What does an Ultra Runner look like? Sometimes it looks like Mirna Valerio! Mirna, “The Mirnavator,” is busting expectations and stereotypes and she’s on a mission to make trail running, fitness and the outdoors accessible to all. She and Joe De Sena talk about some of the challenges and rewards of being an unconventional runner.  “I feel my most human out on the trails.” New to trail running?  She shares her 6 key tips to getting the most out of the sport.    Mirna says  “I’m not out here to win sh*t, 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. Have you thought about what you can do to help us on our mission to rip 100million 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!  LESSONS Live an enthusiastic life  Find the greatness in yourself  Embrace the joy of the trails  The trails are made for all body types  Bring joy to others  Forget excuses Inspire others  Don’t depend on motivation  Start wherever you are  Give yourself grace, time and be patient!  Do not be afraid to fall  Get a really good pair of trail shoes  Work on your core & lateral & leg strength  Go on the trails with a sense of adventure!    This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Wild Alaskan Company. With wild-caught and sustainable seafood delivered right to your door, it's never been easier to access the best seafood that Alaska and the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Go to https://wildalaskancompany.com and enter promo code SPARTAN on checkout to save $25 off your first order.   LINKS https://themirnavator.com/ https://www.spartan.com/en/trail   TIME STAMPS  0:45 Sefra Alexandra introduces the “Mirnavator”  1:30 Wildalaskancompany.com special offer 2:30 Moving to the great state of Vermont  4:30 “Slow As F*ck” 6:30 The “ZoomPocalypse”  8:00 Growing up in a strong community in Brooklyn  9:30 Starting her running “journey”  11:00 Finding the greatness in yourself  12:00 The joy of being out on the trails  13:00 Food as fuel  14:00 The trails are made for all body types  15:00 Forget your excuses- get out there!  16:00 Inspiring others  18:20 Wildalaskancompany.com break  20:00 “A Beautiful Work in Progress”  22:00 Starting wherever you are  24:00 Getting injured and pivoting  27:30 Trail Running tips 101 ! 30:00 Adventures in the Copper Canyon  32:00 Tracking her son  35:45 Sefra the Seed Huntress reflects on this awesome episode 37:30 Wildalaskancompany.com close  SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena & Sefra Alexandra. Johnny Waite & Colonel Nye are out on the trails!  Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra | Seed Huntress Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty   © 2020 Spartan