TRAIL RUNNING

How different trail races handle shuttle buses to avoid rule-breaking

Gorge Waterfalls has kicked off with controversy to start their 2026 event, after ACG sent their athletes to the start-line early, ahead of the mandatory race shuttle buses. What initially seemed like a cheating scandal outside of the race organization’s control has quickly turned into one more about transparency and fairness, as Freetrail admitted on…

How to pass in a trail race

One of the best parts about racing is the chance to see where you stack up against other people. While the focus always needs to be on you and your race, the dynamics of racing against other people is often what can make racing memorable and fun. But it can sometimes be difficult to pass…

Newsletter – Do down weeks negatively affect fitness?

While we’d all love to have a consistent string of weeks where everything comes together perfectly and everything clicks into place; it’s never that easy to hold onto that success for months on end. It’s natural for a dip to occur. It’s good for a dip to occur.

Those super good weeks are only…

Newsletter: How much trail time do you really need for trail races?

In any sport, I’ve long been a proponent of “game-realistic training”. The notion is that you need to prepare for the specific demands of what the game actually looks like. When it comes to endurance sports, this becomes more complex. What we need to develop as athletes is a well-rounded skillset.

Run Ridge Run 25K – Recap

I’ve never been so close to not starting a race. Had it been the day earlier, or the two or three prior, I might not have. But I’m so glad I started this race, as it was one of my best in years.

Newsletter – Making the treadmill more fun!

The treadmill simply can’t compare to the thrill of running outdoors, enjoying nature, and the fun challenge of varying terrain. I enjoy treadmill workouts, but I don’t think I’d be alone in saying that I enjoy an outdoor workout ten times more in ideal conditions. With that, here are some of my top tips to…

Weekly Newsletter: Giving yourself an off-season

Last Sunday, I concluded my season with a historic half marathon (literally called the Historic Half Marathon).

I think I’ve often looked at this year’s races as somewhere within the ‘B’ tier, with no standout results, no podium finishes and no ‘A+’ days.

I’m inevitably hungry for what’s to come in 2026 and to put…

Historic Half Marathon – Race Recap

I don’t know what it is with my body. Why it always chooses the week of a race to get sick. Racing while sick isn’t easy, but I also need to get better at being uncomfortable. Here is what I learned from Vancouver’s Historic Half Marathon.

Weekly Newsletter – The Strava metrics that actually matter

Recently, I’ve noticed a wonderful trend with my fitness. My heart rate has continued to lower by the month, both on easy runs and workouts. Faster paces are more manageable than they’ve been in years. Yet Strava has continuously shown a downward trajectory in my “Fitness”. It’s easy to see that this isn’t correct. But…

Weekly Newsletter – The best fitness stems from a variety of stimuli

My greatest transformation this year has been really loving running on flat ground again. Running on roads in particular (which, actually, aren’t flat at all where I live), and the flatter paths that I might have previously avoided. And it’s completely showed up in my fitness! Here is why you need a variety of work…

Weekly Newsletter – Dealing with low motivation

As the 2025 racing season comes to a close and the distant goals of next year feel oh so far away, it’s important to continously check on your moitvation levels and ensure that you’re in a good place for when training starts to get serious again. Here is how you can resolve feelings of low…

Weekly Newsletter – Constructing your 2026 Racing Calendar

As 2025 comes to a close, many of you have already given your racing plans for 2026 some significant and serious thought. After making sure you’ve taken enough time to celebrate the season that was, here is what you should keep in mind when constructing your 2026 racing calendar!

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!


Trail Running & Marathon Coaching

I work with runners of all abilities, helping you take your potential to the next level, while enjoying your time on the trails (or roads!) in the process.

Working with me, you will learn how to amplify your recovery to better your long term development as a runner, avoid injury, and approach race day as a smarter all-around athlete.

I come from a decade of coaching experience, and two decades of running experience at the high-end of the sport. I’m a part-time professional trail runner for XACT Nutrition, competing in the top 1% globally.

I work with athletes to help them put the entire puzzle together, from nutrition to injury prevention to training and racing, whilst building a plan that fits their schedule and life demands.

This includes…


TRAIL & ROAD RUNNING SCHOLARSHIPS

Coming out of university/college and into the roads or trails? Looking for the help but don’t have the funds?

I offer coaching scholarships to runners between the ages of 18-29. To learn more and reach out, fill out my form!

I WORK WITH…

Professional and elite trail runners competing for podium finishes and national team places.

Busy moms and dads with demanding schedules that still want to show up strong and reinforce their love of running.

Young athletes making the transition into road running or trail running. *Scholarships open for ages 18-29.

Athletes working toward their first 50K, marathon, or trail race.


Why Rhys?

I come from a decade of coaching experience, and two decades of running experience at the high-end of the sport. I’m a part-time professional trail runner for XACT Nutrition, competing in the biggest races in Canada.

I have also worked with professional athletes, coaches and clubs through my sports performance consultation on TheMastermindSite.com, and love helping people improve their craft.

MENTAL SKILLS

Specializing in…

-> Positive psychology
-> Perfectionism
-> Confidence
-> Life outside of running

SPORTS PERFORMANCE

-> Speed development
-> Trail-specific development
-> Optimal training and optimal recovery strategies for your unique make-up

Testimonials

Rhys has been such an awesome coach to work with! He’s super flexible and always quick to respond whenever I have questions or need to make changes. You can tell he genuinely cares about helping you succeed. I’m really grateful for all his help in reaching my goals for this season!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

— Laurence L.

I am 56 years old, living in very flat Ontario. I only started running regularly in the summer of 2025. Prior to working with Rhys I had competed in just two 5K races. After 16 weeks of training, I ran the Mourne Skytrail and came third in my age group, beating my original goal by a full hour. Through a constant feedback loop in which I was able to give nuanced and accurate assessments of my running, Rhys was able to build an evolving plan that targeted my specific needs.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

— Ivan L.


WEEKLY TRAINING PLAN, DAILY FEEDBACK

Get a weekly training plan that can change based on the demands of your busy life, while receiving actionable coaching feedback after every training run. Grow into your ultimate potential as a trail runner while enjoying the process along the way!

I WORK WITH…

Professional and elite trail runners competing for podium finishes and national team places.

Busy moms and dads with demanding schedules that still want to show up strong and reinforce their love of running.

Post-collegiate athletes making the transition into road running or trail running careers.

Athletes working toward their first 50K, marathon, or trail race.


Reach out to Rhys!

Think I can help? Reach out for a free 45-minute consultation call.

You can also follow me and my work on social media:

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨


Why Rhys?

I come from a decade of coaching experience, and two decades of running experience at the high-end of the sport. I’m a part-time professional trail runner for XACT Nutrition, competing in the biggest races in Canada.

I have also worked with professional athletes, coaches and clubs through my sports performance consultation on TheMastermindSite.com, and love helping people improve their craft.

MENTAL SKILLS

Specializing in…

-> Positive psychology
-> Perfectionism
-> Confidence
-> Life outside of running

SPORTS PERFORMANCE

-> Speed development
-> Trail-specific development
-> Optimal training and optimal recovery strategies for your unique make-up


Do you want to?

-> Gain expert insights into fuelling, pacing, training and the mental side of performance?

-> Have a training plan tailored to your body and the specifics of your next race?

-> Become a SMARTER and faster runner on the trails?

-> Improve your strength and injury resilience, while prioritizing your long-term development?

-> Take your untapped potential to the next level?


Current Location: North Vancouver, BC
Brand: XACT Nutrition
Distances: Short-Trail / 50K / Sub-Ultra

Strava: Rhys Desmond | Profile
UltraSignup: Results
ITRA: Results

2026

5️⃣ Run Ridge Run 25K

2025

4️⃣ Javelina Jackass 31K
4️⃣ Trail Coureur des Bois de Duchesnay 34K
6️⃣ Ultra-Trail Harricana 28K
6️⃣ Historic Half Marathon 21K
🔟 Gorge Waterfalls 30K

2024

🥇 Sulphur Springs 20K
🥈 Ultra-Trail Harricana 42K Classique
7️⃣ Quebec Mega Trail 50K
9️⃣ Gorge Waterfalls 50K
⏸️ Squamish 50K – National Championships

2023

🥇 The Bad Thing 50K
🥈 Falling Water Trail Marathon 42K
🥉 Sulphur Springs 50K

UTMB: UTMB Index

2026 Racing Plan:
⏭️ Trail des Collines 16K
⏭️ Whistler Half Marathon 21K
⏭️ Squamish 23K
⏭️ UTHC 30K

Race-Day Mantra:

✅ Be smart.
✅ Work hard.
✅ Have fun.


Current Location: North Vancouver, BC
Brand: XACT Nutrition
Distances: Short-Trail / 50K / Sub-Ultra

Strava: Rhys Desmond | Profile
UltraSignup: Results
ITRA: Results

2026

5️⃣ Run Ridge Run 25K

2025

4️⃣ Javelina Jackass 31K
4️⃣ Trail Coureur des Bois de Duchesnay 34K
6️⃣ Ultra-Trail Harricana 28K
6️⃣ Historic Half Marathon 21K
🔟 Gorge Waterfalls 30K

2024

🥇 Sulphur Springs 20K
🥈 Ultra-Trail Harricana 42K Classique
7️⃣ Quebec Mega Trail 50K
9️⃣ Gorge Waterfalls 50K
⏸️ Squamish 50K – National Championships

2023

🥇 The Bad Thing 50K
🥈 Falling Water Trail Marathon 42K
🥉 Sulphur Springs 50K

UTMB: UTMB Index

2026 Racing Plan:
⏭️ Trail des Collines 16K
⏭️ Whistler Half Marathon 21K
⏭️ Squamish 23K
⏭️ UTHC 30K

Race-Day Mantra:

✅ Be smart.
✅ Work hard.
✅ Have fun.