YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Jan. 21, 2016
Tonight's Run Club is going to be huge! You may have heard Brian is announcing a contest that will "rock you." Coach, Jason Warick will also be making an exciting announcement about a special training opportunity with the Brainsport Running Academy. And, coach Tobi Rempel will be there to answer any questions you may have about her upcoming Beginner/Recreational Marathon course. In addition to all of this, Run Club alumni Ian and Selinda will also be dropping by!
The store is going to be open until 9 p.m. with refreshments served after the running is done. It's a perfect evening to bring along some new people to Run Club. And, to take advantage of our 25th Anniversary Sale!
In this week's Q&A we're talking to Jason Warick about the Performance Marathon course he's coaching at the Running Academy starting on January 28th. He also gives a tease about the big Running Academy announcement he's making this evening. But, before we start chatting, let's take a quick look at his extensive background as both a runner and coach.
Jason is the Saskatchewan marathon record holder (2:19:39), and former captain of the Canadian national team. Throughout his career he's trained or raced in more than 25 countries, including Australia, Guatemala, Germany and Kenya.
Jason's coaching mentors are his mom Judy, original Brainsport Run Club member Jim Jasieniuk and his coach of 28 years, John Fitzgerald. He began coaching elementary relays and X-country in Saskatoon, Biggar, and other communities; and for the past eight years has been coaching adult road and track runners of all abilities (Brian Michasiw was his first athlete). Jason's currently in the process of achieving his Athletics Canada Level 3 (Performance Coach) certification.
Now that we know a bit more about Jason's background, let's get to some questions!
Q&A with Jason Warick
Tara: There's no doubt your coaching is in high demand. What drew you to get involved with coaching at the Brainsport Running Academy?
Jason: I coached a clinic for Brainsport a few years ago, and it was a great experience. I had a blast, made some good friends and hopefully helped the athletes to get closer to their goals. Since then, I've been busy coaching other runners, but also my kids' soccer, circus club, relays, etc. But when Brian asked me to do one this year for the store¹s 25th anniversary, I jumped at the chance.
Tara: With "performance" in the title it is assumed this will be a fairly intense program. What will separate this program from the others in the Brainsport Running Academy?
Jason: The basic principles of any good program are universal — gradual adaptation, variety, work-rest balance, and of course, fun. I know all of the coaches assembled for this academy season, and Brainsport is lucky to have them. That said, I hope we each use our unique knowledge and experience. We will not just be running — I will include a lot of seemingly oddball strength, balance, mental imaging, and life planning elements. And I always emphasize high quality. When it's time to rock, give it everything you've got. If you are sick, have a sore leg or are too fatigued to use proper technique or hit your own targets, take a day or two off. People who sign up for this course are likely motivated already — I expect 90% of my job will be teaching them how to recover properly.
Tara: Who do you suggest sign up for the Performance Marathon course?
Jason: I admire beginners more than anyone. It takes courage to try something new. That's why I signed up last year for singing lessons with my daughter! However, this clinic is for anyone in at least two hour half marathon shape who wants to get healthier, faster, and increase your running fun factor.
Jason at the finish line of the 2006 Chicago Marathon where he ran a personal best 2:19:39.
Tara: What are some of your own favourite running moments?
One, was running with Brian over the red dirt trails of the Great Rift Valley with a pack of 30 Kenyans. Another, was In Ottawa during my first national team marathon. I "hit the wall" and fell far off the pace of the lead pack. I was shuffling the last 4 miles, feeling depressed and angry at myself. I was about to drop out on a secluded stretch of the course when I saw my parents on the side of the road. As I passed, I looked at them and they said quietly "We love you." I still couldn¹t go any faster, but I jogged to the finish line with a feeling of peace and joy.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Jason: Stay tuned for a special announcement tonight about an early April adventure Brian and I will be be hosting for the Brainsport Running Academy and Run Club members!
Upcoming Events
Brainsport Running Academy
Spring Tune Up with Pat Somerville. This seven-week program is designed to get you ready for the Brainfreeze on March 6. It is best suited to the 10K event, but adjustments can be made to accommodate experienced runners who are preparing for the half marathon distance. $100. This session will not include the Speaker's Series. Tuesday nights at 6, starting on January 19.
Performance Marathon with Jason Warick - Achieve your best marathon performance with the help of one of Canada's top talents. This 18-week course is designed for runners with sub-two hour half-marathon experience. $170. Thursday nights at 7:15, starting on January 28.
Beginner/Recreational Marathon with Tobi Rempel - Looking to gear up for your first Marathon? Come out and join one of Saskatchewan's most experienced endurance athletes. This 18-week course is designed for runners who are new to the Marathon distance. Monday nights at 6, starting on January 27.
Half-Marathon with Mike McDonald - Both new and experienced half-marathoners alike will get an energy boost from this course. The 14-week course is open to any runner capable of running continuously for 35 minutes. $145. Monday nights at 6, starting on February 22.
10k with Pat Somerville - Build your endurance and unlock new speed with this fun and challenging 10-week course. Runners should be comfortable running 35 min. continuously before taking the course. $120. Tuesday nights at 6, starting on March 22.
To sign up for any of the Running Academy courses go tohttp://www.brainsport.ca/running-academy.htmll or drop by Brainsport.
Start2Finish Running & Reading Club
Do you enjoy fitness and literacy? And want to give back to the community? The Start2Finish Running & Reading Club is a dynamic after school program that is currently operating within multiple inner city schools and servicing hundreds of children across Canada. The Running & Reading Clubs provide children with the tools to succeed and helps them to graduate by addressing literacy, physical activity, and self-confidence. The program is comprised of a fitness and health component, which culminates in a 5K Running & Reading Challenge at the conclusion of the program.
Start2Finish is looking caring and enthusiastic people to volunteer at their Running & Reading Club at Vincent Massey Community School. There will be a volunteer session on Tuesday, January 19 from 3:40 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. To sign up to attend the volunteer session contact Michelle Wray at start2finishonline.orgor call 1-888-320-8844 ext. 206. For more information go to www.start2finishonline.org.
Brainsport 25th Anniversary Sale
To celebrate our 25th anniversary Brainsport is offering 25 to 50% off from January 16 to January 23. Nearly the entire store will be marked down!
Lions Speed Skating Club Free Skate
The Lions Speed Skating Club is organizing a free skate day for new Canadians and anyone else who wants to learn how to skate. They are asking for donations of skates and helmets to help make the day a success. Please drop off your donations at Brainsport. The event is being held on February 5. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Clarence Downey Oval.
Yoga For Runners
Come experience the benefits of yoga for runners.Wednesdays January 20 to March 9 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the Brainsport Community Room. $112 preregistered. $18/class drop in if there is room. There are just three spots left. To register contact Leanne at
Happy Body Classes
These classes offer a unique approach to movement, going through simple stretches and exercises that can be performed almost anywhere with minimal equipment. You will also learn basic anatomical and biomechanics concepts to help you make conscious habit changes to improve your body's alignment and improve how you feel.
Classes will be held on Mondays from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. & Thursdays from 6 - 7 p.m.
Jan. 4 & 7: Alignment Basics
Jan. 11 & 14: Sitting Rehab: Low back, Hips, Knees
Jan. 18 & 21 Computer Rehab: Neck, Shoulders, Wrists
Jan. 25 & 28: Release and Relax
Feb. 1 & 4: Pelvic floor and Core
Feb. 8 & 11: Movement Nutrients
More information and descriptions of the classes are available at http://saskatoonosteopathy.com/happy-body-aligned/.
Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required. There are various registration options where you can sign up for all six classes, or choose a combination of four classes, or drop into select classes of your choice.
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . .gotta run . . . Tara
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