Day 102 August 16, 2011 Kenora to Falcon Lake 61km

Goodbye Ontario!

I had two interviews before I began running this morning. The first was with Good Morning Kenora hosted by Deb Crookshank, whom I met Sunday night when she sat at my table at the fudraiser, as well as her co-host Jack. It was a fun morning segment and Mike was able to join me as well as we talked about the run down at the local Shaw station.

My 2^nd interview was immediately after, and was more of a feature than an interview. I was filmed, interviewed, and directed by Dana, one of the local news anchors for the station’s national channel. She interviewed me as well as my mother, and filmed footage of the inside of our RV and of me running. It will apparently run every night this week at 6:30pm on CTV Kenora on a program called Points North. It was a lot of fun but the filming took a while and so I didn’t start running this morning until 10:45am, about 4 hours later than normal.

Catherine Konantz and Jack were waiting for me at Husky the Muskie to start the run. Jack ran the few km back to the station while Catherine and Derek continued on. By the time we left Kenora and got back onto Hwy 17 huge black storm clouds were moving in. When it started to rain, it was so hard that we had to get into the RV due to complete lack of any visibility. All the cars that passed us were driving at a snail’s pace with their hazard lights flashing. Still more vehicles had given up on driving and were pulled over on the side of the road or in snowplow pullouts to wait out the worst of the rain. We tried to completely wait it out but it wouldn’t stop. The tape and 2^nd skin that I had on my feet had come completely undone and so I removed them, wringed out my socks and put my shoes back on. It was raining so hard that it was exactly like standing under a shower, one of the hardest storms I’ve ever been in.

Catherine lasted 17km with us until Don drove by to collect her and take her home and with that we were out of Kenora. The rain lasted for a while longer but without the fury with which it had began. Derek and Mike alternated running with me throughout the day, which because of our late start had to be shortened to 60km as it was getting late.

Shortly after lunch I crested the top of my last hill in Ontario and pulled even with the welcome to Ontario information centre. Not far off in the distance I could see the outline of the Welcome to Manitoba sign, in the shape of the province. I FINALLY MADE IT OUT OF ONTARIO!!!

I stopped at the entrance to a small circular field with remnants suggestive of use as a campsite, so we parked our RV and settled in for the night.

Tomorrow, if everything goes well I should be close enough to Winnipeg to drive in after running to spend the night.

Day 101 August 15, 2011 Bee Lake to Kenora 59km

Officially in Kenora

Back to early mornings as we awoke just before sunrise and boated over to the mainland and the MCC. The drive back to Bee Lake was quick, only about 40 minutes and I was soon running again.

It was a beautiful morning and having two days off has done wonders for my legs. The terrain complied as well today and was mostly flat with more downhill than up. Despite the fact that it once again got really hot I found myself ahead of schedule. I was to meet up at the Kenora Jail at 4pm with members of the classic car club and friends and family who were going to run with me through Kenora to Husky the Muskie. I made it to only 15km from the jail by 1pm so I stopped and had lunch and a nap before starting up again.

I made it to the Jail at 3:30pm and found that almost everyone was already there. After saying hello to everyone and doing an interview with Kenora TV we set off for town. It was a short run, only about 3km, and tons of fun.

The local prostate cancer Canada support group, the mayor and some councilors joined us at Husky the Muskie to talk and take photos. It was a great turn out and a nice way to end in Kenora, my last day in Ontario.

When we got back to camp I finally got to jump in the lake. It had been a really hot day and I had been looking forward to going for a swim since this morning and it was every bit as good as I imagined it would be!

Tomorrow will be my last day in Ontario. I first entered Ontario on June 25th, day 50 and it has taken me 51 days to make it through! I’m eager to leave the flies and hills behind and start in on Friendly Manitoba!

Day 100 August 14, 2011 Day off Kenora - Guest Blog Lauren Senft

A day is measured in seconds, minutes and hours but today was a day like never before. 

The time seemed to flow effortlessly as though one was holding onto each moment to ensure it was ingrained into memory for a lifetime. One of those memories you would recall for years to come and share with old friends and new friends as time passes by year after year.

The day began with excitement and energy still beaming from yesterday’s incredible news of Riley and Sarah’s engagement. August or September, Vancouver and Ireland, and how momma Jeannie was still at a loss for words were many of the topics discussed around the breakfast table.

Thankfully the beautiful and inspiring Erin Anderson was able to bring us all back to reality through a tough but rejuvenating yoga session on the dock. Fifteen members from our camp, arranged in a circle to ensure we didn’t cheat, moved through sun salutations and chataranga under the hot morning sun of the lake. A huge shout out to Dave Bell who took part in his first yoga class and downward dog showing that his support for Riley goes beyond just helping with the Step Into Action campaign. Our yoga session ended with a communal swim in the lake and a singing of Happy Birthday to the elegant Erin Anderson. Thank you Erin, for sharing your energy with all of us on your special day.

Several family members passed by camp during lunch upon hearing the news of Riley and Sarah’s engagement. Megan and Ben Boult with their son Jamie were among them who continued to provide a sense of lightness and energy to the air. The adorable Jamie took many turns pushing Riley into the water, which sparked many laughs and entertainment. After lunch it was time to prepare for the big event: Rod Senft and John Zaplatynsky’s 65^th Birthday Celebration. Tonight would be particularly special as both Rod and John are Prostate Cancer Fighters and were sharing their birthday together to help raise awareness of a disease that has affected so many of those in our lives in the past and present. Tonight would be more than just a birthday event but a moment to show how much the men in our lives mean to us.

The celebration took place at the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club. Two life size cardboard cutouts of Rod and John greeted guests.  The sun continued to shine upon us as familiar faces from childhood, high school, university, work, and the lake swarmed the deck for cocktails.  Our MC for the night, Don Konantz took to the steps to welcome everyone and introduce the famous birthday boys.  With the cheers and singing of Happy Birthday before entering the doors of the Yacht Club it was evident immediately the impact these two individuals have had on the lives of their guests.  A delicious carrot cake designed with the famous Step Into Action Finger and 65 candles was presented to the birthday boys. 

Following dinner, Don Konantz shed some light on the significance of early detection and why raising awareness for Prostate Cancer was so important to Rod and John.  He introduced the three main men involved with the Step Into Action campaign.

Dave Bell, our campaign manager, explained to the crowd how he was one of the first individuals to actually believe Riley when he mentioned over a beer during Christmas last year that he would run across Canada. Dave did a wonderful job articulating how the design of the logo was created and why he felt moved to become involved with Step Into Action.

Michael Downie had his movie debut by providing us with a short video of a regular day on the road through the eyes of Riley.  I can’t help but get emotional when I watch Riley running out in the middle of nowhere with semi trailers and deer passing him by in the rain, the humidity, in the dark and all alone. The story of how Mike and Riley first met, Mike an eleven year old camper and Riley his camp counsellor is a true testament to the bond that was created years ago.

Riley was the last to speak and shared with us why he has chosen to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer. There was a lot of laughter in the room as Riley expressed how people stop and ask him if he needs a lift when they see him on the road. Or the look on drivers’ faces as he walks down random highways eating pasta out of a bowl when no one else is around or on the road. One theme is that contradictory advice is received daily. However, the one consensus is that Riley should marry Sarah. Thank you Riley for officially providing me with the sister I’ve always dreamed of having.

The night carried on with lots of dancing thanks to the band David Caissy Productions. Overall the night was a huge success not just because it was a celebration of two special individuals. It was also because everyone came together and raised a total $100,000 dollars in donations. We created a moment together and took one more step in helping raise awareness for Prostate Cancer.

The night ended and I found myself sitting in bed exhausted and overwhelmed by such an incredible weekend. I officially have a new sister, $100,000 dollars was donated thanks to amazing friends and supporters, and most of all I got to see Riley be the happiest I have ever seen him in all the years I have known him.

In Yoga terms we love the expression Namaste meaning “I bow to the light within you”.  I will forever carry today with me for the way that it has moved me and shown that anything is possible. To Rod, John, Don and Riley…….. Namaste.

Day 99 August 13, 2011 Day off in Kenora

What a difference a day makes

I tried to sleep in as long as possible but I only managed to stay in bed until 8:30am. I went almost immediately into the lake and the water temperature was perfect.

After my short polar bear swim I walked up to the main cabin and had a huge breakfast of cereal, toast, scones, eggs, ham and an omelet. I’m getting used to eating anything and everything I can get my hands on, a habit I’ll need to break if I don’t want to weigh 300 pounds when this is over.

Step into Action had had its first meeting with all members present at once and in person since the start of this run. It was great having Dave, Mike, and my family all together to hash out our ideas and plans. While we talked we punched buttons, taking turns setting up the assembly line required to churn out 500 additional SIA buttons.

After our meeting Lauren gave me a bag full of clothes from Firststar, one of our sponsors. They had put our logo on all the gear, which included a track suit, hats, running shorts, shirts, compression shorts, sweat bands and some other miscellaneous gear.

Sarah and I then snuck off for a picnic lunch via canoe to a nearby island. We haven’t had much time just the two of us since I started running and it was nice to spend time with her. We paddled out for about 30 minutes before reaching our destination. The food was great and after lunch we swam around for a while, entertained by the cheering and singing of nearby campers from Camp Stephens on an island across the bay.

Oh yeah, and during the picnic I finally asked Sarah. She said Yes!

Day 98 August 12, 2011 Dryden to Bee Lake 71km - Mike's View

We were up early and ready to go, when we went to pull in the extensions on our RV and they refused to slide in.  The battery was dead.  The RV has 2 batteries, the first to start the engine and the second to start the generator and run the lights and electrics for the house.  It was the second battery that was dead.  We could start the engine, but could not drive away with the extensions out and the steps down.

CAA arrived about 45 minutes later, and was able to jump that battery to the point that we could get our generator started. 

We decided to run the generator all day as to charge the battery.  The back-up plan was that if the generator died, I was to lock the door to the RV immediately to stop Riley from entering that way, which would release the stairs automatically, but then they would not retract again with a dead battery.  He would stay outside all day until he finished, and then he would enter through a window.  Luckily, this did not happen, and the day went as planned.

The day was clear and sunny with perfect running temperature!

Riley stopped on the side of the road and pointed out a large Buck sitting next to some large rocks in a farm enclosure.  The enclosure had fences all the way around and were at least 7ft. high.  I had come to the conclusion that the Buck lived there, however, he quickly proved me wrong by wandering over towards the far fence then effortlessly leaping the tall fence.

This morning’s 2-hour delay caused a newfound energy and efficiency in Riley's running and breaks.  We both wanted to reach the end of the day as soon as possible so that we could enjoy the time at Riley's cabin that evening.

On Riley's 50km break, Mike from Dryden stopped in and said hello.  He wanted to see how we were doing, as well as the inside of the Mobile Command Centre.  He quickly noticed our large garbage bag full of water bottles and offered to take our garbage and recycling.  This was an offer we could not refuse, as the amount of recycling we had was starting to take up valuable space in the MCC.  Thanks Mike.

I finished listening to my audiobook an enjoyable book about the secret operation of the US Navy Seals.

The end of the day arrived as we pulled into a beautiful pull-off, between 2 lakes.  Riley stretched, then we drove 57kms into Kenora, where we parked the RV and were met by Riley's very eager and excited girlfriend, Sarah.  

We arrived at the island, shortly after 8pm, where we ate dinner and then went straight to bed.

-Michael Downie

Day 97 August 11, 2011 Middle of Nowhere to Dryden 71km

Atlas Shrugged

I finally finished Atlas Shrugged, which I have been listening to for a little over a week now. It’s been much longer than most of the other audio books that I’ve listened to. It was 61 hours vs the standard 6-12 hours. I’m not sure if it actually changed my life, I’ll have to get back to you on that one.

I ran out of Gatorade and had to rely on E-Load, which doesn’t taste as good but everyone keeps telling me I better (well some people tell me Gatorade is better). E-Load is more of an electrolyte replacement and doesn’t have many calories so I had to eat more carbohydrate gels today.

Towards the end of the run today as I was running through Dryden, a massive thunderstorm complete with huge hail descended upon me. The thunder and lightening was impressive and I was instantly soaked. I did manage to get some of the storm filmed on my GoPro so it should make fo an interesting movie. The 2^nd skin I had on my feet fell apart and made it hard to run and a little slippery inside my shoes.

After I finished running we went over to Dave’s friend’s Mike’s house and met Mike, Shawna, and their son Dylan, and Shawna’s sister Kailey and her daughter Haven. I got to use their shower (which was amazing!) and was able to shave so I don’t look like an arctic explorer when I arrive in Kenora tomorrow.

Mike ordered pizza and we talked about the run, and his goal of doing the Vegas marathon on Dec 4^th. They tried to talk me into doing it as well, and Michael Downie certainly seems to be keen on going. Mike also gave me a book on Terry Fox entitled ‘Terry’, which seems to have everything about his run. I’m super excited to read it.

As we left Mike’s house we saw a number of deer milling about outside, all apparently hand fed by the neighbourhood. As I’m writing this I find myself in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express parked next to a gigantic Harley Davidson semi.

Tomorrow night I will be in Kenora!

Day 96 August 10, 2011 Ignace to the Middle of Nowhere 71km

Groundhog Day

Today was one of the first times it’s felt like Groundhog Day.

I woke up around the same time that I’m always getting up these days. I had breakfast and taped my feet and found myself on the road shortly thereafter. I felt good, and as it’s only the third day since my day off in Thunder Bay my pace was good.

The scenery didn’t change nearly at all. I’ve left the hilly terrain of the great lakes and now find myself on gentle slopes for the most part and it seems they have a downward slope more often than an uphill one, which is a nice change. I had lunch at 45km like normal and finished 70km around 6pm.

We found yet another snowplow pullout where we decided to spend our night. These pullouts are great because there are a lot of them so we don’t have to drive far from my end point to find one and they are usually paved and flat. It does say no parking but reads “due to snowplow turning” so I think it’s safe to say we’re not going to be seeing any of those around these parts.

We went straight to bed after our tortellini dinner.  Today definitely had a repetitive feel to it. I wonder if I’ll start feeling this a little more once I hit the prairies.

Tomorrow I should make it to Dryden