Endurance Runner and RVer: An Interview with Mirna Valerio

Welcome Mirna! Thanks for chatting with us at Camping World about your RV experience!

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself, and what draws you to RV travel?

A. The flexibility and the ability to control my own travel experience without having to worry about hotels and transportation. The comfort of the actual vehicle itself and the coolness of it supporting my work as a professional adventurer!

Q. Describe your travel style in five words or less!

A. Comfortable, flexible, exploration, spontaneous, nature-driven

Q. A few lightning questions: Favorite snack, meal, or beverage to have at the campsite?

A. CRABS (especially if I’m at the beach); a charcuterie board, wine, amazing crackers!

Mirna enjoys fresh crabs whenever she camps near the beach.

Q. 3 pieces of gear you always pack?

A. A bike or two, running shoes, downhill or cross country skis!

Q. First thing you do when you arrive at the campsite?

A. Explore the area by going on a walk/hike or run.

Mirna also uses a bicycle to explore.

Q. Have you RV’ed before? What was that first experience like––fun, exciting, intimidating, scary, silly, spontaneous? What stands out about that experience?

A. Last year was the first time I had actually been in an RV. My initial thoughts were this is pretty cool. But as soon as I needed to change out of my cold, wet, and snowy clothes after a wintery run, I was able to change in the warmth of the RV, have a cup of tea, and then head back out to cross country ski WITHOUT GOING ANYWHERE DIFFERENT. The privacy was awesome. And again, the ability to control my stay, my atmosphere, in a place that didn’t feel like an impersonal hotel was LEGIT!

Q. How does RVing help you do what you do (run), but better? Where was the most amazing/memorable run you’ve ever gone on?

A. I really like the idea of going on a multiple-day running adventure, where I visit several different states, state parks, national parks, and other awesome places to run trails while staying at or near trailheads. That’s like, A DREAM SCENARIO. Most memorable run: Running around the Caldeira in Faial, Azores Portugal.

Q. Do you have any other hobbies, interests, pastimes, collections, or curiosities that you pursue while you travel?

A. I love innovative cuisine and art (I am in the process of increase my personal art collection), taking lessons in things I want to learn more about—photography.

Q. What would you say are the greatest perks of RV travel?

A. The bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping in your own BED!

Q. What advice do you have to people who want to try RVing for the first time?

A. DO IT! It takes a few times to get used to driving a bigger vehicle, but you’ll get used to it. It’s a unique and awesome way to travel.

Mirna says towing an RV takes a little getting used to, but isn’t hard to learn.

Q. What is your favorite quote, lyric, or mantra that you repeat on your travels? 

Be open to possibilities.

Thank you for your time and stories, Mirna. See you out there on the road!