The UTHC 42K is one of the biggest and best events in any calendar year inside Canada’s trail and ultra running scene. It’s a beautiful course with varying terrain, mixing and matching runnable sections with technical mud and steep climbs, and typically quite competitive.
Back in 2024, I made my UTHC 42K debut, landing on the podium with a smart second place finish, running 3 hours 53 minutes.
I know the training strategies that worked for me in succeeding at the race, and I’ve also watched many of my friends and athletes put together key training blocks en route to top five finishes at UTHC.
So with that, I’m releasing a trail 42K training plan for intermediate/advanced runners to follow en route to whatever goals they want to accomplish at UTHC.
This training plan can also go hand-and-hand with a different, 42K trail race of your choosing. It works for UTHC 42K Classique, UTHC 42K Saint-Simeon, and even the UTHC 28K.
This training plan includes:
✅ A log for you to track your runs and cross-training, and record your thoughts on what worked/what didn’t each day.
✅ A comprehensive 10-week plan, including race-specific and periodized workouts toward the specifics of your race.
✅ Mobility and strength suggestions for each week of the block, going beyond just your run training.
* The plan works up to 8 hours of running, and is therefore not usually best for an elite trail runner aiming to podium at the race. For specific guidance around elite level trail training, reach out to me for 1-on-1 coaching!
ULTRA-TRAIL HARRICANA 42K TRAINING PLAN & LOG – $9.99
Purchase the training plan for just 10$, or subscribe to my premium newsletter tier (24$) for access to all my training plans!
UTHC 42K – TRAINING PLAN – PREVIEW
PREVIEW – Ultra-Trail Harricana 42K Training Plan & Log – Intermediate/Advanced – Google Sheets
FREE TRAINING LOG TEMPLATE
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And learn how to take your craft to the next level! Like…
-> Why being perfect is so much less fun than being imperfect.
-> How to identify where you want to go in life.
-> How to forgive yourself for not being where you want to be in the future.
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Think I can help you or want to truly take your craft to the next level? Reach out for a free consultation call.
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MORE TRAINING PLANS
Trail Running & Marathon Coaching
$80 – $111 CAD per month! – The best price in 🍁
I work with runners of all abilities, helping you take your potential to the next level, while enjoying your time on the trails (or roads!) in the process.
Working with me, you will learn how to amplify your recovery to better your long term development as a runner, avoid injury, and approach race day as a smarter all-around athlete.
I come from a decade of coaching experience, and two decades of running experience at the high-end of the sport. I’m a part-time professional trail runner for XACT Nutrition, competing in the top 1% globally.
I work with athletes to help them put the entire puzzle together, from nutrition to injury prevention to training and racing, whilst building a plan that fits their schedule and life demands.
This includes…
✅ An adaptive training plan based on what actually happens in your life and your specific needs.
✅ Feedback and open dialogue on every single training run and race.
✅ Canadian specific knowledge ~ Helping you prepare for races across Canada 🇨🇦.
✅ Expert insights and advice into nutrition, recovery, and racing, for all levels.
TRAIL & ROAD RUNNING SCHOLARSHIPS
Coming out of university/college and into the roads or trails? Looking for the help but don’t have the funds?
I offer coaching scholarships to runners between the ages of 18-29. To learn more and reach out, fill out my form!
I WORK WITH…
✅ Professional and elite trail runners competing for podium finishes and national team places.
✅ Busy moms and dads with demanding schedules that still want to show up strong and reinforce their love of running.
✅ Young athletes making the transition into road running or trail running. *Scholarships open for ages 18-29.
✅ Athletes working toward their first 50K, marathon, or trail race.
Why Rhys?
I come from a decade of coaching experience, and two decades of running experience at the high-end of the sport. I’m a part-time professional trail runner for XACT Nutrition, competing in the biggest races in Canada.
I have also worked with professional athletes, coaches and clubs through my sports performance consultation on TheMastermindSite.com, and love helping people improve their craft.
MENTAL SKILLS
Specializing in…
-> Positive psychology
-> Perfectionism
-> Confidence
-> Life outside of running
SPORTS PERFORMANCE
-> Speed development
-> Trail-specific development
-> Optimal training and optimal recovery strategies for your unique make-up
Testimonials
Rhys has been such an awesome coach to work with! He’s super flexible and always quick to respond whenever I have questions or need to make changes. You can tell he genuinely cares about helping you succeed. I’m really grateful for all his help in reaching my goals for this season!
— Laurence L.
I am 56 years old, living in very flat Ontario. I only started running regularly in the summer of 2025. Prior to working with Rhys I had competed in just two 5K races. After 16 weeks of training, I ran the Mourne Skytrail and came third in my age group, beating my original goal by a full hour. Through a constant feedback loop in which I was able to give nuanced and accurate assessments of my running, Rhys was able to build an evolving plan that targeted my specific needs.
— Ivan L.
WEEKLY TRAINING PLAN, DAILY FEEDBACK
Get a weekly training plan that can change based on the demands of your busy life, while receiving actionable coaching feedback after every training run. Grow into your ultimate potential as a trail runner while enjoying the process along the way!
I WORK WITH…
✅ Professional and elite trail runners competing for podium finishes and national team places.
✅ Busy moms and dads with demanding schedules that still want to show up strong and reinforce their love of running.
✅ Post-collegiate athletes making the transition into road running or trail running careers.
✅ Athletes working toward their first 50K, marathon, or trail race.
Reach out to Rhys!
Think I can help? Reach out for a free 45-minute consultation call.
You can also follow me and my work on social media:
Why Rhys?
I come from a decade of coaching experience, and two decades of running experience at the high-end of the sport. I’m a part-time professional trail runner for XACT Nutrition, competing in the biggest races in Canada.
I have also worked with professional athletes, coaches and clubs through my sports performance consultation on TheMastermindSite.com, and love helping people improve their craft.
MENTAL SKILLS
Specializing in…
-> Positive psychology
-> Perfectionism
-> Confidence
-> Life outside of running
SPORTS PERFORMANCE
-> Speed development
-> Trail-specific development
-> Optimal training and optimal recovery strategies for your unique make-up
Do you want to?
-> Gain expert insights into fuelling, pacing, training and the mental side of performance?
-> Have a training plan tailored to your body and the specifics of your next race?
-> Become a SMARTER and faster runner on the trails?
-> Improve your strength and injury resilience, while prioritizing your long-term development?
-> Take your untapped potential to the next level?
Current Location: North Vancouver, BC
Brand: XACT Nutrition
Distances: Short-Trail / 50K / Sub-Ultra
Strava: Rhys Desmond | Profile
UltraSignup: Results
ITRA: Results
2026
5️⃣ Run Ridge Run 25K
2025
4️⃣ Javelina Jackass 31K
4️⃣ Trail Coureur des Bois de Duchesnay 34K
6️⃣ Ultra-Trail Harricana 28K
6️⃣ Historic Half Marathon 21K
🔟 Gorge Waterfalls 30K
2024
🥇 Sulphur Springs 20K
🥈 Ultra-Trail Harricana 42K Classique
7️⃣ Quebec Mega Trail 50K
9️⃣ Gorge Waterfalls 50K
⏸️ Squamish 50K – National Championships
2023
🥇 The Bad Thing 50K
🥈 Falling Water Trail Marathon 42K
🥉 Sulphur Springs 50K
UTMB: UTMB Index
2026 Racing Plan:
⏭️ Trail des Collines 16K
⏭️ Whistler Half Marathon 21K
⏭️ Squamish 23K
⏭️ UTHC 30K
Race-Day Mantra:
✅ Be smart.
✅ Work hard.
✅ Have fun.
Rhys Desmond 