Article by Renee Krusemark
[Image provided by Verde Brand Communications]
In 2024, Tailwind brought back their Courtney-inspired “Dauwaltermelon” fuel as a full-time flavor. Also in 2024, Courtney brought back record-breaking wins. She bested her own Hardrock 100 record with a 26:11:49 after winning Transgrancanaria 126k and Mount Fuji 100 earlier in the year.
Dauwaltermelon with lime was a primary fuel for her Triple Crown wins in 2023 (Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB 100).
Of course, ultra running wouldn’t be ultra running if it didn’t present challenges.
RoadTrailRun was fortunate to recently interview Courtney about her race fueling and 2024 plans.
“When my stomach turned during the last 50k [of Hardrock 100] and I was having trouble keeping calories in, I have found it works best to keep trying small sips [of Tailwind], keep trying little bits of food, and keep moving forward,” Dauwalter said. “At Hardrock [2024] I also did gels, chews, Coke, and some broth.”
Working with a nutritionist has also aided Courtney’s fueling approach, which she stated is a “piece of the ultrarunning puzzle.” Meredith Terranova has helped Courtney and Kevin (Courtney’s husband) consider alternative options when the first plan isn’t working.
Candy and nutrition might not sound like partners in health, but for many ultra runners, candy is a needed item. Courtney isn’t shy about her love for candy, so I had to ask her what candy pairs best with Tailwind’s Dauwaltermelon with lime flavor.
“Any (and every!) fruity candy would pair perfectly . . . Skittles and Dauwaltermelon is a really great combo.”
Next up for Courtney is crewing her husband, Kevin, at Leadville 100 on August 17, 2024. While fueling needs might be different for crew, go-to fun foods help keep everyone ready and in good spirits.
“I’m really excited to crew Kevin [for Leadville 100]!” And [the] crew definitely need to eat, too! Leftover pizza is always a delicious, easy food to keep in the crew cooler. I’ll probably be stocked up with all sorts of sweet and salty snacks, though. You never know what craving might hit while eagerly waiting for your runner to get there.”
While Skittles and Tailwind might not turn any runner into the absolute GOAT of ultra running, they might help the process.
For runners who already use Tailwind Endurance Fuel, you’ll find the same components as the other flavor options. A benefit of the Dauwaltermelon with lime, in my opinion, is the mellowness of the watermelon flavor for hot weather running. The taste is not overwhelming when mixed at the recommended amount and the hint of lime adds a citrusy aspect. There’s a reason aid stations often have watermelon slices and some type of citrus fruit: they are refreshing in the the heat.
For training, Tailwind works great for me. For racing during the hot months, I usually need so much plain water that I elect to use gels so I can carry around 1,000ml of plain water, which is what I did for the Bighorn 52.
Fueling is very individual, but I recommend Tailwind for anyone who hasn’t found gels useful or for anyone who finds solid foods difficult to consume, especially during the hot summer months.
The number of fuel options available is becoming overwhelming, and there’s some confidence to be had in a product that has been used by many top level runners for several years. Tailwind sells single servings of their Endurance Fuel flavors for $2.50 if you don’t want to commit to a bigger size (although with shipping costs).
Much thanks to Tailwind and Verde Brand Communications for providing samples of the new flavor and to Courtney for answering these “hard-hitting” questions about food and ultra running.
Dauwaltermelon with Lime is available now at Tailwind
Dauwaltermelon with Lime is available now at Tailwind
Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
2 comments:
I'm already eagerly anticipating Courtney's 2024 race schedule and the opportunity to witness her continued dominance of the sport.
More of a tailwind ad than an interview
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