This week's runner is Robin Arzon. Robin, also known as RobinNYC, is a corporate lawyer turned fitness journalist and ultramarathoner. This May, she is running 5 marathons in 5 days - yup, you read that correctly! She's taking part in the MS Runs the US and raising money to stop MS. She writes about her running and street style on her blog. We love Robin's sense of style, her running determination and her sense of fun. Every mile counts and every mile is another moment to appreciate.
When did you start running and why?
I had been running recreationally for years during law school before I decided to run my first marathon in 2010 to raise money for the MS Society. Endurance racing and getting to know run crews around the world really deepened my love of the sport. It changed my life. So much so that spandex is business casual for me now after leaving law to pursue freelance writing, coaching, and fitness apparel design.
What is your favorite running route? Why?
The Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges dubbed "the Triple Bypass" by my friend Mike Saes. Any combo of the three bridges gets me hill work, Brooklyn flavor, and ridiculous views of Manhattan. I'm a downtown girl. I like to stumble upon new street art and explore the crevices of NYC.
Favorite post-run meal?
Lately, immediately after a run I've been drinking kombucha. I also love brunch food (eggs, toast, blood marys!) I'm pretty obsessed with hot sauce, so I pretty much eat food as a conduit for consuming sriracha.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
"Nobody ever won a training run." Jonathan Cane told me that when I was trying to learn pacing before my first marathon. It was a great reminder to trust the pacing and let out the speed on race day.
Are you running for fun or sport?
I run for life. Running for me has been at the intersection of a lot of worlds thanks to the amazing people I've trained with who come from outside of the traditional running community, so it's fun, sport, art, music, fashion, everything. Running keeps me hungry for challenges, endorphins, connections, and competition.
Who inspires you to run?
I run for my mom, who took up running and continues to astound me with her positivity and light. Growing up my mom, a refugee from Cuba, always told my sister and I that we come from resilient stock. I have a tattoo on my ribs that says “resilient stock” and with every personal best and every goal I set for myself with running, I tap into that well of confidence and bring it into other areas of my life.
Who would you love to run with and why?
I would have loved to run with Flo Jo. Her story, her swagger, her vibe. Even a photo of her inspires me to this day. She was unapologetically herself on and off the track. I have an affinity for Flo Jo like many do for Marilyn Monroe.
Favorite way to sweat other than run?
Spinning. I'm Soul Cycle obsessed and I have my Schwinn teaching certification. That's my favorite way to cross train. I've also been known to burn down a dance floor until sunrise.