Courtney Dauwalter on a life in ultra running, the pain cave and elective sufferfests

Wilder Mind Podcast

Courtney and I recorded this episode as part of the process for a film that we were shooting for one of her sponsors, Sufferfest Beer Company. Over the course of the following days not only did her and our production crew have an absolute blast, we witnessed her never ending support of the community. Everyone that passed by on the trail or the sidewalk received a warm greeting from her. From talking with fellow athletes about their endurance goals to running alongside a passerby to help motivate him to keep pushing forward, it's clear how much she loves the community that loves her back. Courtney is a bit of a mystery to many; presumably powered by an imposing and unspoken darkness that compels her to use the power of her mind and feet to race and win the world's toughest ultra marathons. In the greatest flip of the script she fights no demons or deep darkness. Rather, she excitedly seeks the deepest recesses of the pain cave, pitting herself against the elements of the wild spaces, the long enduring miles and the mental sufferfest to find the brightness on the other side. And she does so with class unlike any other, kindness of a school teacher (which she once was) of and the rhythm of an eclectic mix from her old iPod shuffle! When she crosses the finish line, often the first one to do so, she enjoys the crispness of a fresh beer, a big ol' plate of nachos and the company of her loving husband Kevin, family and friends. On a personal note, I'm floored to have spent time with one of personal heroes; listening, learning and sharing her story both here on the podcast and through a short film we produced. Sometimes this life seems so unreal and it's an absolute honor to be here, alongside all of you. To you wildest self, be true.