Few Tame Crazy Ultras Better: Courtney Dauwalter Wins 2019 UTMB – runnersworld.com

.

Jason is a Runner’s World+ member. Join him and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!

Our family business of 65 years lost its lease and I had to lay off two employees. I had to figure out life 2.0. I have a wife and four kids. I was depressed. I was lost. I stopped running. I gained weight. I was not the same person who had run marathons, halves, and fulls. I couldn’t play with my kids. That hurt. I was embarrassed. Three miles used to be my warmup, now I couldn’t keep up with my family walking. Lacing up my shoes and going for a run has brought me back to life. I’ve lost weight. I smile. I am becoming the person I want to be once again.

The reality is running helps keep my head screwed on straight for all life’s curve balls. Running is not only a stress reducer; it helps me return to being the person I want to be for my family and friends. Yes, it’s hard to wake up everyday at 5 a.m., but I feel so much better once I get out the door. I can’t stop now. I can’t go back to the way I was. Therefore I run.

I’ve never been the fastest, so I’ve always taken the time to enjoy my run. It’s amazing what you notice on foot. I like to explore my neighborhood and I have routes that are two to eight miles long, so the combinations are endless. On the final mile, as I turn off Route 28, lakes surround me. I have “honking” conversations with ducks over who owns the streets and sidewalks. A park on the right hosts a boot camp—a motivator to motor up the rolling hills because I don’t want to embarrass myself. I look at the hill behind the middle school which reminds me to pick up my feet and turn my legs over—like I’m running repeats. Now I know I’m only two-tenths of a mile from home with a curving downhill sprint left. I’m flying at this point, while struggling to finish. The reality is I’ve run home. I’m smiling. I’m proud. I’m me again.

I was a cheerleader in college so I’ve always worked out. I’ve always been a big, solid guy. Running gear is not made for guys with big thighs. It’s time apparel companies realize that one size does not fit all and that the American public is not built like a classic runner. However, I am comfortable in my Asics. For 10 years I ran in the Gel Cumulus, but then I found the Nimbus. A fresh start running, and fresh shoes. I’m an Asics guy through and through. No other running shoe. And to make my feet even happier, I always wear Balega no-show XL socks. Nothing feels better than that combination of cushioning. And hats. I always run with a hat.

Be the best me I can be, whatever that is, physically and mentally. Running is the tool that helps me be me.

Even earlier if I want to run farther or if I have father or work obligations. I promised myself not to let running take away from family time. I have found that consistency helps. Planning helps. Knowing that I don’t disturb the family and have time to myself, for myself, helps me wake up. Knowing that running helps me smile and makes me a better me for the whole day is why I run in the morning. I can cross train in the afternoon with my kids: riding bikes, kicking the soccer ball, or a mean game of basketball with my sons.