YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Nov. 15, 2017
We're talking TCS New York City Marathon with Brian this week! This was Brian's first New York City Marathon, and it didn't disappoint. He traveled to The Big Apple with his training partner, Tarrant Cross Child, who was also experiencing this prestigious event for the first time.
As you'll read in our Q&A with Brian, he was happy to have his training partner there with him. There's a ton of value in training with others, whether you're just getting started with running, or you're a veteran of the sport. Having others to go through the highs and lows of training, to push one another, and to support one another, helps us all reach our goals.
The Brainsport Run Academy offers several options and opportunities to start training with others. Be sure to check out the Upcoming Events section to find a training group that's right for you. In fact, Tarrant is coaching a 10K course, starting on Nov. 27. We also have a half-marathon course starting on Nov. 20, coached by Mike McKague.
Alright, it's time to get to our conversation with Brian!
Q&A with Brian Michasiw
Tara: The New York City Marathon is a massive event that takes place over the course of a few days, so there's a lot for us to get to beyond the actual race experience, but let's start there. It wasn't a big performance race for you, but tell us about what it was like to experience racing through the streets of New York City and beyond.Brian: Well, New York was my 21st marathon. I've run all over North America and Europe. While every marathon has something special to offer, (Big Sur is beautiful, Boston has history), New York has the most spectacular crowds by far. One of the reasons is that the race goes through five boroughs of New York. The residents take pride in their borough and really make you feel welcome as you enter theirs.
Brian getting into the marathon spirit prior to Sunday's race. Photo suppliedTara: What was the atmosphere like in the days leading into the marathon? Is it possible to describe what it's like to be in the city during marathon weekend?Brian: It’s clear that New York takes tremendous pride in their city and the race. It's not just a marathon, it's more of a running festival. There are running tours of Central Park, a world class 5K on the Saturday before the marathon, and a huge multi-day expo. There were giant signs in Times Square advertising the marathon, and small cafes offering a marathon special.
Brian and Tarrant took in some of the sights in New York during their downtime. Photo supplied
Tara: What are some of the highlights of the experience you'll be looking back on in the years to come?
Brian: This may sound like an odd answer, but the highlight was convincing my coach to let me run the first 16 miles of the race, rather than the 10 he originally wanted me to. I've been dealing with a knee injury for about 18 months. My coach agreed to let me run to the 16 mile mark if I agreed to take it really easy with walking breaks. The 16-mile mark is within walking distance to the finish line, whereas if I stopped at 10 miles I'd still be trying to find my way back. I was very tempted to keep going and finish the race. But, I knew I'd be putting my entire running career on the line if I finished. I find the second half of a marathon is very hard on my body. In the end I convinced myself running 10 more marathons is a better tradeoff than finishing New York.
Brian and Tarrant sporting their matching New Balance Zante's in front of an NB logo at the race expo. Photo Supplied.
Tara: You travelled to New York with your training partner, Tarrant Cross Child, who people may be familiar with from his coaching at the Brainsport Run Academy, and from Child of the Cross Running Clinics. What was it like to experience this event with Tarrant?
Brian: Tarrant had a great race. Even though he cramped up in the last 5K he was able to get back on pace and finish with a time of 3:15:02. I've travelled to several marathons by myself. I don't mind doing this, but travelling to a race with a training partner is a better experience. It was really fun to be lost with Tarrant!
Upcoming Events
Brainsport Run Academy Winter Training Sessions 
Join our interactive and fun filled training courses with expert guest speakers presenting on healthy running technique and injury prevention specific to runners. Our high quality coaches will prepare a program for you which will help you reach your personal running goals. We have listed several options for you to chose from for your winter training desires.
Learn To Run at the YMCA (new) starts January 17/18 and ends March 7/18. Coached by Jen Kripki.
Learn To Run at Brainsport starts Wednesday, 6 p.m., January 10/17 and ends February 28/18. 8 week course. Coached by Karon Mathies.
10K Run Course at Brainsport starts Monday, 6 p.m., Nov. 27/17 and ends Feb. 26/18. 14 week course. Coached by Tarrant Cross Child.
1/2 Marathon Run Course at Brainsport starts Monday, 6 p.m., Nov. 20/17. 15 week course. Coached by Mike McKague.
#PatTrick Run Program. One low priced registration for three high quality long distance training courses. Starting Nov. 28/17, 6 p.m. at Brainsport. Coached by Pat Somerville.
For more information and register go towww.brainsport.ca. Or call the store at 306-244-0955.
Lighten Up! Fun Run 2017
On December 17th, come light up the night with your fellow runners. Decorate yourself in some lights, take a run, hand out some gifts, sing some carols, and eat some treats! For more information about this event click here.
Track & Field Volunteers Needed
Here's your chance to support young track & field athletes! During SaskAthletics track & field meets volunteers are needed to fill positions at the various track & field events. By attending a training session you will become a valuable member of the volunteer officiating team. For more information on becoming a volunteer click here, or call 306-664-6744.
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track & Field Championships
Registration is now open for the 10th Annual Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track & Field Championships, being held on March 2 and March 3at the Saskatoon Field House.
Visit www.saskatf.ca for more information, and for details on how to register to compete, or volunteer.
Fall Cross Training, Family Fitness, and Triathlon Training
Registration is now open for Transition Sport and Fitness fall programs including family-friendly fall fitness, cross training for runners and triathletes, virtual Pilates, swim skills sessions, and the fall triathlon training programs. Visit http://www.transitionsportandfitness.ca for more info or contact
Yoga For Runners
Come experience the benefits of yoga for runners, with the Breath Move Be instructors at Namaskar Yoga Studio - 615 2nd Avenue North. $125 pre-registered and $17 for drop in (if available space). Classes begin November 21. Register by contactinghttp:
Product of the Week
New Balance 1080
Brian chose our featured product this week! The ultra-plush, yet still responsive New Balance 1080 - available in men's and women's sizes at Brainsport. 
“My shoe of choice for the New York City Marathon was the New Balance 1080. It had perfect combination of cushion and support. I especially liked how it helped support my body as I transition into "fatigue form.” In other words, I like how the shoe feels when I get really tired." - Brian Michasiw
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara
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