Category: Professional Development
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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.
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My recipe for a good race
Last year, I arrived at the UTHC 42K Classique with a nagging knee injury, but in one of the most pressure-free states of my adult life. It was one of my best races ever. I now reflect upon how I can produce more races like this in the future, including my return to Harricana this…
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Weekly Newsletter – The mentalities of the top trail runners in the world
When things happen in races that you can’t control, you need to stay present, and continue fighting the smart fight. This is what separates the top 1% from the top 0.1%.
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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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Things aren’t nice in paradise
If we could turn the hands of time, I would do it. We had everything, but we never knew it. Things aren’t nice out here in paradise, so baby leave the light on. – Robinson New Zealand-born singer Robinson is one of my favourite musical talents on the planet, largely for creating lyrics with actual…
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Standing out of the spotlight
As you go through your bucket list to life, or even your resolutions to the year, continue to remember what matters most to you, and where you want to spend the majority of your time. You don’t need the extra meaning in your life in seven different directions. You definitely don’t need the spotlight. You…
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The crystal ball is cracked
The crystal ball is, and quite sadly, will be cracked. And it’s not even your job to repair it. It’s only your job to realign expectations, and adjust. As for the ending? Personally, I don’t want to know the ending. I just want to experience the now, and continue to discover what matters most, no…
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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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The art of exploration
In my quest to control my faith and destiny at every turn, I don’t do well enough in the art of exploration. I need to remember that the best moments in life often come without knowing what lies on the other side. They come from unique and novel experiences that you sometimes have to seek…
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How to reframe negative thoughts
We all have an alter ego rummaging about in our minds, waiting to destroy us. We all have negative thoughts that run the risk of destroying our mentalities. But all negative thoughts can be reframed as positive ones. Today, I had my grade 5-6’s write down a different kind of list. I had them answer…
Rhys Desmond 