EXCLUSIVE Q+A WITH HARDROCK CHAMP COURTNEY DAUWALTER
In July, the venerable ultra runner Courtney Dauwalter brought home another win at the Hardrock 100, the grueling, 100-mile trail race through the towering San Juan mountains of Southwest Colorado. Clad in her signature long, baggy shorts, Dauwalter also happened to dial in a new course record, to boot: 100 tough miles in 26 hours, 11 minutes, and 49 seconds.
Dauwalter, a Tailwind Nutrition athlete who lays claim to her own signature Dauwaltermelon flavor, has not traditionally served up a lot of interviews, so we here at WomensMovement.com are truly honored that she took the time to answer our lineup of pointed questions. Dig in below to read some truly intriguing details, from her darkest moment during the Hardrock 100 and her new-to-ultra-running, rockstar mother to her channeling of a personal “Pain Cave” that helps carry her through the most challenging moments (and she believes it might help you, too).
WM: Thank you for taking the time to inspire our audience at WomensMovement.com and congrats on your recent accomplishment at the Hard Rock 100. What was the singular toughest point/experience of the race for you? What was the most uplifting?
Dauwalter: Thank you! Really long ultras are often a rollercoaster with (hopefully) many high points, but definitely a few solid low points. This year’s Hardrock 100 was a tough one for me with plenty of both. Some of the hardest hours of the race were right at the beginning when my body systems didn’t seem to be working together. It was really important during those first tough hours to not panic and to keep giving it time.
One of the best moments of the race was sunset. I had just picked up my good friend Mike as my pacer and we were climbing up Handies Peak, a 14,000-foot summit around mile 60. The sunset was absolutely stunning and sharing it with a friend made it a memory I’ll keep forever.
WM: At the core, what drives you to run?
Dauwalter: I love everything about running and would absolutely still be doing it even if I wasn’t racing. I hope to be running my entire life. It’s my favorite way to explore, recharge in silence, socialize with friends, and be outdoors. Currently, I love signing up for races because I am intrigued by what’s possible. Our bodies and brains can do way more than we often give them credit for, and signing up for tough races allows me to explore that.
WM: Please tell us briefly about the “Pain Cave”—and can you share one strategy for our readers to embrace it for personal and physical growth?
Dauwalter: The Pain Cave is the place I go to in my head when it feels like I physically can’t take another step. When it feels impossible to keep running, I’ll picture grabbing a chisel and entering this cave in my mind. Oftentimes, our bodies try to tap out earlier than what we are actually capable of and if we stay strong in our minds, we can raise our own bar, we can push our own limits. So when I’m picturing taking that chisel into the back corners of my Pain Cave, I’m picturing making that cave larger and making my mental capacity to push my limits bigger.
Our brains are so, so powerful and while running is definitely a physical activity, it’s also hugely mental. What we tell ourselves is important. Our mindset in any challenge we take on is incredibly important. This sport has taught me that lesson but it definitely can apply to all areas of our lives.
WM: It is wildly cool that your mom has also become involved in ultra running—what advice might you have for our readers in their 50s and 60s who aspire to ramp things up with their training/running/racing?
Dauwalter: My mom and I ran 100k together last year and it was one of the most special days of my life. I’m so thankful I got to create those memories with her. She had never run trails before, and as she started getting into the training for that race our conversations were all about being patient with the build and being consistent in putting in the efforts. Small amounts of work done consistently pays off huge, even if it’s hard to see in the moment. So, my advice is to go for it! Why not? And to be patient and consistent.
WM: Your own go-to nutrition for training and racing?
Dauwalter: During races, I plan my nutrition around Tailwind—it’s delicious, and has been very reliable for me as a way to get consistent calories and electrolytes. So, I always have one bottle of Dauwaltermelon and one bottle of water in my vest. After that, I’ll add in gels, chews, waffles, and, depending on the length of the race, maybe even pancakes, cheeseburgers, pizza, or mashed potatoes.
About Erinn Morgan
After a 10-year career as an award-winning New York City-based editor launching and redesigning urban, style-driven magazines, Erinn Morgan left her downtown Manhattan digs after September 11th, 2001, in search of a less encumbered, freelance lifestyle. A life-changing, two-year-long trek around the country in a motorhome eventually landed her in Durango, Colo., which she now calls home. Her writing has appeared in numerous— More about this author →
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