YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Oct 14, 2015
Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone! Hopefully you all had a wonderful long weekend and are ready to get back at it this week.
We're excited to have Leanne Parsons, co-founder of Breath Move Be, offering Yoga For Runners classes in our Community Room this month. In this week's Q&A we talk to Leanne to learn more about what the classes are all about.
Q&A with Leanne Parsons
Tara: Before we get into the specifics of yoga for runners, would you mind filling us in on your background in yoga and running?
Leanne: Of course, I have been practicing yoga regularly since 2007, the same year I took up running. I never thought I would be a runner and when I tried it I found I loved it. I have completed a number of 5K, 10K and half marathon races. And yoga is a wonderful counterbalance to any sport. In fact I loved it so much I started taking my 200 hr RYT yoga teacher training, in the beginning just for my own benefit. I continued and graduated with my 200 hr RYT in January, 2013. Then in 2014 my running buddy and yoga for runners partner, Shirley Berthelet, found a Yoga for Runners specific teacher training in Toronto. It didn't take long for us to sign up and launch the program in Saskatoon. Thanks to Brainsport for the support!
Tara: What is runner-specific yoga?
Leanne: Yoga for runners incorporates anatomy specific to runners. In the workshop we talk about a different part of our runners anatomy each week and then workshop yoga poses specific to that area. A yoga for runners class targets muscles that are typically weak in runners and works to strengthen them through specific poses. And also targets the typically tight areas and focuses on stretching those areas. The idea is to teach the student (runner) to integrate the practice into their training plan to benefit their running performance.
Tara: Is it similar to other types of yoga?
Leanne: Yes it is very similar to other types of yoga. It is the same poses just offered and sequenced in a way that benefits the runners body. We feel that a runner specific class provides an environment where runners will feel capable and confident to practice, which is not always the case in a yoga class where the balance of the participants may have a higher degree of flexibility. Yoga is all about letting go of judgment, competition, and expectation. At yoga for runners we find a space to practice where everyone experiences similar tightness and discover even tight runners like us can do yoga!
Tara: What are the benefits of yoga for runners?
Leanne: As mentioned yoga for runners concentrates on the weaknesses and tightness specific to runners. If we keep the body strong, flexible, and balanced we are more likely to run longer injury free and to bounce back from those minor tweaks quicker. Yoga also teaches us how to use our breath efficiently which is very helpful as a runner.
Tara: Is there anything that consistently shows up as a weak point, or strong point for runners who are first starting out with yoga?
Leanne: Runners typically have very tight hips and hamstrings and weak hip stabilizers. The other thing we usually have as runners is a highly competitive demeanor. Yoga is very humbling and it teaches us to accept our bodies and what they have to offer each and every time we practice — similar to running — not every run feels good and its important to find balance within that competitive nature. Some of our strong points as runners are that we are driven, determined, persistent. These characteristics work in our favour in our running experience but also in our yoga practice. Through consistent applied practice yoga will yield incredible benefits for our running performance and injury prevention. It is amazing as teachers the difference we see in our athletes from the first to the last class!
Tara: What is your number one tip for runners just starting out with yoga?
Leanne: If possible look for a specific yoga for runners or athletes class. If that is not available start with a beginner class. And always listen to your body! Yoga is all about what the participant needs — it is not about what the pose looks like!
Upcoming Events:
Gingerbread Run
This year's Gingerbread Run has sold out — thank you to everyone who signed up! There's still lots of space left for volunteers. You can sign up on the event websiteor e-mail us at
Yoga For Runners
Runner specific yoga classes are getting underway in the Brainsport Community Room. Tuesday's at7:45 - 9 p.m. from October 13 through December 1. Cost is $112 if preregistered by October 2 or $18 per class drop-in (if room available). Class size is limited.
There is also a 6-week Yoga For Runners workshopon Wednesday evenings from 7:45 to 9:15 starting on October 19 - November 25. Registration cost is $120.
Register for either by contacting
Day of the Dead Fun Run
Grab a headlamp and hit the trails at the 9th annual run. Enjoy a challenging short 5K (approximately) or long 10K (approximately) course at beautiful Blackstrap Provincial Park. The run starts at 7 p.m.on Sunday, November 1. For more information and to register, go to www.mudfirstracing.com or pick up a registration package at Brainsport. Early-bird pricing lasts until September 30.
SRRA Prediction Mile
This annual event is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 7. Register at the Fieldhouse in Meeting Room #3 upstairs at 10 a.m. Members attend for free. Non-members pay $5.
Note: Participants will be timed. Do not bring your watch.
SRRA Annual General Meeting
Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Saskatoon Field House (Meeting Room #3, upstairs).
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . .gotta run . . . Tara
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