Courtney Dauwalter's Advice to Improve Your Running

[@FlorisGierman]

*🚨BIG GIVEAWAY!! Win a pair of running shoes of your choice (up to $300 value). To enter, subscribe to my KZbin channel and comment: what was your favorite takeaway, lesson or quote from this video? 1 winner will be picked by November 30th and contacted from this KZbin channel. 🚨*

[@Tbuitendijk]

Great vid! Love it Floris! I will be sharing thisone. What i will remember from this talk is when i go into trails in a few weeks, is to not look at pace. Leaving my watch at home, i dont want to because i want the statistics. But i will remember not to look at pace and heartrate (as much as regular running!). So thank you Courtney for that. I love how much Courney based her runs on how she feels. And her saying that in the early days her feet and leg hurt so much as well. So thats normal i guess. Just keep hopes up! Maybe more people can benefit from thinking like that. Daily check ins! I will be doing that more before my scheduled runs!

[@freedomfasting]

To try everything and find what works for you as we are all different. ❤

[@chickensittr]

Great video. The first thing that jumps out from your interview, and what seems like must be one of Courtney's biggest mantras, is checking in with mind and her body before starting a run. The other thing which jumped out to me was sticking with the strength routine that she developed with her team as she has continued to age. My strength routine has been instrumental to my training as I approach my first 50k, and Courtney and I both focus on hips and glutes! I feel like so much power for my run comes from this area of the body. Looking forward to seeing more of this content Floris!

[@charles.andrelagoueyte4007]

Robot, Robot, Robot: definitely, employing mantras. Reaching that point of discomfort, "the pain cave," and committing to living within that moment.

[@dward9007]

Great learnings from one of the greatest athletes in the sports, thanks for the podcast! The most insightful point is she doesn't visit her pain cave during training, which shows she is very tough mentally and holds back just enough to prevent major injuries or burn outs. Wishing everyone a long and healthy running journey.

[@katherineschexneider585]

Before Courtney entered the ultra world, she was saying, "Let's just try." Then she tries and becomes the best ever. Now she stands at the top and...is just as humble and grateful as she was at the beginning. I admire that part of her as much as her amazing achievements. What. role model!!

[@FlorisGierman]

THIS! 👌

[@jeffhusman]

Courtney is a very humble person without the doubt the showcase of extreme endurance human capabilities. Awesome human being.

[@FlorisGierman]

100% Courtney rules, she is such a humble, positive and inspiring athlete in many ways.

[@matthewbower2141]

She is an amazing human and such an inspiration. I started running in October of 2023 and she inspired me through 4 marathons and 2 Ultramarathons my first year. I'd listen to interviews with her as I ran and her "pain cave" metaphor helped push me through so many walls. Such a great role-model.

[@marjanaglusic3838]

For me... her intuition, asking herself how she feels - how her body feels, how is she emotional, mental... Really listening to herself. Love it. 😊💗

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally, the day to day adjustments to training by feel is such a big one!

[@mlouw8218]

My favorite takeaway was flipping the script on pain and discomfort from avoidance to “this is where I get to learn and grow”. I think this could be applied to so many different areas of life 🤓

[@FlorisGierman]

Love that takeaway around the mentality towards the pain cave! Glad it resonated with you.

[@mlouw8218]

@@FlorisGierman Yes! The pain cave 😱🖤Thanks for taking the time to reply 😊

[@JacksonBeazer]

I like how open she is to adventure! She didn't want to live with regrets, and she made the leap to pro just to see if she could. That's courage for sure!

[@FlorisGierman]

100% Her life is surely full of adventure.

[@christopherorman5769]

My favorite take away? Courtney noting that a lot of her running is "explorer" and "cruiser." Even before this podcast, I found myself trying to be less regimented, and being more present in the moment -- of testing myself and seeing how much farther I can go in those cruiser, long runs.

[@FlorisGierman]

Such a great approach to running!

[@LindaHodel-e6k]

How refreshing to see such a pure countenance, humble attitude, no desecration to her body, no swear words! Thank you for this wonderful and refreshing encouragement for running!

[@mike_deaton]

Man I love getting great nuggets from the GOAT. Planning to run the Leadville 100 next year, so this is epic. My fave takeaways were the flexibility of the training routine (checking in and adjusting) and, as always, the incredible power of the mindset shift relative to the pain cave. Terrific session Floris

[@chrisshaw2810]

Favourite quote? 'It's just for fun.' Courtney is a breath of fresh air in an overly self-conscious corporate world, and she just talks sense.

[@FlorisGierman]

So well said Chris!

[@gluon8760]

She is my favorite athlete. She emits good mood

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally, same here!

[@Bibs123]

Like Courtney, I'm a former teacher. We live very regimented lives. Prior to that I was in the military 7 years, which is also regimented. My biggest takeaway from her is that she listens to her body each day to decide how hard to train. I think we get into the mindset that we must stick to the training plan, when actually our body should be our gauge on what run occurs on a particular day. I put off my long run until Sunday this week because I was a bit sore and my HRV was elevated. It really made a huge difference. I finished the run with a smile, rather than grudgingly doing it on Saturday. I probably would have had to cut it short Saturday and that would have been worse than putting it off one day. I'm running my first 50K October 26th; those new shoes would be awesome! I love all your videos. I saw one with Killian that was fascinating!

[@FlorisGierman]

So important to be able to finish those runs with a smile! Glad you're enjoying these videos. Have fun at your first 50k in a few weeks, happy taper!

[@franciscoobando4154]

Key takeways are below. The last was one was more of an important reminder, which was nice to hear somebody else say, and my favorite. 1. Do daily check-ins; 2. mantras can be helpful when you get to a painful moment in a race; 3. toe socks may help with blisters; 4. pain cave is a priviledge that contributes to making you stronger. Thanks :)

[@brandonpietras8744]

I watched the Soloman documentary of Courtney’s three wins last year and was blown away. Thanks for doing this interview! For me an important takeaway is not to avoid the ‘pain cave’ but reframe it as being something productive; that can really change the game mentally in harder portions of a difficult run regardless of the length. Thanks to you both!

[@FlorisGierman]

that reframing of the pain cave was one of my favorite takeaways i'll use in my own races as well

[@collinsauyo8025]

Can't find this Soloman documentary...help

[@bev9708]

I can’t thank you enough for this video, as a baby ultra-marathoner I feel greatly encouraged!!! My number 1 motto always has been Run Happy, which means listening to my body / mind / inspiration and going off that each day! I’ve tried following a plan and it just didn’t work for me at all!! Fortunately I was very much into strength training and yoga long before I started running and greatly feel their benefits on so many levels with my running!! I’ve also seen the massive benefit of being well educated, and I mean science based, not what “everyone says” but what the evidence shows … Aussie running physiotherapist Brodie Sharpe’s Run Smarter book and podcast is a godsend!!!!!

[@FlorisGierman]

So Happy to hear that Bev!

[@Sanko1960]

This was so much more than an interview - it was a true back and forth conversation between two engaging and curious people. Courtney seems always interested in new approaches and ideas, and her sense of humor, happy laughter, and genuine smile are inspiring all on their own. I learned a lot from both of you. Thank you!

[@FlorisGierman]

Courtney rules, such a great guest to have a conversation with!

[@josephpapineau54]

I found the talk about mantras fascinating. I’m training up to marathon distance for the first time. Just hit 20 miles last Saturday. Each time I push further I find myself at least once needing to verbally talk myself into continuing. One I find myself returning to is “do the thing”, “do the thing”. It’s nice to know that everyone suffers, faces the same pain, and mental barriers that need to be broken through. Great talk!

[@janekim2616]

So good to hear from Courtney - favorite takeaway: training is nothing fancy, just constant checking in with herself and deciding on day’s project over morning coffee; mostly cruiser adventures with a couple weekly higher intensities. - sustainable, patient consistency. These things are scalable to even us recreational runners 😊

[@leanneruss1073]

so many useful take away messages from this: "you need to take care of your body if you're asking it to do so much" stands out for me. Both of you are so lovely and very easy listening. Thankyou!

[@FlorisGierman]

Great takeaway! Thanks so much!

[@selenacowland9032]

My favorite take away is the overwhelming joy Courtney gets from what she does and how it grows her as a person. She is always open and gives freely. Great podcast.

[@FlorisGierman]

So well said, she surely radiates joy in running and life

[@quirckybaldguy]

Two things I really like about Courtney: - how in tune with her body she is and how you can be much more sensible with this than any data can guide, - how open she is about doubting whether she can do something and than jumps in with her Pippi Longstocking mentality (is that a thing outside the Netherlands as well?). Thanks for this interview, great content again!

[@mariond.3007]

Courtney, you're such an inspiration in a normal, relaxed and funny way... Thank you for being you!

[@FlorisGierman]

So well said!

[@TylerRippel1]

Courtney's self awareness and encouragement to take care of yourself (being mindful of everything in your life) is refreshing and helpful.

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally! If only all elites and non-elites would take that approach, there surely would be a lot less injuries and overtraining

[@Cal_C]

I really enjoy the way you host your podcasts and all the insight we get from them is amazing. I love how Courtney does her training. Just doing it day by day and listening to her body. Handling the days as they come is just so much more relaxing and keeps it fun. ❤

[@FlorisGierman]

Wow, thanks, I appreciate you!

[@jamesmungall6669]

The fun or if not fun just the feeling that there’s no place I’d rather be than right there right now on the path - that’s why I run. And I got that same vibe from Courtney. The path is more important than the destination

[@BillyYang]

Nicely done Flo! I've heard Courtney a bunch but got some nuggets from this that I've never heard before

[@FlorisGierman]

Appreciate it Billy 🙏🙌

[@kmshultz]

Courtney is so humble and inspiring. Favorite takeaway: when starting trail running, ditch the watch! I am only road running at this point, and I absolutely check my pace and HR obsessively on every run. It takes me out of the moment, away from the full enjoyment of this sport we so love. At some point, when I start to try trails, I will remember Courtney's advice so that that first run is safer and more enjoyable.

[@FlorisGierman]

You can apply those principles to road running too, no need to wait for the trails :)

[@kmshultz]

Good point @@FlorisGierman!

[@poetryinnature1006]

Completely agree. I just completed the Swiss Peaks 360 without using a stopwatch… I finished in 146hrs but was never focused on the specifics or that relentless 1/100th of a second counter because it simply doesn’t make sense on an ultra, particularly an ultra where you have a cutoff of 156hours. What did matter was that I was fully present in each moment, living my mantra (be gentle, relax, enjoy… repeat) and just trying to get to my next meal or bed somewhere down the trail. It may have been a 380km race with 27000m+/-… but in my mind it was 32 smaller races and in each moment it was just a matter of “robot, robot, robot” and getting to the next aid station. I knew if I got to the next aid station, had some rest and refueled that I could continue to enjoy the adventure to the next aid station. And somehow, it all worked out… that “somehow” was so closely aligned to much of what Courtney spoke about… checking in with myself regularly before and during (and after) every race and every training run - trusting my intuition, my body, my experience. If you are thinking about heading out on to the trails, as Courtney said, just give it a try and definitely “ditch the watch” 😊🏔️💚

[@kmshultz]

@@poetryinnature1006 sounds like a wonderful race, thank you for sharing! Although I enjoy the numbers, learning about exercise physiology, optimizing performance (for shorter road races like half marathon), etc, something in me longs for the freedom of being in nature and just being with my mind and body, trees and animals. We all have that deep within us, it is our human heritage. I hope to become an ultra runner someday, and stories like yours keep that dream alive for me.

[@desiraesifuentez5765]

I did find a new running mantra during this episode, "I chose this!!" :D Thank you for this episode.

[@janvoorspoels]

So much to take away... What I notice myself is to be happy on the trail, the 'sharing of energy' during a high five. I love running the ultras because you get to know every (hidden) part of yourself and in that way are able to grow.

[@danacates8209]

One of my favorite things about Courtney is how she trains day to day depending on how she’s feeling, that’s how hard she puts the gas pedal down. Not “training because she has to”. So smart!

[@FlorisGierman]

Yes, I love how she approaches her training and life!

[@stevenenglish9143]

Love how Courtney checks in with every system, her legs, feet, stress, mind, emotion. Then plans a training run in response to all that. Great advice.

[@FlorisGierman]

Love that day to day adjustment to her training

[@exposureseries3747]

One of my favorite mantras is "this is what you wanted so own it and go" you know the pain is going to show up at some point and you signed up for it. Own it and love it and go.

[@EelcoZomer]

What an amazing interview, playing into the beginner phase. And how lovely is Courtney. Loved it!!

[@FlorisGierman]

She surely is! Glad you enjoyed it Eelco.

[@alyssaburlew3421]

My favorite takeaway was hearing that needing to spend more time on mobility/strength as we get older is normal! It is encouraging to see this as typical, versus as an indication that we need to slow down.

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally, we can't underestimate the importance of mobility and strength training

[@c384661]

Thank you Courtney for being so honest and transparent about how it goes. Everything from training to how to figure it out for yourself.

[@Ojibwayrunner]

I'm never disappointed with your content. This one is the best one to date, IMO. She is so positive and happy and such a great human. My best lesson or takeaway was when she spoke about letting negativity in your mind. I am so happy you got to do this interview

[@FlorisGierman]

So glad this conversation resonated with you. Yes, she radiated such positive vibes and is an inspiration in many ways.

[@kathrynhilder9609]

Loved this chat. Thank you! 😊 I think the best takeaway for me was keep the joy, it's supposed to be fun! I always try to remember that I GET to run, I don't HAVE to run. Thanks again for this great interview. Courtney is an absolute gem of a human.

[@FlorisGierman]

So well said! Gem of a human indeed

[@mauriceluffman]

I love what Courtney says about checking in with herself to guide her training intensity. So easy to blindly follow a training plan without factoring in how other factors in our life can affect us.

[@JonLaRue]

Hearing she fell a lot makes me feel a lot better. I am 4 months into my move from road to trail and fall a lot. Getting so much better but hearing the GOAT fell a lot = I feel better.

[@erg_o_maniac]

"You thought you couldn't do that, and then you did. So what else is out there that you might think sounds impossible that we could just try." My mantra and favorite quote by Courtney Daowalter

[@ariungalindev7426]

She is an extraordinary humble person. Love how she doesn’t take her too seriously. The take way, “give it go, the end result is usually not what is matter”, and of course “the consistency”. Thank you Floris for an awesome interview.

[@FlorisGierman]

So well said, I love that about her!

[@alinaovadia9385]

I love Courtney's advice about checking 'all of her systems, not just physical but mental, before she locks in that day's training. Brilliant!

[@frankarena838]

Great episode. A pleasure and privilege to listen to Courtney. No data, just listen to your body, learn from your mistakes. Embrace the pain to make you better and stronger. Those are the key takeaways for me.

[@FlorisGierman]

Love her approach to training, racing and life!

[@dennisshaver636]

Great interview! So many good points I took notes on but, what stood out the most is just the joy she radiates in living and running. Her acceptance of all the good and bad that comes as you pursue a worthwhile goal.

[@FlorisGierman]

So well said, her radiation is real

[@NicolasCaron]

Courtney is always an inspiration. Biggest takeaway for me, whenever I listen to her, is to lessen the pressure I put on myself and remember that this should be fun. Tackling these big challenges is something I chose to do and it is easy for me to put unrealistic pressure on myself and take myself too seriously and forget the fun part.

[@FlorisGierman]

Spot on, that change in energy with kindness to self goes a long way!

[@carrielacy8670]

I loved this video so much. My favorite takeaway/lesson was how her training is day to day. She checks in with herself every day and assesses all of her systems. I work with high school distance runners and I think this is such an important lesson. It isn't about running tons of miles everyday - it's about checking in with yourself and doing your best that day.

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally, the day to day adjustments is something many more athletes could benefit from!

[@cindyscott8470]

Thank you for this FlorisGierman, and thanks to Courtney Dewalter for my takeaway that I have heard many times from her "try, you gotta try". This is huge , someone really powerful handing over a key that deflects fear, " just try"!

[@FlorisGierman]

Love it, spot on. We have to show up and keep trying.

[@mlouw8218]

So glad you got to talk to Courtney! Thank you both 😊🙏 Definitely one of my favorite interviews so far.

[@FlorisGierman]

Our pleasure! Same here, one of my favorite podcast conversations I've recorded in the past 10 years. Thank you!

[@mlouw8218]

@@FlorisGierman 😊👍

[@wizbangdiving]

Great interview, great questions and allowing the answers to guide the direction. Wow Courtney has it all going on. Holistically for life, for running, for life. Adventurous inquisitive nature and laugh and smile quickly. A role model for soo many attributes. Thank you.

[@FlorisGierman]

Her laugh surely is contagious !

[@sunset0624]

What resonated most with me was acknowledging failure and letting yourself feel it. So often we want to forget it and do better next time but it's a good reminder to feel those tough feelings in the moment.

[@FlorisGierman]

Spot on, such a great takeaway right there!

[@stuartwebster2203]

Thanks for a great interview, as an aspiring trail runner I find Courtney’s journey, humility and perspective on life and running simple and beautiful.

[@FlorisGierman]

Glad you enjoyed it, same here, less is often more

[@richardverrier7970]

Daily morning system check-ins to guide training/ workout for the day.

[@FlorisGierman]

Such an important one for longevity in training and racing. Great takeaway.

[@robluistertmuziek]

Great interview! My take-aways are: 1) regular check-ins ((start of day, during training) and room for less structured training (daily adjustments are welcome), and 2) the mental strategies to deal with pain and discomfort (e.g. mantras/affirmations, accepting the pain cave). She seems like a cool person and I like how this interview 'breathes' ultra-mentality.

[@petragilmore5668]

We are all capable if we try and allow ourselves to fail and fail and don’t give up till we succeed… her message is real and raw and love her! Courtney is the reason i learned about ultra running and now it’s my greatest hobby!

[@FlorisGierman]

THIS! 👌

[@bilginaydin9756]

I was in Nice for cycling weekend when UTMB Nice Took place 2 weeks ago. First time I heard of Courtney and witnessed her Finishing 2nd overall with less than 15 minutes to the overall winner. My key takeaway is that I am stunned with how relaxed her approach is and still performing at that highest level.

[@windsrprk]

My favorite takeaway is what she said regarding a failure or disappointment. That it’s important to allow yourself to feel it for a day or two before moving on. That resonated with me because I would try to sweep it under the rug ASAP and try to make like it never happened. Great interview Floris!

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally, that was spot on and I've done the same thing of trying to sweep things under the rug ASAP, while we could be learning a lot in that process. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@juleme72]

How inspiring to hear from Courtney directly about her tips, tricks, and failures! This interview truly changed my mindset and fueled my motivation. Thanks for all your hard work and time and for sharing it for free with us!

[@FlorisGierman]

So glad to hear that!

[@CatherineSui-Miller]

Love Courtney. She is a great inspiration to all runners. Thanks for bringing her to your channel.

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally! Glad you're so inspired by her as well.

[@samanthalowe354]

It's great to hear her talk about being scared and races that were hard and her legs hurt. I know i personally can fool myself into thinking running is "easy" for so many others. I'm training for my first ultra and am so scared and that's to be embraced and explored! I also loved hearing her talk about running being an adventure and not becoming a slave to data.

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally! We all experience these emotions in one way or another. Loved hearing her talk about her first longer race experiences. All the best on your first ultra, enjoy the journey!

[@PaulShanley-zc5ut]

Courtney is so down to earth. Love hearing her just talking about her experiences and the joy she feels doing what she loves.

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally, same here. Lots of great insights she shared

[@henrycook6376]

Great video! Thanks for not interrupting it with ads! Stephanie is an absolute beast, and what a funny and pleasant person.

[@FlorisGierman]

Tried to keep it simple, happy to hear that!

[@enjaa]

Love that her first road marathon was Twin Cities! I’m running it this Sunday!

[@FlorisGierman]

Small world, have fun on Sunday! RobotRobot

[@blackwatchlion]

Courtney is an absolute inspiration. Fantastic human being. Her advice in regards to someone trying trail running initially (leave the watch behind) is invaluable, btw.

[@FlorisGierman]

Couldn't agree more!

[@lasmalacplese8442]

Floris, you are so great at asking questions and just listening to the guest. It’s just pure curiosity coming from you! Thank you

[@FlorisGierman]

That means a lot. I really enjoy these types of in person conversations and learn a lot in the process. Thanks!

[@happyredheadtails]

I like how intuitive she is with how she feels. As a casual runner , since I don’t know a lot about training, I tend do follow what my coach expects me to do. And when I don’t stick to plan, I feel guilty, and have to make up the training session afterwards. After watching this video I think I will try out a more intuitive approach. Another moment I liked is when she shared about how she deals with difficult moments.

[@FlorisGierman]

The most intuitive athlete I've ever spoken to on this channel, love that!

[@darkyie9671]

Thank you for this, what a great conversation! Courtney is such an amazing athlete. I loved the pain cave and fail parts🙂

[@woofsci]

Thanks for the video Floris, Courtney is such a huge inspiration! My favorite takeaway from this video is that it is important to be patient and consistent with your running. As Courtney said improvement may not feel like it is happening, but if you look back a year or six months, you will realize how far you have grown!

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally! Gradual improvements surely compound

[@jtkrunct]

Great conversation, thank you both. Courtney got me into ultrarunning and completely changed my mindset about sports and the value of doing your best and listening to your body. In this interview, I liked the small part about her saying Kevin kept the lights on during the early phases of Courtney going full-time into ultrarunning. Their relationship is very inspiring.

[@FlorisGierman]

So well said. Glad Courtney has made such a positive impact on your running and life. Also, that support system on the home front can make a huge difference.

[@junivenisinsasi6737]

My favorite takeaway is to be dynamic on training, just listen to your body, be patient and have lotsa fun.

[@FlorisGierman]

That flexibility and patience goes a long way!

[@colleencondon1991]

Thank you to both of you for sharing yourselves. Favorite part was the explanation of the pain cave and how it changed from something to avoid to something to embrace and be grateful for because it's making us better. Genius.

[@FlorisGierman]

Loved that part!

[@jillmahal4695]

Excellent interview! Love the mantra - 'You're fine'. :) She's a gem of a person.

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally! Got me thinking of one of the internet memes of a house burning down and a dog repeating "this is fine". Love her positive vibes

[@astolzy]

I love the switch from the Pain Cave being somewhere to avoid, to something that you can actually look forward to and the work than can be done there. I have a marathon this weekend and I've been telling myself to NOT fear the Pain Cave this time - that's where the best stuff is! 👍🏼

[@brendaj7037]

I admire her simple approach to running. A lot of us end up with every data point calculated on spreadsheets. We wear watches, hr monitors, whoop straps, nasal strips, headphones with podcasts playing that tell us the next gear we need. It becomes more stressful. I might try running without a watch after my next race.

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally, there is something special about that simplicity!

[@Correacaleb]

Oh man, hard to narrow it down to 1 ... I have 3 really that are sitting top of mind, listening to your body for training, "activation" before running & looking at the pain cave as where the work is being done to get better. Thanks for sharing!

[@FlorisGierman]

Spot on takeaways right there!

[@matissART]

Thank you for the conversation with Courtney. She is so positive and open. Favorite takeaway: listen to your body.

[@FlorisGierman]

Such an important one!

[@alyson_johnson]

My favorite takeaway from this video is that sometimes, you just have to give things a try. I think we all get hung up on pacing, nutrition, sleep, training… etc. All of them are important, but so is going to a race for FUN just to see how it is and to see how far you can go. It’s like we will prevent ourselves from running if all the conditions aren’t perfect, but we lose sight of the whole point… it’s to have some fun! Courtney reminds me to lighten up - it’s not that serious! ❤

[@Kevin-m5o8b]

Great interview. I'll be doing my first trail 50K in January 2025. I love Courtney's advice "Buckle up, it's going to be so fun." I will need to remember this during the race.

[@FlorisGierman]

Great reminder for race day! Enjoy your first 50k Kevin. Cheers

[@TonyHariman]

Another great interview Floris. For a master 50+ runner, "tuning in and listening to your body" is crucial for injury-free running.

[@FlorisGierman]

Thanks Tony! Absolutely, the day to day adjustments to our training volume and intensity is key for longevity in the sport.

[@toddmarentette]

Thank you Floris, superb interview with Courtney. What spoke to me what how realistic and down to earth Courtney is. Calm, relaxed, smiling, and being connected with how we’re feeling. I especially loved the pain cave discussion. You continue to put out dynamite!

[@FlorisGierman]

Spot on Todd, the feeling based training (and racing) surely is a big one. Excited to see the growth of your podcast my friend, keep inspiring. Cheers

[@JonathanCollier-g6d]

I think the pain cave is a brilliant description of dealing with struggles when you are running. Making the cave bigger and embracing it rather than just coping with it. As a teacher I use this narrative with students when they are finding work difficult as well.

[@FlorisGierman]

The visualization part really helps!

[@Wickedaubergine]

The advice that Courtney would give to her younger self, besides “Buckle Up”: 45:57 “Just Try. The coolest part of this life we get to live is going after things. Getting the thing at the end of it is usually not even the highlight at the end of the whole story. Choosing the path to go down to go after this hard goal, or this thing that sounds impossible, that path is full of so many adventures. So just choose the path and go for it, and see what happens!” Thanks Floris, awesome content 🤩

[@FlorisGierman]

Haha, loved that part!

[@alexphillips4472]

I absolutely love Courtney thanks for the interview! making it fun is my favourite part!

[@asmwilliams]

My biggest takeway is the fluidity of her training. It can be easy to get caught up in a "plan", but checking in with how you're feeling is something we runners should probably all work to be better at.

[@FlorisGierman]

She surely has a very flexible, day to day approach to her training. I love that about her

[@Stevenwalks]

@@FlorisGierman I wonder if she even keep a log ...

[@ErdoBoyPats52]

I would suggest too many of us get caught up in the badness of how we feel in the actual moment and allow ourselves to think we arent going to finish. Too many talk themselves out of success.

[@rodfu]

Courtney is the best and you are great interviewing, Just found ou the channel, following from now on.

[@FlorisGierman]

She surely is. Thanks, welcome on board!

[@DP-sh3nk]

Just subscribed and WHO ARE YOU??? I have really enjoyed your podcast but Dauwalter? Jornet? Kipchoge?????? How do you get so many amazing guests? Great work, great content!

[@FlorisGierman]

Haha, thank you. Not sure, the universe wanted me to amplify some of their great teachings I guess, I'm just the messenger. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@VMR8648]

He's in HER hometown, so I bet he tells them he can travel to their town for the interview, and they agree just because they don't need to go anywhere. Just my guess.

[@annemoar5743]

My favourite take away .."Just go...maybe leave your watch at home" . Courtney has put me at ease with my approach to my first ultra (a short one). I am going for the adventure with no expectations of how it will go. My only plan is to enjoy it. Thank you both for this discussion. 🥰

[@FlorisGierman]

Great timing for your first ultra. Enjoy your adventure out there on race day.

[@ruiseverino7609]

What a great and well run podcast so intresting. Courtney is just so humble that maybe she doesn't even understand how much shes admired by the all running community around the world. One last subject maybe for a difrent podcast would be, when will ultra trairunning be finally joining the Olimpics?! Is just mind blowing that one of the fastest growing sports keeps on being pushed away. Once again great podcast, thank you.

[@esbjornjohansson1337]

My take is that I write my story on the trail, Ill really try to flip my mindset to look at the gain im doing by hurting instead of focusing on the hurt. Thanks for a great interview!

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally! I tried this on a recent hard run myself and it really works!

[@landonmaxfield1161]

My favorite takeaway from this video is to remember why we started running in the first place. Because it’s fun!! I love her advice to leave the watch at home some days and just go and flow with the trails without worrying about pace or distance

[@FlorisGierman]

Spot on, so important to enjoy the journey.

[@hornedfrog04]

Wow! She's such an impressive person. Great interview, Flo. It is so much fun getting to "know" and learn from these athletes.

[@FlorisGierman]

She really is! Glad you enjoyed it

[@kate_roaming]

My biggest takeaway is to think about my progress over a long period of time instead of focusing on the day to day. And to include more mobility/activation! Great podcast!

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally! Whenever in doubt, zoom out our time line. Glad you enjoyed this conversation

[@stephenduffield9245]

Loved the thought that listening to yourself and following your own feelings could lead to your own way of developing as a runner. Freedom!

[@FlorisGierman]

Simplicity and pure freedom indeed!

[@bluebaz]

The modesty and humility she shows is amazing. Love the opening statement 'the world's greatest uttra runner'... Camille and Conor will be trying to figure how to edit someone else's KZbin videos once they get back from Greece. 😂

[@FlorisGierman]

She really is an inspiration to many ways in training, racing and life.

[@isabellekonig7975]

Thank you for the great Video and Podcast about one of the most inspiring people out there. Courtney's such an impressive runner and human being. What impresses me most is her day-to-day training that is not following a specific plan but her feelings. Being the GOAT without a Trainer is so cool and amazing. ❤

[@FlorisGierman]

Totally, super in tune with her body and mind!

[@elrethaburger1981]

Very informative, thank you! I'm really enjoying your pod casts; please keep it up! My favourite takeaway is also the "pain cave" part; that really helped me a lot. Changing your mindset on the difficult part during a race is so smart. I will definitely put it to the test in my upcoming races.

[@FlorisGierman]

Loved that pain cave part and something I'll use in my own upcoming races too!

[@Hannah-iq6ki]

My biggest takeaway was reminding myself to focus on acknowledging all I’ve accomplished and that running is supposed to be fun. Also, thanks for sharing about the flow rope. This is my first time hearing about it.

[@FlorisGierman]

Great takeaways right there! Enjoy the flow rope. Just google Lawrence van Lingen Flow Rope and you'll come across some great videos on KZbin around that topic.

[@Demiduivenvoorden]

This episode was SO GOOD!!!!!!! 🤩 Keep being awesome Flo!!! Proud of you!

[@FlorisGierman]

Appreciate you my friend! Courtney rules and so do you. Keep inspiring!

[@heather6264]

I love her, she is such an incredible person. I could take so much of what she has said away with me but I guess my favourite quote would be “robot, robot, robot” I’m definitely using that one 😂 I loved the way she found so much fun and pleasure in every part of it, even the pain.

[@andrewthompson9206]

I love her mindset! I think saving the pain cave and suffering for the races is smart, and like she said, make it that much more special.

[@jepjacinto]

Wow, feeling day to day - this is definitely new and refreshing at least to me! As a beginner and training for my 2nd marathon, I train with fear. Fear that I won’t be able to finish the race! Add to that, I psych and push myself that this is for me and I want it, almost, that I need it. As of, happiness (maybe relief) comes at the finish line. I need to tweak this attitude and run happy! Thank you Floris for this interview your videos helped me tremendously specially on zone 2 running. Cheers!

[@Kelly_Ben]

What's the worst thing that would happen if you didn't finish? Would you lose your job, friends, family, reputation? Nope. You wouldn't even lose the time and money invested, because you're more fit than before, had a crazy cool experience, and tried something challenging very few in the world have. If your worst case scenario happens, you learn valuable lessons, you sign up for another and use that increased fitness to kill it. At the end of the day, this is just a HOBBY. If it adds more stress and tension to our lives than enjoyment, if it's a stressful second job we don't even get paid for... why bother? DNFs are a stepping stone. They are simply a part of running, even for the pros. Even Courtney, an absolute GOAT, has DNFd. The only shame to it is the shame you yourself attach. Happy running!

[@jepjacinto]

@@Kelly_Ben Thanks for the insight and I agree with what you said. The fear I mentioned was just for my own motivation for the marathon and each one has his own. After all we don’t need to run 26.2 miles.

[@FlorisGierman]

Glad you found this conversation help and great response by @Kelly_Ben already, fully agree with what was said! Enjoy your 2nd marathon journey, plenty of things to learn from the training and race day experience. Let me know how it goes!

[@FlorisGierman]

Spot on @Kelly_Ben!

[@jepjacinto]

@@FlorisGierman Thank you Sir - I learned so much from your channel. Kudos to your insightful interviews and chosen guests. Looking forward to the next one.