The day before my 25k, I volunteered with my kids at the Mont-Saint Anne aid station. The energy we get from cheering the 50k and 135k runners is indescribable, grit, joy, pain, all mixed together. It filled me with so much excitement that I couldn't wait for my own turn to step onto the trails the next day.
Starting Strong
I started feeling positive. My Achilles was hurting less than during QMT 2024, and this time I didn’t have the pressure of another race scheduled right afterward. My only goal was to challenge myself and enjoy those beautiful Quebec trails.
The first 8k were brutal: +460m elevation. The technical singletrack was easier with the crowd still close, I could follow other runners’ steps, syncing my rhythm with theirs. Before I knew it, I had reached the first aid station.
I ate watermelon, banana bread, chips, XAct bars and refilled my water flakes. I had to redo my shoe laces, I mean my dirty shoelaces were too loose. I wasn’t about to repeat last year’s mistake of finishing with two black toe nails because my feet were sliding inside my big shoe boxes.
Finding My Own Rhythm
The next 9km with +330m elevation were harder. With the pack more spread out, the wide trails sometimes left me running alone. No footsteps to follow, just me, my breathing, and my footsteps. That can be intimidating, but also freeing, it reminded me why I love trail running: being completely present, one step at a time.
At the second aid station around 17k, I made a quick washroom stop, grabbed more food and water, and soaked the atmosphere. The vibe felt good, everyone was tired, sweaty, hungry, but smiling. With only 9k to go, I felt energized with positive energy.
The Last Push
The final section is supposed to be the “easy” part, it’s 9km with +160 elevation. I didn’t even feel the Achilles. Instead, my IT band was hurting sooooo much. Every downhill forced me to walk, but I managed to run the flats. In that rhythm, one runner kept passing me downhill, and I’d pass him on the flats, sharing encouragement: “On y va, on y va! On ne lâche pas!” Let’s go, let’s go, don’t give up! And like that, 25k done, QMT finisher for the second time!
Perspective
Looking back at my training stats, it’s clear I wasn’t prepared for a 25k with +950m elevation gain. My training volume was 61% less than what I had done for QMT 2024. But quitting never crossed my mind.
Why? I credit swimming. Open water swimming scares me. No matter how much my logical brain insists otherwise, my mind associates deep water with drowning. Pushing through that fear made my trail running challenges - steep climbs, technical terrain, heat, blisters, black toenails, muddy shoes, scratched knees - feel manageable when compared to my fear of deep waters. Trail running is pure joy, exactly what I felt at the finish line.
What's Next
My goal for 2026 is to manage my injuries, train on more hills, and get PBs. Yes, I’m already signed up for QMT 2026, I couldn’t resist. This race has everything: stunning trails, smooth organization, family-friendly vibe, and a community that makes you feel at home.
That’s why I love giving back as a volunteer, cheering and sharing the experience with my kids. QMT isn’t just a race, it's a celebration of resilience, nature and community!
Merci, les amis! :D
Stats
Distance: 25km
Elevation: 950m
Time: 04:45:25
Average Pace: 10:47/km
Average Heart Rate: 151 bpm
