8-Hour trail race | Steep Endurance 8 hours at the Farm | Timed vs Distance Ultra events

[@inrepairagain]

Thank you for posting this Reto! You did a nice job videoing and describing the trails and race format. I was there too (just to your right near the fence in the video at the start). The terrain was much more difficult in sections than I expected, especially washed out areas that made steep ascents and descents over roots, rocks, and ruts very tricky. I fell four times, including twice in the first mile🤕 Heal well and ultra on!

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Hi Syd, thanks for watching and sharing your experience! And thank you for your kind words. I think I remember seeing you on the course and hope you didn't hurt yourself. I would love to come back next year and push myself a little further, I enjoyed the timed event format. Best wishes!

[@MihaiGoRunning]

Hey Reto, it's awesome to see you reignite that fire and push through! The way you broke down your performance and the lessons learned makes it feel so relatable. Falling and still knocking out those loops, serious respect! Can't wait to see what you conquer next! Keep it up!

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Thank you, Mihai. Not the outcome I wanted, but after reflection it was a beautiful experience and I will be back for more timed events. Very much appreciate your support!

Great video Reto. Hope you recovered quickly and inviting you to join us again next year!!🎉

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Thanks, Alan, for your kind words. I will definitely be back next year, and probably try some other Steep Endurance events as well. You guys create amazing events, and love the local vibe!

[@markg99]

Nicely done, Reto. The sunshine made it look beautiful out there. Hope the groin is OK 👍

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Thanks Mark, yes the autumn weather was gorgeous despite the 2 C temps at the start. Will test the groin today. 🙏

[@AndyCliffMTB]

Good morning Reto, great video and also great to see you back competing✅ I like your strategy, ease yourself into the race then build your pace. I’m sorry you fell however you completed a half marathon on those super technical trails and hopefully your groin strain is temporary😊Descending, be that walking or running is always risky so you won’t have been the only one. Well done Reto✅

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Thanks for the encouragement and support, Andy. Yes, it's been a while since my last race, and it took me a loop to settle in and get going. Appreciate you watching!

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

I hope the groin heals up quickly Reto. Nice to get another event ticked off in 2024. My first ever ultra was a timed event, blimey, now you’ve got me thinking how long ago that was 😂

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Hi Martin, thank you, and yes, groin seems to be ok. It was my first timed event, and it's a fun race format, so I'll be back for more. 😂

[@raleyadventures]

Loved the re-cap, so sorry to hear about the fall, I'm sure it won't be too long before I'm silly enough to enter one aha

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Thanks Ryan. You would do great in a trail race and there are many speedsters like yourself who "test" themselves with a new challenge. Thanks for watching and your support!

[@RunningGeekGirl]

Sorry about the fall! I know how that can put an abrupt end to things. 😢 As for me, I’m attempting a 24 hour race later this month. Last time, I was running a fever and had to drop at hour 19 (still my longest run to date at 51 miles) but hoping to last the full time this year! 🤓

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Thanks for watching, Heather. Very excited for your 24-hour race and hope things go so well that you'll easily surpass your distance PB!

[@chrisbrunn3480]

Looked like a fun format! You mentioned going 4 hours without fuel, Is there a downside to fueling earlier?

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Thanks for the great question, Chris. I don't think there's a significant downside. My comment was specific to my goal to complete the full 8 hours. I'll publish the high fat, low carb vid on Wed, and Jeff Browning and Zach Bitter use the strategy to maintain ketosis in training and then fuel with carbs during a race. There's research to back that up.