I’m definitely learning a lot in the 50k races and incrementally working up into the 100k but it was still a big leap. That first 18 miles at Canyons was definitely a punch in the face. UTMB Speedgoat is a tough brutal mountainous 50k (from ppl I know, I haven’t done it.. yet) but UTMB Kodiak 50k was a fun runnable course if you were looking at remaining UTMB races I would target Kodiak 50k.
Chris, that approach makes a lot of sense. I just transferred from the 140K (90 M) to the 76K (47 M) distance at the Trail Verbier St Bernard by UTMB in July. This will be a good test to see what I can improve in the next 10 weeks, and how I could perform in the CCC or OCC. Verbier is an hour from Chamonix, so same mountain and trails. Kodiak 50K may be a good option this fall. Thanks for your support and advice!
@@RunFreeandStrong man 17,388 in 47 miles, that is a tough race too lol. But the devil is in the details, really tough to get the flavor of the trail from elevation profiles and YT videos. I poured over the details of Canyons, sought advice and trained for the eccentric load and still managed to blow my quads instantly. It is the bullet you don’t hear that kills you.
@@Smashycrashy more great advice. I will do more due diligence on the Verbier course and I'll be there for 2 weeks, so I can familiarize myself with the course. And I'll have a support crew.
@@RunFreeandStrong Jumping in here because I'm doing both Speedgoat and the Kodiak 100k for the first time this year. When I started to pick apart the Speedgoat course profile, I realized that there are basically no runnable inclines and all the running will happen in the descents (surface permitting). So I've switched my training (I just ran Desert Rats 50k) to hike the steepest, longest inclines I can find and run down at full tilt. I say "hike" but it's more like an uphill march because I do it at a high cadence. On the opposite end, I'm doing Kodiak just so I can do some running. For what little it's worth, I tried some fancy trail shoes recently that forced me to heel strike on the descents and noticed that it was mis-distributing force up through my legs to my back. I'm a decent downhill runner, so it was a bit surprising. I may be mistaken but I think you might be running in Hoka Speedgoats, so you wouldn't have that "forcing" problem. But how you land might be having an effect of the force distribution.
Lots of great and thoughtful comments already. Reto. Tough break with the weather, and the muddy downhills. There's so much to learn during our training especially the older we get. I continually beat the hell out of my quads, as you already know, but it takes way more than that. I've had to make subtle adjustments to well........everything!stuff like posture, foot angle and landing, cadence, breathing, and mostly coming to terms with how fast I can sustainably run and power hike a long ultra.
Thanks for your support, Heather. Checking our egos when we're battling on a run or in a race is hard, and with trail running our own safety and the potential impact on race volunteers should be considered. I've seen runners extracted by search and rescue teams.
Hey Reto, your willingness to share your race experience with such honesty and vulnerability is truly admirable. Keep pursuing your dreams with that same determination!
Hey Mihai, thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Truly appreciated, especially when one questions what to do next. I will continue to pursue a UTMB 2025 qualification, it won't be the UTMB (even more respect for your accomplishment), maybe the CCC or OCC.
Hi Martin, there are a lot of takeaways and things I would do different for the next mountain trail ultra, and that is part of the learning process. I can't wait to get back out there and improve my training and preparation. Thank you very much for your support.
So sorry to hear about this, you trained so so hard and it was amazing to watch your journey, your time will definitely come so don't let this setback define who you are. You have been amazing and prepared for every eventuality, it was just one of those unlucky days by the looks of it, sorry to hear it was your back that was giving you problems again, we hope you now have a well-earned rest.
Thank you for continuing to support my journey, and I feel like I let myself and those who supported me down. I will use the disappointment as fuel to motivate me to come back stronger. Your marathon and half-marathon PB's are amazing and inspire me to do better. Cheers.
You did awesome Reto, think it’s easier to run in cold snowy conditions than rain & cold, you can’t escape the rain ☔️ it just seems to get in no matter what, I’m slowly getting back from a knee injury that happened 3 months ago, pretty sure it was the steep downhills that got to me,, good luck Reto with UTMB other distances 🥳👊🏼👍🏼🌴👣☔️✌️🏃🏽♂️✅
I was out there with you buddy. I finisher Grindstone 100 in September and DNF Canyons at mile 62. Those first 20 miles smoked my legs. I'll be back. Keep pushing toward those goals
Well darn the luck! Glad you got through the portion you were able to complete; way to power thru those conditions! I would have an awful time with the downhill steepness, weather and mud. I live at 6400 ft. and in a half hour drive can be at 10K ft. so I can get the vert training, but it's a struggle for me on muddy or super technical trails (thx to health stuff). Not giving up though on my goal of a 50K next year. Hope your back injury improves and looking forward to following your training for the July race!
Thanks for your kind comments. I would love to train in the mountains and it sounds like you have amazing opportunities where you live. Follow your dreams and goals, and you'll run the 50k next year!
@@RunFreeandStrong Yes Sir, I believe we did! What a special day in the Sierra. I think we were very lucky to have witnessed the beauty of the Sierra on a rainy day, with rivers swollen and clouds spiraling through the canyon. The beauty of the course blew me away. Thank you for sharing your content...I'm excited to show my family.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Reto! I know how tough it is to throw in the towel, but you did the best you can on a challenging course. I saw many runners in the 100K crater from running too fast on the downhills. Have you looked into Stuart McGill's work on back pain? He has a few books and consults athletes. Not sure what your specific injury is but something to consider.
Brandon, thank you so much for your kind message. Although it doesn't change the outcome, the 100 mile course and weather resulted in an almost 50% DNF. I will check out McGill's books, I own Becoming a Supple Leopard by Dr. Kelly Starret, that's been helpful. Unfortunately I have 2 herniated discs in my lower back, medical options are a fusion of my discs or regular cortisone injections,. neither of which are appealing. Strength training and making better informed race selections are more appealing options lol. Thanks again, and huge congrats on your 100k achievement!
Thank you, Andy. You are an inspiration as well. Having had PF a few years ago, I understand the comeback from such an injury, and your commitment and openness to share is much appreciated.
Tough luck Reto 😢 but I enjoyed what you showed us 😃 Terrible weather played it's part, and your back too maybe. What strength training do you do for your back ? Just sharing here and you might do something better than me anyway, but I do reverse planks rather than traditional ones because it strengthens the inner core muscles around the spine too. Used to do 1mins, now 3min duration 2 or 3 times a week. And some side plank dips too. Anyway good your sticking with it and on to the next one, great video !
Hi Matt, thank you and it was beautiful to run on the iconic Western States trail. Thanks for sharing your strength program. I do lots of core and strength work, including side and supine planks, single leg deadlifts, various kettlebell exercises, and upper body free weights. I have to be more consistent week to week.
Hi Reto，I am the one next to you on shuttle bus, thanks for your kind message of start drop bag location. Appreciate your sharing, the video is quite impressive and remarkable- what a pity I recorded nothing. As an ordinary runner, we all have the experience of DNF, but it doesn’t affect our determination to next challenge. Let’s keep on running!
Hello, yes, I remember you and I think I saw you on the course, you were running well. Thank you for your kind, positive message. These experiences keep us humble and enable our growth. We will continue and maybe cross paths again. I hope to run Kodiak this fall (50K or 100K, not 100M!). Thank you!
@@wiilawang Thank you, and you as well in your upcoming races. Yes, I hope to see you again in Chamonix, that would mean we both achieved an important goal!
@@RunFreeandStrong thanks I have 2 race of 100K in second half year. More time for training since I am retired since May. I have been to CCC in 2019, and I am lucky to have got the ticket for 2025 UTMB, my next goal is to train hard and get to the finish line. Let’s work hard together for our own goal-:)
sorry about the outcome of the race. With the slippery and steep trails a chronic back problem is the worst. A few weeks ago i watched a video by Tatra Dower, winning the Umstead 100 just blazing along on the flat course. Having also a not so great back since my early 30th, i decided a few years ago, to stop running steep downhills. I even changed my usual course of my easy run, only to avoid a 200 meter long steep downhill on a road. I can fully feel the pain in the back, you must have felt slipping and sliding down a steep single track in terrible weather. Checking the course profile seems to me your number one priority, when chosing a race. I wish you all the best with your back and better luck with your planned race in Switzerland
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yes, not all vert is the same, and course profile and trail and weather conditions impact me more because of my back injury. I dropped down from the 140 km distance to the 76 km distance in Trail Verbier yesterday, and while still a huge challenge, there are fewer downhills to navigate.
Good to see you handling the disappointment with a strong mindset, Reto. That weather looked really unhelpful. Is there any further treatment available for that back problem?
Thanks Mark. Great question. I have 2 herniated discs, and there are 3 treatments. Strengthen as best we can. Cortisone injections (temporary). Fusing the discs (limits mobility). The Canyons and any UTMB event are a step up for me, these are world-class and challenging ultras. I'm gonna keep problem solving and explore where my limits are. Stay tuned.
I’m definitely learning a lot in the 50k races and incrementally working up into the 100k but it was still a big leap. That first 18 miles at Canyons was definitely a punch in the face. UTMB Speedgoat is a tough brutal mountainous 50k (from ppl I know, I haven’t done it.. yet) but UTMB Kodiak 50k was a fun runnable course if you were looking at remaining UTMB races I would target Kodiak 50k.
Chris, that approach makes a lot of sense. I just transferred from the 140K (90 M) to the 76K (47 M) distance at the Trail Verbier St Bernard by UTMB in July. This will be a good test to see what I can improve in the next 10 weeks, and how I could perform in the CCC or OCC. Verbier is an hour from Chamonix, so same mountain and trails. Kodiak 50K may be a good option this fall. Thanks for your support and advice!
@@RunFreeandStrong man 17,388 in 47 miles, that is a tough race too lol. But the devil is in the details, really tough to get the flavor of the trail from elevation profiles and YT videos. I poured over the details of Canyons, sought advice and trained for the eccentric load and still managed to blow my quads instantly. It is the bullet you don’t hear that kills you.
@@Smashycrashy more great advice. I will do more due diligence on the Verbier course and I'll be there for 2 weeks, so I can familiarize myself with the course. And I'll have a support crew.
@@RunFreeandStrong Jumping in here because I'm doing both Speedgoat and the Kodiak 100k for the first time this year. When I started to pick apart the Speedgoat course profile, I realized that there are basically no runnable inclines and all the running will happen in the descents (surface permitting). So I've switched my training (I just ran Desert Rats 50k) to hike the steepest, longest inclines I can find and run down at full tilt. I say "hike" but it's more like an uphill march because I do it at a high cadence. On the opposite end, I'm doing Kodiak just so I can do some running. For what little it's worth, I tried some fancy trail shoes recently that forced me to heel strike on the descents and noticed that it was mis-distributing force up through my legs to my back. I'm a decent downhill runner, so it was a bit surprising. I may be mistaken but I think you might be running in Hoka Speedgoats, so you wouldn't have that "forcing" problem. But how you land might be having an effect of the force distribution.
Lots of great and thoughtful comments already. Reto. Tough break with the weather, and the muddy downhills. There's so much to learn during our training especially the older we get. I continually beat the hell out of my quads, as you already know, but it takes way more than that. I've had to make subtle adjustments to well........everything!stuff like posture, foot angle and landing, cadence, breathing, and mostly coming to terms with how fast I can sustainably run and power hike a long ultra.
I applaud your ability to know when a finish wasn’t in the cards and do what was best for you. I’m so glad you shared this experience with us! 🤓
Thanks for your support, Heather. Checking our egos when we're battling on a run or in a race is hard, and with trail running our own safety and the potential impact on race volunteers should be considered. I've seen runners extracted by search and rescue teams.
Hey Reto, your willingness to share your race experience with such honesty and vulnerability is truly admirable. Keep pursuing your dreams with that same determination!
Hey Mihai, thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Truly appreciated, especially when one questions what to do next. I will continue to pursue a UTMB 2025 qualification, it won't be the UTMB (even more respect for your accomplishment), maybe the CCC or OCC.
@@RunFreeandStrong CCC is the amazing last 100k from the UTMB! I wish you all the best on your journey! You'll definitely not regret it!
Hard luck Reto, sometimes it's just not the right day, all part of the learning process & I know you'll keep training hard for the next event 💪
Hi Martin, there are a lot of takeaways and things I would do different for the next mountain trail ultra, and that is part of the learning process. I can't wait to get back out there and improve my training and preparation. Thank you very much for your support.
So sorry to hear about this, you trained so so hard and it was amazing to watch your journey, your time will definitely come so don't let this setback define who you are. You have been amazing and prepared for every eventuality, it was just one of those unlucky days by the looks of it, sorry to hear it was your back that was giving you problems again, we hope you now have a well-earned rest.
Thank you for continuing to support my journey, and I feel like I let myself and those who supported me down. I will use the disappointment as fuel to motivate me to come back stronger. Your marathon and half-marathon PB's are amazing and inspire me to do better. Cheers.
Great job man! Injuries are tough. It was great to see you head held high, ready to attack again in the future. Stay in touch
Thanks Brad. What a crazy trip. I'll be back out there next year. I look forward to seeing what's next for you.
Great work, as said lots to learn and take away and still a great experience.. well done 👍
Thanks James! Absolutely, lots of lessons learned and time to problem solve. Trail Verbier race is 10 weeks out. Cheers.
That burger looked amazing!!! Sorry to hear about your back issues. Best of luck next time and hope you recover well.
Thank you, Chad. That's a Western States burger (not joking) with 4 patties, bacon, American cheese, onion rings, BBQ sauce.
You did awesome Reto, think it’s easier to run in cold snowy conditions than rain & cold, you can’t escape the rain ☔️ it just seems to get in no matter what, I’m slowly getting back from a knee injury that happened 3 months ago, pretty sure it was the steep downhills that got to me,, good luck Reto with UTMB other distances 🥳👊🏼👍🏼🌴👣☔️✌️🏃🏽♂️✅
Thanks for your kind comments, Reece. Happy to hear that your recovery is progressing well!
I was out there with you buddy. I finisher Grindstone 100 in September and DNF Canyons at mile 62. Those first 20 miles smoked my legs. I'll be back. Keep pushing toward those goals
Thanks for leaving a comment and congrats on Grindstone. That's a tough race. We'll both be back at Canyons, keep pushing as well!
Well darn the luck! Glad you got through the portion you were able to complete; way to power thru those conditions! I would have an awful time with the downhill steepness, weather and mud. I live at 6400 ft. and in a half hour drive can be at 10K ft. so I can get the vert training, but it's a struggle for me on muddy or super technical trails (thx to health stuff). Not giving up though on my goal of a 50K next year. Hope your back injury improves and looking forward to following your training for the July race!
Thanks for your kind comments. I would love to train in the mountains and it sounds like you have amazing opportunities where you live. Follow your dreams and goals, and you'll run the 50k next year!
Way to be. That course was heinous...good on ya for getting to Deadwood2. KEEP GOING!
Thank you! I wanted to continue to Michigan Bluff, but reduced to walking wasn't gonna get me there. Are you familiar with the course?
@@RunFreeandStrong Yes Sir! I toed the line on Friday morning. I underestimated the difficulty of the trails. The whole course was no joke!
@@tucopacifico8311 we met in the start coral, correct? You looked strong coming up to Devils Thumb 2 as I was heading down. Congratulations!!!
@@RunFreeandStrong Yes Sir, I believe we did! What a special day in the Sierra. I think we were very lucky to have witnessed the beauty of the Sierra on a rainy day, with rivers swollen and clouds spiraling through the canyon. The beauty of the course blew me away. Thank you for sharing your content...I'm excited to show my family.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Reto! I know how tough it is to throw in the towel, but you did the best you can on a challenging course. I saw many runners in the 100K crater from running too fast on the downhills. Have you looked into Stuart McGill's work on back pain? He has a few books and consults athletes. Not sure what your specific injury is but something to consider.
Brandon, thank you so much for your kind message. Although it doesn't change the outcome, the 100 mile course and weather resulted in an almost 50% DNF. I will check out McGill's books, I own Becoming a Supple Leopard by Dr. Kelly Starret, that's been helpful. Unfortunately I have 2 herniated discs in my lower back, medical options are a fusion of my discs or regular cortisone injections,. neither of which are appealing. Strength training and making better informed race selections are more appealing options lol. Thanks again, and huge congrats on your 100k achievement!
Hi Reto, you’re an inspiration.
Agree 1000%
Thank you, Andy. You are an inspiration as well. Having had PF a few years ago, I understand the comeback from such an injury, and your commitment and openness to share is much appreciated.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@@RunFreeandStrong Thank you Reto, we’re all alongside you in your journey to the start line at UTMB 2025💪
@@AndyCliffMTB we'll get there, Andy, or I'll die trying 😉
Tough luck Reto 😢 but I enjoyed what you showed us 😃 Terrible weather played it's part, and your back too maybe. What strength training do you do for your back ?
Just sharing here and you might do something better than me anyway, but I do reverse planks rather than traditional ones because it strengthens the inner core muscles around the spine too. Used to do 1mins, now 3min duration 2 or 3 times a week. And some side plank dips too. Anyway good your sticking with it and on to the next one, great video !
Hi Matt, thank you and it was beautiful to run on the iconic Western States trail. Thanks for sharing your strength program. I do lots of core and strength work, including side and supine planks, single leg deadlifts, various kettlebell exercises, and upper body free weights. I have to be more consistent week to week.
Hi Reto，I am the one next to you on shuttle bus, thanks for your kind message of start drop bag location. Appreciate your sharing, the video is quite impressive and remarkable- what a pity I recorded nothing. As an ordinary runner, we all have the experience of DNF, but it doesn’t affect our determination to next challenge. Let’s keep on running!
Hello, yes, I remember you and I think I saw you on the course, you were running well. Thank you for your kind, positive message. These experiences keep us humble and enable our growth. We will continue and maybe cross paths again. I hope to run Kodiak this fall (50K or 100K, not 100M!). Thank you!
@@RunFreeandStrong wish you a successful run in Kodiak! And hope to see you again Y2025 in Chamonix!
@@wiilawang Thank you, and you as well in your upcoming races. Yes, I hope to see you again in Chamonix, that would mean we both achieved an important goal!
@@RunFreeandStrong thanks I have 2 race of 100K in second half year. More time for training since I am retired since May. I have been to CCC in 2019, and I am lucky to have got the ticket for 2025 UTMB, my next goal is to train hard and get to the finish line. Let’s work hard together for our own goal-:)
@@wiilawang Congratulations on your 2025 UTMB ticket and running CCC in 2019. That's still my dream and goal. Best wishes for your 2 x 100K.
sorry about the outcome of the race. With the slippery and steep trails a chronic back problem is the worst. A few weeks ago i watched a video by Tatra Dower, winning the Umstead 100 just blazing along on the flat course.
Having also a not so great back since my early 30th, i decided a few years ago, to stop running steep downhills. I even changed my usual course of my easy run, only to avoid a 200 meter long steep downhill on a road. I can fully feel the pain in the back, you must have felt slipping and sliding down a steep single track in terrible weather.
Checking the course profile seems to me your number one priority, when chosing a race. I wish you all the best with your back and better luck with your planned race in Switzerland
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yes, not all vert is the same, and course profile and trail and weather conditions impact me more because of my back injury. I dropped down from the 140 km distance to the 76 km distance in Trail Verbier yesterday, and while still a huge challenge, there are fewer downhills to navigate.
@@RunFreeandStrong i think, that was a correct and wise decision
Good to see you handling the disappointment with a strong mindset, Reto. That weather looked really unhelpful. Is there any further treatment available for that back problem?
Thanks Mark. Great question. I have 2 herniated discs, and there are 3 treatments. Strengthen as best we can. Cortisone injections (temporary). Fusing the discs (limits mobility). The Canyons and any UTMB event are a step up for me, these are world-class and challenging ultras. I'm gonna keep problem solving and explore where my limits are. Stay tuned.