Quebec Mega Trail: how to prepare for the QMT-135 ultramarathon

Taking on the 135-km Québec Mega Trail, or any ultra-distance race, can feel intimidating. Yet for adventure enthusiasts who train consistently and intelligently, this distance is entirely within reach. We spoke to Anne Champagne (coach at Tout.trail and holder of the women’s record for the QMT 100-mile), David Jeker (elite athlete and coach at Quantum Endurance), along with amateur runners Catherine Cormier-Boutin and Dawson Mossman to get their strategies, advice and reflections on what they would do differently in preparing for the QMT135, to help you arrive at the start line fully prepared.

QMT135: Who can tackle it?

Champagne, who recently placed third at the Diagonale des Fous at the Grand Raid de La Réunion, emphasizes that preparing the body for the QMT135 takes time. “You need a progressive build-up to arrive at the event with a body ready to handle this load. It’s a long, intense race, so you want to be physically, muscularly and mentally prepared.”

Even those who are relatively new to ultras can attempt it, she notes, provided they are disciplined and follow a structured plan. “You need to commit the time and effort, and accept that your race might be more about learning than performance,” she says. Jeker adds that it’s important to consider your injury history, usual training volume, and consistency. “Every runner is different. Some might benefit from a bigger jump in distance, allowing them to tackle the race conservatively.”

Training: long, hard, passionate, or obsessive?

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for the QMT135, but all agree on a core principle: training should be substantial, structured and thoughtful. For Jeker, the longest run in preparation doesn’t need to be excessive. “Ideally, my longest training run would have been around 50 km before the race,” he explains, noting how injuries had limited his prep. Tune-up races can be useful, but are not essential, and adds that “it’s better to take them easy to recover faster afterward.” He aimed for roughly 140 km per week through a combination of running and elevation work, in addition to cycling and strength training.

Jeker also favours consecutive long days. “I like a long run on Saturday, followed by a shorter but faster run with descents on Sunday,” he says.

Strength training, which he says helps him resist fatigue over long distances, is another key pillar of his training. Jeker also stresses the importance of hiking: “Even elite runners walk the Mont-Sainte-Anne climbs. If your trail runs are all running, you might be missing hiking experience, and that’s essential.”

For amateurs, the training volume can be equally demanding. Cormier-Boutin, a kindergarten teacher in Quebec City, averages 175 km per week. For her, transitioning to the QMT135 meant focusing more on elevation. “Instead of a 30-km city run on Saturday, I’d do long climbs at Mont-Sainte-Anne, even a solo overnight to simulate a night on the trail,” she says. She integrates training into her daily life, running to do errands and commute to work.

Mossman, who is from New Brunswick, takes a more intuitive approach based on enjoyment and body awareness. With nearly a decade of ultra experience, including races from 50K to 300K, he emphasizes consistency. But he has one rule: he always does two consecutive weeks of mileage matching the race distance; for QMT135, that means two weeks in a row at 135 km or more. If he can complete these blocks while feeling strong, he knows he’s ready. Above all, he says, recovery is crucial. “Listen to your body and take a little break if you need it. A day off here or there isn’t going to wreck your training.” 

Fuel the body, calm the mind and have fun

For all the athletes we spoke to, nutrition is a cornerstone of their preparation for QMT135. For Jeker, it impacts both physical and mental performance. “If your brain gets enough carbs, it stays positive,” he says. “If not, you hit a wall.” Champagne also emphasizes practising nutrition in training. Testing foods, textures and digestion is critical; a plan on paper isn’t enough.

For Cormier-Boutin, mental resilience also comes from enjoyment. “I’m not elite, I won’t win, so I might as well have fun,” she says. She highlights the joy of chatting with fellow runners, admiring the scenery, soaking in the electric atmosphere of the aid stations and appreciating QMT’s superb organization. Dawson shares this approach, opting for “real” foods on the trail (banana bread, eggs, wraps) and remembering the simple pleasure of a frozen strawberry-banana smoothie given to him by his crew at QMT. Beyond food, the message is clear: “The main thing is to enjoy the experience and thank all the volunteers who make it possible. Take a moment to remember that it’s a privilege to be able to do these races, and be thankful for the opportunity.” Every QMT135 race is, first and foremost, a privilege.

Read more about the QMT135 and register here.

This piece was produced in partnership with Quebec Mega Trail.