Brainsport Times Jan. 27, 2016

It's been a very busy time at Brainsport with our 25th Anniversary Sale last week. We had fun keeping up with all the action. Thank you to everyone who came out and kept us super busy!

In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Mike McDonald, who's coaching the Brainsport Running Academy Half-Marathon course. We're very excited about all the courses being offered this year by the academy — be sure to check them all out on our website. There's also more information below in "Upcoming Events."

Tara: We’ve been getting some background on the Brainsport Running Academy coaches over the past few weeks. Now it's your turn. Would you mind telling us about your experiences as a runner and coach?
 
Mike: Well, to be honest, the reason I got into running was because of my mom. She has run for almost my whole life and has completed many marathons, half-marathons and 10K runs. I always played competitive sports growing up and right through high school. After that I had a void to fill and running ended up catching my attention. Over the years I have ran anywhere from 10K to 50K races and have learned a lot during each one. I have been lucky enough to win some, place in the top three and post lots of personal best’s. I’ve also had my body shut down on me during multiples races. During all of these runs, I have learned a lot about myself and have gone away a better runner. As a coach, I have had the chance to coach a lot of courses at Brainsport and have loved everyone.

Tara: Your professional life is also very much about staying active. Tell us a bit about Saskatchewan Blue Cross Recess Guardians?

Mike: Well Saskatchewan Blue Cross Recess Guardians is a program that I founded in 2008 and it has been running ever since. The program will be in 150 schools across Saskatchewan by June 2016 and its goal is to bring play back to the playground. We work with the schools to develop strong leadership skills in their youth and to have them lead their peers in games during recess and gym time. The program has shown to work wonders and we are so excited to see how far it has grown. It is so important to get youth physically active and to empower them to be leaders in their schools and communities. We take great pride in our work and the best part is, we are completely free for any school who wants us!

Tara: What should participants of the half-marathon course expect from you as a coach, and the program?
 
Mike: Well they should be prepared for grueling three-hour workouts that involve climbing barbed wire fences and ... I’m kidding! The course will be great for anyone wanting to improve their time or run their first half-marathon. The schedule is going to allow you to push yourself as much as you want. Whether you want to run a sub 1:30 half-marathon or just complete the course, I will help you get to that level. As a coach, I try to get to know each person in my group and help them anyway that I can. Whether it is through e-mail, text or a phone call, I want to be very accessible to my athletes and help them get through those 21.1 kilometres.

Tara: What inspired you to get involved with the Brainsport Running Academy?
 
Mike: I feel that I have been very lucky to have some outstanding coaches throughout my running career. I would love to give back and share the knowledge that they have given me. Brainsport has been a very important part of my life, I worked there for over four years, and I just want to give back any way that I can. 

Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
 
Mike: With my course, anyone and everyone is welcome to join. Don’t be afraid of being too slow or joining on your own. During the course, you will find yourself building strong relationships with your members and you will be amazed at how much you improve. As long as you come out ready to run and challenge yourself, you will be so happy with your results!

 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.

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Brainsport Running Club we are excited to announce the Rock Your Run contest. Brooks shoes is sending one lucky run club member to run the Las Vegas Marathon this fall. There are several ways to enter: 1) Every time you lead a group at Run Club you get an entry. 2) All new Run Club members will get an entry. 3) Everyone who came out to the January 20th Run Club gets an entry. 4) Everyone who comes out to our July 13th anniversary Run Club gets and entry. In order to win you must be present for the draw on July 13th. The prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas. Air, hotel and race entry included. Hope to see you at Run Club!

 
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.

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 atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or 306-251-2964. 

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

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.​