15. Mirna Valerio: A life filled with movement

The UK’s favourite fitness coach is back with series two of his podcast. This summer, Joe will be speaking to inspirational friends and some of his favourite people to ask them what they do to keep themselves feeling mentally and physically strong in the face of life’s little challenges. It might be going for a new personal best on the running machine or cosying up with a good book; every guest will share the one thing that works for them in the hope it might inspire you to try something new.

In this episode Joe speaks to ultra-athlete and writer Mirna Valerio. Mirna is shattering stereotypes as 'The Mirnavator' as she's known to her followers on social media. She regularly competes in ultramarathons and long-distance trail events alongside her campaigning work for better inclusion and diversity in endurance sport. A former schoolteacher, she teaches on social justice and anti-racism.

Mirna joins the call from her home in Montpelier, Vermont, where she moved to be closer to the mountain trails where she loves to train. She shares her story with Joe from the health scare which prompted her to get back on her tread mill, to running 100-mile trails. She describes encounters with bears and internet trolls while out running in the forest, and how she loves nothing more than curling up with a good book to relax and unwind.

This is sunshine in a podcast. Joe Wicks is here for you, and he won’t stop until you’re fit and happy.

Producer: Clare Salisbury Editor: Dimitri Houtart A BBC Audio Bristol production for Radio 4