Hi, I’m Courtney,
The Endurance Dietitian
I’m here to help you achieve your goal - whether that’s finishing your first marathon, ultramarathon, long course triathlon, or PR! Boston or Kona anyone?! Or maybe your goal is to stay healthy and injury free while training?
Do you want to have more energy to crush your workouts and races while avoiding injuries? Maybe you are encountering stomach problems while running? We NEED to talk! Or perhaps you’re an ultrarunner or triathlete overwhelmed with the logistics of nutrition when you’re out running for THAT many hours.
Racing with diabetes? As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and fellow athlete, I can help you better understand and manage your diabetes while training and racing. Or perhaps you have pre-diabetes or reactive hypoglycemia and concerned with your blood sugars? Let’s figure this out!
I’m a Registered Dietitian by day and marathoner and Ironman triathlete (by morning) and night who loves working with my fellow runners, triathletes, and cyclists.
Let’s dial in your fueling plan to level up your training and performance. Don’t let a poorly executed nutrition plan (or lack there of!) sabotage your race or get in the way of that PR or qualifier.
About
Courtney Smith, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES
Endurance Background and About Me
I started running recreationally in middle school and went on to compete in cross country and track in high school. I ran division I cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track my first two years in college.
After college, I completed a couple half and full marathons as well as a duathlon before I dove head first into the world of triathlon. I completed my first Ironman 70.3 in 2016, then spent the following year training for Ironman Arizona 2017.
Lately, I’ve dedicated my time to supporting my clients and might run a marathon a year if I get into my A race. I haven’t had much luck getting into World Marathons Majors but hoping that will change soon! I’d love to newest major, Sydney! I’m also working on my continents so that’ll help with two goals at once!
If you work with me, you’ll soon find out that I’m obsessed with my bikes, obviously. You might hear me refer to them by their names, Sangiovese and Melly. Sangiovese is my Bianchi road bike named after the predominant grape of the Chianti region in Italy. My newest addition is my mountain bike I purchased used from a demo fleet at a bike store in Leadville, where the famous Melanzana hoodie company is based, so naturally her name is Melly… IYKYK, it’s a Colorado thing. Also her design reminds me a watermelon. Shortly after acquiring her late last fall, I crashed pretty bad so we’re still working on our relationship. This will be our first season together. I got into mountain biking thinking it was safer than road biking, haha. And yes, I know, I still need a gravel bike because N+1, always!
Mission
As a dietitian with over 12 years of experience, I understand the importance of nutrition. As an athlete, I know the challenges you’re facing, because I have been there! I have made many mistakes and endured countless injuries. I understand the grueling training, dedication, and time these long events require. My goal is to make your training and race nutrition one less thing you need to worry about.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
Dietetic Internship, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Master of Science, Clinical Nutrition, University of Alabama
Certifications
Ironman Certified Coach
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) - Racing with diabetes? Let’s chat!
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Informed Provider
Media Features
Peloton, Yep, You Need Protein After an Endurance Run - Here’s How Much to Aim For
Peloton, Cottage Cheese and Greek Yogurt Both Pack a Ton of Protein—So Which One Should You Pick?
Why We Tri Podcast Interview with Caroline Gardner, available on Apple and Spotify podcasts or listen below to learn more about my endurance background + nutrition hot takes
AFFILIATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
NOTABLE PAST RACES
Triathlons
Ironman Arizona, Tempe, AZ (2017)
Ironman 70.3, Miami, FL (2016)
Marathons
Chicago Marathon x 2, Chicago, IL (2013, 2014)
Wineglass Marathon, Corning, NY (2022)
Marine Corps Marathon, Washington DC (2023)
Half Marathons
Hard Rock Half Marathon, Nashville, TN (2011)
Country Music Half Marathon, Nashville, TN (2012)
Key Largo Bridge Run Half Marathon, Key Largo, FL (2013)
Key West Half Marathon, Key West, FL (2014)
Relays
Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, Islamorada, FL (2022)
Keys 100, Florida Keys, FL (2022)
Ragnar Florida Keys, FL (2014)
