Erik Skye Travel Blog

31 Jul 2011; updated 3 Aug 2011

Here's the map:  Google Maps (Click "Satellite" or "Earth" at upper-right for terrain detail.)

This series is about a northern summer’s journey made by two friends. Our goal is to compete in a running event called the Yukon River Trail Marathon, which is held on the first Sunday of August each year in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. However, most of the adventure will likely occur during road travel in Alaska and Canada, and while waiting in the frontier city of Whitehorse.

Mike Richmond is my BFF, and this will be our fifth road trip into Canada together.

The first time I met Mike, I was a fledgling runner expressing amazement that I was just beginning to break the 8-mile threshold. I didn’t know my potential then, but Mike did. I was encouraged as he described his “typical” 16-mile runs as if they were a completely natural act, as he shared the satisfaction and fulfillment of competing in various running events each year (such as the 11-mile Murphy Dome Roam hill race held in Fairbanks), and as he explained the social, mental, and physical benefits of long distance running.

Within 6 months of meeting Mike (under his guidance and training), I earned a great finish time for my first marathon – the Equinox (a gruelling hill/trail run ranked second hardest in the nation). ‘I didn’t know I couldn’t do it’. It was a 180-degree psychological shift. When Mike shares the great things he does, you are left feeling that you can do them too. He’s an inspiration.

So, let’s get to know Mike and some awesome areas of Alaska and Canada.

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