Category: Coaching & Leadership
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Weekly Newsletter – Le Fun vs. Le Duh
It’s so hard to tell ourselves to stop in the moment, especially because humans are very, very bad at changing their own minds once they’ve set their mind to something. Now imagine how bad RUNNERS are at changing their own minds. You have to prioritize Le Fun. There’s no other way. But it must always…
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The changes to my training in 2025
2025 has been a year of growth so far as I recover from an injury. It’s also been a year of newness, as I train in new trails in a new province under the guidance of a new coach. We’ve focused more on running efficiency – touching more roads already in April than all of…
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You are not the imposter
For the past two years, I’ve existed in my sport as a professional athlete. The term is loosely defined in a sport like mine. For one, because there’s no clear-cut definition. For another, you can so clearly compare your results to others, thus never feeling good enough. For a double ‘nother, because of Imposter Syndrome.…
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Stand in your own spotlight
Today is the day that I realize how much I sing the praises of others. I surmise that I sing like a bird (or like Natalie Furtado) about twenty times over per day – every single time celebrating others. Is it really that uncomfortable to celebrate ourselves? And if so, why? Why do we never…
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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.
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The life lessons I learned from grade 5-6’s this year
Firsts are always magical. They don’t always go to plan. For that matter, it’s hard to have a fully fleshed out plan. You’ve never done it before! But the experience is always memorable. I think that’s part of the reason why this SPARK program has been one of the unequivocal highlights of my time with…
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The Energy Audit
Whenever reflecting on life, I carefully assess how much I’m enjoying something. Whether it’s something that excites me. Or something that leaves me coming home, wanting to fall asleep. It’s important for anyone to recognize what matters most to them and what they want to prioritize in their life. One of the best ways to…
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Why friends need to be a priority in your life
So often, paths change. We go our separate ways. We lose touch with our friends. We lose touch with the very people that care about us most. That wouldn’t want to live without us.
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The case for conserving energy – a lesson from Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the greatest soccer player to ever live. I know all the Cristiano Ronaldo fans will be immediately turned off by this statement. But rest assured, what I’m about to write holds true for Ronaldo too. All the same lessons apply. In many ways, the likes of Messi have been afforded the ability…
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Better if you do
I’ve been told a lot of things this year. Toward the top of the list is an oh so familiar phrase that I never want to hear again. “I didn’t want to bother you.” Why do we always feel like we’re bothering the people around us by asking questions? By engaging? By being part of…
Rhys Desmond 