YourSaskatoon Blogs

You likely know him as a singer-song writer, musician and producer, but Luke Doucet is also a remarkable runner. On Thursday night he's performing at The Broadway Theatre with his wife Melissa McClelland. Together, this Canadian duo makes up the Juno Award-winning band Whitehorse.  There are only a few seats left for the show, so if you want to get in on the action visit The Broadway Theatre website for tickets. Luke was kind enough to jump in for an interview for this week's Q&A. So, let's get to know this speedster before he hits the stage tomorrow night! Q&A with Luke Doucet Tara: I'm quite certain a lot our readers are familiar with you as a musician, but I'm not so sure they will know you as a runner. Would you mind telling us a bit of your running history? Luke: I started running seven years ago, in reaction to an early mid-life...

We're thrilled to be partnering with New Balance Canada to help out Child of the Cross Running Clinics. New Balance will be donating one brand new pair of running shoes to the program - which was founded by Brainsport Running Academy coach, Tarrant Cross Child - for every one pair of New Balance shoes bought at Brainsport through the end of this month!  These shoes will go to the kids Tarrant and his team work with through the Child of the Cross Running Clinics; and are sure to bring a smile and many, many miles into the lives of these children. To learn more about this initiative, and about Child of the Cross Running Clinics, we're speaking with Tarrant in this week's Q&A. Before we get to our conversation if you're interested in learning more about Tarrant's inspiring story of how running has helped him through his recovery from alcohol and gambling addiction,...

It's another exciting week on the Q&A front as we're set for an interview with the winner of the Headlands 100 Miler Endurance Race - Theresa Reid!  Last week we spoke with local runner Jen Kripki, who won the 2017 Queen City Marathon; and now this week we're fortunate to have Theresa Reid-Shea on board. She won the Headlands 100 Miler Endurance race two weekends ago in Sausalito, California! Theresa is likely a familiar face to many of you, as she's one of the pillars of the Brainsport Run Club. Time to hear what Theresa has to say about her big win! Q&A with Theresa Reid-Shea Tara: The Headlands 100 Mile Endurance Race draws in some of the top ultramarathoners from around the world. Leading into the race did you feel like you had it in you to win? Theresa: Did I have it in me to win? Wow, that's a big question! I will...

In this week's Times, we're going to speak with the winner of this year's Queen City Marathon, Jen Kripki!  Many of you may be familiar with Jen as she's coached at the Brainsport Running Academy, and has her own personal training business in the city. This week we're going to get to know Jen a bit better and learn about her big win in Regina. So, let's get right to it!  Q&A with Jen Kripki Tara: Let's start by getting some background for those not familiar with your running career. What have been some of your career highlights? Jen: Some of my career highlights include running the Boston marathon as it was my first big race, a second place finish in Winnipeg in 2014, and hitting my PB of 3:06 in Vancouver 2014. Tara: How does winning the Queen City Marathon stack up to other major accomplishments in your career? Jen: The...

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Queen City Marathon over the weekend! Hopefully everyone is recovering well, and enjoying some time off.  In this week's Times we're going to learn more about a fun event coming up this weekend! The second annual Broadway Fit Fest, presented by RYDE YXE, gets underway Saturday morning; and there's tons of action you won't want to miss out on. To learn more about the event we're going to speak with Shaina Lynden, owner of RYDE YXE Cycle Studios. So, let's get to it! Q&A with Shaina Lynden Tara: Let's start by learning how Broadway Fit Fest came to be. What were the motivating factors in bringing this event together? Shaina: During last summer's construction on Broadway Ave, the Broadway BID and businesses in the area were looking for events to help keep people interested and coming to Broadway. We thought that it would be great to organize an event...

All the best to everyone participating in the Queen City Marathon this weekend! Here's hoping for some beautiful September weather, and ideal running conditions.  In this week's Q&A we're catching up with Kaycee Shroeder. You may recall we had an interview with this talented young triathlete mid-summer. At that time Kaycee had her sights set on competing in the Canada Summer Games, which took place last month in Winnipeg.  Kaycee met her goal of making it to the Games, so now it's time to get the scoop on her experience there! Q&A with Kaycee Schroeder Tara: Since we last spoke, you've gone on to achieve your goal of competing in the Canada Summer Games, which took place just a few weeks ago. We'll talk more about your experience at the Games in Winnipeg in just a minute, but first, tell us about your journey there.Kaycee: Four years ago when it was...

It's back-to-school time, which means it's likely time to get the kiddos fitted with new shoes, and more! Brainsport has a vast selection of children's shoes, and knowledgeable staff to get the right fit. In addition to shoes, we also have more exciting new products in-store to make back-to-school shopping a bit easier whether you're a kid, parent, caretaker, or university student getting ready to hit the books again.In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Brainsport Manager, Lisette Schermann to get the scoop on all things related to getting back to school.Q&A with Lisette SchermanTara: For our new readers who may not be familiar with the role you play at Brainsport, let's start by having you describe what you do and why you're the person to talk to when it comes to all-things product related?Lisette: I’m the General Manager and Buyer for Brainsport. I often get a chance to see the products we...

Today Brainsport is proud to launch its 25th Anniversary publication! This is a real treat for all you local running enthusiasts out there. You'll learn the story of how Brainsport came to be, and get filled in on some of the lesser-known facts about how Brian built Brainsport into the wide-reaching community influence it is today. Don Cochrane, who's been on the Brainsport scene since it opened its doors all those many years ago, has been the lead on this project. We'll get to chat with him today in our Q&A, as well as hear from Brian. And be sure to check out Run Club this evening to pick up a copy of the publication! It will also be available at the store while copies last. Now, let's get to our Q&A!  Q&A with Brian Michasiw and Don Cochrane Tara: Why did you feel it important to have a Brainsport 25th anniversary publication put together? What were...

Before we know it we're all going to be settling into our fall routines. Some of you may be interested or know someone interested, in adding some more running into this year's routine, and we may just be able to help out with that!The Brainsport Running Academy is offering a Learn to Run course perfect for those looking to challenge themselves, learn a lot, and have fun with other people also new to running. Our upcoming Learn to Run course is being coached by Brainsport's Kim Galus - Kim has a ton to offer, and great energy to bring to newcomers.In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Kim to learn more about her background and what her hopes are for the participants of the Learn to Run course.Kim GalusTara: Let's start by learning more about you, as a runner. What kind of experiences are you bringing to participants of this upcoming Learn to Run course?Kim: Most of...

Hopefully, everyone enjoyed the long weekend and is now staying safe through the stormy weather! In this week's Times, we're shifting gears a bit to hear from longtime Brainsport employee Colin Federow. Colin recently wrote about an experience he had fitting a man with a pair of gently-used shoes that very much represents the spirit of the Brainsport Shoe Donation Program and Brainsport as a whole.  So, in lieu of a Q&A this week we thought it would fitting to share Colin's piece of writing, which he originally posted on Facebook. So, let's get to it! A "fitting" reflection: by Colin Federow  Have you ever wondered if the shoes you donate at Brainsport are put to good use? I had a gentleman come into the store today. At first glance, he was not the typical customer, but I went over and asked him if he needed a hand. In a very timid voice, he...

In this week's Times we're "shining a light" on the YWCA. This year the organization is hosting its first annual Shine a Light Run to bring about more awareness of all the YWCA does in the community, as well as to raise funds for their ever-important programs.  The run gets underway at sunset on September 15, and has a few distance options to choose from, which we'll learn about - and much more - in this week's Q&A with event committee member, Ashley Gedir.  Q&A with Ashley Gedir Tara: The YWCA plays an important role in our community in many different ways. Can you expand on this - and why it's important to bring about more awareness of the YWCA? Ashley: The YWCA is a non-profit organization that benefits the community in various ways. At the YWCA, one can access our Fitness Center, Childcare Services, Employment and Learning and the Crisis Shelter and Residence....

A big congratulation to all of Team Saskatchewan for a solid showing at the 2017 North American Indigenous Games held in Toronto last week! In this week's Times were going to check back in with Jaira Cross Child, who we spoke with a couple weeks ago, and get the scoop on her first Games. Jaira brought home five gold medals, but as you will read - her performance was only one part of the memorable experience.  Q&A with Jaira Cross ChildTara: Let's start by getting your thoughts on what it felt like to represent Saskatchewan for the first time in your running career. Was it everything you expected and hoped it would be? Jaira: It was such an honor to represent the communities and people of Saskatchewan. While I was wearing my team Sask gear, I was proud of my home. It was more than I expected - the team spirit, meeting...

While there's no doubt Saskatchewan offers some great road races throughout the summer season, the road is only one way to experience the joys of running. There are trails to be discovered all throughout the province - it's just a matter of connecting yourself with people in the know - and then going for it!  At the end of August there's an opportunity to experience some fantastic trail running in Wapiti Valley at the Wapiti Bush Run. In this week's Q&A we speak with race director, Harvey Weber to learn more about this event.  Q&A with Harvey Weber Tara: Let's start off by learning a bit more about the Wapiti Bush Trail, itself. Describe for us what makes this a destination trail for runners out there looking to experience more of what this province has to offer in terms of beautiful trails to explore. Harvey: The Wapiti Bush Run is held...

In less than a week the North American Indigenous Games will get underway in Toronto. More than 5000 young athletes will be competing in events ranging from athletics to baseball, wrestling, soccer and more - from July 16 to July 23. All of Canada's provinces and territories will be represented, along with athletes from 13 regions from within the United States. Saskatonians will have a hometown runner to keep an eye. Jaira Cross Child is competing in the 1200 metre and 2000 metre track events, along with the 3 kilometre cross country event. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Jaira about her first appearance at the North American Indigenous Games!   Q&A with Jaira Cross Child Tara: Before we jump into some more of the details about the North American Indigenous Games, let's get to know a bit more about your background for readers who aren’t familiar. Would you tell us about how you...

With the passing of Canada Day over the weekend we're now into the full swing of summer, which means beautiful early-morning runs and warm (sometimes hot, but still beautiful evening runs).  Summer running in Saskatoon is second to none, and a great time of year to gear up for a race. The Queen City Marathon is the last major local road race of the season in Saskatchewan. For many it is a goal race with a personal best targeted For others it's simply a high-quality racing event to take part in.  Wherever you may fall on this spectrum, the Queen City Marathon offers a nice opportunity to put your summer training to the test and enjoy a race before the weather turns colder. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with race director, Shawn Weimer to learn more about the 2017 Queen City Marathon. Q&A with Shawn Weimer Tara: As running continues to grow in...

Happy (almost) Canada Day to everyone! Being the next publication of the Times falls on July 3rd this is the only chance we have to wish you all a wonderful day of celebrating Canada's 150th Anniversary!  In this week's Times we're looking a bit further into the month of July at the EY River Run Classic. This is one of the province's premier road races, so let's get to learn more about this year's event in our Q&A with race committee member Neil Mackay. Q&A with Neil MackayTara: What makes the EY River Run Classic one the most reputable road races in Saskatchewan?Neil: There is something for everyone, as there are a variety of race distances - a 5K walk/run, a 10K and a half marathon. This year, the 10K will be part of the Saskatchewan Athletics Road Race Series. We have had the same experienced race committee (Neil MacKay, Heather...

Congratulations to all the kids who rocked the Brainsport Kids of Steel Triathlon last weekend!  This week we're keeping the focus on the triathlon with an interview with young and upcoming triathlete here in Saskatoon - Kaycee Schroeder. Kaycee moved to Saskatoon two years ago from Dundurn. She's been competing in triathlon for 10 years, along with track and cross country.  Let's get to know more about Kaycee and hear some of her insights on the triathlon scene here in Saskatoon and surrounding area.  Q&A with Kaycee Schroeder Tara: As we saw again with the success of this year's Brainsport Kids of Steel Triathlon- along with the increasing interest in the sport from adults, triathlon is alive and well in Saskatoon and the surrounding area. As a young woman competing in the sport, what do you think makes for such a strong triathlon scene here?Kaycee: We have a strong triathlon community in Saskatoon that is very...

First off, thank you to everyone who took part in the Mimosa Run over the weekend! Your support will go a long way in helping out the Lasers' Para Swim Program. What a fun event, and such a fabulous turnout - we hope you all enjoyed your special drinks!   This week we're keeping the focus on children with a closer look at the Brainsport Kids of Steel Triathlon. This event has been growing in popularity, yet is still unknown to many who would likely be excited to take part or volunteer. So, to learn more we're speaking with the event's volunteer coordinator, Michelle Lefranc, in this week's Q&A. Q&A with Michelle Lefranc Tara: The Kids of Steel Triathlon is a unique event in that it's aimed at providing a positive experience for young people wanting to be involved with the sport. How is this event organized to ensure it's attractive for children? Michelle:...

Happy Global Running Day everyone!  This evening we're excited to be helping Brooks launch its Big Endorsement campaign, which we'll learn more about in this week's Q&A. To get in on the action come a little early to Run Club (5:45 p.m.) and stay a little later. Now, let's jump right into our conversation with Brooks Retail Marketing Manager, Lilian Yamasaki to learn more! Q&A with Lilian  Tara: The Big Endorsement campaign invites runners of all levels to sign a contract with Brooks. Would you explain more about with this means for runners, and more details of this exciting campaign? Lilian: This is a campaign that is inclusive. We want to send a message that this sport is not just about celebrities and fast runners (even though Hugh Jackman and Nick Simmonds wear our products), it’s about every single runner: fast, slow, 800m, 5K, marathoners, trail, road, male, female, running for a cause, no cause,...

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Saskatchewan Marathon event last weekend - what a great day!  In this week's Times we're keeping the focus on the marathon - the Abbott World Marathon Majors - to be specific. For those not familiar with the six World Marathon Majors they are the Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City Marathons.  One of the most renowned accomplishments in the sport of running is completing all six of these majors. In the past 10 years, only about 600 people have accomplished this, and one of them is Saskatoon's, Reita MacDonald. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Rita to learn about her extraordinary achievement, which she completed at the London Marathon last month. Q&A with Reita MacDonald Tara: Let’s start by learning more about your running background; how long you've been running? What got you started? Reita: I ran my first marathon on September 3, 2000, a month...