Her summer of 2023 not only marked a triple crown by conquering the Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB in a single season but also solidified her status as an unparalleled force in ultra-running. Dauwalter’s narrative, from a setback in her initial 100-mile race to becoming a dominant force, is a tale of resilience and determination.
Pretty amazing. In a realm where rigorous training often overshadows the joy of sports, Courtney Dauwalter stands as a symbol of unconventional success, proving that embracing life’s richness can coexist with athletic excellence.
She doesn’t appear to take herself too seriously. The article mentions that she was a biology teacher previously - which I assume isn’t the whole story. I’m interested in what kind of base fitness she had, e.g., was she also a D1 track athlete (or something comparable?) previously?
Doubly impressive and surprising if she went from no athletic background to ultra marathons, but I doubt that’s the case.
Regardless, winning three marquee 100 mi races in a single year is bewildering.
I’ve done 100 milers and tbh had no desire to do another 100 mile race in the same year. Doing 3 at a world class level is bananas.
I recall a story out there about how a renowned ultra marathoner actually had a lactic acid system that processed it much more efficiently, to the point where he basically didn’t get sore muscles. It’s possible she has this same or similar genetic fluke that gives her an inate advantage, especially if she came out of nowhere in the sport.
It’s not as obviously an advantage as a 7’8 basketball player, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it.