Woman Runs 61-Mile Marathon And Shares Special Message Of Inclusivity

Summary

In this inspiring episode, Mirna Velasco, a runner who has completed 10 marathons and 14 ultra marathons, shares her journey from a health scare to becoming an Adventurer of the Year. Despite not fitting the typical runner stereotype, she encourages others to start where they are and embrace their bodies. The episode features a heartwarming moment where Mirna meets Monica, a woman inspired by her story, and encourages her to take on a marathon. The message is clear: with dedication, anyone can push past their limits and achieve greatness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mirna Velerio is a trailblazing runner who has completed 10 marathons and 14 ultra marathons, including a 61-mile race that took over 25 hours.
• 😀 She is a sponsored athlete, bestselling author, and was named National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year in 2024.
• 😀 Mirna’s story challenges traditional stereotypes about runners, as she doesn’t fit the ‘thin, chiseled’ mold typically associated with the sport.
• 😀 Her passion for running started in high school, driven by a desire to improve in other sports, and later became a journey of self-discovery.
• 😀 After a health scare in 2008, Mirna transformed her lifestyle and turned to running to improve her health, starting with walking on a treadmill.
• 😀 Mirna’s journey from running a mile to completing marathons and ultra marathons was a process of mental and physical growth.
• 😀 The guest host and audience share a lighthearted, humorous moment when discussing how few of them have run marathons, with the host admitting to once quitting a 5K.
• 😀 A key message in the conversation is that everyone starts somewhere in their fitness journey, and comparing yourself to others is counterproductive.
• 😀 Mirna emphasizes the importance of appreciating and being thankful for your body, regardless of size or shape, as it enables you to achieve physical feats.
• 😀 The conversation highlights how Mirna inspires others, particularly women, to pursue their goals despite doubts or societal pressures, especially around body image.
• 😀 A woman named Monica, who has doubts about running a marathon due to her size, finds inspiration in Mirna’s story and receives an invitation to train for the LA Marathon with her.

Q & A

What made Mirna Velerio start running?

Mirna started running in high school to improve her performance in other sports. After experiencing a health scare in 2008, where she thought she was having a heart attack, she decided to change her lifestyle. She got back on her treadmill, and her journey eventually led her to marathons and ultra marathons.

How did Mirna respond to the stereotype about runners?

Mirna embraces the fact that she doesn't fit the stereotypical image of a runner. She’s not thin or chiseled, except for her legs, but she confidently owns her body and defies the conventional expectations people have of runners.

What was the turning point for Mirna's health and fitness journey?

The turning point came after a health scare in 2008, when Mirna felt she might be having a heart attack. A cardiologist advised her to change her lifestyle if she wanted to live to see her son grow up. This message pushed her to start exercising again.

What advice does Mirna give to women who are inspired by her but hesitant to start running?

Mirna encourages women to start where they are, emphasizing that everyone begins their journey at a different place. She advises not to compare yourself to others or your former self, and to simply take one step at a time while being thankful for the body that allows you to run.

What is the significance of Kyle's message about Mirna?

Kyle, an ultra-runner, shared how Mirna inspires him and others by being true to herself. He highlighted how Mirna's unique identity—being a mother, a plus-size athlete, and a black woman—challenges the stereotypes in running and demonstrates that the things that make us unique are superpowers, not flaws.

What role does mental strength play in running marathons, according to Mirna?

Mirna believes that mental strength is crucial in running marathons. It’s not just about physical capability but also about mental resilience. She describes running as a journey of discovering one’s grit and mindset, and stresses that perseverance is key.

Why does Mirna mention that the body’s capability is a gift?

Mirna emphasizes that we should be thankful for the body we have, as it enables us to do amazing things like running marathons. She believes that acknowledging and appreciating our bodies is fundamental to developing a positive mindset in sports and life.

What was Monica’s main concern about running a marathon?

Monica expressed concerns about her body, especially her short legs, and how they might limit her ability to run a full marathon. She also mentioned her background of always being overweight and the pressure to be thinner, which has influenced her self-perception.

How did Mirna encourage Monica to pursue her marathon goal?

Mirna assured Monica that if she could run a 5K, she could progress to a 10K, half marathon, and eventually a full marathon. She emphasized the importance of proper training and reassured Monica of her strength, beauty, and capability to complete a marathon.

What marathon challenge did Mirna offer Monica?

Mirna invited Monica to run the LA Marathon on March 8th, alongside herself and Kyle. The date gave Monica ample time for preparation, and Mirna expressed confidence in Monica's ability to complete the race.