I will forever feel emotionally connected to jogging along the West Side Highway in New York City. My running career It all began during my college days. Each morning, I would start jogging from Washington Square Park right down to the waterfront to release the typical anxieties related to finding my calling, choosing a career direction, and figuring out my identity (you know, just the usual concerns). However, like numerous athletes understand, running serves as an excellent method for self-discovery.
Peloton instructor Kirsten Ferguson I concur; she found her purpose in inspiring others through running, which has encouraged me to express myself by writing. Having the chance to participate in a 20-minute individual run with her along the West Side Highway seemed like a beautifully synchronized moment completing a circle. During our run, we also had an open discussion about recuperation, avoiding injuries, and, more significantly, nurturing connections and interests that energize us. Ferguson, who is 40 years old, is a mother to two daughters. RRCA - certified running coach, who has recently finished her initial TCS New York City Marathon It’s difficult to imagine that when Peloton contacted her to become part of their team during the pandemic, she hadn’t been a runner before—she had actually worked as a cycling instructor at a gym in New Jersey. She recalls thinking, “Well, I guess I have to start running.” After two years with Peloton, she reflected, “Now, I’d say I’m definitely a runner.”
While running from Chelsea Piers to Peloton Studios — which Ferguson calls "the mecca" — she offered countless relatable and inspiring insights. I couldn’t help but share everything because of how much the discussion resonated with me and motivated me further. It reaffirmed my reasons for working out with her. Peloton instructors In my ear to steer me. Below are some of my cherished insights.
Even Experts Struggle With Staying Hydrated
I believed I was the only one in this situation, but Ferguson confesses this to me quite early during our journey: she dislikes drinking water *lifts her hand in agreement*. Her solution? She gets her energy from different sources. DripDrop , a hydration powder That contains triple the amount of electrolytes and only half the sugar compared to popular sports drinks available today. As a brand ambassador, she has sampled every flavor—many of which come in a zero-sugar version—and her top picks include watermelon, peach, and passionfruit. I have also tasted these beverages and can confirm their excellent taste and quick effectiveness in combating dehydration, helping to avoid injuries as well.
I might attribute it to having a great day or because I've maintained my strength and mobility workouts, but I believe it was our chat with Ferguson that helped me breeze through those 20 minutes effortlessly.
Injury Compels You to Reflect Internally
Another very real aspect of running: it's simple to incur injuries if you neglect your physical well-being. Ferguson eases up on me, aware that I am still in the process of recovery. patellar tendinitis In my right knee, she understands the pain. The Peloton instructor often discusses during her running sessions how she had arthroscopic surgery in 2023 to fix a torn labrum in her hip. This injury occurred following her first 10-mile outdoor run. Ferguson remembers reaching out to another Peloton instructor and close friend. Jess Sims When things just seemed off, despite trying physical therapy and getting a cortisone injection to alleviate her discomfort, surgery became inevitable, leading her into an extended period of rehabilitation. The revelation that she wouldn’t be able to run for half a year resonated deeply within her, evoking the familiar pang in her gut. “Being a solo parent and this being my livelihood—fear gripped me,” she shares her initial concerns. However, Peloton provided her with the necessary downtime and environment to heal, teaching her to have faith in the journey. She vowed to herself saying, ‘Never again would I push myself so hard,’ emphasizing her newfound reliance on following through with the medical strategy... Even though she felt prepared and confident, her physician advised against rushing back: ‘Not quite yet.’”
Now Ferguson prioritizes strength training , weekly massages, and incorporates her gait analysis findings, which revealed how she was making contact with the ground and guided her toward correct form. running shoes . She completed the United Airlines NYC Half In March, and this achievement serves as a reminder that our bodies are essentially made To recover from their ailments. She creates her distinctive Intention Setting Walks for the Peloton platform, recommending this low-intensity exercise routine as something you should attempt. 'I share positive declarations; these have been therapeutic for both myself and numerous participants. While you are active physically, you’re also pushing your mental boundaries,' she explains about the session. 'It’s an excellent method to integrate physical activity into your regimen.'
Staying Fit Is an Ongoing Path - It Becomes Simpler When Done Alongside Supportive People
As we approach The Mecca, I point out to Ferguson that I can sense the authenticity of her friendship with Sims based on how they discuss one another in their individual classes. She has mentioned her numerous times during our journey. "She’s like a sister to me,” Ferguson shares with me. “When I first began, she guided me, and even now, she remains my pillar.” She continues, "Finding those individuals who support you within this realm is crucial—you have someone dependable whom you can rely upon and seek guidance from. For sure, she embodies all these qualities for me."
That’s when I notice my knee hasn’t caused any discomfort, which feels like quite an achievement in my personal rehabilitation process. While I might attribute this success to having a great day or sticking to my strength and flexibility routines, something tells me it was actually our talk with Ferguson that helped me breeze through those 20 minutes effortlessly. This highlights how powerful a positive experience can be during exercise—especially if you’re sharing your thoughts openly regarding your fitness challenges, connections, and feelings (though remember, being honest with yourself counts too). In such cases, you likely won’t even register much soreness.
Fake Boss Blues Affect All
As we reach the conclusion of our run, Ferguson reminisces about her first 20-mile training session for the NYC Marathon. It concluded at Peloton Studios where Becs Gentry was cheering her on. "When I first joined Peloton, I experienced significant impostor syndrome because I am" not "Becs Gentry," she remarks, and we both concur that the individual who ran the marathon in 2:32:01 is impressive. Great World Race The finisher takes it up a notch. "However, I realize I'm not destined to be her; I'm supposed to be myself."
I chuckle at the thought of how just an hour earlier, I was worried about being mortifiedly starstruck when meeting Ferguson. However, the encounter turned out feeling more akin to exercising alongside a buddy, which likely explains why Peloton chose Ferguson for their team—despite her not having been much of a runner... until now.
Sarah Wasilak (She/Her) serves as the Associate Director of Shopping at . Possessing extensive experience within the commerce sector and a strong focus on SEO, along with ten years spent editing for the same organization, she finds joy in crafting content related to lifestyle and health & fitness topics. Her writings have been featured in platforms such as InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit. Throughout her career, she remains dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in every project she undertakes.