HILLARY ALLEN - OUT & BACK

Hillary’s career as an endurance athlete has not been straightforward. Through injury, setbacks and unexpected challenges, Hillary’s had to re-think what she considers impossible. Early in her career, Hillary earned the nickname “Hillygoat” when she proved her ability to run fast on steep, technical mountain terrain – a style of running known as Skyrunning. Since then, she has raced all over the world, racking up wins and course records, establishing herself as one of the best mountain ultra runners in the world. In 2017 she had a life threatening accident, when she fell 150 feet off of a ridge-line during a Skyrace in Tromsø, Norway. She was told she would never run again. After several years of rehab and recovery, Hillary made a full recovery and returned to elite level racing, racing some of her longest and most challenging events post-accident. She maintains the belief that ‘your best athletic days are ahead of you, if you’re willing to work hard for what you love.’

You were told you would never run again after your trail running accident in 2017. What was it like committing to the VECTIV™ prototypes when your body was still unsure about whether or not it was trail running ready? I was a bit hesitant. But I was committed to my recovery and finding shoes that would support that journey. Plus being involved with the prototype testing was a great opportunity to tweak shoes and find out exactly what does and doesn't work. The team behind VECTIV were great – continually making adjustments from the feedback I gave as I tested.

You tested a prototype of the VECTIV™ Infinite shoes on the TDS, acronym for "Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie" (following the footprints of the Dukes of Savoie - 146km, 9600m+) during the 2019 UTMB week and came a very impressive second place. Could you notice the difference between these prototype shoes and your previous The North Face trail running shoes? Yes, absolutely -in the technology, the comfort and the precision. I had logged hundreds of miles and thousands of vertical feet in several versions of the prototype shoes before convincing the product development team to allow me to race in them. So, not only was I confident in these shoes, I was comfortable in them.

We know that you used to work in a Run Speciality store in Boulder. What are the key characteristics you are looking for when you are considering your trail running footwear? Do you think any of these requirements are female specific? The first thing I check for is how the shoe feels. I try it on and if the shoe conforms to my foot, has no 'hotspots' or uncomfortable places on my foot, then that's a good sign. Then of course, I take it out on the trail to see how it feels. I look for ground feel (can I feel obstacles underfoot?), good lateral stability and a grippy tread. I think women's feet are different to men's, so I emphasise the importance of trying on a shoe to check that it fits without any uncomfortable seams or stitching.

You’ve been working closely with the The North Face footwear team while they’ve been developing VECTIV™ technology. What’s the most important feedback you gave that’s been incorporated in the finished product? There isn’t just one piece of feedback but the compilation of lots of feedback from me and all the other athletes who tested the shoes that has made the VECTIV range come together. I am happy there is a variety of styles, different shoes to use for different terrain and distances.

What’s the biggest VECTIV™ technology highlight for you? The biggest highlight for me is working with a team to execute the development of new shoes and technology, not only this year, but for years to come. It demonstrates the importance of trail running to The North Face. It's rewarding to be part of the process and team that developed that footwear.

The North Face has been asking its athletes, staff and consumers to Reset Normal as we all try and adapt our lifestyles to the new normal. What is your pledge with regards to resetting your new normal? I love this campaign. For me, resetting my normal starts with mental health. Taking the time to check in and work on fostering the best version of myself in my own headspace. Resetting that normal allows me to show up as the best I can be in all aspects of life.