UTMB, spanning three international borders and encircling Europe’s highest peak, is globally acknowledged as one of the most demanding ultra-marathons, characterized by both a festive ambiance and a staggering elevation gain surpassing Mount Everest.
Her summer of 2023 not only marked a triple crown by conquering the Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB in a single season but also solidified her status as an unparalleled force in ultra-running.
A decade ago, at Run Rabbit Run in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Dauwalter faced the humbling experience of a did-not-finish (DNF). Alone and disheartened, she made a pivotal choice to transform into someone capable of completing 100 miles.
Dauwalter’s triumphs extend beyond UTMB; her victories in the Moab 240 and other major races challenge conventional assumptions about gender differences in ultra-endurance sports. The ongoing debate on whether longer race distances neutralize gender gaps has gained traction, prompting research and discussions within the running community.
Great podcast, totally worth listening.
Blister Speaker Series: Courtney Dauwalter (Ep.290 - 01:12:21) December 11, 2023Last week, we had one of the most accomplished athletes of all time come to Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado, for our Blister Speaker Series. But in addition to Courtney Dewaulter’s mind-blowing exploits and her legendary physical toughness on the trail, it is Courtney’s curiosity and enthusiasm that make her truly unique, and a joy to be around.
So it was quite an opportunity to get to get her thoughts on life and the limits we tend to place on ourselves; her approach to training and competition; how she goes about setting goals; and more.
Ultimately, while we’ve watched Courtney’s staggering achievements as she crosses finish line after finish line, setting new course records and accomplishing the seemingly impossible along the way, this conversation makes it clear that her achievements are very much mental victories, and there are takeaways in this conversation that each of us would do well to absorb and implement into our own lives.