In February, Golden’s Courtney Dauwalter ran 155 miles in 24 hours! It was a new American record, three miles better than the previous best, and ranks sixth all-time. Dauwalter earns our February “The Runner Box” Colorado Runner of the Month prize for this huge achievement. Get to know the 24-hour phenom in this Q&A.
Courtney, wow, congrats on the new American record – 155 miles in 24 hours at the California Riverbank 24 Hour! Lets back up though, you came out of nowhere last year. What’s your background that got you to such a world-class level?
Thank you! Gosh, “world-class” feels like an overstatement, but thank you! I got hooked by the ultra world after my first 50k in 2011. Since then, I have been exploring the trails all over Colorado – building up in distance and learning along the way. Recently, I feel like I am starting to find my groove. It has been such a fun adventure so far!
And so 24 hours. I’ve read that you pace relatively evenly over the 24 hour period. 24 hours races just seem so far out there. How many bathroom breaks do you take, how much time do you spend sitting down, do you sleep a bunch leading up to the race, and then even more after?
The 24-hour race really tests the brain and the body in a cool way. No matter how fast you go, the time on the clock still clicks away at the same rate…which is an interesting mental battle – there’s no chunking the race into sections of “just get to the next aid station.” I am still learning a lot about how to pace them better and am so thankful for a community of 24-hour veterans who have taken the time to share their knowledge and tips with me. I have found that the less I stop, the better. I eat and drink while running, add or remove layers while running, and use the bathroom as quickly as possible (but as often as needed!). I try to keep a normal life routine leading up to and after a race – including sleeping and eating.
You’re going to be one of the favorites at 24 hour Worlds in July in Ireland. That’ll be your third 24 hour race in just over six months time. Does that worry you a little, and will you take some downtime between now and then?
Showing up to Worlds feeling fresh is going to be a priority – I feel so honored to be on the team with such incredibly strong women, I want to bring my best so that I can contribute in a positive way. I don’t have any official training plan or specific downtime planned – but will definitely be paying attention to how my legs, body and brain are feeling and will take days off if I need them.
What’s also impressive is that you’re not just a 24-hour track runner. You won last year’s Run Rabbit Run 100 Mile in the mountains around Steamboat Springs. How do you balance those varying types of races?
Thanks! I do most of my training on the awesome trails around Golden, but love exploring on the roads and bike paths as well. Getting miles on my feet on all types of terrain has been helpful for me in preparing for varying types of races, and it keeps my runs exciting.
In addition to these incredible races, you’re now known for your baggy running shorts. What’s the story there?
Ha! I keep telling people, those are my “short shorts”…! I like to be comfortable when I’m out running and playing on the trails – The longer the inseam, the better!
What’s your favorite thing in the RunnerBox?
So many great products to try! I am really excited to try the San Franola Granola.
“Leave the research to us, and we’ll leave the training to you,” says Runner Box. The Runner Box is a subscription-based service that delivers a “box” of runner-friendly goodies to you every other month, items like gels, bars, and other accessories hand-picked to add to your running. Many items are new to the market, and new items are expected with each box. A great service for yourself, the boxes also make great gifts and are often themed around holidays.
Previous “The Runner Box” Colorado Runners of the Month:
January 17 – Becky Wade
December 16 – Zach Miller
November 16 – Sage Canaday
October 16 – Sarah Pizzo
September 16 – Clare Gallagher
July 16 – Addie Bracy
May 16 – Tabor Scholl
April 16 – Amanda Basham
February 16 – Alia Gray
November 15 – Ali Williams
October 15 – Neely Gracey
September 15 – Timmy Parr
August 15 – Andy Wacker
July 15 – Lanie Szuch
June 15 – Joe Gray
May 15 – Brittni Hutton
April 15 – Andy Rinne
March 15 – Justin Ricks
February 15 – Laura Thweatt