Headwinds, Hills, and Amazing People

Day 4 - May 28

Today's run started with some of the toughest conditions so far.

The road surface was excellent, but a strong headwind followed us for most of the day.

Gusts reached nearly 50 km/h, and combined with the warmest temperatures we've seen so far, it made for a challenging day on the road.

I ran 60 Kilometres today (day 3 of this adventure) for a total of 165 kms so far.

I was lucky enough to have my dad, Brad Tokaruk and brother, Matthew Tokaruk, join me on the cycles today!

I eventually changed into my hot-weather gear and just focused on moving forward one hill at a time.

The hills seemed endless. Matthew estimated there was more than 800 metres of climbing throughout the day, along with nearly the same amount of descending.

The strategy quickly became simple: walk the steep ups and run the downs.

The scenery continued to be incredible. Long gravel roads stretched through the northern forest, with river crossings and endless views appearing around every corner.

The Hawkrock River flows into the Fond du Lac River system; a playground for remote paddlers

One of the highlights of the day came from the kindness of strangers. Some travellers heading toward La Loche stopped and left a roadside gift for us. The generosity of people along this route continues to amaze me.

Despite the wind, people were thoughtful all day. Vehicles slowed as they passed, offered waves, and gave plenty of space on the road.

Those small gestures make a big difference when you're spending hours out there.

Support vehicle crossing another northern river.

Wildlife made an appearance as well. A porcupine crossed the road during the day, and we continued to see signs of animals throughout the forest.

The strongest rider of the day might actually have been my brother, Matthew. He spent hours battling the same headwind while riding beside me on the fat bike.

Teamwork in a 50 km/h headwind.

By the end of the day, the kilometres were catching up with me, but the final stretch brought us somewhere meaningful.

The route followed the Waterfound Esker, which happens to be the same place where our family finished a canoe trip years ago. Seeing that landscape again from a completely different perspective brought back a lot of memories.

The day ended quietly at camp with food, recovery, and a chance to reflect on another section completed. Three days in, the road south continues.

Another beautiful camp spot found and set up by my amazing crew! They are so busy!

I’m running the length of Saskatchewan in memory of my mom, Louise, and to raise money for leukemia research and support. I turn 38 on June 12th. The same age my mom was when she passed.

Thank you for following along!

These updates are shared one day behind the run as we travel south.