For many runners, racing season brings countless miles, hard work and intense focus, followed by some well-earned downtime in the offseason. Professional ultrarunner and Team Injinji Athlete Courtney Dauwalter’s summer and fall seasons were filled with hundreds of miles, multiple first-place wins, and of course lots of Injinji Trail socks! This past July, Courtney won Hardrock 100 for the third year in a row, in a record-setting time of 26:11:47 (beating her own time from last year). She is unstoppable!
As winter settles over Leadville, Colorado, new challenges and colder adventures await. We asked Courtney what her offseason looks like – and how she stays active when heavy snow covers her favorite trails.
Imagine it’s the winter offseason and you’re having the BEST day, what are you up to?
Oh man! All the BEST days start with hot coffee, of course. Then I would love it if there was some fresh snow from overnight, but sunny blue skies forecast for the day. I’d definitely go out for a cross-country ski on our network of trails here in Leadville followed by some hot chocolate with plenty (a lot) of mini marshmallows. In the afternoon, maybe head out for a jog if it sounds fun, and then hunker down inside with Kevin and a huge bowl of chili.
How do you like to stay active when running isn’t as accessible due to the weather?
I live in Leadville, Colorado where we definitely have a true winter. It’s been helpful to embrace the changing of the seasons and to shift and adapt my activities with the seasons. When running isn’t accessible due to the weather, I pivot to figuring out what I can do: can I ski? Is it possible to get on a treadmill or indoor bike? Should I do some yoga in my living room? Or, is it a day where maybe the best way to deal with some wild weather is to not fight it and to take a full rest day?
How does your running benefit from the inevitable winter slow down? What does your focus shift to?
I think my body has appreciated living in a place where winter forces me to run a little less and to do a little more cross-training. I try to use the time to make sure my body is back in balance after a long season on the trails and focus on some strength work.
Do you have a favorite post-run ritual in the winter?
A hot drink, a hot shower, and a pair of comfy sweatpants. Is that a ritual?
If you could have one winter superpower – like never slipping on ice or being immune to cold temps – what would it be and why?
Maybe it could be never breaking through crusty snow. Being able to always stay on top like a polar bear?
Have you ever gotten caught in a whiteout blizzard during a run?
Yes! It didn’t look like snow was supposed to roll in for a few hours, but it showed up early! Luckily, I was on some really quiet dirt roads right near town, so it wasn’t tricky to get back home. But my whole face was covered in snow when I walked in the door!
As someone who trains in Leadville, CO, what advice do you have for runners whose peak training falls in the winter season?
We can all just do the best with what we have. Focus on what you can do and don’t stress about what you can’t do. It’s always possible to figure something out!
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Feeling inspired to take on winter adventures like the GOAT? Check out Courtney's favorite socks – the Courtney Crew – designed in collaboration with Courtney!
