This video showed up as an ad for me, and I just couldn't hit that "skip ad" button... I watched the entire 11 minutes, then searched for the video so I could read some comments. Way to go Mirna!

It's like they say, "It doesn't matter how slow you go, you're still lapping those sitting on the couch". Anything is better than nothing. Keep doing what you're doing.

this is a fantastic movie. thank you REI for making it. brilliant. i will shop at your stores more because you made this. thankyou

I had never watched a skippable youtube ad, all the way through, until now. I am a high school Track/XC coach and a teacher. My team has no cuts, we take everyone and we train them to be the very best that they can be. Sometimes running just isn't about winning a race against other runners. It is about winning a race against yourself, and then looking back at what you learned about yourself in the process. While it's highly unlikely that Mirna will ever see this comment, if she ever does, just know that you are the TRUE embodiment of a runner. A spirit, free and alive and consumed by the moment of competition. Don't let hate and bitterness tarnish love and joy. Thank you for being you Mirna!

This video really inspired me. I am overweight, and I really struggle with being paranoid of what people think, what even friends think of me because I'm fat and they aren't. I am not as athletic as she is, but I am determined to be there and I working on it. I may be slow but I am working on it.

Mirna, you are NOT a fraud, you ARE a runner, but most importantly, you are an absolute inspiration and a general fricken BADASS! Thanx girl!

as a big person (280+lbs) working on getting back in shape trying to take on an epic hike every one says ill fail again ,you are a bad ass, sucks that people talk crap about you but thank you i needed this, best of luck to you keep it up

'You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.' Winston Churchill

She is an inspiration, and beautiful. The person who wrote that email to her has probably never accomplished anything in their life. They should be ashamed of themselves for sending that message.

I came here from Casey Neistats Twitter. I don't usually click on links for videos that ppl post on social media, but..today I did. I am so glad I did! The person that wrote that email is part of the reason that big ppl are embarrassed to run. Mirna is now part of the reason that big ppl aren't afraid, don't feel embarrassed, and want to take their life back! Thank you Mirna! You truly are an inspiration to athletes, big and small!

This came up as an add in another video I had clicked on. Normally as soon as I'm given the option to skip, I do. I didn't. What an inspiration you are. As someone staring 60 years old in the eye, after going through a minor inconvenience of Colo-Rectal cancer with chemo and radiation and having every ounce of energy sucked away 6 years ago I've decided to start doing something about my weight, energy, and cardio. It was rather embarrassing to only be able to do a minute and a half on a rower, but I'm getting there. You go girl! Keep inspiring...

Unless it's a channel I particularly want to support, I normally hit the Skip Ad button. You had me at, "You are a Liar and a Fraud." I bawled my eyes out listening to that awful tirade against you. You are such a wonderful and accomplished person and inspiring so many others. Keep running, keep doing you and slough off the small minded naysayers. You are an amazing person. Go Mirnavator go! We love you.

as a big guy in the road bike community I felt the same a lot of the times especially when I was bigger 236 pounds before. but since losing 60 pounds since then life has changed. don't ever feel really accepted a lot of the times as other cyclists are usually pencil thin and faster. but thank you for being you and an awesome you that is! forget the body type stereo type...because if you out there doing it, you are it. well done on the 50k awesome accomplishment! aloha.

You had me a minute into the video!!! WOW. Mirna you are a motivator, thank you for your voice.

You are a BADASS! I'm also overweight and yet I walked and hiked over 200 miles this summer. It's not the size of your body that matters, it's the size of your heart. Keep being an inspiration!

this is inspiring.. I'm really glad I saw this ad and didn't skip it

when I saw this ad i just couldn't skip! She's so motivating and beautiful, i don't get how anyone could be that mean to her or anyone else

Haters are losers. You are the most genuine that I have seen in a very long time.

This was an ad and I was tearing up because I’m still trying to accept and appreciate my own body. And I felt like I could really connect with her because I myself is a big girl with brown skin, and I enjoy running. I get frustrated when I exercise because all I always maintain my weight rather than losing it. Just watching this made me realize that I should enjoy what I do, rather then beating myself up on what I can’t. Thank you so much Mira, you really opened my eyes and you are truly a motivator🙏🏾❤️

Way to go Mirna, you’re an inspiration to me. Thank you REI! I’m a member since 1966 and felt pride in REI for doing this vid!

Mirna you are incredible. REI thank you so much for funding and sharing this incredible story.

That's why I love trailrunning! The trails don't care if you put makeup on, they don't care how much you weigh, whether you are too small or too tall, they don't even care how fast you are running... Loved this video, thanks for sharing Mirna's story!

This ad was so motivating, a turning point in my life. I love exercise, hiking, kayaking, anything outdoor. Love to try new things as well....but...since I'm not a perfect size and my weight has fluctuated for all of my life, sometimes I just felt like giving up. Sometimes I thought what's the use? I was fat shamed for many years, when I was younger, by my ex-husband and his family. I was a size 12, and he thought I should be smaller. He even let them make rude comments to me. I can say that it had a tremendous impact on our marriage...we finally got divorced. I had even tried extreme dieting where the calories were so low, that my hair was falling out. Now I look back and think how crazy that was. All in all.....I learned to just love who you are (sometimes I still self doubt). I'm middle aged now, but love to eat healthy and exercise. No matter what to everyone out there.....only listen to yourself....we don't have to be perfect to do something we love.

I saw this video as an ad. I was really getting into it but for some reason I accidentally pressed the “skip” button and I was so upset. Then I typed it in the search bar on KZfaq and I found it. I watched the full 11 minutes and I loved it so much. Keep doing what you love and don’t let anything or anyONE stop you.💜❤️💛💚 🏃‍♀️🏃

This was awesome to watch!!! There are so many negative things i'd like to say to say to the person who sent that hateful email, but i'm not!! I want to celebrate this incredible woman!! You are awesome!!! You are beautiful!!! You are incredible!! Keep doing what you love and keep getting outside!! Thanks REI for sharing this!!!!

The term badass gets thrown around a lot. But Mirna is an actual badass. I'd like to see her haters run 30 friggin miles. Or really, do anything besides sit in front of a screen being horrible to strangers.

I normally don't comment on other peoples videos, but she is an absolute inspiration! As a big guy who has been through every type of diet, pills, weight loss TV shows, and lifestyle changes I can say without a doubt, fat shaming is very real. I was smiling from ear to ear for the majority of this video. Mirna has that determination that draws you in and fills you full of life. Being big makes it twice as hard to accomplish any physical feat. A true runner is someone who runs with their heart and soul on their sleeve, and you can tell that Mirna is one of those people. To go through this life as a big person you develop a thick skin and a kind heart full of love. Unfortunately we big people have a hard time looking in the mirror and loving the person we see, but when you find the time, and find the way to love yourself, you'll radiate that light into everyone you meet. Mirna, you are a wonderfully beautiful inspiration to us all! Thank You for this video! It reassures me that there are still good people in this crazy world we live in. Never lose Hope! Never give up!

This comment section has restored some of my faith in humanity.

Love this story and love the fact this person chooses to live life! I'm a fan.

This was actually an ad on another vid I watching and I couldn't skip it. It's so inspiring and as a runner I feel more motivated. I love running and this is one of the many reasons why. I'm going to watch this before races to calm my nerves.

I get the same look from people when I say I go backpacking simply because my race-religion-look do not "fit the usual profile". But I also know that people might be mean when they trey to mask their weaknesses.

This was a wonderful message - I know many people who pass off fat shaming as "caring for their personal health" and Mirna proves that her size does not affect her health. She is just as in shape, and maybe even more so, than the skinny girls at Starbucks. To anyone who tries to pass off fat shaming as advice and concern, watch this video. And do your best to try to understand a woman doing everything she can to stay healthy, and that no matter her size, her laugh after running is more radiant than any model, skinny or plus size. And lastly, I would like to say something I always say that gets ignored - health is what matters, not what a person seems to be due to weight/height. I am a small Asian girl, but there is no way I could've done a 50K, and I truly respect Mirna for being that much more healthy than me. If anyone can judge a person's health, it should be a licensed professional, not a judgemental outsider.

I was shown this during my base camp training for REI-I teared up. I love this. Thank you, NEVER QUIT!

This also came up as an ad for me and I'm so happy that I watched it. Thank you for making this short film, REI. I never knew who Mirna was until I saw this and now, she's one of my favorite people. I'm trying to read everything she's written & I just bought her book. She is just plain awesome. The societal myth is that strength only comes in one form: thinness. But, the reality is, we all know that's not true. Strength comes in many forms. Mirna kicks ass and is so inspirational. I've been running for about 9 years and at times have doubted myself and thought that I'm not a runner. But you know what? I am (I haven't run a 50k though). Mirna reminded me that. So, thank you Mirna for all that you do. Keep on, keeping on!

If she wasn't doing it for so long, and so successful and happy with ultra running, that email from a non-runner would have been devastating. Everything in that email is debunked by the fact that she has run hundreds of long races.

❤ You are amazing! Thank you for the encouragement. I am a heavy mom that has been hitting the trails the last several weeks with my kids. Thank you for being an inspiration to those of us who don't feel like we fit it. After our 4 miles today on the trail I felt a little discouraged feeling so tired but seeing this video tells me to keep going!! So glad this came up on my feed today!! Keep going!! 👏👏

Thanks, Mirna (& REI)! This made my day!!! Your strength, smile and smarts are like sunshine!!!

Keep on running with a bright smile - awesome spirit .... may the force be with you ...

Watched the whole ad, and I loved it! Keep going and doing what you love!

What a lovely person. I was watching this video and repeating"I love her!!"

I am now 20 pounds overweight. I was 70 pounds overweight 10 years ago. I trail run and hike over 1500 mountain trail miles a year, and big things like the Grand Canyon R3 (under 14 hours - trained hard for 9 months for it), Wonderland Trail in 3.5 days, and a lot more. I can really relate to her. But, for me (emphasizing "me" not Mirna or anybody else), I like loosing weight and running. I can do more and more every year with less weight to carry, and I am much happier and healthier for it. Mirna, keep running, stay happy, and don't ever let the haters get to you.

Thank you Mirna and thank you REI for this incredible video. I watch it every time I need some inspiration and courage (and when I need motivation to run!)

Casey sent me here - so glad I watched it! Inspirational! Great! Thank you. Mirna - keep up the awesome work! I'm impressed!

Mirna-You are AMAZING!!! Thanks for your inspiring story!

Thank you Rich Roll! I had to watch this before listening to the rest of your interview with her. Such an inspiration!! And thank you for being fearless Mirna!! Now back to the podcast😊

Wow. Crazy people. My wife runs and is not fast but still continues. Marathon, several halfs and countless 5k's and 10k's. She did a duathlon (run/bike/run) which got us both into cycling. We rode the 25 mile course in the Hotter n Hell Hundred last year and the 50 mile this year. We aren't fast but finished. And halfway up the finish list. You need not be fast to have a great time! Please don't listen to those who post crazy thoughts! You are an inspiration! To all of us!!!

Wow you are strong Mirna! Keep moving and keep inspiring!

OMG you poor lady😱 , I just want to give you a screen hug ! 😥💝

One of my FAVORITE athletes to follow online (and now she has a book)!

This is great, I love these REI videos.

You ain't a big girl. You a big QUEEEEEN! You make me feel so happy and inspired🤗🤗

Thank you Mirna for being who you are. This is one of the best videos I've ever watched. You're very inspiring. Keep going.

great story, thanks for sharing it and inspiring others!

Heard you on Rich Roll today. I ran 13 miles listening to your story! Amazing and Inspiring!!

Loved your strength and endurance. You are beautiful! Way to Go!

Mirna Valerio you are beautiful, you are glorious, you are an inspiration! Thank you for being my new hero!

I want to give you an big hug. I needed this video so much tonight as I stare down my first trail half with a reinjured ankle. I've been feeling sorry for myself and defeated. Your drive made me want to get out there and still just do the best I can, even if I'm last. You are one fantastic runner and human. Thanks for being my Mirnavator in my time of need. ♥️

Go Mirna! You are beautiful and an inspiration. I have body dysmorphia and an eating disorder and I appreciate women like who!

This is truly a legendary video

I think this is very inspiring. Thank you for making this video REI. I'll be doing my first trail run soon and this will definitely be pushing me through it.

Saw this video on fb and it took my breath away! Such an inspirational person with such a good energy, you just gotta love her and love what she does! I admire her and i admire her spirit! Way to go girl!😃

Damn right you got this Mirna! You are bold and beautiful^^ Thank you for standing up for those that need help standing up. Much Love~

When I saw this ad I couldn't skip it either . I would like to tell don't EVER listen to the negative, disrespectful people . YOU are out there doing what you love to do every weekend. Truely YOU are an inspiration to me and many others . Keep doing what you love to do . Best wishes !!!

Inspiring athlete, for ALL! Thank you, Mirna!

Sarah Menzies is such an inspirational filmmaker!! Thank you for being an awesome example of women in outdoors film!! I aspire to be one too. I'm thankful to have found such an awesome role model

Good for her. She shows that weight is just a number. If you could measure will power, hers would be through the roof and far greater than that of the person who wrote the email.

Thank you Mirna..you're awesome and an inspiration! 👊

You are such an inspiration! Im so glad you didnt let that undeserved email affect you!

Mirna, you have just made me a believer in myself! What a true inspiration! Thank you for being who you are.

The only "ad" I've ever watched on KZfaq from start to finish.

Thank you for this, REI. I’ve enjoyed your store for years, and I love this video. Now, I appreciate you even more than before.

You're awesome, Mirna. Keep lifting people up and doing your thing! You're a great positive force in this world, thanks for sharing your light!

This is so inspiring! Thank you

What a great soul! You kick butt Mirna!! Inspiring me to get on the trails today :D

The fact is, you are out there longer, and work harder than anybody else. You could possibly be the hardest working person on the trail. How can anyone not love everything about u? I showed this to my daughter, She love you too!!

You. Are. Amazing!

I have been struggling to find a reason to keep running. I saw this when it popped up as an add, almost clicked that skip button but I stopped. I listened and watched the whole add then searching to find the video. What people say, or even think about her is awful. Most people would slowly break down and give up running. Not her! She has encouraged me to run. To not give up when all the people around you tell you to. To see that anyone can run, no matter what race, what lifestyle, what weight, or even what pace they run. (Not that I judged them in the first place) this is one of the most inspiring ads I've gotten, and it has inspired me!

The fact that you run on purpose, because you enjoy it, THAT makes you a runner. Running is a beautiful thing and so are you. You make runners proud.

God bless you sweetheart! Run as long and as far as you can. I have no more words. You make me smile inside.

She is a beast! Great video. 💪🏾👏🏾

Awesome! The best thing about running is you just take it one step at a time.

Keep it up, Mirna! Your video helped keep me from dropping out of college last October. Thank you for inspiring me to do hard things.

You are Totally Awesome!!!! What a inspiration to All!!! Thank you so much, keep going!!

Best story I've seen in many months, thank you Mirna and REI.

Proud REI member. Love the vision of this company.Keep up the great content!

This is amazing... This is so motivational. You're an awesome person. I just wanna thank you... I needed to watch this... 💜👏

What a unique, inspirational, and resilient person. Despite the odds, she kept moving forward and became successful. She is also inspiring future generations!

Great inspiration! In 2011, I was run over by a car when the driver was texting and not paying attention. It took 1 1/2 years of physical therapy to walk again. In 2016, I started section hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with my service dog. Now I am on my 2nd Service Dog, a Siberian Husky, and we plan to do the entire 2650 mile PCT in 2019!!! And I am still 40 pounds overweight and way over 50 and am learning how to balance and mountain run again. Don’t let the negative naysayers win. Live your dreams and get out there and train and be an inspiration to others!

You’re amazing and an inspiration!

I got this video as an ad. For some reason, when I read/heard the first few words stating "You are a fraud." I couldn't click that skip button. I watched every second of it, then, when it ended, I went to the website so I can do some more research. Girl, you are beautiful. You are truly amazing and such an inspiration. I don't understand why people feel the need to "fat shame" or "body shame" in general. It makes absolutely no sense to me because everyone is so beautiful and talented in their own way, no matter what they look like.

I was sucked into this video. I couldn't turn it off. I love her. Thank you soooooo much for putting a camera & mic in front of this beautiful soul. Love love love. ❤️🏃🏿‍♀️❤️

Dear Mirna, I just finished your REI youTube video. I am in tears. Exercise on purpose? Man, can I relate. You are a great inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your story. This Monday will be the first day of the rest of my life ...again!

THANK YOU REI for making this video. I would never have known about Mirna and her story without it. Truly an inspiration, and helped me changed my perspective!

A hello from Brazil to Mirna and all guys at REI! Amazing video and history!

Yea... Im with many others... You are incredible... You simply stepped on someones EGO...they felt they were some elite athlete... Reality sometimes is a tough thing for the very insecure...You are an athlete... 31 miles in a day, and you came out with a smile. 31 miles... WOW... look forward to watching some of your other inspirational videos... I hope you treated yourself to that second glass of wine, you deserved it!!! Im a teacher, my kids are going to watch this... thank you...

Love this and you and your shining light Mirna! Wow that email sounds like something Dane Rauschenberg would write. Keep on keeping on and kudos to REI for this great video!

Love this! Such an inspiration to so many people. And I ran those trails in Black Mountain for years and loved them.

Thanks for making this video and thanks Mirna. You are an inspiration.

Yeah!!! Loved your book. So happy to see this!! You are an amazing athlete, truly inspiring!! You've inspired me to run an ultra.... but first half marathons

I cried and laughed and felt the joy you get when you run for hours in the trails when I watched Mirna! So inspirational. keep putting one foot in front of the other, you are amazing.