Day 119 September 2, 2011 Day off in Regina – Guest Blog Chris Daum

A Day in Regina.

Today was a well deserved day off of rest and relaxation in Regina for Mike and Riley. I can’t say that I deserve the rest as much as these guys but I highly anticipated the day off. I’ve only been with them a week and in that time all the muscles on both of my legs have consistently required a heavy dose of tiger balm prior to running much to the dismay of Mike and Riley. Supposedly I began to use so much it made their eyes water. Mike really needed the day off because he, as previously mentioned, was heavily fatigued from being forced to run in the afternoon shift that often brought heat and headwind. Poor guy. I think maybe if he was informed that if he stops singing and dancing while he runs he can conserve more energy.

The morning started a little too early for me due to the fact that Mike and I thought it was a good decision to see all that Regina had to offer the night before despite having to be at Harvard Broadcasting by 8am for Riley to make three radio appearances. Riley was feeling great because he did the right thing and decided to not join us and get to bed early and Mike was feeling fine simply because he’s only 24. Oh to be young and/or responsible. The interviews went very well with Riley conducting an on-air prostate exam on My 92.1.

For the remainder of the day Riley and Mike were able to take care of a few errands. We managed to get Riley to get a suit fitted as he’s going to take a brief pause in his run and be a well-dressed groomsman at my wedding in one week. All attempts to have him arrive with a properly fitting suit on the wedding day have proven to be pretty challenging. How to do you get him fitted in a suit when he’s losing weight between fittings and how do you get him to fittings when he’s working his way slowly across the country? Needless to say I think it’s going to all work out.

We managed to conclude the day with dinner at O’Hanlons and taking in an IMAX film called Hubble 3D. The boys got to bed early to get some rest prior to beginning their next big leg of the journey, which has left me with some time to simply sit and look back on my time with Step into Action.

This trip has been an incredibly worthwhile experience. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of what is an incredibly worthwhile cause and witness a partnership between two people who truly recognize how they can make a difference. You can’t help but to feel inspired when you watch Riley complete kilometer 60 or 70 each day and think about the sacrifice he has made in both his time and his energy. I have had time to sit at the wheel of the MCC and think of how it’s people like Riley and Mike who faithfully bring people together to stand behind and support those who have, or will, be affected by cancer. As all of their efforts are directed towards others, we can return the favor by simply donating and continuing to give them words of encouragement to help them work through the incredible physical and mental fatigue that comes along with the journey.

I thank you boys for an amazing week. Mike, your level of energy, kindness and enthusiasm is going to take you places. You have a great personality that is one of a kind and I appreciate you for your commitment towards Step into Action. Riley, keep on running. You are someone whose actions reflect their character and this run is undeniably an example of such. You remain humble despite your extraordinary capabilities, and I am extremely fortunate to be able to call you a friend.

Have fun for the remainder of the run. Be safe and don’t forget that country music really isn’t all that bad after all.

Chris  Daum