We're natural born creators and cultivators, which means we're always on the move. Doing what we love, doing what we need to get to that next step, and doing what we can to help others.
That's why when Sara Haile, creator of People Who Do reached out to collaborate on a series celebrating those "who do," we were totally game. We continue the series with lawyer-turned-athlete and co-founder of Undo Ordinary magazine, Robin Arzon. Get to know the powerhouse below. —PC
People Who Do: Robin Arzon
by Sara Haile
Name, username, craft(s): Robin Arzon
Street athlete, former lawyer turned ambassador of sweat, Head instructor at Peloton, Co-founder of UNDOORDINARY.
To date, what accomplishments (of any kind) are you most proud of?
There are honestly so many and I’m really proud to say that. I was a corporate lawyer for seven years, I just trekked through the Serengeti with nothing but a machete, I survived being held hostage, I run over 100 miles a week. I mean, if we’re not doing things to make us proud I think we have an obligation to re-create ourselves. Thankfully my list continues to grow.
Your motivating mantra to get through tough moments:
That’s a good question. The mantra I use most regularly is “I am.” I use that a lot when I’m running.
What’s your favorite thing you’ve learned so far this year?
Probably that survival is really an innate instinct and that we’re always capable of a little bit more.
What’s your favorite lesson you’ve ever learned, ever?
To take ownership of your scars. I think taking ownership of our flaws and things that have maybe dinged us throughout the way is a better approach.
What's your go-to song to put you in a better mood?
Hip-hop is my thing. If I had to pick one album it would be Wu Tang Clan's "36 Chambers," and as for an artist and song, Beyoncé's “Upgrade You.”
Favorite method for logging any kind of inspiration:
My social media platforms, mostly Instagram.
You lead such amazingly creative and forward-thinking projects that have a great following within the digital space. What’s the biggest thrill that you get from them?
The biggest thrill I get from leading a public life as an athlete is seeing the look in other people when they realize that they can do it too. I find that there’s something really powerful about the community of athletes who have arisen in the past five years, which is based on regular people doing extraordinary things. I see that all the time in my riders and runners and people who train with me, and the biggest thrill of leading that life publicly is watching people individually grasp that narrative too. I respect people who put inspiration into action because I otherwise don’t really see the point of any of these kind of hash-taggy social media things. If you’re not bringing it into your own life and doing something to tell your own story, then that’s a real shame…
"put inspiration into action."
What is one thing that is so satisfying in your career that you wouldn't be able to do if you had chosen another career path?
I was a lawyer for a long time and I’m certain that I wouldn’t be able to push and pull my own body weight like I do now if I hadn’t chosen to become an athlete. That’s different from being physically fit and more about owning your space in the world.
Three words that you want to be remembered by:
Do epic shit.
What’s the next goal?
I'm writing my book right now which will be published next summer, and I’m really excited about my documentary, Run It Out. My next goal as an athlete is to do my first triathlon, and then I plan on running across the whole country soon.
By "do-ing", you create your own unique legacy. What do you want that to be?
I would hope that my legacy is seen through the lens of strength. I think that I am someone who believes in writing really powerful stories with how we move and act and think, and I hope my legacy is one that inspires people to do that in their own life.
See more (and more of Robin) at People Who Do. And stayed tuned for more from PWD on C+C in the coming weeks.
Freelance photographer Sara Haile has always seen the importance of pursuing creative ideas of any kind. She created People Who Do to highlight the importance of balancing creativity with motion, and to show a deep appreciation for the motivation it takes to show up and excel at your craft.
