Spartan Up! Podcast: Busting Stereotypes and Running Ultras With 'The Mirnavator'

What does an Ultra runner look like? There's not one prototype, and that's the beauty of it. Mirna Valerio, aka “The Mirnavator,” is busting expectations and stereotypes, and she’s on a mission to make trail running, fitness, and the outdoors accessible to all. On the latest episode of the Spartan Up! podcast, she spoke to Spartan founder and CEO Joe De Sena about some of the challenges and rewards of being an unconventional runner. “I feel my most human out on the trails,” she says. She also shares her six key tips to getting the most out of trail running.

“I’m not out here to win sh*t," she says. "I’m out here to be on trails and show people that if you have a body like mine, you can be on trails, too!” Nature, fitness, Spartan races, and trail running are for everyone.

YOUR NEXT TRAIL RACE: Fayetteville Trail 50K, Half Marathon and 10K

Have you thought about what you can do to help us on our mission to rip 100 million people off the couch? Are you welcoming new and different athletes to our sport? Forget the excuses: Don’t be afraid to fail and just get out there — and inspire others to join you!

Listen to the podcast in its entirety below.