Remarkable Woman: Vanessa Carranco-McBEE

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — If you’re a runner in the Valley, you’ve probably heard of RAV Run Adventures.

As part of CBS 4’S Remarkable Woman Series, we are introducing you to the woman behind the business that has shaped the lives of thousands of people all over Texas.

We are taking you to amazing city of Brownsville where a dedicated school counselor has combined her love for health and fitness to transform the lives of thousands of runners across the valley.

Vanessa Carranco-McBee does it all.

She’s a mom of three, (four if you count their fur baby), a wife, a school counselor and runs a running business with her husband, Rob.

"He does a lot of the logistics, the paperwork, and I take care of all of the runners data, the bibs, I do the timing as well,” said Vanessa who explains hitting the pavement has helped her become a better educator.

CBS4 asked Vanessa if she would compare education to running.

“I would say so, the training the endurance the patience ... it's the same that we do in the school with the kids,” Vanessa replied.

It’s the perfect blend for Vanessa, combining the love for her family, her students, and her health.

" You know how when you feel the adrenaline in the marathon, you're like I got this, but then you get halfway and you're like what did I do, why am I here ... but then you get to the finish line— you get that rush of accomplishment and that feeling of you want to cry because you finished? That's how it is when you see those kids finish, and you help them whatever they were going through, it's like, yes,” explained Vanessa.

These races organized by RAV, which stands for Rob and Vanessa by the way, aren’t just for a good sweat.

The money raised by RAV goes right back into the community, whether it’s donations for local students or charities.

"Some of my students, I notice, have holes in their shows, and I say RAV let's donate ... they're Christmas presents. It’s our way of giving back,” said Vanessa.

Their next race will be raising funds for a student of Vanessa’s who is battling childhood cancer.

She isn’t just helping those who may be in need financially — but everyday runners who find the sport therapeutic.

Running toward a better version of themselves, tying thousands of people together from all walks of life.