Category: Training Theory
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How I trained for Squamish & Quebec Mega Trail without any mountains
Two weeks ago, I finished as the top Ontario athlete at the Canadian National Championships – Squamish 50K, behind a host of names from Quebec, BC and Alberta. Of the top twenty-one finishers, Steph and I are the only Ontario outliers. One of the reasons why it’s such a rarity to see any athletes outside…
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The keys to recovery & celebrating the present
Training is so much more than the actual act of training. My hypothesis is that it’s about 70% recovery from training, and 30% actual training. If you don’t get the right… 1. Sleep 2. Hydration 3. Nutrition 4. Positive vibes You will not be recovering (and therefore training) to your full potential. These are the…
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Tips for running on technical terrain
Technical trail running is my favourite style of all. I’ve thrown myself into the wolves with some of the most technical races I can find, and the bulk of my training is spent on some of the most technical trails around. I hope that these tips can help you to become a confident technical trail…
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Coaching myself to the Quebec Mega Trail 50K
Like Lil’ Wayne, I’ve spent the past few weeks listening to myself. Listening to my body. Listening to what I know works for me. Listening to what I know I enjoy.
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How to train for a mountain race without any mountains
I don’t have any mountains. I move mountains. But I don’t have any to train on. Often times, I feel like I want to escape. To train in the mountains so that I can match the mountain goats stride for stride. But in reality, you can train for mountainous terrain without mountains.
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Merging repetition & race-practice together
There’s often a conflict between the old-school coaches who design “drills” focused on repetition, and the new-school coaches who provide actual education toward what players will encounter in a game. But in reality, the two can easily be merged together. You see, game-realistic activities around a specific session topic naturally allow for repetition toward the…
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Visualization and race-specific training
I’ve always had a wild imagination. Growing up, I’d play hockey and soccer in my basement for hours on end. Every single time, I’d visualize being the best in the world. I’d break all the records, score the wildest of goals, and mesmerize the commentators every time. When I quit hockey at age 12 and…
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The art of downhill running
Much of the advice comes down to training with someone else that is good and watching their lines of travel, doing downhill intervals, or the very true facet of confidence. But you rarely here an elite runner discuss what they do from a technical perspective to run better at downhills. I discuss how to get…
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Sulphur Springs 50k Recap – A photo-finish at the final climb
My first ultramarathon is officially in the books, and with a third-place photo finish, I feel great about how I executed the race.
Rhys Desmond 