Meet Yvonne — known in the running community as Miss Outside. She’s a seven-time marathoner, ultra-marathoner, triathlete, soccer player, and a proud teacher. But more than her titles, Yvonne’s story is one of perseverance, family inspiration, and empowering women to claim their space in sports.

From Soccer Fields to Marathons

Running wasn’t Yvonne’s first love. Growing up in the Bronx and Yonkers, she was surrounded by running thanks to her mom, a marathoner and Ironman finisher. But Yvonne’s own athletic path started with soccer. That all changed after witnessing her mother’s strength as a single parent of four and her dedication to endurance sports.

“My mom inspired me to believe I could be an athlete too,” Yvonne says. “She ran the New York City Marathon while six months pregnant with me. Years later, I got to run it myself — with her original bib pinned to the back of my shirt. That moment sparked everything.”

After completing her first marathon in 2021, she caught the marathon bug and never looked back. Each race brought new lessons, new communities, and a growing sense of family within the running world.

Facing Doubt — and Choosing Strength

Every runner hits walls, but Yvonne’s resilience shines brightest when faced with obstacles. One of her toughest tests came at The Speed Project — a grueling, unsupported ultra-marathon stretching hundreds of miles through the desert.

Just days into the race, she developed a severe toe infection. Doctors told her to stop. But quitting wasn’t an option.

“I wrapped my foot, took my meds, and kept going. It wasn’t about proving anyone wrong — it was about proving something to myself. At the end of the day, ultras are more mental than physical. It’s about pushing past doubt and redefining what’s possible.”

Despite the pain, Yvonne logged 240 miles, supported by her crew, and crossed the finish line in Las Vegas. That race changed her perspective on running forever — shifting it from performance goals to a deeper expression of resilience and self-love.

Redefining Representation in Running

As a Latina woman and plus-sized athlete, Yvonne knows her presence at races matters. She proudly runs wearing her Puerto Rican bracelet and flag, showing others that they too belong in the sport.

“I want women to see me and think, if she can do it, I can too. Representation matters. Running is for everyone — every pace, every body, every background. When we show up as ourselves, we empower others to believe they belong too.”

Her leadership extends to the No Name run program in New York City, where she paces and mentors athletes training for major marathons. For Yvonne, success isn’t just crossing finish lines — it’s helping others find joy, confidence, and community in the sport.

The Gear That Keeps Her Moving

When you’re logging hundreds of miles, every detail matters — from shoes to sports bras, to underwear. For Yvonne, performance underwear has been a game changer.

“With Paradis Sport, I feel like I have nothing on — no chafing, no discomfort. Other brands never worked for me; they’d rub or ride up, especially since I’m not a size zero. Paradis fits my body, supports my curves, and makes me feel confident. And when you feel good, you run good.”

Yvonne wears Paradis Sport on long runs, during marathons, and even at the gym. Her favorite? The seamless thong. “I never thought I’d say this, but I forget I’m even wearing it when I run. That’s how comfortable it is.”

What’s Next

Yvonne’s sights are set high: training for the New York City and Chicago Marathons, chasing bibs for Tokyo and Boston, and completing all six World Marathon Majors before she turns 30. She also dreams of becoming a certified triathlon coach, helping more women — especially women of color — step into endurance sports.

“Running is more than miles. It’s a love letter to myself, my family, and my community. Every finish line is proof that we can overcome — together.”

At Paradis Sport, we believe in empowering women like Yvonne who redefine strength, perseverance, and confidence. Because when women run free of distraction and discomfort, they run the world.

 

×