The Quebec Megatrail 100 mile. It was something that was put on my calendar in the Fall of 2022. I had never officially finished a 100 mile race before, though I have completed 157, 200, 250, and 346 mile runs/races. As a race in a new country that would offer a fun and exciting experience close to home (about a 7.5 hour drive from Rhode Island), I thought it would be a fun little trip and mini-vacation having the chance to explore more of Quebec and Quebec City. With a grand prize as an all-paid expensed trip to run the Grand Raid/Diagonal Des Fous in Reunion Island, I thought why not go for that prize and see what happens. Little did I know, that the course conditions this year, along with an already super challenging course would make things really, really, Really Tough. But in that toughness, we found great inspiration and perseverance. This is my story…
Training had been up and down since my epic run at the Speed Project. I was getting my miles in, but closer to the minimum-level I feel I need to feel prepared. I have been putting a ton of energy into work and growing my sales business and so training was not the biggest priority. I still came into the Quebec Megatrail fit and ready to race. When you come-off of a 346 mile run from LA to Vegas, it makes for a pretty strong training camp for any ultra race that comes after it. I’d be lying to you all if I said I was not a little worried and bummed about exactly how sharp my fitness was but I knew I could bank on just solid consistent training.
This would be Chaos Crewing Company ‘s (a business my wife Ashlee and her two business partners: Kelsey and Brittany) started first event to support which was incredibly exciting. I wanted to put my best foot forward out there for me and the crew. We loaded up our Kia Telluride and drove out to Canada. It was a pretty smooth trip to arrive at Mount Saint Anne Ski Resort, just a 25 mile jaunt from the heart of Quebec City. Quebec is the heart of French Canada and I think we all were excited to partake in their culture through the lens of trail running. On Thursday night, after our check-in, we headed to a farm down the road for the elite athlete summit event which was really great to experience with those at the event. An open bar, nice hors d’oeuvres, and introductions to the whole crowd at the event was pretty cool.
In Quebec, they go BIG! We headed back to the hotel for a nice dinner which in Quebec, you just had this vibe that food and food service is just more-respected and is taken with a higher sense of care than in the US. Food is an experience and that was pretty cool to have.
The next day would be check-in, lunch/dinner, then race at 8pm at the Hotel de Charlevoix about 45 miles north of the Mount Saint Anne Finish. The course is hard enough on paper. 21,325.46 feet of elevation gain, 21,000 feet of descent on wild, dark, mud-infested, wet as wet can get, rocky and rooty trails of Quebec. With a course that was already extremely wet and muddy, it made the already technical terrain, even more technical and dangerous.
The race check-in was easy and convenient, just a short walk from our hotel room door to the main staging area at the resort. We looked at some vendors, shopped-around and got excited for the big show. We picked-up our supplies as the race had a required gear list, shopped for race groceries which was fun and had a nice late lunch before heading up to the race site. It was fun trying to learn as much French as possible though most spoke English very well so it was not too much of an issue with any form of language barrier. As we made the drive north, it was wild seeing the woods that I would be running through. They were thick pine trees like something out of Dracula, and so thick, it was as if no light could shine through. As we went up and down the hills, I could see where the elevation would be coming. This race would run through the night and the first half of the race would be the part I dreaded the most as I knew navigation through those woods would be tough.
We arrived at the race start around 6pm. We pre-taped my feet, filled my bottles and got my kit ready for the medical check and then the pre-race jitters. Boy was there some pre-race jitters. This being one of if not Canada’s largest ultramarathon was exciting but also a little scary too. I knew the course would have some challenges to it and tried my best to wrap my head around the pain I would be inflicting on myself for the 20+ hours. Once we lined-up, the start had some really cool forest music that played all the way through to set the stage of the QMT 100. There would be a smattering of other distances throughout the weekend from 100k, 80k, 50k, 25k etc but the 100 mile is the true test of endurance and survival. After the dramatic theme song had played, it was time to run. We would do a loop around the field and then circle back into the start line again before heading out onto the road to the trail. It was one of the coolest starts I have experienced as the crowd was cheering and it was super cool as we set-out on our adventure.
The pace was hot to start. We split 6:44 miles for the first 3-4 miles before hitting the trail. Once on the trail, the climbing began. I hung with the top pack through the first climb. It was to be expected with some nice deep wooded trails that reminded me of New England. Perfect, I thought to myself. The humidity here was already brutal as I had sweated through my clothes just 5 miles in. I made sure to drink from my bottles to ensure I had all the needed electrolytes and water. I put myself in the top 5 early as we descended the first climb and entered a road. I ran with fellow US runner Drew Mueller. We sprinted hard on the down hitting a 6:09 minute mile. Man they like to go out hard here. On the next uphill road section, I started to reel in the field and move-up all the way to sharing the lead with Last year’s 2nd place runner, Cauchon. We hit a water stop and another climb in the woods just as it was getting dark. I eased-off the gas here as we worked into the rhythm of the night. But as we climbed, Cauchon and a few runners said we had gone the wrong way. And in these woods, the trails are so narrow that you feel just eaten alive in the trees. We turned around and I went quickly from third to out of the top 10. I was slow to turn around as the others bolted back onto course and as I hit the trail juncture, I ended up backtracking and then realizing the turn finally making it back on course. Then came a wild descent grabbing onto tree branches, as runners flew past me. The course now began the technical and relentless nature that would define this year’s event. I stumbled over the trail as the night engulfed us runners. These trails were as dark as a Black hole as the light of my headlamp was just eaten-up by the encroaching darkness. It almost started to feel like a nightmare I could not wake-up from. By the time I hit the aid station, I was soaked in my own sweat and I had to ditch my trekking poles as these trails were just too narrow and too technical to really get much use out of them.
As I hit the first crew-aided station, I came in completely flustered. I felt like I had wasted some precious energy moving up the field to only lose it in one mis-turn. I came into the aid and saw Ashlee , Kelsey and my Father. I quickly ditched my trekking poles, chugged some LMNT and then bolted out of the aid station through another over-grown fern section. This trail was very over-grown and this made for it to be almost impossible to see. I stumbled through the mud and muck which this race when on trail was nothing but either rocks, wet roots or mud/mud puddles of pooling water. I soon realized that I had only 1 soft flask on me of just water. I would not see the Chaos crew for another 15 miles so I had to make due with what I could.
This course was super tough. And for me, I felt disoriented, clumsy, and slow in those woods. My fellow competitors would pass me on the downhills and technical flats running with these short and staccato foot strikes. I have a much longer, true runner’s stride which was completely chopped to bits on this course. I felt like I was running in quick sand as my fellow competitors passed me by. I soon was able to catch some more runners on the flat and runnable dirt road sections as well as the technical uphills. I was climbing great but my descending in the dark was not to the level it needed to be. I totally misjudged how bright my headlamp needed to be as I think 500+ lumens is the bare minimum and I was running with a 300 lumen light. I had never been in woods that dark before and just creepy like that. These woods are so hard to describe but ultimately runners that crave technical, ended up saying that this year’s race was the hardest most technical thing they have done! Watch out Hardrock!
I was now around 10-12th place as I leap-frogged with runners throughout the aid stations. I ran with a local through the bogs of Massif, then onto Cap De Salut. I connected with two other runners who would pass me on the descents and I would gain a lot of time on the flats and uphills. I continued to drink and eat like a champ as my stomach was solid the whole race. Untapped maple raspberry in my bottles made a huge difference in fighting through the high humidity of Quebec. After Cap De Gribane, we were in the part where I was getting closer to daylight and the halfway mark where I would see my crew again at Saint Tite De Caps, a Church before you run the super technical Mestashibo trail. I was already just trying to survive to that aid station. As the sun started to rise, I hit the rock garden ascent to the next aid station called Montee Du Lac. This was Catskill mountain running going through big car-sized boulders through a stream and soul-sucking mud. I laughed at myself, what did I get into here? As I worked my way uphill, a major accident happened. Boom! I slammed forward. My mouth met rock and I bounced back-up in pain. I did a search and moved my tongue around my teeth and luckily my teeth did not get cracked though I thought they did. My lips started to burn with pain and soon blood came flowing out of my lip as the sharp boulder punctured through my lip into the inside. I was still a good 5k from the aid and another 7k to seeing my crew. I called Ashlee on my cell phone and began my call to inform her of what happened but also how much I was suffering out here. This was not a trail race. Was I running the Canadian version of Barkley? I pushed more up the slopes eventually reaching the aid station. There were two medics there that assessed and helped me out. I was pale in complexion. I needed food. They sat me down and then worked on disinfecting my wound as well as feeding me coffee, Xact fruit bars, potatoes and so much more. I have to say, the aid stations, the medical staff were absolutely top notch. I was really impressed with how they organized this on this point to point race. The medics used bandages to soak-up my blood as the wound was starting to close. I would need to be evaluated at the next aid station as that was where they weigh you and have full-support with crew access and all. After about 30 minutes in the aid, I headed back out. My soft flasks had coffee in them as morning had just broke and the caffeine gave me an extra boost as I pushed through the technical terrain, the best I had felt to the aid station. I flew through this section now feeling better that I could see the trail in the daylight. I passed a few runners and then eventually hit the pavement section to the aid station. I was running 7:40-8:10 minute pace on this mile long road section. The course diverts you into a tunnel that this year was filled up to my waist in cold water, where it was just up to your ankles most years. I slowly moved through there as I heard Kelsey yell to me saying I was almost at the aid and to hurry up. I was short with her and said, ” I am going as fast as I can! I don’t want to slip on another rock and bust my lip open again. I am goin to take my time.”
As I made it through the tunnel, I had made it to the half-way mark at 80k. I saw Ashlee and my Father and linked-up with the crew to go to the medical-check. The QMT race team knew of my accident and so they had me sit-down, get my blood pressure and weigh me before looking at my lip. By this point, the skin on the inside had started to close thanks to the bandages the medics used on me at the last aid station. There was still about 10 minutes of evaluation made to make sure I could continue on as well they eventually deciding that I did not need stitches. After I was clear by the medical team, I was able to get aid by my crew. I changed shoes, socks, new T8 shorts, new hat, new hydration vest. It was here I saw Kelsey Hogan, the eventual women’s winner and CR holder come through the aid station. At this point of the race for me, place was irrelevant. I wanted a finish for a Western States Qualifier and I was going to push my best to see how far up the field I could go as others tired. I fueled on some Chocolate Oat milk, chips and hummus, fruit and lots of Dr. Pepper and then set-off just as Kelsey Hogan left the aid station. We talked a little and ran together as we moved through town up some road hills before eventually entering the dreaded Mestachibo trail which is known for being short but the most technical of the race.
The trail started out pretty standard. Mud, wet, rooty but nothing too bad. Was the technicality of the Mestachibo trail really just a hoax? As I worked my way through the trail, eventually a runner came-up on me on the more technical terrain. This section would descend down to the river down below and then climb up the ridge to Mount Saint Anne, the finish line of the event and main section for the last 60k. I stuck with him for a little bit and then as the course soon became rocky, he gained more ground on me as I was more timid on the rocks, afraid I would repeat my fall from earlier which would ultimately have ended my day. I maintained contact for quite some time through the trails until we hit the main descent down to the river. With all the mud, it was super slick and steep. I took it easy and scooted down the sharp and steep descent. Once at the bottom, we ferried across a massive suspension bridge across the river over to the other side. Once on the other side, the trail would climb about half-way up technical rocky outcroppings. We then descended down again onto sharp and massive boulders right on the river’s edge. So this was the Mestashibo trail? The terrain was so technical, all I could muster was 20-30 minute miles just walking across the massive sharp boulders. It was not a trail! I then passed a runner over another suspension bridge, saw medics that were out on the course making sure runners were being safe, and passed runners that were doing the 80k. I took my time through this section and soon hit these wood steps where finally Kelsey Hogan caught me. She told me the aid station was right ahead. And it was. After the aid, we hit more rock gardens, wood steps, and up and down the river bed. Finally, I hit my final ascent up to Mount Saint Anne. Once out of the river valley, I ran some less-technical xc ski trails before turning onto a section that had a massive waterfall. The climb up to the top was brutal and reminded me of a larger version of Cayuga trails. I had another 2k to go and then finally I hit the ski area.
It was relief to finally feel like I was in the home stretch. I would now have 60k of ski slope running and trails behind the mountain before finishing. How technical could these be?
I entered the aid station and took some time to re-group here. Julien, a top Canadian snowshoer and friend, would be pacing me through this section and I was so grateful for his support. My body felt shot. We used the Theragun on me, I tried to eat some French fries and mostly ate chocolate milk, bananas, and hummus. After a 12 minute stop, Julien and myself started-off in the hunt. We hit the technical uphill mountain climb as I pushed hard up the 2,500 foot climb. The trails were muddy and slick so it made it a challenge to push hard up them. I did the best I could grunting in discomfort. Julien did an amazing job just encouraging me and having me keep on pushing. After 40 minutes, we hit the summit lodge and the next aid station. I took about 5 minutes here to refuel and as we started the descent down the mountain, I had to stop for a bathroom break. After that break, I grunted my way down the mountain. My legs were beat-up pretty good so while I was hoping I would be flying down the mountain, 9 minute miles was about as fast as I could go. You see, with my weakened right ankle, I was nervous I could really injure myself if I pushed too hard. `We descended half-way down the mountain before hitting the second climb back-up to the summit lodge. It was another gust-busting climb. I grunted as I pushed my ailing body up the steep, technical trail until hitting the same mountain top aid station again. I took some time to refuel again and then off on another section of the trail we went.
The next portions of the course would take us in the low-lying forests behind and around the ski area. It was here that Julian kept me motivated and helped me to push. After the next aid station, we had passed two runners and was closing on another. With each up and down, I continued to live in that pain cave and push through those pain boundaries as best as I could. This section of the course was still technical with rocks, mud and wet grass, but was much more tame in-relation to what I had encountered prior. It was here that we continued to make moves. I closed in on another runner, and after another aid station, caught glimpse of another runner. We eventually hunted them down on the rolling jeep roads. I was hurting so bad and yet, I was stronger than ever. Finally I felt like I could kind of run, though this course already had broken me.
We hit the loop to this one aid station before the 3.7 miles to the last junction where Ashlee, my dad and Kelsey were waiting before I would run one last 10k to the finish at the ski resort. I hit that aid station just as it was getting dark. I had moved up 4 places from 14th to 10th. I came into that last checkpoint tired. I slurped soup and chocolate oat milk. I put on a headlamp and then off I went. I made it about 2 miles down the trail and then my headlamp started to miss-fire. It was fully-charged but then suddenly died. I stopped and was like “What the heck!”; except may had said some profanities. As a part of the required gear at QMT, we are required to have a back-up headlamp that used batteries. I took my spare headlamp out just as I was passed by the second place lady and then that headlamp was not working. “Was this some sort of joke?”, I asked myself. I placed in the spare batteries and guess what, no luck. 2 non-functioning headlamps. It was now pitch black in those woods as I worked my way to the finish. By this point it was about 25 hours in. I then opened up my phone and turned on the phone light. The thing at this race is that these woods are thick and dark. BRING SUPER BRIGHT LIGHTS! I stumbled through the last 4 miles walking. I was passed by the few runners I had over-taken during the last 30k. All that hard work eaten-up. Now it was more about just getting to the finish and being done with it. I linked-up with two ladies that were singing in the trails that were running the 50k. They definitely helped me with the lighting but I wanted to get this done, so I soon separated from them power-walking at 13 minute miles.
Near the finish I heard there was a creek crossing. Ladies and Gentlemen, it was a raging river crossing. Think freezing cold waist deep water, rushing at speeds you would see in white-water rafting. It was scary. So here I am, holding onto an order tape, almost being swept up by the current as the water speed was lifting up my legs and getting me horizontal. After what felt like 20 minutes, I finally made it to the other side. The trail was up on a little cliff that we had to scale. It took a ton of coordination to get up on that ledge then with only a mile to go, I pushed forward. Thinking I would pop right out into the ski area and the finish…I was wrong. The trail looped through the woods some more in thick shrubs and POOF, I see the same river again. I looked at my phone to see I did not miss a turn on the course (I had the GPX saved), but rather, there was a second crossing further down. Same story people! I suffered through this crossing as it was a little borderline just dangerous but that is Quebec for you; just tough outdoor people. I made it to the other side just feeling exhausted. 1 more 1/4 mile through the woods and then I came out onto the ski mountain roads. Finally! I called Ashlee to tell her I was almost to the finish, just another half mile to go. You do this baby loop around the base of the right side of the ski mountain at Mount Saint Anne and then loop into the finish line. I sprinted in that finally finish shoot and yelled with excitement to be not just a finisher but a survivor of the Quebec Mega Trail. Western States Qualifier under my belt and my first 100 mile race finish and belt buckle!
It was so awesome to get this done. At the end of the day, my 14th place overall, 12th Male finish was not about the number. The Trails of Quebec tested me fully and absolutely beat me around. When I was bleeding from my mouth and was almost a medical DQ, the generous race staff and my crew bandaged me up and helped me get a much deserved finish. Not all races need to be about podium chasing and beating the competition. I would have loved to run higher at the front, but this was a race that I almost was not going to be able or allowed to finish. The camaraderie of my fellow Canadian trail runners was incredible. The QMT staff, absolutely top notch. The course…catch it on a dry year because anything but that will bring one of the most technical courses you will find in North America. Take out high elevation and this one is one of the toughest!
Thank you to Chaos Crewing for the incredible support.
Thank you Julien for pacing me and for helping me push when I did not want to!
Thank you to QMT for one of the coolest and hardest race experiences I have ever had. Your race is my first official 100 mile finish and one I will forever be thankful for.
Cresting the Summit 