Rhys Desmond

Training Theory & Coaching

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  • 4 ways to run your workouts faster

    So often we set limits for ourselves. We think we can only run up to a certain speed limit. We struggle to trust the body to run as fast and consistently as we might be able to. Sometimes, we don’t even accurately know our own limits. Here are some of the best ways to run…

  • Top tips for treadmill success

    The treadmill, particularly uphill treadmill work, is becoming more prevalent among some of the top pro runners in the world.

  • Keely Hodgkinson’s catsuit is as much about confidence as speed

    Like always with Nike, putting Keely Hodgkinson in a catsuit was a chest-pumping moment for the brand to demonstrate their innovation and supposed superiority. But for all the scientific “innovations” behind the suit, the simplest message is the one that matters most. It simply empowered Keely to feel good, and she felt so good that…

  • 5 running lessons I learned the hard way

    The trail running (and road running) season is soon to be over. Here are five key lessons I’ve been reminded of this year.

  • Royal Victoria Marathon 2026 – Race Recap

    “If something scares you, do it.” – Derek Sivers. These are words that I think I’ve adopted all year long with my racing. Shorter, faster races are not necessarily “scarier” than longer races. But they are outside of my comfort zone, and not in service toward my perceived skillsets as an athlete in this sport.…

  • Newsletter – Constructing your 2027 racing calendar

    You may have already started thinking about 2027, without fully finishing the season still in existence. With registration deadlines and prices, this is often a necessity, ensuring you can claim a spot at your desired events. Here is what to consider when constructing your racing calendar in 2027.

  • Kalie McCrystal

    It’s been almost two weeks since Kalie went missing on the Matterhorn. By now, we would have all hoped to have some form of an answer. Like Hillary Gerardi said this week in City News, Kalie is symbolic for what so many trail runners aspire to be and dream of doing. The dream of spending…

  • Squamish 23K – Race Recap

    This year, I made an intentional decision to go down in distance on the trails, working on fundamental speed and efficiency over total vertical gain, long training weekends, and all the extra layers that go into ultras. Along the way, I’ve relearned what I’ve always known: I’m much better when races get longer. This would…

  • Newsletter – Three things I do before and AFTER every run

    The hallmark of a good runner lies within the ability to not only have good routines around the run itself, but within everything that surrounds it. Growing as an endurance athlete does not only happen within the repeated movement patterns of the activity itself, but within the adaptations that happen when the body stops moving.…

  • Whistler Half Marathon – Race Recap

    The Whistler Half Marathon had the makings of something special. I’d been on course enough in the month leading into the race, and had the experience of running fast along several key sections. But I just couldn’t execute on race day. In the end it was back in my usual spot, with another fourth place…