Pedal Pole & Pant Canada & Beyond

Author and athlete Jim Anderson didn't coin the line, "ordinary people can do extraordinary things," but he certainly proves it to be true. In his early fifties, he pledged to run a marathon in every state, completing the quest in only twelve years. His first book, Discovering America One Marathon at a Time, reveals his many adventures. Now, lace up and join Jim for a down-to-earth, feet on the ground tour of Canada and beyond, 26.2 miles at a time. Stories discovered in Canada: A black bear starts the Aroostook War -- A former slave helps bring cattle ranching to Canada -- Vancouver is started by a saloon keeper -- The only pitched battle fought in Canada since gaining independence -- An eagle saved on Northwest Territory's Great Slave Lake. Run, bike, and ski adventures: Running along the Yukon River in what most consider North America's toughest trail marathon -- Skiing 40 American Birkebeiner races and running 89 marathons -- Riding a mountain bike race across Teddy Roosevelt's North Dakota Badlands -- Skiing the Canadian Birkebeiner with a thirteen-pound pack -- Running on The Great Wall of China -- Running a marathon on North America's oldest street in Newfoundland More than a book about how to run or where or when, this is the backstory of each event-the people, the history, the charm of each new place-that fascinates and inspires. Chapter after chapter presents unique perspectives missed by everyday travelers as we run, ski, and bike alongside Jim Anderson through Canada, Mexico, and beyond.