Michele Yates Interview | 2018 | Recovery and Resilience

The last time we had Michele Yates on URP was in early 2014 right after she’d been named Ultrarunning Magazine’s Ultrarunner of the Year alongside Rob Krar. In 2013, Michele won nearly every race she entered, including Bandera 100k, North Face 50M and Run Rabbit Run 100 miler.

Since then, Michele has faced some serious physical issues. From a thyroid problem to a hip pain she describes as worse than childbirth and subsequent surgery, 2016 left Michele unsure whether she’s ever compete–or even run–again. If I’m being honest, I think most people felt she was done with, another victim to the demands of this ridiculous sport.

“The reality is I have to have full hip replacement…we’re tying to buy time so they can maybe create hips that would be good for (me and other) ultra endurance runners…”

Michele and her husband Wyatt welcomed their first baby in 2015, she found the right set of docs, and she’s been on the road to partial recovery since, culminating with a surprise 2nd place at Bandera 100k this past weekend. That finish earned her a Golden Ticket to Western States Endurance Run, but as she wrote after the finish

In this interview, we talk about:

* The unfulfilled feeling of winning without being able to give it your all.

* Which elite women she wants to race. (Answer: All of them!)

* Why she gave up her Golden Ticket to Western States.

* Miscarriages and thyroid problems.

* The importance of strength training.

* How she deals with the lack of engagement while injured.

* The destination for her first possible stage race.

Michele Yates’ Contact Info

Episode Notes

I’m assuming this is the choke cherry wine Michele was talking about. Never had it!

Here’s more info on the Lost Island Trail Ultra in Fiji. Yes, please!

Michele runs and coaches at Rugged Running. 

Outro music by AJ LeGrand.  Correction: In the episode, I referred to AJ as “Tommy and Rivers Puzey’s little brother.” I meant Jacob and Tommy “Rivers” Puzey’s little brother. Oops.

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