A Day of Friends, Family, and Farmland

54.5 km ran today; 964 km total

Day 20: Saturday, June 13th, 2026

Distance: 54.5 km
Total Distance: 964.0 km
Progress: 61.4% complete
Remaining Distance: 606 km

Tracker Note: Some readers may notice a gap in my live tracking today. Although I ran every kilometre of the route, we are experiencing technical difficulties with the tracking app and the route was not fully recorded online. We hope to have the issue resolved soon.

Twenty days into this journey, today's story was less about kilometres and more about family, friends and community.

I started the morning at Sturgeon Lake Regional Park, where we said goodbye to Darryn as he headed back to Saskatoon after being with us non stop for 10 days.

Before leaving, Darryn passed along his systems, routines, and all the little details that make life on the road easier. From organizing gear to preparing my daily recovery shakes and even sharing the secret to keeping protein containers from developing that awful smell, his experience and support have been invaluable. He will be greatly missed.

The morning began with cool temperatures, blue skies, and a steady breeze. Andrew Machnee joined me running on foot for the first section of the day while my childhood friend Karen rode alongside on her bike.

Darryn may have headed home with his incredible fully loaded home on wheels, but we gained an old Buick load to the brim with my gear…at least for the weekend.

Not long into the run, our route led us onto a small road that eventually came to an unexpected end.

Rather than turning around, we made our way through a slough, wading through water and reeds until we found our way back onto the route. We left without any leeches attached!

The landscape gradually opened into classic Saskatchewan farmland. Long gravel roads stretched toward the horizon, fields spread out in every direction, and the breeze kept conditions comfortable despite the warming temperatures.

Along the way there were plenty of reminders to slow down and appreciate where I was.

Taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the Sturgeon River.

Wild roses were in full bloom along the riverbanks and roadsides.

Crossing another bridge and another river on the journey south.

As the morning continued, more friends joined the route.

Members of the Machnee family cycled alongside me.

Later in the morning, my good friends who I met in the Prince Albert Triathlon Club also joined the adventure.

Patty, Alana, Elizabeth, Theresa, and Roy cycled or drove the route with me today.

Roy heard I was struggling with keeping my phone charged and in a classic Roy way, he gifted me a solar powered charger.

The roads were long, the skies were wide, and plenty of people were travelling the route with me today!

My childhood friend Karen joined me on her bike for the entire 54.5 km today. Karen’s 16-year old cousin, Kallie, also tagged along and cheered us on.

It was a treat to have Karen by my side sharing laughs and catching up today.

A quick roadside check-in with Sandy. It’s great having her and my dad, Brad, back with me. Sandy is trained as a nurse and takes good care of me out here.

By lunchtime, what started as a handful of riders had grown into quite the entourage.

Barb and Cam cooked hot dogs, warmed soup, and everyone settled into lawn chairs for an hour of food, conversation, and recovery before heading back out into the afternoon heat.

Ten cyclists, crew members, family, and supporters gathered for a roadside lunch stop.

As temperatures climbed, I continued south toward Shellbrook.

A quick pit stop with Chad and the trusty Buick

Eventually the familiar roads leading into Shellbrook came into view.

Before I crossed the highway, the Machnees and my friends from Prince Albert all headed home - but not before we grabbed a group photo.

A group photo before many of the cyclists headed home. Their support meant a great deal.

Karen cycled along with me for the last 7 or so kilometres of the day before we headed into Shellbrook.

In Shellbrook, we were invited to my Auntie Mary Anne's house where family, friends, and community members gathered for supper.

A handmade sign waiting for me in Shellbrook.

As we pulled up to my auntie’s house, a bagpiper greeted us creating another one of the more unique and unexpected moments of the journey so far.

Shellbrook made sure our visit would be unforgettable.

Mary Anne, Matthew, and many others put together an incredible feast that included homemade cabbage rolls, meatballs, perogies, potatoes, salads, vegetables, pie, and gluten-free options. It was fabulous!

It was so awesome to reconnect with all the good people who joined us in Shellbrook.

From the left: Cam, Barb, Chad, Sandy, Brad, me, Auntie Mary Anne, Matthew, Jenna, Andy, Lennon, Auntie Kathy, Pam, Brian, and Bryce

Auntie Mary Anne and her friends made generous donations toward the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Shortly after dinner, I was interviewed by a local reporter in Auntie Mary Anne’s living room.

After the gathering, Barb and Cam wrapped up their time with the crew and headed home.

Days like today remind me that this project has never been about running alone. Every kilometre may happen on my own two feet, but each day is made possible by people who show up, ride alongside, prepare meals, open their homes, offer encouragement, and believe in the purpose behind the journey.

Now more than halfway across Saskatchewan, I find myself thinking often about why I started this run.

I am running the length of the province in memory of my mom, Louise, who died of leukemia at 38 years old. On June 12th, I turned 38 myself. Carrying her memory with me has become the heartbeat of this journey.

Every kilometre helps raise awareness and funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada while creating opportunities to talk about mental health, resilience, and the power of community.

On days like today, surrounded by friends, family, and supporters, I'm reminded that this run is about so much more than the distance.

Thank you for all your support!

This update is based on June 13th, 2026. I’m still running and will continue posting my daily updates.