An impressive Chamonix. In preparation for the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, which is 106 miles (170 kilometers) long, thousands of hungry fans pack the small streets of the French town.
The Ultra-Marathon of the Alps (UTMB) is a global competition that encompasses three nations and surrounds the highest peak in Europe. The weekend is jam-packed with activities, and this particular one is particularly noteworthy since it has a carnival atmosphere and a total height increase of 10,040 meters, which is more than 1,000 meters higher than Mount Everest.
The audiences will be delighted. A loud roar could be heard in the distance. The closer it gets, the more substantial it becomes. An appearance of yellow may be seen. The runner, who was wearing loose shorts and a large T-shirt, was practically engulfed by the crowd as they rushed forward.
The UTMB was won by her three times. An great summer of reign. Triple crown of elite races for the very first time. It is the arrival of the ultra-running queen.
The presenting line is short and gray
Courtney Dauwalter was sad and standing by herself at an aid station ten years after she had finished her first 100-mile race, the Run Rabbit Run, which took place in Steamboat Springs County, Colorado.
The seclusion made it more difficult to flee. She waited for hours, watching other runners go by, trying to get a ride to the finish line before the aid station closed and she could get a ride.
“When it started getting physically difficult, almost immediately my headspace went really negative, and I just whirlpooled down into it,” according to Dauwalter.
Anyone who runs is aware of how awful it is to experience a “did not finish.” I couldn’t believe I had just given up so quickly.
Unaccompanied and alone, she looked for solutions while seeing the suffering of others.
I decided to go 100 miles. The only thing that was necessary was a fresh approach and method. The next year, I decided to compete in a 100-mile race, and I signed up for it.
Ever since that gloomy day in the mountains in 2012, Dauwalter has made his way to the highest point in ultrarunning.
As a result of her victory in Chamonix, she was able to successfully complete the Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB triple in a single summer. The course record for each event belongs to her.
Only throughout this summer. Women’s ultrarunning has been dominated by Dauwalter for the last ten years. Since 2019, no other female runner has been able to defeat her. In 2017, she won the Moab 240, a race that spans 238 miles over the deserts of Utah, by a margin of ten hours over Sean Nakamura.
The topic of whether or not ultra-endurance distances are the only sports in which women and men compete on an equal footing was the subject of discussion and investigation.
Before the year 2017, Dauwalter, who was teaching biology in Colorado, made running a side job.
In college, I majored in biology, and I came to the realization that I was not made out for a career in medicine or sports medicine. Dauwalter believes that teaching would be an excellent method for him to share his interest for science when he has completed his education.
She began her day with a jog in the morning and continued her jogging routine throughout her time in school and college, sometimes taking part in 5k or 10k events on Saturdays for the purpose of getting some exercise.
According to Dauwalter, “I loved that I could push as hard as I wanted during a race or training and amaze myself with my feet.”
Her exceptional running abilities were not immediately apparent, despite the fact that she had won the Minnesota state Nordic skiing championship four times and had received a scholarship to compete in cross-country skiing at the University of Denver.
Before I ran my first marathon, I sent a text message to my family and friends, claiming that I was going to be a complete disaster and that my legs were going to break. But I did it. We are taken aback, Dauwalter.
As a result, this domino effect started. In spite of my reservations, I was able to complete a marathon. What additional difficulties are comparable to these? As a result, ultrarunning came about.
A 50-kilometer race that went well led to a 50-mile race that was challenging.
“So I decided the next logical step was to try the 100-mile distance.”
The 2012 Run Rabbit Run was a massive failure. She now considers it to be one of her most memorable running experiences, despite the fact that every individual who passed the aid station after Dauwalter had departed was a terrible reminder of her failure.
In spite of the fact that I was defeated, I was able to see what it takes. Observe these individuals who are obviously suffering yet are fighting through it. The question “Do you want to try again and succeed?” was running through my head. As Dauwalter puts it.
Drama erupted as a result. For a period of four years, I alternated between teaching and ultrarunning. During the year 2014, she was successful in seven major events, including 50-mile, 100-mile, and 24-hour competitions.
2017 was the year that Courtney Dauwalter became famous. Following her decision to devote her whole time to running, she had two performances that were particularly memorable.
The Run Rabbit Run was won by Dauwalter in 2012, but it is doubtful that he will win it again in 2017.
As she dominated the race during the last twelve kilometers, her eyesight became more blurry. Because of the stress that ultra-running puts on the ocular fluid, it may momentarily impair one’s vision. corneal edema must be specific. The condition of Dauwalter was catastrophic. In the end, she lost 90 percent of her vision.
“I was traveling through the mountains of Colorado by myself. According to Dauwalter, he saw his toes, but he did not see his hand.
A few kilometers out from the last aid station, Dauwalter fell and slumped, dripping blood after striking her head on a rock. She was bleeding profusely.
Thankfully, I had practiced that section of the path quite a few times. While I was in a state of calm, a computer mode asked me what I could do. “I can look at my toes and continue,” Dauwalter adds. “I can continue.”
It was settled by me. My subsequent actions consisted of making a decision and escaping.
It was necessary for Dauwalter to have a volunteer at the aid station in order to explain the terrain. After 20 hours, 38 minutes, and 9 seconds, Dauwalter, who was the first woman to complete, was hurt and bleeding from the injuries she sustained. Five hours later, she was able to regain her eyesight.
Just three weeks later, she triumphed over the closest competitor in the 50-mile Bear Chase competition held in Colorado by a margin of over two hours.
Despite the fact that Dauwalter runs with a positive attitude and engages in conversation with trail users and volunteers, he needs something fundamental in order to compete, much alone win, over such long distances. Bringing the beast that cannot be killed under control. to continue carrying on despite deteriorating health and vision. The kind countenance conceals a courageous combatant.
Ultrarunning is plagued by a number of issues. Dauwalter adds, “I just repeat a positive mantra to myself,” and he is totally right.
I’m hoping that it will help me. A simple affirmation: You are OK. Not a problem at all. Not an issue at all. Repetition in my head assists me in evaluating the circumstance and determining what course of action to take.
When was the last time I did this? What have I attempted to do? What should I give a shot?”
It is at times of difficulty that she employs her mental exercise known as the “pain cave.”
In times when I am unable to move, I go to the cave of suffering. According to Dauwalter, it is a representation of an area in his brain that he chisels and extends in order to maintain his strength in challenging circumstances and to increase his capacity for going through suffering.
Your intellect really is a powerful force. As a means of putting my body and intellect to the test, I push myself by doing major initiatives.
