Courtney Dauwalter

Date: 2017-10-24 | Duration: 1h 46m

Episode Overview

Courtney Dauwalter dives deep into the mindset and physical demands of ultramarathon running, sharing vivid stories from her grueling races. She explains how she learned to push through intense physical pain by staying mentally tough and embracing trial and error. Courtney recounts moments of hallucination and near blindness during a 238-mile race, illustrating the extreme mental and physical challenges ultrarunners face. She also highlights the importance of pacing, nutrition, and rest, noting how even short naps can make a significant difference in endurance events. The conversation touches on the unique aspects of mountain trail running, including the unpredictable terrain and wildlife encounters, such as bobcats and hawks, that add another layer of challenge and adventure. Courtney reflects on the community and camaraderie among ultrarunners, emphasizing how these races are as much about mental resilience and connection as physical ability. She also discusses the evolving understanding of human limits in endurance sports, expressing excitement about pushing boundaries and the future of ultrarunning. Throughout, her candid insights reveal the discipline, focus, and passion that drive her extraordinary achievements.

About Courtney Dauwalter

Courtney Dauwalter is a renowned ultra-marathon runner celebrated for her extraordinary endurance and resilience. She gained international recognition after winning the grueling MOAB 240 race in Utah, completing the 240-mile course in an astonishing time of under 58 hours. Known for her unyielding spirit and unique approach to long-distance running, Courtney has consistently outperformed her competitors, often finishing races with significant lead margins. Her ability to push beyond conventional limits and her insights into the mental and physical challenges of ultra-marathon running make her a compelling figure in the endurance sports community. Dauwalter's journey not only inspires athletes but also captivates those intrigued by the power of the human spirit.

Key Moments

– Ultramarathon Running
– Endurance Training
– Trail Running
– Physical Pain Management
– Nutrition and Hydration
– Sleep Deprivation Effects
– Mental Toughness
– Race Strategy
– Injury and Recovery
– Altitude Training
– Wildlife Encounters
– Supplementation
– Ketogenic Diet
– Drug Testing in Sports
– Human Performance Limits
– Motivation and Discipline
– Telomere Research
– Running Gear
– Race Logistics
– Community and Support Crew
0:00:00 – Introduction and initial questions to Courtney Dauwalter
0:01:26 – Courtney discusses how she started running
0:04:06 – Learning to manage physical pain during races
0:06:05 – Challenges of mountain races explained
0:09:32 – Altitude training benefits near Denver
0:11:36 – Weekly mileage and training volume for 100-mile races
0:13:13 – Race tactics and managing competition pressure
0:14:29 – Mental challenges of prolonged exertion
0:15:16 – Recovery time needed after marathons
0:17:09 – Avoiding distractions like social media during training
0:20:28 – Physical and mental state during ultra endurance events
0:23:20 – Experiencing hallucinations during long races
0:26:55 – Riding through waves of fatigue and pain
0:30:51 – Use of salt pills and electrolyte management
0:32:57 – Mental focus and staying present during races
0:35:48 – Gratitude for body’s ability to endure
0:39:53 – Wildlife encounters: mountain lions and bobcats
0:46:21 – Common injuries and bleeding in ultras
0:49:36 – Adjusting running technique for safety
0:53:15 – Story of hawk attack during training
1:00:01 – Discussing effects of extreme fatigue
1:03:54 – Current goals and future running plans
1:07:49 – Society’s perception of endurance sports
1:11:31 – Exploring boundaries of human performance
1:15:07 – Planning for ultra-long races like 500 miles
1:19:48 – Muscle breakdown and physical limits
1:23:27 – Importance of discipline and focus in training
1:24:20 – Runner’s high and emotional highs on trails
1:27:32 – Exercise’s impact on biological aging
1:30:53 – Music and playlists during long runs
1:33:59 – Drug testing and fairness in ultrarunning
1:37:23 – Dietary approaches including ketogenic diet
1:41:35 – Invitation to return after running 500 miles

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Welcome Courtney! Thank you. Thanks for having me. First of all, how did you do what you did and how are you right now? Starting point is 00:00:54 32. Starting point is 00:01:06 And you're only 32. Starting point is 00:01:26 Wow. So how did you start out? Starting point is 00:01:54 Well, I hope not. Starting point is 00:02:08 Ready, set, go. Starting point is 00:02:31 Yeah, it was cool. Starting point is 00:02:52 Let's picture you hoofing it. Starting point is 00:03:23 trying to learn how to like tap into my Starting point is 00:04:06 physical pain if I just keep going wow so that's it just just stay tough trial and error yeah wow Starting point is 00:04:47 Yeah. Starting point is 00:05:02 that you obviously know how to achieve. Starting point is 00:05:15 Yeah. Starting point is 00:05:30 They keep getting involved in bad relationships. Starting point is 00:05:48 What was the previous furthest? Starting point is 00:06:05 Well, that's the interesting thing about these mountain races, like, because it's not just in Starting point is 00:06:45 For me, they were helpful. I didn't use them until the probably last quarter of the race. Starting point is 00:07:31 And it really is stunning. Starting point is 00:07:42 Look at this section. Starting point is 00:08:24 Um, nachos, candy. Starting point is 00:08:46 I take a multivitamin. Starting point is 00:08:52 No? Starting point is 00:09:12 Like, they had Drago, the Russian guy, and you're doing all this stuff, and they got, Starting point is 00:09:32 altitude i think it probably helps i mean um i'm right outside denver so there's trails out my door Starting point is 00:09:58 When did you know that you were going to do it? Starting point is 00:10:32 It's all so relative, you know, because a marathon to me would kill me. Starting point is 00:11:05 Yeah, that's what I hoped is that it could be a good springboard to the next one. Starting point is 00:11:36 for the 100 i would average about...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1027?

Courtney Dauwalter was the guest on JRE #1027. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1027?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1027 with Courtney Dauwalter, topics include Ultramarathon Running, Endurance Training, Trail Running, and Physical Pain Management.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1027?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1027 with Courtney Dauwalter is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.