“I’M GOOD IN my big body.”
That’s what Mirna Valerio—ultramarathon runner, author, and educator—wants her naysayers to know. In 2017, her story went viral and Valerio was subjected to both praise and public scrutiny. Despite racism and body-shaming, she continues challenging stereotypes and inspiring others to do the same.
“I think that people are really having trouble grappling with the idea that fit comes in many forms and that people can still participate in athletics no matter what kind of body they have,” she says. “I want to continue sticking my big ass into places where people think I don’t belong. That has been the nature of my life—I’m going to do it and I’m going to do it proudly.”