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Published Aug 2, 2021

Mindset SECRETS From The World's Best Ultrarunner: Courtney Dauwalter | Rich Roll Podcast

Explore the mindset and intuitive training secrets of ultrarunning legend Courtney Dauwalter, as she delves into her mental resilience and unique pain management strategies, drawn from experiences in extreme races like Barkley Marathons and Hardrock. Her insights reveal the transformative power of embracing discomfort and maintaining presence, offering inspiration for athletes seeking mental and physical fortitude.
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  • Embracing Pain

    Courtney Dauwalter's approach to ultrarunning is deeply intertwined with her unique relationship with pain. She describes the "pain cave" as a mental space where she not only survives but thrives, transforming it into a place of celebration and hard work 1. This mindset shift allows her to embrace the discomfort and push her limits further. explains, "It's like picturing a chisel and just, like, making tunnels in my pain cave in my brain."

    It's just telling myself a different story about that place where it hurts so bad, where before it was, like, surviving it, and now it's like, this is so cool. We made it here and now we work.

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    Her ability to welcome pain as part of the journey sets her apart from her competitors, highlighting the power of mental grit over physical prowess 2.

       

    Staying Present

    Staying present is a crucial component of Courtney's success in ultrarunning. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the moment rather than projecting too far ahead, which can lead to mental spirals 3. By maintaining a positive outlook and refusing to dwell on negativity, she protects her mental state and enhances her performance. shares, "I'll even talk out loud to myself, like, no, stay right here."

    What you project out, I mean, hearing it, you're hearing it in your head, but when you say it out loud, it can make a huge difference.

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    This discipline in staying present and positive is a skill she has honed through her experiences in ultrarunning, supported by her upbringing and the influence of those around her 4.

       

    Mental Techniques

    Courtney's mental game techniques are pivotal in her ultrarunning achievements, particularly in managing sleep deprivation and maintaining resilience. She has developed a routine that includes short, strategic rest periods, even if it means just pretending to sleep 5. This adaptability is part of her broader mental strategy, which includes embracing the mental challenges of ultrarunning as opportunities for growth. reflects on the role of mental endurance in long races, noting, "As the distance increases, it becomes a little more equal, for sure, because then it is a lot in your head and it's about persistence and problem solving."

    I love that I can use myself as this guinea pig and just test things and see.

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    Her ability to experiment with and refine her mental strategies underscores the importance of psychological resilience in ultrarunning 6.

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