Resilient Running: Mireille Siné’s Journey | Fireside Chat
Finding Joy in Early Miles
Mireille Siné’s love for sports started early. As a young athlete, she found her stride on the track, chasing speed and competition with the joy only running can bring. What began as a focus on fast splits soon evolved into a passion for distance, laying the groundwork for a lifelong relationship with endurance sports.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
College brought challenges beyond the classroom. Mireille began to face unexplained health issues that disrupted her athletic pursuits and her sense of identity. After months of searching for answers, she was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease that shook her confidence and cast doubt on her athletic future. The diagnosis forced her to ask difficult questions: Would she ever run again? Could she still chase her dreams?
Reclaiming Her Identity Through Running
With the support of her medical team, Mireille started rebuilding. Short jogs became her first step back, each stride a reminder of resilience and patience. The comeback wasn’t linear. Progress came slowly but every mile became a victory. Mireille’s story proves that endurance isn’t just about physical performance, but also about cultivating self-compassion and perspective.
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Advocating for Inclusion in Endurance Sports
Mireille’s journey extends far beyond her own recovery. She is a strong advocate for creating inclusive spaces for athletes with autoimmune conditions. From encouraging race directors to offer deferrals during flare-ups to pushing for accessible training opportunities, she’s reshaping how the endurance world supports its athletes. Representation matters, and Mireille is using her voice to make sure no one feels left behind at the start line.
Building Community with Start Line Lab
One of Mireille’s proudest contributions is Start Line Lab, her coaching program designed to combine personalized guidance with the strength of community. By focusing on empathy, understanding, and shared experiences, Start Line Lab helps athletes of all levels find joy, confidence, and support in their journeys. It’s not just about PRs—it’s about belonging.
Finding Fun Along the Way
Running is serious work, but Mireille knows it should also be fun. From playful Instagram dance videos to light-hearted rapid-fire conversations about favorite foods and quirky training habits, she reminds us all that endurance sports are also about joy, laughter, and connection.
A Lesson in Resilience and Perspective
Mireille’s story is a powerful reminder that adversity doesn’t define us…..our response does. Her resilience, advocacy, and infectious enthusiasm inspire us to look at our own journeys with more patience, more fun, and a deeper appreciation for community.
Her message is simple: no matter the obstacles, we can keep moving forward and become better versions of ourselves. This pertain to being on and off the racecourse.
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