Marathoner and ultrarunner Mirna Valerio says running is running, and shares the importance of pace inclusivity in races.
She did not get the empowering finish she had hoped for.
Valerio runs at whats considered a slower place, between a 13- and a 17-minute mile.
She was the last person to finish the race, which was fine with hera finish is a finish!
They couldnt have waited 10 more seconds?
Valerio, unfortunately, has experienced this lack of what she calls pace inclusivity many times.
Mirna Valerio is a runner, adventurer and advocate for inclusion in the running community towards people of all races, sizes, genders, and backgrounds.
Pace inclusivity means considering all runningrunning,no matter how fast or slow.
And it means designing and staffing races to accommodate all paces.
Valerio says many races even call themselves pace inclusive, but still engage in these demoralizing practices.
Ive been left behind so many times.
But I also just really want to be a beacon for those people that need to see me.
I also just really want to be a beacon for those people that need to see me.
Mirna Valerio
Valerio is larger bodied, Black, and a mother in her mid-40s.
Im not pulling it up.
Im not pushing it down, she says.
Mirna Valerio is a runner, adventurer and advocate for inclusion in the running community towards people of all races, sizes, genders, and backgrounds.
This wasnt always the case.
But now, its been phenomenal working with lululemon.
I get to be part of the fit process, the ideation process.
Its really hard to counteract those images and thoughts because thats all weve been showered with, Valerio says.
Be your own aspirational ideal.
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