Fernanda Maciel: Climate Change and Our Sports - R4R 274

Fernanda Maciel uses ultrarunning to draw attention to environmental and social issues around the world. She's completed the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) nine times, earning a spot on the podium four times and winning once; is an Ultra-Trail World Tour champion; and among other feats, holds the World Female Record for running up and down Mount Kilimanjaro. "In Brazil, I was always running on the trail. So my love for the waterfalls and the rivers and for the nature there was giant, so that was part of myself." Fernanda studied law at university because it was her dream to become an environmental lawyer and protect nature in her home state in Brazil. She practiced law for a time, but was dismayed by the role that politics play in determining environmental policy. "Maybe I can do something for the environment, but being outside, being outdoors… just inspire people to be a little bit more aware about what's going on." She decided that she could make a greater impact by committing herself to ultrarunning full time and bringing attention to environmental and social issues in the places where she runs. The White Flow project was born, and began with her becoming the first woman to run the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (860km in ten days), which she did to raise funds for children with cancer in Spain and Brazil. "I did this project in Aconcagua, running up and down the highest mountain in America, and then part of the project was also about the environment and how they recycle their rubbish in the park." Fernanda had dreamed of running up and down Aconcagua, in Argentina, and in 2016 became the first woman to do so. She used the feat to learn about and share how a huge national park can manage the garbage left by visitors. "I think more than the win, is for me just to finish. You suffer, you learn so much, you know, when you suffer, and during this race, you learn a lot." Fernanda has taken on a new challenge every year, but there's one that she's done multiple times - the UTMB. It starts and finishes in Chamonix, in the French Alps, and covers around 170 kilometers (106 miles), circumnavigating Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. Although she lives in Chamonix now, the cold conditions are still a challenge for her; as she says, "I think because I'm from Brazil, I need to train three times more than European people." Although she's been victorious there, there have also been times when she hasn't finished, but she doesn't regret them. "The victory is cool," she says, "but I think I learned so much when I couldn't finish." This year Fernanda has had to forgo races and record-setting after suffering a brain injury in February, while belaying her boyfriend rock climbing. She's on her way to a full recovery, and says that as a result of the accident, "I'm really connected right now much more to the universe than I was before." "Just be grateful for where you are right now. I think the simple life is the most beautiful one and I wish the best for everybody. And yeah, just enjoy the mountains and the trails because this is a beautiful gift that you have." Resources: Fernanda's website Fernanda's Facebook Fernanda's Instagram Fernanda's Twitter Running Realized: Running and Climate Change with the UN Humanitarian Office Running Realized: The Sustainable Road Race Fernanda's video for the UN's World Humanitarian Day Thank you to Athletic Greens, goodr, and Insidetracker for sponsoring this episode. AG1 is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients to help strengthen your immune system. It's simple to make and it tastes good! Go here to get a FREE year's supply of Vitamin D and five FREE travel packs with your subscription. I have been a fan of goodr for YEARS and I literally have their sunglasses all over my house. 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If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that the topic will resonate with them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are others are too, and you will help them feel less alone. Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player. Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people. Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe? You can find out here. "Thank you" to Fernanda. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.