes of music/ books she loves. This is a fun book to read especially if you love Robin as much a I do!
September 18, 2020
Let’s be honest, Robin is my hero and can do no wrong. I’m no grammar snob but like, this book had many misspellings and other things that were clearly missed in editing which threw me off.
Ok but the content itself was great. As I am finishing my second season of running I continue to be inspired by other runners’ stories. Robin is tough as hell and I’d love to be half as cool as her someday!
Ok but the content itself was great. As I am finishing my second season of running I continue to be inspired by other runners’ stories. Robin is tough as hell and I’d love to be half as cool as her someday!
August 4, 2016
Super motivating and am currently running 5for31 as a result.
February 1, 2017
Might be ok for novice runners
March 14, 2017
Loved it!! And enjoyed listening to her interview with Rich Roll on his podcast, too!
June 15, 2022
I love Robin. This only made me love her more. Not a lot of new content in terms of running advice, but I really liked all the other personal touches.
August 25, 2018
Robin is my favorite trainer on the Peloton app when I want to take a spin class! She is fiery and unlike any other fitness professional I've encountered. Wholly original, her mantras and motivations would possibly sound ridiculous uttered from any other person, but are authentically her sentiments. You will believe her. Take one of her classes and get back to me! If I select her rides, I'm guaranteed to be challenged and entertained- usually with amazing playlists (my favorites are her 90's hip hop and live DJ rides).
I'm not a beginning runner, but always looking for tips to get out of my head and push for distance. This book provides training checklists, her tips on everything from visualization, diet, shoes, attire, helpful resources, "superhero tool kits", and getting past problematic social situations pertaining to fitness.
I would recommend this to any runner, even though it is one of oodles of books saturating the running market. Arzon's personal story is simply incredible- from overworked lawyer to head instructor at Peloton, global brand ambassador for Adidas, Ultra Marathoner, Co-Founder of Fitness movement Undo Ordinary and print publication Undo Magazine, and other crazy feats that have slipped my mind. She has had her share of setbacks with a near-death moment detailed at the beginning of the book, Type 1 Diabetes, and her mom's M.S. She is proof that you can follow your passion and be a positive influencer.
I'm not a beginning runner, but always looking for tips to get out of my head and push for distance. This book provides training checklists, her tips on everything from visualization, diet, shoes, attire, helpful resources, "superhero tool kits", and getting past problematic social situations pertaining to fitness.
I would recommend this to any runner, even though it is one of oodles of books saturating the running market. Arzon's personal story is simply incredible- from overworked lawyer to head instructor at Peloton, global brand ambassador for Adidas, Ultra Marathoner, Co-Founder of Fitness movement Undo Ordinary and print publication Undo Magazine, and other crazy feats that have slipped my mind. She has had her share of setbacks with a near-death moment detailed at the beginning of the book, Type 1 Diabetes, and her mom's M.S. She is proof that you can follow your passion and be a positive influencer.
February 18, 2021
— SWEAT WITH SWAGGER —
FIERCE. EMPOWERING. GET YOUR ASS IN GEAR.
Robin Arzón is a powerhouse. Shut Up and Run is a quick and easy read leaving you wanting to lace up your 👟 and get out there. Robin shares her journey of how she ran her first mile ever in her twenties as a coping mechanism from a near death experience. Motivation, inspiration and tough 💕 is nothing shy of this read. This book encompasses the highs and lows of running and how to overcome them to not only better yourself but those around you. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a beginner or even contemplating the idea of lacing up, this is for you. Get out there, and as Robin would say “Sweat with Swagger”.
My friend got me this book for 🎄. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I’ve been into running here and there (nothing super serious) but I loved the sense of inclusion Robin portrayed throughout this book. Whether you are an ultra-marathoner or a beginner runner she was speaking to you at your level. She highlighted the do’s and dont’s of 🏃🏼♀️ and even included her own mistakes and flaws to show that she is not a perfect athlete either. Throughout this book there are tips and tricks and even training plans that I will be sure to try in the future. Now excuse me as I go sweat with swagger during my next workout 🏋🏼♀️💪🏼
FIERCE. EMPOWERING. GET YOUR ASS IN GEAR.
Robin Arzón is a powerhouse. Shut Up and Run is a quick and easy read leaving you wanting to lace up your 👟 and get out there. Robin shares her journey of how she ran her first mile ever in her twenties as a coping mechanism from a near death experience. Motivation, inspiration and tough 💕 is nothing shy of this read. This book encompasses the highs and lows of running and how to overcome them to not only better yourself but those around you. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a beginner or even contemplating the idea of lacing up, this is for you. Get out there, and as Robin would say “Sweat with Swagger”.
My friend got me this book for 🎄. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I’ve been into running here and there (nothing super serious) but I loved the sense of inclusion Robin portrayed throughout this book. Whether you are an ultra-marathoner or a beginner runner she was speaking to you at your level. She highlighted the do’s and dont’s of 🏃🏼♀️ and even included her own mistakes and flaws to show that she is not a perfect athlete either. Throughout this book there are tips and tricks and even training plans that I will be sure to try in the future. Now excuse me as I go sweat with swagger during my next workout 🏋🏼♀️💪🏼
March 2, 2023
Ich fand die Autorin einfach so unsymphatisch, dass sich nun alles in mir dagegen sträubt wieder mit dem Laufen anzufangen - genau das Gegenteil von dem was sie erreichen wollte 😄 Das Buch ist bestimmt nicht schlecht, aber es waren mir dann einfach zu viele stumpfe Motivationsreden und Plattheiten auf einmal: "Quäl dich jetzt, glänze später." Furchtbar. Anstatt hilfreicher Tipps für Laufanfänger geht es die Hälfte des Buchs um Ultraläufe, die sowieso kaum jemand schafft, schon gar nicht ein Anfänger. Aber ich werde ihren Rat befolgen, dass man zum Laufen eigentlich nur gute Schuhe braucht... und garantiert nicht dieses Buch.
January 11, 2022
Robin is one of my favorite Peloton instructors - I love her story and constant empowering messages. This book is beautifully designed, and has a lot of great information for beginner runners. As a long time, although not high level runner, I found myself flipping past many pages, not finding the inspiration I was looking for to keep pushing myself. I also thought it was odd to include marathon and ultra-marathon training programs, because I feel like runners at that level would already know 95% of the info in this book.
September 27, 2024
2.5/5. I love Robin and she’s very motivational, but all of the sayings and mantras are super cheesy in a book. I also felt like the majority of this book is for people who haven’t ever run and are trying to get into it. There were some useful tips more towards the end of the book for things I don’t have as much experience with, like around visualization and mentally prepping for a race.
July 5, 2025
I’ve been running consistently for just over a year after 1 (ok, more like 2) decades away. This book is fun and lively! Robin has an amazing life and energy! Her tips and training plans will work for everyone and her energy is contagious! Great read!
January 5, 2023
Fun, inspirational book for people just getting started running. A quick read, but pretty fluffy. Lots of pictures and quotes. Not really for me, but it may be exactly what some are looking for. I wanted more substance...
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September 6, 2023
Robin is the epitome of empowerment and inspiration. I started training with her on Peloton in 2020 and appreciate the practical advice and tips she provides in this book to get started, root in your power, and become unstoppable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews