JRE #1027 – Courtney Dauwalter

10/24/2017

This podcast dives into the remarkable world of ultra-marathon runner Courtney Dauwalter, who recently won the Moab 240 race in Utah, covering 238 miles in under 58 hours. Joe Rogan and Courtney explore the physical and mental demands of such an endurance feat, challenging conventional wisdom about training and recovery. Provocative topics include the role of mental fortitude, the power of short naps, bizarre hallucinations, and the incredible resilience of the human body.

Underlying themes delve into the limits of human performance, the delicate balance between discipline and enjoyment, and the fascinating exploration of pushing boundaries. The podcast also touches on the unique culture of ultra-marathon runners, their unwavering dedication, and the power of community in a challenging sport.

Major Topics

1. Courtney Dauwalter’s Moab 240 Victory:

• Dauwalter’s remarkable victory, beating the second-place runner by over 20 miles in under 58 hours.
• The significance of the Moab 240 as a grueling race through challenging terrain.
• Dauwalter’s surprising approach to training, emphasizing mental toughness and a natural diet.
• The impact of altitude training and the challenges of navigating difficult terrain.

2. Mental Fortitude and Mind Over Matter:

• Dauwalter’s unique approach to mental training, emphasizing self-discipline and overcoming physical limitations.
• The power of the mind in pushing past physical pain and fatigue.
• The potential benefits of meditation and mindfulness in enhancing performance.
• Dauwalter’s belief in the importance of experience and overcoming challenges through trial and error.

3. The Power of Short Naps:

• Dauwalter’s unconventional use of a 1-minute nap during the Moab 240, a strategy she credits with boosting alertness and energy.
• The scientific basis for the effectiveness of short naps in promoting cognitive function and reducing fatigue.
• The unexpected benefits of “power naps” for endurance athletes.
• The potential for similar techniques to be applied in everyday life.

4. Hallucinations and the Mind’s Limits:

• Dauwalter’s experiences with vivid hallucinations during ultra-marathons, including seeing faces, animals, and even a cello player.
• The scientific explanation for these hallucinations, attributed to fatigue and sensory overload.
• The fascinating interplay between physical exhaustion and altered perception.
• Dauwalter’s acceptance of these hallucinations as part of the experience, highlighting her mental resilience.

5. Physical and Mental Recovery:

• Dauwalter’s surprisingly quick recovery from the Moab 240, feeling like a “human” again within a few days.
• The science behind recovery from extreme exertion, including sleep, nutrition, and rest.
• The debate surrounding optimal recovery strategies for endurance athletes, with varying perspectives on how much rest is necessary.
• Dauwalter’s belief in the potential for recovery to enhance vitality and resilience.

6. The Run Rabbit Run Race and Near Blindness:

• Dauwalter’s experience with vision loss during the Run Rabbit Run 100-mile race, caused by corneal edema.
• The impact of vision loss on her performance and her remarkable determination to finish the race.
• The potential for corneal edema to affect endurance athletes, especially those who wear contact lenses.
• Dauwalter’s continued use of contact lenses and her strategies for managing this condition.

7. The Dangers of Ultra-Marathon Running:

• The inherent risks of ultra-marathon running, including injury, dehydration, and encounters with wild animals.
• The story of a runner who died after being bitten by a rattlesnake, highlighting the potential for serious consequences.
• The importance of first-aid knowledge and preparedness for ultra-marathon runners.
• Dauwalter’s own experiences with encounters with wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, and hawks.

8. The Culture of Ultra-Marathon Runners:

• The unique community of ultra-marathon runners, bonded by their shared passion for endurance and challenging feats.
• The camaraderie and support among runners, even in the face of intense competition.
• The prevalence of stories and anecdotes among runners, celebrating their triumphs and overcoming adversity.
• The appeal of ultra-marathon running as a test of physical and mental limits.

9. The Impact of Ultra-Marathon Running on Everyday Life:

• Dauwalter’s decision to leave her teaching career to pursue ultra-marathon running full-time.
• The influence of ultra-marathon running on her mental resilience and ability to handle challenges.
• The potential for lessons learned in ultra-marathon running to be applied to other aspects of life.
• Dauwalter’s perspective on the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing new opportunities.

10. The Future of Ultra-Marathon Running:

• The potential for further advancements in ultra-marathon running, as athletes push limits and break barriers.
• The idea of a 500-mile race, a concept proposed by Candice Burt, a prominent ultra-marathon race director.
• The debate about the limits of human performance and the possibility of achieving seemingly impossible feats.
• Dauwalter’s ongoing commitment to pushing her own limits and exploring new challenges.

11. The Importance of Enjoyment and Balance:

• Dauwalter’s philosophy on maintaining enjoyment and balance in ultra-marathon running, avoiding overly restrictive diets and rigid training protocols.
• The importance of finding a sustainable approach to training, recognizing the need for both discipline and enjoyment.
• The potential for excessive focus on performance to negatively impact mental health and overall well-being.
• The value of finding joy in the process, rather than solely focusing on achieving specific goals.

12. The Role of Nutrition in Ultra-Marathon Performance:

• Dauwalter’s approach to nutrition, focusing on a natural diet and avoiding overly restrictive measures.
• The debate about the optimal diet for ultra-marathon runners, with different approaches based on individual preferences and goals.
• The importance of fueling the body adequately during long races, providing enough calories and electrolytes.
• Dauwalter’s perspective on the importance of enjoying food and finding a balance that supports her performance.

13. The Scientific Basis for Endurance Performance:

• The scientific understanding of the physiological and mental mechanisms behind ultra-marathon running.
• The role of genetics, training, and mental fortitude in determining performance.
• The emerging research on the impact of exercise on telomere length and biological aging.
• The fascinating exploration of human potential and the limitations of our bodies.

14. The Use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Ultra-Marathon Running:

• The potential for the use of performance-enhancing drugs in ultra-marathon running, as with other endurance sports.
• The increasing prevalence of drug testing in ultra-marathon races to ensure fairness and uphold the integrity of the sport.
• The challenges of detecting all forms of performance-enhancing substances, including over-the-counter supplements.
• The importance of maintaining a level playing field and recognizing the ethical implications of doping.

15. The Future of Courtney Dauwalter’s Career:

• Dauwalter’s plans to continue pushing her limits and exploring new challenges in ultra-marathon running.
• Her ambition to travel and experience different races around the world.
• The potential for her to continue inspiring future generations of athletes.
• The anticipation of her future accomplishments and the breaking of new barriers in ultra-marathon running.

5 Memorable Quotes

• “I think our brain can help us overcome so much and it’s so powerful. So kind of that mind over matter thing.” – Dauwalter emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude in ultra-marathon running.
• “It was amazing. The best sleep I’ve ever had.” – Dauwalter describes the profound impact of a 1-minute nap during the Moab 240.
• “I think just a recognition like, ‘Guy with cello. Noted.'” – Dauwalter’s matter-of-fact acceptance of hallucinations during ultra-marathons.
• “I would absolutely be trying to to push the pace and and drop my time.” – Dauwalter expresses her desire to continue improving her performance.
• “I think a good balance of all that is important.” – Dauwalter emphasizes the importance of enjoyment and balance in ultra-marathon running.