001 - Inside the (Joyful) Mind of Elite Ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter
Jan 4, 2024
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Elite ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter talks about her unprecedented accomplishment of winning three iconic 100-mile races within 10 weeks, while maintaining a rare mixture of joy and intensity. She shares her mindset towards embracing the 'pain cave' and her unique visualizations and mantras. Courtney also discusses the power of belief, taking risks, refreshing rituals, and maintaining a healthy relationship with running.
Embrace curiosity and try new things to discover your potential and push your limits.
Maintain a healthy relationship with your passion by prioritizing joy and balance.
Approach challenges with curiosity and problem-solving skills, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Deep dives
Importance of Curiosity and Trying New Things
Courtney emphasizes the importance of being curious and trying new things. She shares how her own curiosity led her to discover her potential in ultra running and how she continues to push herself to see what else she can accomplish. She encourages others to step outside their comfort zones and not be afraid to try things that seem too hard, reminding them that even if they don't succeed, the journey and the experience are worth it.
Maintaining Joy and Balance
Courtney emphasizes the importance of joy in her running journey. She believes in maintaining a healthy relationship with the sport, ensuring that the joy of running remains the driving force. She advises runners to listen to their bodies, set realistic expectations, and avoid losing sight of the joy that comes from pursuing their passion. By keeping joy in the front seat, runners can continue to challenge themselves while maintaining balance and a healthy mindset.
Embracing the Unknown and Dealing with Challenges
Courtney shares how she approaches the unknown and deals with challenges during races. She emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and staying calm, even in difficult situations. Instead of panicking, she assesses the facts, explores different strategies, and maintains a positive mindset. Courtney's approach is rooted in curiosity and a belief that there is always a solution to be found. She encourages others to approach challenges with a sense of curiosity, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Taking the Next Step and Believing in Yourself
Courtney shares the importance of taking the next step and believing in one's abilities. She highlights the significance of setting ambitious goals and challenging oneself to see what is possible. By pushing beyond perceived limits, individuals can discover their true potential. Courtney encourages others to try new things, even if they seem daunting, and to maintain a strong belief in their capacity to achieve more than they think.
The Power of Mind-Body Connection
Courtney discusses the mind-body connection in endurance sports. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration between the brain, legs, heart, and external support. Courtney highlights the value of communication with the body, asking for physical motion when faced with challenges. She believes in maintaining a strong mental presence while listening to the body's needs and finding practical solutions. By understanding the mind-body relationship, individuals can optimize their performance and achieve their goals.
Last summer, ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter did something that had never been done before. She ran three of the sport's most iconic 100-mile races... within 10 weeks of each other... and won all three. (She also set the women's course record on two of them.) It was an incredible achievement, even for someone who has long established herself as one of the greatest ultraunners of all-time. How does she do what she does? Through a rare mixture of joy, curiosity, and intensity that will change how you think about competition and ignite your own self-belief. Here, she talks about what she calls "the triple," why she goes in search of the pain cave, the unique visualizations and mantras that she uses to help her solve problems on the trail (like the time she went 98% blind), and how she manages to always keep "joy in the front seat."
