Deeper Into The Pain Cave Through Ultra Running with Courtney Dauwalter

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[@etapepartners]

I met Courtney the day before I raced Broken Arrow this fall. I was jogging down a random road off the mountain completely alone, and a runner approached me from behind. when they caught up, they slowed down to my pace. I did a double-take. it was Courtney. we chatted for a few mins, she asked me some questions about my upcoming race. it was the highlight of my weekend. she didn't need to stop and talk, I would have completely understood if she just wanted a quiet jog by herself. the woman is an amazing competitor, and an amazing person.

[@michael7324]

That's a very cool story. I think I would have been speechless.

[@etapepartners]

@@michael7324 I was speechless. I used to live in NYC next to a movie theatre where they did Hollywood premieres. I saw famous people there all the time, but I didn't really care. but the fact that I bumped into Courtney " in the wild" really through me for a loop. yes I was star struck. only time its every happened... go ahead and call me a Fan Boy :)

[@michael7324]

@@etapepartners No way bro, Id be the same way.

[@gafmelo]

Wow! That must have been a great day for sure!!!

[@motivation4u]

Awesome

[@cpruns4501]

Finally....someone asked Cortney a question and then shut their mouth until she was done talking. No other podcaster has done that with her. They ask a question and then at the first pause they interrupt and interrupt and interrupt. Courtney is the type of person who doesn't talk over people and I love that about her. If you want to get the goods let her talk:) Well done!

[@emilyrapp3778]

funny you say that. i was listening to rich roll interview her and just had to shut if off - he was doing all the talking and i don't care what he had to say.....strange way to interview someone.

[@cpruns4501]

@@emilyrapp3778 I cannot stand to listen to that guy! I had to shut that one off also. He would ask her a question and then answer it for her. I have no idea why anyone listens to that Rich guy or why anyone would go on his POD. It's so weird. Nick is the first person I have maybe ever listened to that makes the POD all about his guest. Being able to really listen is a dying art.

[@alertbri]

@@emilyrapp3778 there must be thousands of us who had the same frustrating experience 😂 loving this interview though, *so much better* a lovely conversation.

[@sharonb537]

@@emilyrapp3778 Could not agree more. I saw that one too. She looked hella uncomfortable during the Rich Roll interview. This interview was very natural and she smiled so much and was completely at ease.

[@commevache3756]

I haven't listened to the Rich Roll but it had to of been really bad if this one is considered letting her talk because I spent a half time rolling my eyes at his oh yeah me too stories on every single thing she said

[@danielwilkins8271]

Honestly my favourite athlete, Courtney's attitude to life is just so infectious.

[@michael7324]

I love her. She is just so happy to be running.

[@danielwilkins8271]

100% man!

[@PixelatedTony]

She’s especially awesome because she runs all those miles without pumping herself full of steroids…like Nick.

[@lucybartholomewruns]

Epic! Love Courtney! When she passed me at Western States 100mile it was all class. A pat on the back, a joke and a wave of energy for everyone she encounters at mile 60 or on a street corner!

[@Amanda_K_001]

Lucy you are a badass as well! 😉

[@turkeysandwich001]

Loved your video Lucy!! What a crazy runner you are. Well done!!

[@shartmann2008]

@@Amanda_K_001 right?? lucy rocks

[@BollywoodMediaOnline]

YOU are an inspiration too !!!

[@terencetan236]

Courtney’s smile is infectious. Such a positive person.

[@CoachPabon]

I’ve watched a lot of interviews with Courtney, & this was definitely one of the best ones. She seemed relax & more open to talking. Excellent episode!!

[@cpruns4501]

That's because this guy actually shut his mouth and listened to her. So many podcasters don't actually listen and Courtney is the type of person who doesn't talk over people. You have to ask a question and then shut your mouth until she is fully done her thought. Almost no one can do that nowadays.

[@williemalan1463]

Hi Courtney, I like the way you think. Long distance runners are born with this eagernes to run. You motivate me to run more. I am 69, so I cannot complete all the races in time. But I can cover the distance, so I set my own goals. When I was younger I completed 18 Comrades marathons, one 100 km race and 5 hundred milers. I am from South Africa and followed your race when you were running the Cape Town 100 km last week on the 27 of November. You are my inspiration for running each day. Best of luck. Will love to meet you one day. Willie Malan Sedgefield South Africa.

[@ybannieto8155]

Courtney is awesome. No coach no tricks no gimmicks and definitely a genuine person. Love her

[@teetertotter5787]

I'm a slow runner. Prepping for a road marathon in a couple of weeks. Nowhere near sub-3. Closer to 6 hours. I lost 50 lbs over the last year and just building my fitness, so yeah I'm slow right now. So I approach it with the ultra mindset because it takes me so fricking long. That's how I found out about Courtney, and wow what an amazing inspiring human. It makes me want to check out ultras, but then I remember my road marathon is basically an ultra in terms of time on feet. hahahha.

[@dewknow1315]

Do not feel bad my first 100k took me 22 hours 😡 mostly do to lack of training but might go back next year to get it under 20 hours.

[@empyrionin]

Damn that story resonates with me as well. First 30k I did took 8 hours. Definitely ultra time. Now I'm aiming at sub 6 hour marathon. Courtney is amazing!

[@fitter5423]

This is so true. I did my first marathon this past May and the furthest I’ve ever ran before was 15 miles. I hit a wall twice during that marathon at mile 17ish and 23ish and I started to talk so much shit to myself and came right out of the pain running. Shortly after I felt no pain and was on the runners high. That’s personally when I hit that high is when I come out of a low painful space. I love watching these two. Courtney is an absolute savage.

[@winnieyip5617]

What a humble athlete. I look up to her so much. Love you Courtney!

[@nicholeiby]

I always feel so motivated to do more after listening to Courtney speak. She's incredible! Thank you for having her on here!

[@ElvieShaneMusic]

This is the best Courtney interview I’ve ever watched.

[@nadiajohnson2522]

Started getting really active 6 months ago and discovered trail running due to park runs I started before the pandemic and more recently online documentaries where I discovered you two, amongst others, which has been inspirational. Most of my life was spent in active addiction. 5 years clean & sober now. Watching this interview is so relatable because I am learning to discard so many negative thoughts about myself. It's a beautiful thing to see the relationship aspect, the splendour of the outdoors and the multi-levelled personal development trail running brings about. What really strikes a cord is "less impressed, more involved", "more than the miles" and then what I recently heard on another athletes documentary about thru-hiking - "the most important lessons are learned, not taught". Thanks for putting yourselves out there and sharing your journey. 💪🏾 - with love from South Africa

[@katelismore1084]

Great interview Nick, you really aced making Courtney feel super comfortable and that makes the conversation SO much more interesting and authentic. Absolutely love Courtney and this feels like her best recent interview about her training, mindset etc. Two amazing athletes talking about crazy races!

[@lichin11]

I'm here for the videos and the high-quality interviews. Thank you for speaking the minimal amount possible and letting your guests speak freely and fully.

[@cameronclark5705]

This was one of the best pods I've listened to in a while

[@bretstevens262]

I have loved everyone of Courtney's interview on different channels, but Courtney and Nick's discussion about the Pain Cave is the best. This podcast made push the click to sign up for a Backyard Ultra! Great discussion!

[@etapepartners]

funny store but relevant: this past summer I was competing in a 6hr timed event. up and down a mountain as many times as possible in 6hr. it was 95 degrees and 80% + humidity . brutal day on the East Coast. at about 5:30 hours and a mile from the end of the loop, I came across a young guy sitting on a rock. he was a fast guy and he had lapped me a couple of times because the loop was only 2.5 miles. I asked him what the trouble was. He said something like "man, I have no energy, I can't make it". I asked him if he'd been taking any nutrition. the young guy looked at me like I was a space alien. I realized he had no idea about nutrition. I gave him an extra Maurten gel with caffeine. a few mins later he comes bounding down the trail like a puppy and said " holy $%#$^%, what is that magic stuff you gave me"....I think he learned something that day, glad I could help a runner who was just learning about ultras.

[@noahatlas5240]

Ah, I love this! I'm sure he'll think about you on his future running adventures.

[@brettgray5208]

Best podcast I've ever heard/seen. Well done.

[@simonelovati4881]

Courtney is the best. I love her smile!

[@danalarcon]

Without a doubt, she is a great woman, and she teaches us a lot about how to face this sport. Greetings from Chile

[@Atilowski]

"I wondered what else I could do that sounded too hard". Pure gold. I'm starting triathlon now, despite what almost everybody is saying ("you're nuts", etc). Great feeling of renewing my boundaries at the age of 40. Never felt better. PS: 39:53 "goldfish and crackers" Nick is so pissed with her simplicity haha

[@real_berzin]

Loved to see and hear you two sharing experiences. Amazing energy coming out of this podcast. Cheers!

[@curtisbjamn]

Nick, for this past year it's been hard to explain to others, my wife included, why I'm addicted to running ultras. I even started my own podcast for an excuse to get into the minds of other runners. This conversation is one of the best in depth views into the ultra runners mind, and I very much appreciate it. Looking forward to competing with you in Maine. Can't believe you've signed up for that race too, should be fun.

[@julianosaddockdesa]

Owesome! The Best podcast I've listened about/with Courtney until now! Congrats for conducting and asking the right questions.

[@ColoradoRunnerGuy]

Really loved this interview. Courtney is such an inspirational human being with a positive mindset that is infectious. And Nick conducted a perfect discussion. Fascinating listening. Thanks.

[@Tylerhas_theruns]

These questions were PERFECT! Such an excellent interview.

[@Ultrarunningamber]

Loved this. It just seemed flawless in the conversation and made me want to listen longer. Congrats to both of you on you big races this year.

[@jeffreyharrison4045]

Courtney is such an inspiration. A down to earth rock star!

[@krissifadwa]

My favorite thing about Courtney is how fascinated she is with how far the human's anatomy is capable of reaching. She can feel that our bodies are a lot more than what we've always thought it to be. It's like a machine, which is seperable from the mind. Thanks, Nick!

[@runslowtorunfast6528]

She always seems so grateful, as she should. I think a lot of people think and feel what a great experience it would be to be a professional ultra trail runner, all in. Most, myself included, just don't have the talent to be able to do so. This creates a true appreciation for her and the grace by which she carries herself.

[@TheJaniczek]

Apart from all her accomplishments (for which she's greatly underappreciated) she's so modest and kind. Top athlete.

[@catedoge3206]

Courtney is a monster runner! Goals!

[@jenmal898]

Amazing episode! Thank you ❤

[@scottysumner5946]

What a pleasant surprise! I love Courtney's interviews! She's like a superhero!

[@bikingrealtor]

Great interview. Insightful and inspiring hearing the mind games/pain cave are similar at an elite level. It's a level playing field and wish more people would experience. Appreciate your work and outlook.

[@erick-yanickbergeron282]

So happy this morning!!! The goat together! Deux vrais machines de guerre.

[@chrisbrantley2276]

Such an inspiration! Such a genuine person! 🦾👊🏽

[@ArnabMYT]

She is simply amazing, love her attitude and energy. Keep going strong 😇

[@zacherypowell1784]

Just listened to this episode for the first time, and I already know that it’s going to be something I wish I could listen to for the first time again.

[@kylelay6858]

Thanks Nick & Courtney. Going Sub-3 in Cincy at the Flying Pig this weekend. You guys are inspiring!

[@cwillemburg]

Witnessed her win the women's 100km at Cape Town UTCT, she is definitely my trail running hero! Love her positive vibes and beautiful contagious smile

[@courtneywilt7105]

This was a great podcast. Courtney is the GOAT. 😁

[@danielacostanues]

Thank you for having her!

[@lauramccranie7497]

Great interview. Courtney is the best!

[@roar66552]

congrats on this podcast Courtney is awesome runner

[@markrumsey505]

How can you not love her?!? She is a great spirit! The most amazing personality!

[@therandomguy4270]

Both of these people are awesome!!!

[@christopherkelly8031]

Subscribed!!! I have done Ironman, Next Lake Placid in July, then I am going to do an ultra, because of you guys. Love your Videos.

[@couchpotato9497]

I feel like Courtney at the beginning of college...Last year during track I rekindled my love for running and ran more trail runs in the morning, during lunch, and after school. Will say trail running is fun and amazing.

[@denisec3492]

Great interview! Courtney don't settle for the image of a rocking chair at 90. I expect you will still be running or doing something amazing!

[@starz8900]

Love Court! She’s just so much fun.

[@steynerr]

Great interview Nick. Courtney is awesome

[@ninamertens2696]

best interview of her ive seen yet

[@commevache3756]

love how this is all about you, best part of the interview is when she just said that learning to ride on the trail means picking your feet up not shuffling along and then you told me exact same story as if it was your own. then when she said I like to turn the radio off, another boring self story of "when I..."

[@ninamertens2696]

stoked i found you guys, cant wait to watch that leadville doc :)

[@primitivestar8564]

Really enjoyed this interview.

[@pedrob8787]

She is an amazing athlete! ❤️

[@shartmann2008]

Grounded... this is what that looks like. Great interview.

[@hayleeromrell3000]

This was a great conversation. You two click well.

[@mikhail114]

Very good interview. I really enjoyed it.

[@marshallsmith619]

I ran my first ultra, being a 50km at the end of 2020 on a whim - went from not running at all to 50k in 4.5 weeks. Two weeks prior to the 50k I ran my first half-marathon. I finished the 50k in 6 hours 15 mins and destroyed my body in the process. I don't really consider myself a runner, but I would like to take it more seriously and get back into it to see what I can do. Watching some of Courtney's videos made me decide to go after the 50k. Great podcast.

[@Mm-hmmm]

Legit the best out there

[@aliciavalentyn5889]

Awesome interview 🏃‍♀️🌅

[@tomaguilar2388]

Love it!

[@ryanwhite6859]

Great Chemistry. Covered many interesting topics in a cool and natural Way.

[@ianolson7507]

Such an amazing human.

[@andrewshortt4338]

This lady is a class act….❣️🌟

[@fitter5423]

I’d love to see both of these two attempt the barkleys.

[@gabriellebargas8632]

Love it!!

[@aronplacencia8504]

wow - amazing chemistry here guys

[@peaksandpaws]

Courtney is just awesome! I actually see myself a bit in her. I am very ambitious when it comes to crazy adventures and challenges. It's mostly my body who doesn't let me do what I want to do. I just keeps breaking on me! But I will finally run my first 50-miler in January. I have done a few 50k's and I know I can do that, but the thought of running another almost 20 miles on top of that? It does freak me out slightly. Haha... I'll go and find out how that will feel. I am expecting quite a big pain cave!

[@marlinweekley51]

Great conversation 👍🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[@dntl408]

Wow!!! Nick x Courtney.

[@justthinking2241]

your a great interviewer. quality video

[@aliciawiley6479]

What is the Leadville Doc he is talking about? Great interview. Love all of it.

[@JuanSanchez-nn1db]

Refining the love of running...exactly

[@MrTantriq]

Great convo! I’m upping my miles, starting tomorrow!

[@ryanpacker1115]

Great pod cast as always. Was looking to put an order in for some products & trying to find the top you are wearing in this. Are you still selling them? Keep up the great content!

[@FreeGoeland]

really excellent!

[@pistashleyo5897]

One day I hope to have a crew behind me and my dreams. How amazing that you can sustain your lifestyle by doing what you love....

[@clemensbrugner318]

That´s a good interview man, well prepared too!

[@lovelandgirl1494]

A great talk. They interviewed each other

[@runningscents2532]

Courtneys the boss of all running!

[@whatevraa]

Great podcast man!

[@Exalt92]

This Podcast is amazing for several things but one thing stuck out to me: There is this huge man talking to this small woman and in a "classical role picture" you would think he's the interesting one and she would be the interviewer but in the ultra world its just different. The massive "dude" is the pupil learning from this small woman the rules of ultra. Its why I love this sport. Its so powerful, so focused on the mind and it just crushes stereotypes. Its the one sport where anyone can search for, find and achieve their true potential. I've followed both Courtney and Nick for a long time but seeing them side by side just hammers this message home. Great cast!

[@michaelregan427]

I don't know what Nick being jacked has to do with anything. Women are just as interesting and humbling as men...

[@grecci]

She has great energy! No wonder why she is so successful.

[@npyle4]

Sooooo good! You both give me some much inspiration. Going to try my first marathon beginning of 2022…and hoping to do a 30-mile trail run during the summer. Maybe an 50-mile ultra to close out 2022. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@paleodynamics6333]

How’d it go?

[@ReviewedByAndy]

Love to hear that even the best of the best trip over stuff and eat it on their runs.

[@theprimalwisdom4929]

0:8 greatest ultra runner period. Not just female.

[@pammurfin1953]

Courtney is definitely my "shero"!

[@noahpeters6266]

Hey Nick, you should come up to Kansas for Unbound Gravel. I think you might like the gravel community since it's similar to the ultra community (I've experienced both)

[@debbiebrown381]

Thank you for this. I am doing my first 50K in March.

[@johnnyray3]

two epic people… Courtney for Nacho President !!!🌮

[@codysummers934]

In college cross country, our second practice would be a second run + weights. We'd blast "Slaves of Pain" by Sepultura. I remember my coach all of the time, "Practice feeling good! Embrace the pain, You're not gonna die!".

[@aaronpannell6401]

I run around lake Georgetown, and its nice to hear confirmation from the greats that that trail is very rocky. Im running my first 50k around November 18th.

[@danielacostanues]

Subscribed!

[@mathews0618]

#96 The greatest ultra runner in the world Fixed it for you

[@pennywilliams841]

Excellent