Rhys Desmond

Ending my year in September

I’ve long been an advocate that the year should start in September. But this time around, I am ending my year in September. No Bromont for me and no Defi des Couleurs for me.

My experiment in La Malbaie served as one of the most useful experiences I’ve had on the trails. Primarily, as a reminder of how critical race day preparation can be to putting together a performance. I knew everything I wanted to do on race day, at each different stage of the race or section of…

What I need from a coach

It’s been over a year, and Doja Cat’s Paint The Town Red still hits so hard. Unequivocally, the part that hits the hardest is the part where she goes: “B, I said what I said.” Doja Cat’s words are utterly inspiring, even if coming with severe angry girl energy.

Post-race recovery periods

Since my first race of the season all the way back in April, I haven’t had a single period of more than six weeks without a race. Is it over-racing? Le Duh. Is it fun? Le Fun. If you’re an elite runner wanting to do your best, while also thoroughly enjoying your experience – which…

UTHC 42K Classique Recap – Controlled Crushing

Let me tell you a story about the 42K race that almost never happened. Far too dramatic, I know. Most likely untrue, I know. But (get ready for my here’s the thing moment!) here’s the thing: I recently posted that one of the best ways to approach downhills is with a sense of reckless abandonment.…

Being the best is overrated

Let me tell you a secret. I’ve worked with professional athletes across a few different sports now. There’s something that they all share in common. They all think they’re not good enough. Guess what? Being the best is overrated.

Hidden Gem #4 – Be where you are

I’ve done a bit of a 180 lately (famously my favourite move to do off the diving board). I’ve lived life in the slow lane, and by proxy of doing so in a foreign language, it’s been very much not in the comfort of normalcy. For the past two weeks, I’ve just really embodied this…

Why perceived skill on uphills & downhills is all in your head

You are probably capable of being amazing at both uphills and downhills, and it’s probably your confidence holding you back more than anything. The binary that exists in the sport to create storylines is so fun, but less true than it’s made out to be. Most professional trail runners are professional trail runners for a…

Hidden Gem #3 – UTMB Indexes are so freaking weird

Out of all the ranking and scoring systems in our sport, UTMB’s somehow happens to be the best. I say somehow, as there is so much that still doesn’t make sense about it. Not to mention the fact that UTMB is fraught with controversy. But for all intents and purposes, it’s the best. What a…

How I dress to impress myself & the coyotes on the trails

Running in something snazzy and looking fly, will help you legitimately fly. These days, there are so many accessories that trail runners can customize to handle long days on the trails, and look good in the process. After all, fashion is one of the three most important things when it comes to trail running. Here…