Mirna Valerio has made it her life’s purpose to live and experience the fullness of humanity each day. She is a Brooklyn native with many talents. Her recognition as a runner has grown after a viral post from her blog, FatGirlRunning. Since then, she has appeared in various publications and was chosen as 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.
We discuss how she started running, her growth as a running, writing, singing and advocating for kindness. This is a great episode that will motivate you to keep pursuing your deepest passions.
Publishing her memoir, A Beautiful Work In Progress
Singing, performing arts and joining The Juilliard School
Guest Bio
Mirna Valerio is a native of Brooklyn, NY, a former educator, cross-country coach, ultrarunner, obstacle course enthusiast, and author of the recently published memoir, A Beautiful Work in Progress. Although she began running in high school, she recommitted to the sport after a health scare in 2008. It was then that her love for running and all its attendant benefits were reignited. She soon started her blog Fatgirlrunning, about her experiences as a larger woman. Mirna’s athletic story was featured in the Wall Street Journey, Runner’s World, NBC Nightly News, CNN, CW Network, and in the viral REI-produced documentary short, The Mirnavator. Her writing has been featured in Women’s Running Magazine, Self Magazine Online, Outside Online, and Runner’s World Magazine. Most recently, she was chosen as a 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.
Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness👉🏾here. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form
If you run, you’re a runner. One of the favorite mantras shared by this week’s guest.
India Cook started running to lose weight in 2008 and running has become so much to her since she started her journey. Since her beginning she has identified and addressed gaps in visibility and representation for women of color.
She coaches independently and also coaches with a non-profit organization, Active Resolute Connected (ARC) . Through content creation, she inspires and empowers runners on her YouTube channel and her podcast.
We discuss how she started running, her growth and various opportunities that have been presented to her. This episode with India will motivate you whatever your running goals are for the new year.
Episode Highlights:
How India started running
Her background as a cheerleader
Her favorite marathon
How she got into coaching
What running has taught her
The focus behind her YouTube channel and podcast
What’s on her running bucket list
Guest Bio
Meet Coach India
Hello! I am India Cook, an avid Atlanta based runner, YouTube vlogger, podcast host, and RRCA certified run coach. I have a love for running and racing, but I also have a passion for encouraging and guiding runners and those who aspire to become runners. I coach independently and I am also a run coach with a non-profit organization A.R.C., Active Resolute Connected. This organization empowers women through running and helps to break mental and physical barriers. A.R.C. aligns with my belief that if you run, you are a runner.
My running journey started in 2008 on the quest to lose weight and also engage in a healthy social activity. Since 2008 I have completed distances from 5K to marathons. Throughout my running journey, I observed that there were limited running resources created by women of color to help individuals get into running or resources for those already engaged in the sport. Therefore, I developed a vlog “Miles From India” on YouTube. The vlog’s purpose is to educate, inspire, and motivate runners. Viewers can find tips and how-to videos that aid in helping runners navigate running effectively. Within the running community I also find it important to ensure diverse running experiences and stories are highlighted. In 2018, I became a podcast host of, The Run Duo Podcast, with my co-host, Tommy Mitchell. On our bi-weekly podcast we talk about all things running as we educate and entertain our listeners and also interview casual to elite runners.
With a focus on helping ladies run confidently in any phase of their run journey, my background in mental health not only allows me to have a positive and healthy relationship with running, but it also enables me to help athletes build a similar relationship as well. I find it essential to make the sport of running less intimidating and relatable for all levels. I will continue to use my training, experience and voice to guide others in the community of running through coaching. I take the approach that everyone’s journey is unique, and we should celebrate every step, stride and mile. I believe that running not only boosts physical health, but it also rejuvenates your mind and fuels confidence.
Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness👉🏾here. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form
Welcome to Season 4 of Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy Podcast. Happy New Year, I pray you all have a blessed and prosperous year. Let’s dive into the benefits of staying focused this new year. I have found that with goal setting, less is more.
The problem we can face each January is creating plans that we are not ready for. Whatever goal you set it is not going to magically happen because it’s January of a new year. I’m going to share with you some of the things that I will be working on in 2022.
Take a listen. I pray that this will motivate you no matter what your goals or aspirations are.
Episode Highlights:
My goals related to fitness, health, and racing
How I plan to stay consistent with reaching these goals
How I start each new year
How to not be overwhelmed and burn out in regards to reaching your goals.
Why consistency is the key
Why it helps to have tribe in regards to goal setting
Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness👉🏾here. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form.
Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness👉🏾here. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form
Dominique King discovered healing through therapy, and running was a vital part of it. Dominque’s goal is to reach people like her that are looking for a platform that deals with everyday issues of running, marriage and family. Through her platform “Lean In With The King” she shares experiences, advice while offering support.
Her mantra is, ‘I live everything that I do with with two things, find your dirt and connect and more importantly be well; you are worthy.’
Episode Highlights:
Why Dominique started running with a healthier mindset
Road running versus trail running
Dealing with harassment while road running as a woman
How to keep safe while trail running and recommendations
The best way to use your taser while running, especially for women
Her scariest experiences while trail running
How running with her husband has changed their relationship.
Guest Bio
Dominique has always been a runner. Running has intertwined itself in her life at various stages. Growing up she used running as a way to escape her home environment. She used to run and walk between towns trying to make sense of why things shook out the way they did for me. In her older years running was her way of maintaining an unhealthy view of what she thought her body should be. The beautiful chapter of her run journey began the moment she decided she wanted to live. She started extending herself grace. The grace that she now tells everyone else to do for themselves. She discovered healing through therapy and running was a vital part of it. She also has a website, a blog, and a podcast.
Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness👉🏾here. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form
