In 2023, Courtney Dauwalter had one of the most legendary years in trail-running history, becoming the first person to win the Triple Crown of the 100-mile races—Western States, Hardrock, and UTMB—in a single season. This year, she’s showed no signs of slowing down, repeating as Hardrock champion and improving on her course record by over two minutes.
So, we asked the trail-running legend to share where she stands on Runner’s World’s “This or That” topics.
You can read Courtney’s answers in yellow, then let us know where you land on the subject. You’ll see the overall percentage results from our community once you select your answer.
This or That:
Uphill ← Downhill
Altitude ← Humidity
Long Shorts ← Short Shorts
Courtney Explains: “Comfort is key! I prefer [shorts with] long inseams because I am most comfortable in them. We should all wear the clothes that make us feel our best when we're out trying hard things.”
Race → Training
Start ← Finish
Wave ← Nod
Group → Solo
Loops ← Out-and-Backs
Courtney Explains: “I love any type of route, really, but loops definitely feel like big adventures. Not knowing what’s around each corner or what view you might be rewarded with is exciting.”
Cross-Train → Day Off
Sun ← Shade
Race Plan→ Intuition
Snack ← Meal
Early Morning ← Late Night
Courtney Explains: “Early mornings feel so simple and peaceful. I love to drink my coffee and watch the sun rise while I plan out my day.”
Hat → Sunglasses
PR → FKT
Rain → Snow
Pants ← Tights
Smile ← Grimace
Courtney Explains: “Smiling always helps!”
Patience ← Push
Chatting → Silence
Zoning Out → Dialing In
Courtney Explains: “Staying in the moment, focusing on taking the next step, and repeating a positive mantra are things I try to do during the toughest moments of any run.”
Caffeine → Adrenaline
Now You Explain
Shocked at any of the splits? Defend your answer in the comments below.
Theo Kahler is the news editor at Runner’s World. He’s a former all-conference collegiate runner who has reported on the ground at major events such as the Paris Olympics, U.S. Olympic Trials, and Boston Marathon. He’s run 14:20 in the 5K and enjoys spotting tracks from the sky on airplanes. (Look for colorful ovals around football fields.)
