#96 - Deeper Into The Pain Cave Through Ultra Running With Courtney Dauwalter

This episode of The Bare Performance Podcast features a woman who defines the spirit of ultra running. She does her own thing, listens to her body, intuits her course and revels in everyone else out there around her, driving on mile after mile. Growing up Courtney Dauwalter never gave a thought to the possibility of being a professional athlete, but her family did embrace an “all in” work ethic that has meshed perfectly with her talent for running. In this chat with Nick she reflects on her journey from school teacher to record-setting ultra competitor. She shares fascinating stories from out on the courses of the Moab 240 (perhaps her favorite race ever) as well as Bigs Backyard and Barkley Marathons (quirky and mysterious, respectively). Learn how Courtney stays on track even when the weather is pounding her or lack of sleep delivers hallucinations. It’s all about pushing herself to discover the limits of her mental and physical capability. With her long shorts and taste for beer and Mexican food, Courtney exemplifies what it is to trust in – and fully embrace – your most authentic self, even when it means chiseling further into the “Pain Cave.” Enjoy this inspiring conversation about what Nick and his guest have found in the ultra community. The camaraderie, sense of accomplishment and memories go well beyond the fitness challenge! You can find Nick’s documentary, “More Than the Miles,” about the Leadville 100 Ultramarathon here. And Gary Robbins’ “Where Dreams Go to Die” is available here. Click here to listen to/rate/review previous episodes of The Bare Performance Podcast. You can also find out more about Nick’s performance nutrition and health supplements here. Courtney and Nick get right into it, deconstructing the difference in training between ultras and marathons. How Courtney stumbled into the ultra world – and how it unleashed her appetite for repeatedly testing limits, both emotionally and physically. “All in” was the ethic with which Courtney’s was raised in Minnesota. It lent itself to the pursuit of ultra performance. About the transition from full-time teacher to full-time professional athlete, from extra after-school and weekend training hours to making the leap. Trail and road running are completely different, requiring different mental focus and skill. Quick Tip: Anti-chafe in combination with toe socks = no blisters and fewer toenails lost! The turning point? Courtney and her husband Kevin agreed that she had to pursue ultra running 100% so there could be no regrets when looking back years from now. With her laser-like focus on running, doors opened and the running felt like freedom and something she loves – not at all like work. There is a point at which running reaches an almost spiritual plane, with a meditative quality that clears the mind and body. The challenge is getting to that point of ease! The ultra community is totally unique. There is a special camaraderie unlike anything Nick has experienced even among Iron Man, CrossFit or Triathlon athletes. When the negative self-talk starts: Courtney’s first 100-miler ended in self-doubt and rookie mistakes in terms of nutrition and strategy. She dropped out, but it was full of lessons learned! Chiseling Out the Pain Cave: With each race, Courtney goes in with the intention of making her Pain Cave