Everything Is Fine For The Goat
How Courtney Dauwalter makes the most of nutrition and every mile
Whether it’s the Hardrock 100, the Western States 100, or the notorious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), she’s not just winning...she’s breaking her own records year after year.
How does someone so resilient, so strong, and so consistent fuel these efforts? What is she eating to push the pace while running and scrambling through mountains for the length of an entire day (or two)?
It may be surprising to hear, but it’s just not that complicated. Dauwalter says, “My diet in life is to eat whatever sounds good, whenever it sounds good. I don't follow a specific diet or cut out any foods. Enjoying delicious things is part of what gives me joy and I'm not interested in decreasing my joy.”
That’s both shocking and relieving.
Although her day-to-day nutrition is pretty basic, there is a plan for race day.
If the race is less than 12 hours: Tailwind Endurance Fuel is in her bottles. This is all she needs to get both the caloric and fluid goals she has. Plus, she has a trademark flavor to enjoy.
If the race is in the 12-24 hour range (100k-100mile): Tailwind + Spring Energy Gels + Skratch Chews + Waffles. Variety is the spice of life. These all get her 20-30g of carbs in various forms.
If the race is over a day (100+ miles): Anything goes..and she means ANYTHING.
As you can see, it’s more or less a simple plan that gives her fluid, electrolytes, and carbs with a variety of options. She mostly sticks to “real food” options and always gives herself the freedom to eat what feels good.
Plus, if you were running for more than a day, I don’t think you’d be too picky either.