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Mirna "The Mirnavator" Valerio
Mirna "The Mirnavator" Valerio
Ultrarunner, Author, Mother
Get to Know Mirna
Originally from Brooklyn, Mirna now lives in Vermont where the running trails — and Darn Tough socks — flow like water (or better yet, syrup.) A former educator, Mirna adapted her barrier-breaking blog (FATGIRLRUNNING) into a best-selling book, thrusting her into the mainstream of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In 2013, she raced her first ultramarathon and quickly garnered a ‘tough and rugged’ reputation that continues to inspire so many. To date, she’s raced around the world, recently completing a goal of running 142.6 miles in just six days. Seasonally, Mirna enjoys skiing and cycling. Year-round, she loves being Rashid's mom.
The MIRNAVATED Run Sock
Ultra-lightweight but heavy in style, Mirna’s new signature Micro Crew pays homage to things she loves most – mountains, colors, and giving back. Not only is its design a testament to Mirna’s vibrant personality, but 5% of its sales directly support her chosen non-profit, Come Alive Outside.
As children today spend countless hours racking up their screen time, Come Alive Outside’s mission is to create awareness, intention, and opportunity for young people to live healthier lives outside. And purchasing a pair of her new purple socks is one way you can help.
Q&A with Mirna
Come Alive Outside is an important, different kind of outdoor programming. It does not try to superimpose the widely accepted and somewhat elitist idea of THE GREAT OUTDOORS. Instead, it meets people (literally) where they are, thoughtfully engaging them in the outdoors in ways that are meaningful, lasting, and memorable. The Rutland Winterfest, story walks, the beautiful interactive trail, the outdoor passport... there are so many different ways to engage outside, and Come Alive Outside has made it accessible to more people!
They also contribute to their community in Rutland, Vermont, in many ways, some tangible, some not, but their presence is always felt. They have built a solid foundation and relationship with their community and beyond. I can’t wait to see what else they have planned!
“We have yet to produce our best sock.” I personally love the idea that we haven’t created the perfect sock, yet we’re still working to that end. This, like my book A Beautiful Work in Progress, resonates with me because we are always in progress, even when we are close to perfection. There is still room and potential for improvement and growth!
My favorite moments have been from hiking on 1466 Day and giving away free socks to unsuspecting and somewhat suspicious Vermonters! Was there a catch? YES! The catch is enjoy your hike!
Obviously my other favorite series of moments was the creative and design process of the Mirnavated sock. I didn’t realize how intense it was to create a sock from top to bottom, but wow! I’m so impressed with Product Designer Jenny’s artistry and ability to take a nebulous idea from my brain along with some of my favorite colors and their significance, and create really beautiful art on a gorgeous sock that I am so proud to wear almost every day. The other days I wear other Darn Tough socks, but these? The Mirnavated socks are so special to me, and I love talking about them to anyone who will listen! I love what they stand for, and I love that I got to be part of the process in this beautiful brand. I am so honored.
Proud. Community. Thoughtful.
It is definitely a two-mile loop in Stowe at Weissner Woods. It’s short, runnable, and rolling, and is spectacularly beautiful in all seasons, even MUD SEASON!
You feel like you’re in the backcountry but you’re just outside of town. I love parking my car and running loops here. Also, if I need more varied terrain I could just head up the Catamount trail and link to many other trails!
