YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Aug 23, 2017
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 the motivating factors?
Brian: Honestly, this was not my idea. I'll hold Don Cochrane and Ian Colvine responsible.The motivating factor to proceed was an assurance from Don that more than my mom would be interested in reading the publication.
Tara: Don, you’ve been part of the Brainsport Run Club from the beginning, so you’ve watched Brainsport evolve into what it is today. What were the motivating factors for you to get this publication together?
Don: The fact Brainsport got off the ground at all is amazing (as you'll read in the publication); and that it is thriving 25 years later is astonishing. I think Brian feels the same way. Such achievement needed to be recognized.
Tara: What are you hoping the publication brings to the running community and to Saskatoon as a whole?
Don: A deeper appreciation of the community that Brian has fostered. We should never take for granted the risks that he took and the hard work that he brought to make his dream a reality.
Brainsport launches its 25th Anniversary publication seen here with Don and Brian.
Tara: And for you Brian, what are your hopes for this publication?
Brian: I'm hoping it may persuade a reader to become part of the Brainsport running community. Our run clubs, run academy, run events promote a healthy active lifestyle.
Tara: Don, as you went through the process of gathering all the information, interviews, photos, etc. for this publication, what was your vision for the final product?
Don: Of course, I wanted it to be attractive and, having seen the proofs, I think we succeeded. But I didn’t want a simple glossy that a reader would thumb through and toss in the wastebasket. I wanted it to be something substantial. This was the opportunity to capture some of our history before it flies beyond our reach. I certainly won’t be here for the 50th anniversary to capture our history!
Several of us were around when the store started and, from time to time, we would hear rumors about difficulties, or a challenge the store was facing. This publication was the opportunity to fill in the record. And part way through the process of creating the issue, I realized that many who are now in Run Club weren’t even born when the store opened! For them, the material in the interviews will come as news. I hope they find it interesting.
Tara: And how about for you Brian, how has putting together the 25th Anniversary publication impacted you?
The process of putting this together has made me realize how much we've gone through in 25 years. Fire, floods, supplier problems, low sales, high sales, lots of awards, etc.
Tara: Don, is there a feature in the issue that you particularly enjoyed producing? And Is there a quality to the interviews that you treasure the most?
Don: The "Do You Know…?” sections were enjoyable to bring together. It was fun making up the questions…questions to which I wanted answers but which would not fit smoothly into any narrative! As for the interviews, I most treasure Brian’s wonderful transparency and his quirky sense of humor!
Tara: Brian is there anything you would like to add as we bring this to a close?
Brian: I'd like to thank Don, Ian, Michelle (design/production) and you - Tara, for making this happen.
Upcoming Events
Brainsport Running Academy
It's time to start getting ready for the 2017 Ginger Bread Run, and the Brainsport Running Academy is here to get you off to a great start with the following course offerings!
10K Course, with coach Tarrant Cross Child for 14 weeks beginning August 28.
Learn to Run Course, coached by Kimberlee Galus. This 8 week course begins on September 27.
For more information and to register go to http://www.brainsport.ca/, or drop by the store to register.
Martensville TUFF Family Fun Run
Tune Up For Fall (TUFF) Family Fun Run is an opportunity for families to come together to exercise and promote healthy living. With distance options of of 2K, 5K, and 10K, there’s a run for everyone! Each participant will receive a shirt, race package with gifts, and a commemorative finisher's medal.
All proceeds go towards building a new rink in Martensville. For more and information and to register email: http:
37th Annual Saskatoon Terry Fox Run
Everyone is welcome to participate in a Terry Fox Run, regardless of age, athletic ability or socioeconomic standing. While the Run does not have an entry fee or minimum donation we do ask all participants to fundraise or make a donation. You can raise funds online, use a pledge sheet or make a donation at the Run site. Whatever your choice, please know that every dollar counts.
The Terry Fox Run is being held on September 17. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the Delta Bessborough Gardens. Run begins at noon with 5K and 10K course options. Walkers and kids/strollers are welcome!
Regional Run - Warman to Martensville
On September 16 take part in a race from Warman to Martensville in the 2017 10K Regional Race! Participants are welcome to walk the route as well. There is a pre-race community breakfast being offered at Prairie Oasis Park in Warman for racers and community members.
A BBQ lunch will also be served at Kinsmen Park in Martensville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for racers and community members.
For more information go to the Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/434835300220608/.
YWCA Saskatoon Shine a Light Run
Shine a light on Friday, September 15 to raise awareness and funds for YWCA Saskatoon community programs - and help make a difference. Everyone is welcome to this event with distance options of 2K, 5K and 10K. The run gets started at sunset at Meewasin Valley. Register teams or individuals at http://www.ywcasaskatoon.com/2017-ywca-shine-the-light-run-why-do-you-run/.
Wapiti Bush Run
Get out and enjoy a beautiful trail run at the Wapiti Bush Run, being held on August 27 at 10 a.m. Choose from a 5.5K or 8.5K distance. All runners entering by Saturday, August 12 will receive a unique "bush lunch" hosted by the Gronlid Willing Workers Catering Company.
This race is being hosted by the Tisdale Track Club and the Melfort X-C Ski Club. Proceeds of the race will go towards projects undertaken by these two clubs. For more information and to, register click here.
Queen City Marathon
This year's Queen City Marathon is being held on the weekend of September 8. Considered one of the premier running events in the province, this is a race consider getting on your list. There are racing options for everyone at this event! Click here to learn more.
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 being offered from September 5 to November 7. Register by contacting http:
Product of the Week
Balega Socks
This week's feature product is Balega socks - for keeping your feet blister free and feeling good all run, or day long! With different weight options you'll find the perfect fit, whether running a marathon or wearing them for day-to-day activities. With a sticker of the person who inspected each pair of socks at the factory placed on each pair, you know your socks have been taken special care of. As you can see Jordan showing off, we have lots of colours, patterns, and weight options in stock for you choosing!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara
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