Podcast Summary
Embrace the pain cave for growth: Reframe discomfort as a place for growth and celebrate challenges to unlock true potential
People often hold themselves back from reaching their full potential by setting low expectations and avoiding the "pain cave" - a place of discomfort and hard work. However, according to ultra runner Courtney Doolater, embracing the pain cave and reframing it as a place of celebration and growth can lead to remarkable achievements. This mindset shift has helped Courtney, who is considered one of the best female ultra runners in the world, break records and overcome challenges in her races. By embracing the pain cave and investing more time and energy into what we're passionate about, we can unlock our true potential and push beyond our perceived limits.
Revolutionizing Alcohol-Free Brews with Go Brewing: Go Brewing creates delicious, natural, sugar-free craft brews, aligning with Rich Roll's healthier lifestyle advocacy, offering a tasty alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
Go Brewing is revolutionizing the alcohol-free beverage industry by producing delicious, natural, and sugar-free small-batch craft brews. The founder, Joe, was inspired by Rich Roll's podcast, leading to a unique collaboration between the two. Courtney D'Walter, a guest on the podcast, embodies a mindset of living in the moment and pushing her limits, whether in training or in life. Go Brewing's mission aligns with Rich Roll's advocacy for a healthier lifestyle, offering an alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages without sacrificing taste or enjoyment. With no added sugar or artificial processing, these brews provide a more productive tomorrow for those who choose to avoid alcohol. Whether you're a long-time listener, a fan of Minnesota sayings, or someone looking to make healthier choices, Go Brewing offers a compelling reason to try their alcohol-free brews. Use the code 'richroll' for a 15% discount on your first purchase at gobrewing.com.
Ultra runner Courtney Dauwalter's flexible training approach: Ultra runner Courtney Dauwalter prioritizes intuition and joy over strict schedules and data in her training, allowing her to better listen to her body and avoid overtraining.
Ultra runner Courtney Dauwalter approaches her training with a flexible, intuitive mindset, focusing on her physical and mental feelings each day to determine the type and length of her runs. She does not adhere to a strict schedule or plan, instead opting for spontaneous decisions based on her energy levels and terrain. Courtney believes that this approach allows her to better listen to her body and avoid overtraining. Though she has a scientific background and was coached in high school and college, she chooses not to use data or graphs to guide her training. Instead, she finds joy in the process and values the freedom of making her own decisions. Courtney's positive attitude and ability to find joy in the experience, even during challenging moments, sets her apart in the trail running community.
Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth: Embrace the pain as necessary part of journey, expand 'pain cave', unlock potential within, relatable and empowering approach
Finding joy and maintaining a lighthearted approach in challenging activities, like trail running, is crucial for personal growth and success. Changing the narrative around difficult moments and embracing the pain as a necessary part of the journey can lead to new perspectives and increased resilience. The power of the mind to shape our experiences cannot be underestimated. By reframing hardships as opportunities for growth, we can expand our "pain cave" and unlock the potential within ourselves. This approach is relatable and empowering, encouraging others to see the possibilities in their own challenges.
Mental strength takes over when physical prowess fades in endurance events: In endurance events, mental strength becomes the differentiator when physical abilities reach their limit. Essential skills include maintaining a positive disposition, problem-solving efficiently, and staying lucid under pressure.
In endurance events like ultras, both physical and mental strength are crucial, and they trade off from each other. Physical prowess may dominate for a while, but when it reaches its limit, mental grit takes over. Mental strength becomes the differentiator as everyone at the elite level is physically prepared. The ability to maintain a positive disposition, problem-solve efficiently, and remain lucid under pressure are essential skills. The Iron Cowboy, an ultra-endurance athlete, exemplifies this equation by maintaining a strong mental game even when his body is pushed to its limits. The power of positivity and the ability to project a good mood can make a significant difference in endurance events. Ultra running has taught many athletes, including Courtney, the importance of mental fortitude.
Ultra-endurance sports: The gender divide lessens with longer distances: In ultra-long distance races, mental and psychological factors level the playing field between genders, making competition more equal.
In ultra-endurance sports, particularly those with long distances, the difference between male and female performances becomes less significant. The longer the race, the more mental and psychological factors come into play, making the competition more equal. This is evident in races like Big's Backyard Ultra, where the format is the same for all competitors, and the outcome depends largely on persistence and problem-solving. Furthermore, the speaker suggests that there might be evolutionary advantages for females in terms of psychological endurance due to their historical role as child rearers. The speaker also shares an anecdote about a female swimmer who outperformed a male swimmer in a 28-mile swim around Manhattan. The speaker is intrigued by the new and less-studied ultra-endurance events, such as 200-mile races, and is excited to see how the gender dynamic plays out in these events as more people participate. The speaker expresses a preference for longer races and even considers attempting a 500-mile race in the future.
The importance of a strong support system in ultrarunning: In ultrarunning, unexpected challenges can arise, requiring quick decisions and trust in one's support system. A strong team can prevent worsening situations and ensure runner safety.
Ultrarunning, especially in long races, can present unexpected challenges that require quick decision-making and trust in one's support system. The runner in this story, despite having a dream to complete a 500-mile trail race in Colorado, faced a severe lung issue that put him in the ER. He initially thought his lungs would improve, but they only worsened, making forward progress and sleep impossible. Despite his mental toughness, his crew recognized the danger signs and made the call to take him to the hospital. The runner was grateful for their intervention, as the situation could have worsened without proper medical attention. This experience highlights the importance of having a strong support system and being open to their advice, even when it goes against one's initial plans. Additionally, the unpredictability of ultrarunning underscores the need for adaptability and resilience.
Explore personal growth resources and experiences: Invest in personal growth through apps like Waking Up, and new experiences like endurance races, to enhance daily life and foster unexpected connections.
Investing in personal growth through resources like the Waking Up app can significantly enhance your daily life. The app offers a wealth of meditation practices, as well as courses on various topics like stoicism, cognitive behavioral therapy, and time management. With a free 30-day trial and a scholarship program for those in need, it's an accessible and worthwhile investment. Additionally, exploring new experiences, such as endurance races or podcasts, can lead to personal growth and unexpected connections. For instance, the backyard ultra race format, where competitors run a 4-mile loop every hour until only one person remains, fosters a unique camaraderie among competitors, requiring teamwork and focus to push past limits.
Overcoming Challenges in Long-Distance Running: Maintaining focus, staying present, and proper sleep and nutrition are crucial for successful long-distance running. Overcoming mental and physical challenges is key to completing ultra-marathons.
Enduring long-distance races requires numerous factors to align and overcoming numerous challenges. The support of fellow runners and maintaining focus are crucial. The human mind is capable of amazing feats once a seemingly impossible barrier is broken. During these races, staying present and disciplining the mind to focus on the moment is essential to avoid mental fatigue. Sleep and nutrition routines play a significant role in maintaining energy levels. While some runners may be able to function on minimal sleep, others may require more rest to perform optimally. Ultimately, the ability to push through physical and mental challenges is what sets successful ultra-marathoners apart.
Endurance racing: A journey of learning and adaptation: Endurance racing requires continuous learning and adaptation, with sleep deprivation being a common challenge. Embrace the experience for intangible growth and self-discovery.
Endurance racing and training involve continuous learning and adaptation. The speaker acknowledges that even when progress seems to be made, challenges may arise, requiring one to start over and find new solutions. Sleep deprivation is one such challenge that some people may find more difficult to manage than others. However, the speaker sees it as an opportunity to experiment and learn. Over the years, they have discovered the importance of getting on trails and playing on mountains, as well as learning from past experiences to better prepare for future races. While it would be interesting to understand the scientific factors behind individual differences in endurance and mental toughness, the speaker values the intangible learning and growth that comes from the experience itself. They embrace their intuitive understanding of their body and effort levels, developed through years of training. Ultimately, endurance racing is a journey of self-discovery and resilience, with each race presenting new opportunities to learn and grow.
Embracing the Ultrarunning Journey: Presence, Support, and Enjoyment: Ultrarunning success involves being present, having supportive family and friends, and embracing enjoyment over rigor.
The journey to success in ultrarunning, or any endeavor, often involves learning, growing, and persevering through challenges. The speaker, who started ultrarunning in 2012, shared how they were initially intrigued by the sport and gradually became more committed after surprising themselves with their ability to finish longer races. They emphasized the importance of being present in the experience and not being overly focused on data or external validation. Additionally, they highlighted the role of supportive family and friends in their success. The speaker's approach to training and nutrition, which includes embracing enjoyment over rigor, is a testament to their unique perspective and commitment to their passion. Overall, the conversation underscores the value of staying true to oneself and embracing the learning process in the pursuit of goals.
A challenging ultra-marathon in Tennessee's mountains: The Barclay Marathons feature 5 unmarked loops, over 60,000 feet of elevation gain, and only aid between loops, making it an extreme ultra-marathon experience.
The Barclay Marathons in Tennessee offer a unique and challenging ultra-marathon experience unlike any other. The race, which takes place in the mountains outside of a prison, is not marked and requires runners to complete 5 unmarked loops of approximately 25-26 miles each, with over 60,000 feet of elevation gain. The only aid is available between loops, and runners must navigate through the woods using a compass and a map provided by the controversial race director, Lazarus Lake. With only a handful of finishers and no women having completed the entire race, the Barclay Marathons are known for their extreme difficulty. Despite the challenges, many runners are drawn to the race for the sense of adventure and the opportunity to push their limits.
Annual race for hidden book in challenging terrain: Participants rely on skills and memory to navigate, race grows in popularity despite risks, unique requirements for newcomers, recent tragedy highlights need for caution, partnership with Ironman raises questions about future direction
The annual race for finding a hidden book in a challenging terrain requires careful navigation and preparation, as the course changes every year and technology is not allowed. Participants must rely on their memory and skills to identify landmarks, making the first loop particularly challenging due to poor weather conditions. The event, which has been growing in popularity, balances the excitement and adventure with the risks involved, as some runners may not be adequately prepared for the harsh conditions. The race organizers issue unique requirements for new participants, such as bringing a license plate, and the event remains largely grassroots with minimal infrastructure. The recent tragedy in China serves as a reminder of the potential dangers and the need for caution and maturity as the sport continues to grow. The partnership between Ironman and UTMB raises questions about the future direction of the sport and the potential impact on smaller, more community-driven events.
Ultra Running and Corporate Partnerships: Opportunities and Threats: Ultra running's unique aspects, like training and athlete empowerment, must be protected amidst corporate partnerships. Athletes prioritize personal bests over external expectations, navigating media and social pressures.
The partnership between ultra running and a large corporation brings both opportunities and potential threats. While the infusion of money could make the sport better and create opportunities for more runners, there are concerns about the impact on the sport's integrity and legacy. Amanda Decadine, host of The Conversation podcast, emphasizes the importance of protecting the unique aspects of ultra running. The training for different ultra races, such as Hard Rock and UTMB, varies greatly due to their size and crowd dynamics. Athletes like Amanda approach races with a focus on giving their best, regardless of external expectations. Naomi Osaka's decision to prioritize her mental health over press obligations sparked an important conversation about athlete empowerment and media responsibility. Social media has changed the dynamics of sports, and athletes must navigate the pressure to share and engage online while maintaining their sovereignty.
Backyard Ultras: Connecting the Ultra-Running Community During the Pandemic: The ultra-running community has adapted to virtual events like backyard ultras, allowing participants to push themselves physically and mentally, connect with others, and explore local trails during the pandemic.
The ultra-running community, despite the challenges of the pandemic, has found innovative ways to connect and support each other through virtual events like backyard ultras. For the speaker, joining the Solomon team has been a dream come true, and she's excited to continue challenging herself within the community. The format of backyard ultras allows participants to push themselves physically and mentally, one mile at a time, making even seemingly insurmountable goals achievable. These events have also encouraged more people to explore their local trails and find appreciation for the natural world around them. Overall, the backyard ultra phenomenon has created a sense of camaraderie and community during a time when it was needed most.
Friendship and camaraderie in ultra running: Ultra running is more than just pushing physical limits, it's about the community's support and friendship, even in challenging conditions like hallucinations and temporary blindness.
The ultra running community is not only about pushing your physical limits during races, but also about the camaraderie and support from fellow runners. Runners in this community are known for their resilience, positivity, and willingness to help each other out, even in the most challenging conditions. Hallucinations, a common experience during ultra marathons, can be seen as unique friends that keep runners company during their long journeys. The community's welcoming and supportive nature, along with the sense of adventure and exploration, makes ultra running an appealing and rewarding experience for many. Despite the challenges, such as hallucinations and even temporary blindness, runners find ways to push through and complete their races. The bonds formed during these experiences create a strong sense of connection and belonging within the ultra running community.
Staying composed and resourceful in unexpected circumstances: Maintaining a calm mindset can help overcome obstacles in unfamiliar situations. Proper health care can prevent future incidents.
Maintaining a calm and focused mindset, even in challenging and unfamiliar circumstances, can make a significant difference in overcoming obstacles. The runner in this discussion faced the unexpected issue of corneal edema during an ultra-marathon, which left her nearly blind. Instead of panicking, she focused on the facts and made the best of the situation by utilizing the help of a guide and taking necessary precautions. This experience highlights the importance of staying composed and resourceful, not just in running, but in all areas of life. Additionally, taking proper care of one's health, such as using eye drops and protective eyewear, can help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Don't sell yourself short, embrace the present and new opportunities: Embrace the present, enjoy life's current chapter, be open to new experiences, and take care of your body for long-term growth and accomplishments
People, including ourselves, may be selling ourselves short by setting our goals too low and not investing enough time and energy into the things we're passionate about. We should strive to fully embrace the present moment and enjoy the current chapter of our lives, while also being open to new opportunities and experiences. It's important to remember that our lives don't have to be planned out with a specific destination in mind, but rather a flexible and intuitive approach that allows us to grow and adapt. Additionally, taking care of our bodies through proper training, nutrition, and self-care can help us sustain our passions and accomplishments for the long term.
Nutrition and hydration essential for ultra-running success: Proper nutrition with carbs, hydration, and salt intake, along with suitable footwear, are crucial for ultra-running endurance.
During ultra-running races, proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for endurance. The runner in this conversation mentioned using Tailwind and Honey Stinger for shorter races, and carbohydrates like mashed potatoes, pizza, burgers, pancakes, pierogies, and even McDonald's French Fries for longer races. Salt intake is also essential. As for footwear, the runner mentioned trying out the S Lab Ultra 3 but currently using the Sense Ride. To connect with the runner, search for "Courtney Duwalter" on Google or find her on Instagram @Courtney Duwalter. The importance of good nutrition, hydration, and the right gear cannot be overstated for ultra-running success.
