Michele Yates was one of the first gals we wanted to be apart of our women’s collective. Over a year ago we asked her to help us out with brainstorming, fit reviews and product testing – and she jumped right in!
Jenny Jurek and Michele going over the fit and features of the Ultra Vesta
She was super keen to help out and always showed up early to check out our most current proto-types and give input on the new line of women’s products that Jenny Jurek has been putting together. Michele’s input was key to creating the new Ultra Vesta as Michele has/is putting in the miles.
She stepped into the Ultra Running world from personal training and a marathon background – an 2x Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier might we add – which might explain her 3x National Champion in the ultra trail events. We are excited that she is on board and her feedback has been tremendous. Recently she crossed the finish line 1st in the USATF 50K Trail Championships in Bootlegger Canyon in Boulder City, NV, on Nov. 8. She happened to be wearing the most current sample of the Ultra Vesta. Yeah Girl!!!
Michele Yates winning in her Ultra Vesta
Michele giving feedback on the early rounds of the Ultra Vesta
The group of gals who made up the Women’s Collective ranged from professionals like Michele to casual everyday joggers (stay tuned for more updated on each of the ladies involved). It was great to have a broad range of users to get feedback from. Michele brought great technical feedback from a racers perspective. We tweaked several things to make this vest perfect for racing and training. The final Ultra Vesta will be available by the end of the year. Learn more about the Ultra Vesta.
A few fun facts about Michele:
1.January 1/12/13 Bandera 100k USA 100k Trail Champs 1st Female 10:08:48
2. March 3/2/13 Nueces 50 Mile USA 50 Mile Champs 1st Female 4th Overall (NCR) New Course Record 6:53:25
3. April 4/21/13 Indiana Trail 100 mile 1st Female and 1st Overall 17:35 NCR
4. World Championships IAU July 2013 103rd place-injured but helped USA score for the first time ever as a team
5. September 9/14/13 Run Rabbit Run 100 Mile 1st Female 7th Overall 20:16:54 NCR
6. UROC 100k 9/28/2013 3rd Female 19th Overall 12:46:24
Watch Michele’s interview from her win at Run Rabbit run with Bryon from iRunFar
Michele looking strong in the Run Rabbit Run 100 – That she took 1st in!
Read more about Michele’s pre-race preparation and training on her blog –> DREAM LIVE RUN