Rhys Desmond

Weekly Newsletter – Post-Race Blahs & Blues

After the high of a race, it’s inevitable that you may experience a low. Here is everything you need to consider to avoid falling into the trap of the post-race blahs and blues!

Training theories for a shorter, faster race

As I gear up towards my next few shorter races and coach many athletes doing the same, I wanted to share some thoughts on the training theories for a shorter race taken from my most recent training block – leading into the Harricana 28K.

Weekly Newsletter – The 80/20 Rule & Analyzing Heart-Rate Zones

If you’ve consumed any endurance content within the last few years, you’ve likely heard about the ‘80/20 rule’. It’s a great starting place, but requires a lot more nuance and knowledge of heart rate zones than at first glance. Here is how to analyze your own heart rate data, using examples from mine as a…

Ranking every shoe I tried in 2025

After using Saucony all my life, I became increasingly annoyed about how little the shoes lasted on the trails. As a result, I explored six different shoes from five different brands this year. Here is my ranking of all the shoes I’ve tried in 2025, from bottom to top!

Weekly Newsletter – The best reflective exercise I do before every race

This exercise works in written form for those that enjoy writing or journaling like me, but it can also simply be done as a visualization exercise.

My unsolicited takes on elite trail running culture & racing in Canada – 2025 Edition

Here’s an article no one asked for, and perhaps one that could spark debate and maybe even hate! But I’ve seen a lot of stuff this year that gives me pause, and none of it could make for an entire article on its own. So here are my top takes in the elite trail running…

Running slow on an easy run doesn’t make you slow

Running easy doesn’t make you a slower runner. It just makes you a smarter one. Here’s why!!

Weekly Newsletter – Are you running too fast?

Yes. Yes you are. Here’s why, and how to know.

Lessons from my latest race – Harricana 28K

After competing in three 30K’s this year and trying to find a rhythm with them, I feel like I finally nailed one last weekend at the Harricana 28K. Here are some of my reflections post-race and what I will take with me moving forward into future races.

Individualized training and contrasting approaches for different athletes

My coaching philosophies have long centered around individualized approaches for success, even within team environments. I think you need to recognize what an individual has going on in their life, and not only who they are within their sport, but who they are outside of their sport. For an endurance sport this becomes even more…