3 Tips for Rookie Runners From Rockstar Peloton Instructor Robin Arzon

Newbie runners have a marathon-length learning curve to contend with: There’s a cross-training schedule to be made, a glossary of pavement-pounding terminology to brush up on, and an inevitable first race looming to test their chops. But besides figuring out what the heck “fartlek” means, the most crucial thing to learn is how to “show up, unapologetically,” Robin Arzon, vice president and head instructor at Peloton just shared in an Instagram.

Arzon goes on to explain that her “sorry, not sorry” pavement-pounding mentality entails three rules: First, “Never apologize for being a new runner, or your speed, or your mileage. If you lace up and do the work, you’re a runner,” she advises. So if your imposter syndrome starts to kick in when you halt your jog for a quick breather, let Arzon’s words fuel you instead.

Her next tip goes out to anyone who decidedly hates running but powers through tempo runs anyway. The all-star treadmill coach says, “Trust the struggle. The grit you earn is the power you take into every area of your life.” And thus, resisting the urge to start your cooldown half a mile early could pay off in the boardroom, in your relationship, and pretty much everywhere.

“Trust the struggle. The grit you earn is the power you take into every area of your life.” —Robin Arzon, vice president and head instructor at Peloton

To wrap it all up, Arzon offers this sage piece of widsom: “Triumph requires hustle. You’re supposed to be uncomfortable. There are no shortcuts. Get to work.” So, whether you’re on mile one or three, a little tough (self-)love might be just what the running coach ordered. No one ever reaches a new PR without the sweat and smelly feet to prove it, after all.

If period pains are sidelining your mileage #goals, these tips will help you out. And if you’ve always wondered if running barefoot on the beach is a good idea, here’s your answer.