Mirna Valerio: Shattering Stereotypes, Redefining Running & Confronting Racism in The Outdoors

Aug 3, 2020

Mirna Valerio, a trailblazing endurance athlete and diversity educator, challenges typical stereotypes of runners with her incredible story. She discusses the journey of embracing body inclusivity in sports, tackling everyday racism in the outdoors, and the importance of self-reflection in fighting biases. Mirna also shares her transition from educator to professional athlete, highlighting her aspirations despite setbacks like injuries. Her mission centers around empowering all individuals to own their identities and create meaningful change in the athletic community.

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ANECDOTE

Facing Bias on the Trail

Mirna Valerio recounts an experience on a group hike where the leader singled her out, questioning her preparedness.
Despite being properly equipped, the leader's questions suggested a biased assumption based on Mirna's appearance.

INSIGHT

History and Land Ownership

The history of national parks, involving land stolen from Native Americans, contributes to the perception of outdoor spaces as white spaces.
Land ownership in the US being predominantly white reinforces this perception.

ANECDOTE

Suspicion While Running

Mirna, while running in her neighborhood, was observed and seemingly reported by a woman in an SUV.
Shortly after, two police cars stopped to check on Mirna, highlighting the suspicion she faced.

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When you hear the words “professional runner” what image pops into your head?

Most likely it's some version of a skinny white male in tiny shorts.

Let’s just say Mirna Valerio is here to smash that stereotype — and completely redefine what it means to be an accomplished endurance athlete.

She's not White. She's not a dude. And she isn't skinny.

She is a total badass of her own design.

Back for a long-awaited sequel to RRP #340, Mirna is back to drop truth bombs left and right on all things body inclusion, identity, and diversity in the outdoors.

For those new to Mirna, aka the force of nature affectionately known as The Mirnavator, she is one of the most inspirational athletes I have ever met — a true ambassador of sport on a mission to empower humans of all shapes, sizes, colors and genders to proudly embrace their bodies, expand their horizons, and own their personal truth.

Today’s conversation picks up where we last left off, spanning her evolution into a full-time sponsored running professional to her work as as a diversity and inclusion educator.

We talk about identity, and the way in which we see ourselves as the lens through which we interpret the world.

We discuss the difference between body inclusion versus body positivity and acceptance.

We talk about everyday racism in the outdoor world and industry--and the work required to assess and overcome our own internalized unconscious beliefs.

And it's about defining your values and embodying them in your actions--day in and day out.

Mirna’s joyful self-acceptance is both real and rare. It’s authentic and bold. And it's as infectious as it is inclusive. She is totally unapologetic, far from sheepish, and 100% herself.

The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

I must confess: after almost 130 days in relative quarantine, melancholy has crept up on me. But there is something about Mirna’s gleeful demeanor that cheered me up.

I think she will cheer you up as well. Enjoy!

Peace + Plants,

Rich