Europe trails are next level from most US trails, eh? I too have had to drop from races with low back issues...but when you can't run, and struggle to walk, you make the choice to live to fight another day. Hope you and your family had a great rest of your trip!
Hey Michael, first Alpine mountain trail race was an eye opener, and yes the scene is different in Europe. Thanks for the kind wishes. How's your race calendar look for the remainder of 2021? Hope you're doing well.
Very inspired run, Reto. And I really love how your sister and family supported you. Wish next mountain trial run, your back pain will not appear. Cheers, beloved runner
Beautiful to watch my friend! The location is also beautiful. Nicely done my friend. Keep doing what you're doing. A new friend here giving full support. Have a nice day.
Reto, I was so involved in your video I didn't even realize I was at the end when you dropped out. Congratulations on the running that you did do in all of that elevation. Sorry about all of the back pain. This was an epic run with some epic views like you said. Do storms come up quickly like that in the alps? Running in a thunderstorm sounds pretty epic also. So nice to have seen the family during the run. I'll catch you in the next ultra.
Hi Don, thanks for your kind comments and question. In the summer, it's not unusual for thunderstorms to come up quickly, unfortunately we're exposed at altitude and the trails turn to rivers. Started training for the Yeti 100 on September 23 in Damascus.
Wow! Thanks for taking us along with you sir. The views were incredible and on top of that you basically went through all seasons of the year just in one race. But man, after seeing how much elevation distance that you had to endure, that alone was pretty intense. You went out there and gave it all you got and that's what matters the most. It takes a lot of work, dedication and tenacity to even attempt what you just did in Davos. I have no doubt that you will come out of this experience stronger than ever.
Wow, Reto I'm super impressed! The terrain is extreme and so is the elevation. There wasn't a lot of forgiving terrain for recovery. It must have been so nice to have your family cheering you on! :) The views are amazing and I kind of think the single track with that sheer drop was dizzying for me and I'm a skier, lol! Loved your video, you made it whether you finished or not, congratulations! I hope your back is recovering well!
26 miles is still an amazing accomplishment! Absolutely beautiful trails and mountains! Wow, just wow! Thanks for taking us along the journey with you!
Vielen Dank für dieses sensationelles Video. Unglaublich schöne Landschaft. Du machst Werbung für einen Urlaub in der Schweiz! Tolle Leistung Reto! Den schwersten Teil der Strecke mit den steilsten Anstiegen hast du geschafft. Schade, dass es nicht ganz gereicht hat. Aber letztlich zählt das Erlebte: das Alpenkonzert, die Unterstützung durch die Familie, die Landschaft, Gletscher, Schnee, Berge, sogar den Enzian am Wegesrand hast du gesehen. Es erfordert enorme Fitness und Konzentration, die Strecke zu bewältigen, ohne sich ernsthaft zu verletzen. Hoffentlich geht es deinem Rücken inzwischen wieder besser. Immerhin kannst du schon wieder laufen! Bin schon gespannt auf deine nächsten Ziele! Next year you will cross the finish line in Davos! Let`s go, Reto!
Hallo Erwin, vielen Dank fuer Deine netten Zeilen. Der erste Drittel war ich gut unterwegs mit einer Zeit von 3:45, also unter 12 Stunden. Der dritte Auf- und Abstieg war dann das Ende. Das Erlebnis war einmalig und habe mich in diesen Anlass verliebt, also will ich im 2022 nochmals antreten. Let's go, guys!
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@@RunFreeandStrong Trozdem Super Leistung gratuliere, ich hatte auf der Etappe Monstein - Sertig Dörfli 15 Minuten auf das Zeitlimit verloren, da ich in Monstein 1 Stunde Vorsprung hatte, war es nicht so schlimm und ich konnte am Schluss in Brutto 13 Stunden 18 Minuten finishen. Ps. Video bei mir
Dont know anything about trail running but that looks like a really advanced trail. You navigated it smoothly. That rescue helicopter would have been for me if I was on those trails haha. We'll be back next year to finish this race. On to the next challenge, the journey never stops.
Thank you, Donatello. The rescue helicopter was in action all day, and a constant reminder to respect the mountain and listen to our bodies. You're so right, the journey continues and I will learn from this and do better next time!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful location. How you managed those single track with the steep drop-off and no shoulder was remarkable. Wisdom emerges in waiting until another day to see the finish line. Great run sir.🏔💪💫
Hi Evan, thanks for your support. There is no greater reward that finding new opportunities to learn and grow and expand our horizons. Thank you for providing me with such an opportunity to run together with you and our team. 🙏🏼🦉🌄
Epic terrain Ray, Switzerland is such an amazing place for running! It looked a pretty rocky route in places but what a buzz hearing the cowbells as you run. Great to hear they had soup at the aid stations, that's so welcome. Really good seeing & hearing your family support you along the way. That's a shame that the back played up again, those alpine mountains are hard work, I'm sure you'll have great memories even though it didn't play out the way you wanted. Gotta love the Alps for the outdoors ❤️🏃
Hi Martin, thanks for your kind words and support! It was my first mountain trail race in the Alps, and what a beautiful experience that's impossible to put into words. I believe you ran the CCC, which is probably another level up from the Swiss Alpine, so you are familiar with the beauty and challenge. These races are hard indeed. Onwards and upwards!
Am amazing race, Reto, this kind of races most often brings joy just to start, to run through the Swiss Alps is a wonderful experience! Thanks so much for the footage! A memorable experience! Listening to your body is so important, Reto! 🌈
Hi Mihai, it was an epic adventure filled with so many positives, and I can't wait to go back and do it again! Absolutely agree, listening to our bodies is important. Thanks for your support.
Thank you for your kindness, Archie. Lots of physical, mental and spiritual growth coming out of this adventure, and looking forward to getting back out there!
Hi Steven, agree that not finishing was outweighed by the journey and experience, and I'm grateful I had the opportunity to run in the Swiss Alps supported by family and friends. Need to heal for my Yeti 100 in 8 weeks!
What an epic course, live and learn and enjoy the process. Sorry about the back abs the weather but you did the right thing. Great support from the family…. Great overall experience
The highlights at the start really set the scene for an awesome video and race. Next time you should pick a race with a bit more vert and challenging terrain 😬🤯 Unlucky with the back trouble mate. Hope you're recovering well.
Hi Mark, thanks for your support and the humorous take. Always appreciate a little levity😉. During the last few miles, barely able to maintain forward progress down the steep trails, I promised myself I would never do another mountain trail race. 24 hours later I promised myself that I'll be back next year and finish 😂.
Hey Reto! Amazing effort! Congratulations! Although you didn’t achieve your ultimate goal, you can hold your head high with the awesome effort you put forth. Look how lucky you are you have had the opportunity to go run those jaw dropping trails! The images and trails are incredible. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Cheers!
Thanks Jorge. As you know from past experience, we train and invest with an uncertain outcome. But what we learn and the experience we gain is invaluable. The Swiss Alpine adventure had a profound impact on me and one that will be with me forever. Thanks also for your Strava comment. This was an international, competitive event with 600+ runners in the 68K race, from Europe, North America and Asia / Australia. The winner ran 5:46 which is unbelievable, but not surprising for an Asics-sponsored athlete who was runner-up in the 2019 50K world championships.
Reto congrats for the race. The experience is epic I saw several valleys, waterfalls, snow, rocky paths, ups and downs, even the storm in the end, but your face let me understand that it is not a race rather a beautiful adventure that could be maybe in my future plan even though I'm not a trail runner. Super congrats again, the pain in the back will vanished soon but the memories of this great experience will be with you forever 😊 thanks for sharing 🙏😊
Thank you, Stelvio, for your kind words and support! Agree with you that the adventure and what we experience and learn is priceless. What I was able to experience during 9 hours was surreal. I hope to be back again next year, not so much to race, but to embark on another adventure and continue my journey of healing and growth. 🙏🏼
A wonderful experience. Such a beautiful country, but so testing. Those rocky descents looked horrible. I cant believe some guys were carrying bikes up there to cycle down. Shame that your back troubled you again, that terrain was so harsh, it will find any weaknesses. Thanks for taking us along on the journey. Hope you recover quickly.
Thank you, Peter. Appreciate your support on my journey, we embrace and learn from these experiences, they make us better. It was definitely more challenging than I expected, and I enjoyed the beauty and brutality of the mountains.
Retro this was a beautiful experience to follow along with. I hope you came away from this with a positive outlook... Keep training but reflect on this experience as a great one. The landscape was gorgeous and I loved your family support! Just great... Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Paul, agree this was overall a beautiful experience, and I hope to do it again next year. Reflections are important for us to learn and grow, and there were many as I suffered and struggled through this unbelievable mountain landscape. Appreciate your support, Paul!
@@RunFreeandStrong I watched the entire video again last night on the big screen with my wife... to better enjoy the amazong views! Keep training Reto - I'm sure you will achieve anything you set your mind to!
When I saw this video appear in my subscription box I was so excited and boy it didn't dissapoint! Such a shame that your injury flared up again Reto. You could see that you got a big boost following seeing your family and I know thag if you weren't suffering with your back you would have crushed that race. Some awe-inspiring views there Reto I am very jealous. You are a huge inspiration mate and if someday I am half as good as you I will be more than happy. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us! 😎🤘🏻
Hey Ben, thanks as always for your kind support! You're a huge inspiration to me as well, and I know you'll crush your London Marathon! It was unexpected that my back injury would resurface so soon, but not surprising in hindsight given the steep climbs and descents. Always a weakness to work on and do better next time. Cheers.
Wow, what a race course, so beautiful!!! I'll be dreaming about the singletrack and rock gardens tonight. Awesome that your family came out to support you. Bummed you had to cut it short, I know how bad you wanted this, and how hard you trained.
Thanks Sage! This course was much more challenging than I expected, and although crossing the finish and collecting a medal would've been nice, the reflections during the 9 hours of suffering and the lessons learned are much more meaningful and valuable. I will be back to finish what I started! Thanks for your support!
Incredible landscape! Looks like a tough course with so many places to lose your footing and injure yourself. Although you had to drop, it looked like you put in a solid effort. I was kind of amazed that there was a 14 hour cutoff for such a course. Good luck with your recovery.
Hi Labe, thanks for your kind words. The 14 hour cutoff is doable with a better approach. 80% of vert was in first half, second half much more runnable and moderate vert. Lesson learned go easy on first half, to be able to run second half. I was worried about aid station cutoffs, so pushed too hard in the early stages. Back feeling better. Thank you!
congratulations for a great run and a wonderful video. You did great. I heard about that race in the late 80th, when i was in my prime running form and was thinking about doing it. I can tell you, even back then i would not have a chance to finish, i am not cut out for alpine runs with this steep ups and downs, the rocks and snow and the danger of breaking bones or die....way to hard for me....you did 26 miles, i would have not made it over Sertig Pass. I am sure you had a super experience, thumbs up
Thank you so much, Thomas, for your ongoing support and kind words. Climbing and descending over 3 mountain passes in the first 34 km was tough. During the last few miles, I also told myself this is not for me. I'm done. But the beautiful mountains and the challenge to suffer and overcome is something that draws me to these adventures. Thank you again!
Sorry to hear the DNF. I’ll be running the race this year and your large amount of filming gives me a very good idea of the terrain and race. Highly appreciate it!
Thank you for your kind words. Failure leads to progress, and I came back to finish the Verbier Marathon last year and plan to run the Verbier X-Traversee this year. Maybe next year I will give the Swiss Alpine (now Davos X-Trails) another attempt.
Reto!!!! What an amazing race and video. I would sell my right arm to go to Europe to run! Well done to make it as far as you did. Heal up and get ready for the next one!
Hey Dan, thanks for the kind words and want to be fully healed for my Yeti 100 in late September. I know you have the Grindstone 100 coming up, looks challenging with lots of vert! Good luck!
Great run Reto ! I knew you would share, but thanks all the same for sharing the journey and the views ! Reminds me so much of my Switzerland travels. Great to see it again, so rich with natural beauty that country. Its kind of okay you didn't finished as it makes you want to go back again soon. I've put this one on my list for someday in the future thanks to you. Is that the first time you've done that race ?
Hi Matt, thanks for following my journey, and the Swiss Alpine is definitely worth your consideration. It's an adventure more than a race, and a test of our physical and mental preparedness. It was my first time running the Swiss Alpine or any mountain trail race, and many lessons learned. Went too hard in the beginning (80% of vert was in first half), second half is much more runnable. I am motivated to go back with the experience and knowledge and finish what I started.
Hey Reto - a true alpine race! Well done 👍 sorry for the injury but you still got a great experience and out with the family too! Hope you enjoyed the beer at the end. Did they change the route coz of the weather?
Hi Adam, yes this alpine race was more than I expected, yet a beautiful experience. Family support was awesome! Heavy thunderstorms in the alps are common, and the race course was not changed. It made it more treacherous on the steep descents. Btw the Eiger 101K was cancelled this year because of the European floods early July and massive landslides that covered portions of roads and trails.
@@RunFreeandStrong yes I did my first alps race a few years back now and was totally overwhelmed. They pushed back the cut off as so many competitors weren’t finishing in time. Maxi race 100k - no way near the elevation you encountered though. Well done again as I know you put in the miles 😀😀👍👍
Wow, this looked technical and borderline dangerous! Sorry to hear about your back bothering you again Reto. Do you have an idea as to why it flares up during the race and not during training?
Hi Stephane, thanks for your support. Yes the course was challenging and borderline dangerous. I can't simulate the race challenges or demands during training, otherwise I wouldn't be able to train very effectively. Strava shows that I climbed and descended about 2,000 m over 42 km, and that implies running downhill for 2,000 m over 21 km (half uphill, half downhill). The trails were steep, rocky and sometimes I had to jump down the trails. So not surprising the constant stress and strain on my lower back over 9 hours would bring back the injury. I have some thoughts for strength and mobility, and would be interested to hear your thoughts as well.
It's a complex one Reto. Assuming it's the downhills and the jumps, you need stability of the lower back and mobility of the pelvis and the hip joint. Perhaps strengthening the lower abs and of course the transverse. Also work a million hours eccentric lower limb exercises and jumps with stabilization landings. But I haven't evaluated you so I can only guess :(, you could have stiffness in the mid-back that transfers down the lumbar area or any other causes...
Some of the exercises that helped me on technical trails were running downstairs of residential buildings and doing sets jumping off benches... Do you do these kind of plyometrics? Of course, one would need to build up to the right level for this.
@@SafeMotions Thanks for the suggestions and advice, Stephane. Improving the stabilizers resonates. I will look into your recommended exercises. Already doing lots of single leg exercises, need to do more as well as plyometrics like box jumps, etc. Thanks!
Europe trails are next level from most US trails, eh? I too have had to drop from races with low back issues...but when you can't run, and struggle to walk, you make the choice to live to fight another day. Hope you and your family had a great rest of your trip!
Hey Michael, first Alpine mountain trail race was an eye opener, and yes the scene is different in Europe. Thanks for the kind wishes. How's your race calendar look for the remainder of 2021? Hope you're doing well.
Nice, come back and do it again!
Very inspired run, Reto. And I really love how your sister and family supported you. Wish next mountain trial run, your back pain will not appear. Cheers, beloved runner
Beautiful to watch my friend! The location is also beautiful. Nicely done my friend. Keep doing what you're doing. A new friend here giving full support. Have a nice day.
Thank you very much for your kind comment and support!
Wow, what a hard course! Very beautiful! Loved the music concert, the cow bells -- and your sister is an amazing cheerleader! Great effort!
Reto, I was so involved in your video I didn't even realize I was at the end when you dropped out. Congratulations on the running that you did do in all of that elevation. Sorry about all of the back pain. This was an epic run with some epic views like you said. Do storms come up quickly like that in the alps? Running in a thunderstorm sounds pretty epic also. So nice to have seen the family during the run. I'll catch you in the next ultra.
Hi Don, thanks for your kind comments and question. In the summer, it's not unusual for thunderstorms to come up quickly, unfortunately we're exposed at altitude and the trails turn to rivers. Started training for the Yeti 100 on September 23 in Damascus.
Bellissima video my friend 👍👍👍
Mille grazie
Wow! Thanks for taking us along with you sir. The views were incredible and on top of that you basically went through all seasons of the year just in one race. But man, after seeing how much elevation distance that you had to endure, that alone was pretty intense. You went out there and gave it all you got and that's what matters the most. It takes a lot of work, dedication and tenacity to even attempt what you just did in Davos. I have no doubt that you will come out of this experience stronger than ever.
Wow, Reto I'm super impressed! The terrain is extreme and so is the elevation. There wasn't a lot of forgiving terrain for recovery. It must have been so nice to have your family cheering you on! :) The views are amazing and I kind of think the single track with that sheer drop was dizzying for me and I'm a skier, lol! Loved your video, you made it whether you finished or not, congratulations! I hope your back is recovering well!
26 miles is still an amazing accomplishment! Absolutely beautiful trails and mountains! Wow, just wow! Thanks for taking us along the journey with you!
Vielen Dank für dieses sensationelles Video. Unglaublich schöne Landschaft. Du machst Werbung für einen Urlaub in der Schweiz! Tolle Leistung Reto! Den schwersten Teil der Strecke mit den steilsten Anstiegen hast du geschafft. Schade, dass es nicht ganz gereicht hat. Aber letztlich zählt das Erlebte: das Alpenkonzert, die Unterstützung durch die Familie, die Landschaft, Gletscher, Schnee, Berge, sogar den Enzian am Wegesrand hast du gesehen. Es erfordert enorme Fitness und Konzentration, die Strecke zu bewältigen, ohne sich ernsthaft zu verletzen. Hoffentlich geht es deinem Rücken inzwischen wieder besser. Immerhin kannst du schon wieder laufen! Bin schon gespannt auf deine nächsten Ziele! Next year you will cross the finish line in Davos! Let`s go, Reto!
Hallo Erwin, vielen Dank fuer Deine netten Zeilen. Der erste Drittel war ich gut unterwegs mit einer Zeit von 3:45, also unter 12 Stunden. Der dritte Auf- und Abstieg war dann das Ende. Das Erlebnis war einmalig und habe mich in diesen Anlass verliebt, also will ich im 2022 nochmals antreten. Let's go, guys!
@@RunFreeandStrong Trozdem Super Leistung gratuliere, ich hatte auf der Etappe Monstein - Sertig Dörfli 15 Minuten auf das Zeitlimit verloren, da ich in Monstein 1 Stunde Vorsprung hatte, war es nicht so schlimm und ich konnte am Schluss in Brutto 13 Stunden 18 Minuten finishen. Ps. Video bei mir
Dont know anything about trail running but that looks like a really advanced trail. You navigated it smoothly. That rescue helicopter would have been for me if I was on those trails haha. We'll be back next year to finish this race. On to the next challenge, the journey never stops.
Thank you, Donatello. The rescue helicopter was in action all day, and a constant reminder to respect the mountain and listen to our bodies. You're so right, the journey continues and I will learn from this and do better next time!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful location. How you managed those single track with the steep drop-off and no shoulder was remarkable. Wisdom emerges in waiting until another day to see the finish line. Great run sir.🏔💪💫
Hi Evan, thanks for your support. There is no greater reward that finding new opportunities to learn and grow and expand our horizons. Thank you for providing me with such an opportunity to run together with you and our team. 🙏🏼🦉🌄
Epic terrain Ray, Switzerland is such an amazing place for running! It looked a pretty rocky route in places but what a buzz hearing the cowbells as you run. Great to hear they had soup at the aid stations, that's so welcome. Really good seeing & hearing your family support you along the way. That's a shame that the back played up again, those alpine mountains are hard work, I'm sure you'll have great memories even though it didn't play out the way you wanted. Gotta love the Alps for the outdoors ❤️🏃
Hi Martin, thanks for your kind words and support! It was my first mountain trail race in the Alps, and what a beautiful experience that's impossible to put into words. I believe you ran the CCC, which is probably another level up from the Swiss Alpine, so you are familiar with the beauty and challenge. These races are hard indeed. Onwards and upwards!
Am amazing race, Reto, this kind of races most often brings joy just to start, to run through the Swiss Alps is a wonderful experience! Thanks so much for the footage! A memorable experience! Listening to your body is so important, Reto! 🌈
Hi Mihai, it was an epic adventure filled with so many positives, and I can't wait to go back and do it again! Absolutely agree, listening to our bodies is important. Thanks for your support.
Reto - You are amazing. I love that you really chronicle what is happening, no sugar coating. You did a great job, no matter what the result.
What an epic race to run in! You’re still a warrior Reto! Take care of yourself because I know you’ll be right back out there strong as ever! 💪👊🏃♂️
Thank you for your kindness, Archie. Lots of physical, mental and spiritual growth coming out of this adventure, and looking forward to getting back out there!
Such a beautiful place to run! Amazing scenery and views! Great video!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
I'm so impressed, you're an inspiration to us all .. insane to watch..😀😀😀💪💪
Thanks Richard, and likewise thank you for your motivation and support!
Looks like a beautiful challenging course! Sorry about your back and the outcome! However, I’m sure you still enjoyed the journey.
Hi Steven, agree that not finishing was outweighed by the journey and experience, and I'm grateful I had the opportunity to run in the Swiss Alps supported by family and friends. Need to heal for my Yeti 100 in 8 weeks!
What an incredible looking race, well done, amazing effort
Thank you so much!
What an epic course, live and learn and enjoy the process. Sorry about the back abs the weather but you did the right thing. Great support from the family….
Great overall experience
Thank you, James! Epic adventure for sure, and agree lots of lessons learned. Will be back next year to experience this all over again 😂!
The highlights at the start really set the scene for an awesome video and race. Next time you should pick a race with a bit more vert and challenging terrain 😬🤯
Unlucky with the back trouble mate. Hope you're recovering well.
Hi Mark, thanks for your support and the humorous take. Always appreciate a little levity😉. During the last few miles, barely able to maintain forward progress down the steep trails, I promised myself I would never do another mountain trail race. 24 hours later I promised myself that I'll be back next year and finish 😂.
Hey Reto! Amazing effort! Congratulations! Although you didn’t achieve your ultimate goal, you can hold your head high with the awesome effort you put forth. Look how lucky you are you have had the opportunity to go run those jaw dropping trails! The images and trails are incredible. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Cheers!
Thanks Jorge. As you know from past experience, we train and invest with an uncertain outcome. But what we learn and the experience we gain is invaluable. The Swiss Alpine adventure had a profound impact on me and one that will be with me forever. Thanks also for your Strava comment. This was an international, competitive event with 600+ runners in the 68K race, from Europe, North America and Asia / Australia. The winner ran 5:46 which is unbelievable, but not surprising for an Asics-sponsored athlete who was runner-up in the 2019 50K world championships.
Reto congrats for the race. The experience is epic I saw several valleys, waterfalls, snow, rocky paths, ups and downs, even the storm in the end, but your face let me understand that it is not a race rather a beautiful adventure that could be maybe in my future plan even though I'm not a trail runner. Super congrats again, the pain in the back will vanished soon but the memories of this great experience will be with you forever 😊 thanks for sharing 🙏😊
Thank you, Stelvio, for your kind words and support! Agree with you that the adventure and what we experience and learn is priceless. What I was able to experience during 9 hours was surreal. I hope to be back again next year, not so much to race, but to embark on another adventure and continue my journey of healing and growth. 🙏🏼
A wonderful experience. Such a beautiful country, but so testing. Those rocky descents looked horrible. I cant believe some guys were carrying bikes up there to cycle down. Shame that your back troubled you again, that terrain was so harsh, it will find any weaknesses. Thanks for taking us along on the journey. Hope you recover quickly.
Thank you, Peter. Appreciate your support on my journey, we embrace and learn from these experiences, they make us better. It was definitely more challenging than I expected, and I enjoyed the beauty and brutality of the mountains.
Retro this was a beautiful experience to follow along with. I hope you came away from this with a positive outlook... Keep training but reflect on this experience as a great one. The landscape was gorgeous and I loved your family support! Just great... Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Paul, agree this was overall a beautiful experience, and I hope to do it again next year. Reflections are important for us to learn and grow, and there were many as I suffered and struggled through this unbelievable mountain landscape. Appreciate your support, Paul!
@@RunFreeandStrong I watched the entire video again last night on the big screen with my wife... to better enjoy the amazong views! Keep training Reto - I'm sure you will achieve anything you set your mind to!
@@DevRunner Paul, I'm humbled and thanks to both you and your wife for the kind support!
Fantastic work again, really stunning! Thanks so much for sharing
When I saw this video appear in my subscription box I was so excited and boy it didn't dissapoint! Such a shame that your injury flared up again Reto. You could see that you got a big boost following seeing your family and I know thag if you weren't suffering with your back you would have crushed that race. Some awe-inspiring views there Reto I am very jealous. You are a huge inspiration mate and if someday I am half as good as you I will be more than happy. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us! 😎🤘🏻
Hey Ben, thanks as always for your kind support! You're a huge inspiration to me as well, and I know you'll crush your London Marathon! It was unexpected that my back injury would resurface so soon, but not surprising in hindsight given the steep climbs and descents. Always a weakness to work on and do better next time. Cheers.
@@RunFreeandStrong thanks for the support Reto! 😎🤘🏻
What a beautiful course! So glad that you listened to your body- you’ll race another day! You did amazing!
Thanks Heather! Always best to listen to our bodies and avoid longer-term injuries. My next ultra is coming up in 2 months 😂 so want to be healthy!
Wow, what a race course, so beautiful!!! I'll be dreaming about the singletrack and rock gardens tonight. Awesome that your family came out to support you. Bummed you had to cut it short, I know how bad you wanted this, and how hard you trained.
Thanks Sage! This course was much more challenging than I expected, and although crossing the finish and collecting a medal would've been nice, the reflections during the 9 hours of suffering and the lessons learned are much more meaningful and valuable. I will be back to finish what I started! Thanks for your support!
Incredible landscape! Looks like a tough course with so many places to lose your footing and injure yourself. Although you had to drop, it looked like you put in a solid effort. I was kind of amazed that there was a 14 hour cutoff for such a course. Good luck with your recovery.
Hi Labe, thanks for your kind words. The 14 hour cutoff is doable with a better approach. 80% of vert was in first half, second half much more runnable and moderate vert. Lesson learned go easy on first half, to be able to run second half. I was worried about aid station cutoffs, so pushed too hard in the early stages. Back feeling better. Thank you!
congratulations for a great run and a wonderful video. You did great. I heard about that race in the late 80th, when i was in my prime running form and was thinking about doing it. I can tell you, even back then i would not have a chance to finish, i am not cut out for alpine runs with this steep ups and downs, the rocks and snow and the danger of breaking bones or die....way to hard for me....you did 26 miles, i would have not made it over Sertig Pass. I am sure you had a super experience, thumbs up
Thank you so much, Thomas, for your ongoing support and kind words. Climbing and descending over 3 mountain passes in the first 34 km was tough. During the last few miles, I also told myself this is not for me. I'm done. But the beautiful mountains and the challenge to suffer and overcome is something that draws me to these adventures. Thank you again!
Sorry to hear the DNF. I’ll be running the race this year and your large amount of filming gives me a very good idea of the terrain and race. Highly appreciate it!
Best wishes for a successful race! It's a beautiful course, and I learned a lot and will be back. Thanks for watching.
Thank you!
you made a high quality video, sad that you could not make it. lets go next year!!
Thank you for your kind words. Failure leads to progress, and I came back to finish the Verbier Marathon last year and plan to run the Verbier X-Traversee this year. Maybe next year I will give the Swiss Alpine (now Davos X-Trails) another attempt.
@@RunFreeandStrong I am a fan of Swissalpine, I did more than ten times Swissalpine. Maybe see you this year 2025. Good luck!
@@hansschenker Congratulations! It's a beautiful race, well organized, and Davos is lovely. I will be back! Thank you.
@@RunFreeandStrong That's a word! Rememer it is about 4 times 600m walking uphill (the latest is the toughest - prepare for it)
Reto!!!! What an amazing race and video. I would sell my right arm to go to Europe to run! Well done to make it as far as you did. Heal up and get ready for the next one!
Hey Dan, thanks for the kind words and want to be fully healed for my Yeti 100 in late September. I know you have the Grindstone 100 coming up, looks challenging with lots of vert! Good luck!
@@RunFreeandStrong thanks man. Yeti sounds like a great race. Good luck!
@@UltraDad Thanks Dan!
Thanks for the stunning video Reto. Unlucky with the injury but I’m sure you’ll come back stronger.
Thank you, Paul. We always learn from our adventures, and looking forward to improving strength and mobility for my next ultra.
Amazing mountain
Thank you, Margie!
Mannnn this is about to epic. I can’t wait :)
Thank you! Definitely need to work on strength and mobility to run better next time, will be watching more of your videos!
Congratulations Reto, amazing race and awesome video👍
Thanks for watching and supporting, Ali! Much appreciated.
Great run Reto ! I knew you would share, but thanks all the same for sharing the journey and the views ! Reminds me so much of my Switzerland travels. Great to see it again, so rich with natural beauty that country. Its kind of okay you didn't finished as it makes you want to go back again soon. I've put this one on my list for someday in the future thanks to you. Is that the first time you've done that race ?
Hi Matt, thanks for following my journey, and the Swiss Alpine is definitely worth your consideration. It's an adventure more than a race, and a test of our physical and mental preparedness. It was my first time running the Swiss Alpine or any mountain trail race, and many lessons learned. Went too hard in the beginning (80% of vert was in first half), second half is much more runnable. I am motivated to go back with the experience and knowledge and finish what I started.
Valiant effort my friend. Sorry it resulted in a DNF but I know you’ll bounce back and get the next one.
Thanks Anthony for support. Hope to improve and be back in 2022.
Hey Reto - a true alpine race! Well done 👍 sorry for the injury but you still got a great experience and out with the family too! Hope you enjoyed the beer at the end. Did they change the route coz of the weather?
Hi Adam, yes this alpine race was more than I expected, yet a beautiful experience. Family support was awesome! Heavy thunderstorms in the alps are common, and the race course was not changed. It made it more treacherous on the steep descents. Btw the Eiger 101K was cancelled this year because of the European floods early July and massive landslides that covered portions of roads and trails.
@@RunFreeandStrong yes I did my first alps race a few years back now and was totally overwhelmed. They pushed back the cut off as so many competitors weren’t finishing in time. Maxi race 100k - no way near the elevation you encountered though. Well done again as I know you put in the miles 😀😀👍👍
Salam sukses🙏🙏🙏
Thank you!
Hadir L29, salam kenal🤝🤝🤝
Thank you!
Wow, this looked technical and borderline dangerous! Sorry to hear about your back bothering you again Reto. Do you have an idea as to why it flares up during the race and not during training?
Hi Stephane, thanks for your support. Yes the course was challenging and borderline dangerous. I can't simulate the race challenges or demands during training, otherwise I wouldn't be able to train very effectively. Strava shows that I climbed and descended about 2,000 m over 42 km, and that implies running downhill for 2,000 m over 21 km (half uphill, half downhill). The trails were steep, rocky and sometimes I had to jump down the trails. So not surprising the constant stress and strain on my lower back over 9 hours would bring back the injury. I have some thoughts for strength and mobility, and would be interested to hear your thoughts as well.
It's a complex one Reto. Assuming it's the downhills and the jumps, you need stability of the lower back and mobility of the pelvis and the hip joint. Perhaps strengthening the lower abs and of course the transverse. Also work a million hours eccentric lower limb exercises and jumps with stabilization landings. But I haven't evaluated you so I can only guess :(, you could have stiffness in the mid-back that transfers down the lumbar area or any other causes...
Some of the exercises that helped me on technical trails were running downstairs of residential buildings and doing sets jumping off benches... Do you do these kind of plyometrics? Of course, one would need to build up to the right level for this.
@@SafeMotions Thanks for the suggestions and advice, Stephane. Improving the stabilizers resonates. I will look into your recommended exercises. Already doing lots of single leg exercises, need to do more as well as plyometrics like box jumps, etc. Thanks!