Meet Mirna Valerio, ultra-marathon runner, former educator, cross-country coach, speaker, and author of the memoir, A Beautiful Work in Progress. Named National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year in 2018, Mirna Valerio is challenging the stereotype of what ‘fit’ looks like and reminds all of us to see our bodies as incredible – just the way they are.

HOST: Kelly Lewis | @gokellylewis

GUEST: Mirna Valero | @themirnavator

For more inspiring stories of women around the globe, check out the book Tell Her She Can’t

https://tellhershecant.com/

SHOW NOTES:

(01:08) I was a girl whose family often toggled the working class and poverty line and came to love camping and the great outdoors. As an adult, Mirna became an educator. Hear how a health scare reignited her love for physical activity and how she learned to put herself first.

(05:26) Mirna discusses the importance of goals when commiting to a lifestyle centered on health and wellness.

(08:21) In 2014 Mirna wrote a blog post that gained unexpected tracition, resulting in an interview from the New York Times and a 12-page profile in Runner’s World. It was in these pivotal moments Mirna had to make a choice between going all in on working for herself, or keeping her job as an educator.

(12:57) Mirna addresses the stereotypes often associated with the idea of fitness and how her existence challenges the misconceptions of who society deems “fit.” She remarks that fit is not synonymous with chiseled and how the language surrounding health and the fitness industry needs to change. She drives home the message that no matter who you are, or what you look like, your body is incredible and capable of amazing things.

Podcast Producer: Elise Fitzsimmons | [email protected]