Right foot, left foot: Staying driven in the pain cave
Courtney Dauwalter, one of the greatest in the sport of ultra running, excels in this arena with her unmatched mental toughness. She breaks down races into manageable sections, focusing on the next milestone, and uses positive self-talk to stay driven. Phrases like "embrace the pain" and "right foot, left foot" are her go-tos, working like mantras to keep her focused, manage pain, and maintain a steady rhythm.
“Believe is a mantra that I use pretty often,” says Courtney. “If you just repeat it over and over in your head, there’s no room for anything else but to believe that you can keep on going no matter what it looks like.” When she enters the "pain cave," Courtney imagines “grabbing a chisel” and pushing further into that mental space, a place she describes as essential to building resilience.
A bright spirit in the dark moments
What really sets Courtney apart is her infectious joy and vibrant personality. She’s often seen smiling, exuding energy, and decked out in colorful gear, reflecting her passion for the sport. This positive outlook not only helps her find joy in the grueling moments but also uplifts those around her. Embracing the pain while staying happy and colorful is Courtney’s signature approach, turning ultra running into a true celebration of endurance and resilience.
“When the sun sets at an ultra, it feels pretty special,” she shares. “It’s like you’re doing something not everyone else is doing. Sitting on your couch would be easier, but here you are, headed into the mountains in the dark to see what you can find.” And when she makes it to dawn? “Sunrise is this huge jolt of energy—like we made it through the night, and now we get to see the terrain again!”
Colorful, resilient, and ready: The Courtney-approved Suunto
It’s this positive burst of energy that brought Courtney and Suunto’s design team together to collaborate on a watch that reflects her vibrant style and unique approach to ultra running. Inspired by Courtney’s philosophy of embracing challenges with joy and resilience, the new Suunto Race S Titanium Courtney design is more than just a sports watch; it’s a companion designed together with Courtney to empower athletes to conquer their own "pain caves" and honor their resilience.
Courtney made sure the watch matched her ultra-running needs: “When I’m running 100 miles, what kind of friend do I want on my wrist? Something lightweight, easy to read, and colorful enough to give off good vibes!”
Suunto Race S Titanium Courtney:
- High-definition AMOLED screen
- Battery life 120h (good GPS) / 30h (Best GPS)
- The lightest watch (53 g) in the Suunto portfolio
- Glow-in-the-dark strap
- HRV recovery measurement
- Advanced training metrics
- 95+ sport modes
- Free offline maps
Shop Suunto Race S Titanium Courtney here