Brainsport Times Dec. 10, 2015

As the new year fast approaches many of you, along with friends, family and co-workers, are setting your sights on 2016 running goals. We're super excited to be presenting a ton of new running courses in 2016 to help you reach these goals. 

In this week's Q&A we speak with Ben Rempel, who's been busy organizing these courses, which will become better known as Brainsport Running Academy.

Q&A with Ben Rempel

Tara: There is a lot coming up in the new year for those looking to get into some organized training. Let's start with the 6 Week Tune Up course. What can you tell us about this particular course?

Ben: The 6 Week Tune Up course is coached by Pat Somerville. It's aimed at runners who are wanting to fine tune their form for the 2016 Brainsport Brainfreeze. It can be tough getting back to form after a busy holiday season and this is sure to be a fun and challenging group for runners who are looking to compete in the event!

Tara: What kinds of options will we have for those taking on a marathon?

Ben: For the upcoming Saskatchewan Marathon we have two different marathon training groups for the Brainsport Running Academy. The first one is an advanced group coached by Jason Warick. This group will be perfect for runners who are looking to set a personal best or achieve their top fitness for the event. Jason is an experienced and talented coach, and we are extremely grateful that he has agreed to coach with us!

The second marathon group for the Brainsport Running Academy is a beginner group. Running a marathon is a pretty daunting task and starting from scratch in training can be a very intimidating thing. This group is perfect for those who are up to the challenge of finishing their first marathon, or for those who need some extra motivation to complete another one.

Tara: We also have some other courses at Brainsport Running Academy for those doing distances other than the marathon at this year's Saskatchewan Marathon. What more can you tell us about these?

Ben: We have a very busy year this year with the Brainsport Running Academy. As well as the groups previously discussed, we have a 1/2 Marathon Group for the Saskatchewan Marathon beginning in February coached by Mike McDonald. Mike has coached for Brainsport before and we are excited to have him back coaching for us. We also have a 10K group coached by Pat Somerville for the Saskatchewan Marathon beginning in March. Pat is hands down the busiest coach for Brainsport, and is sure to make this a challenging group for his runners.

Tara: Our Learn To Run groups are always very popular. Will they be back in 2016?

Ben: Our Learn to Run groups are definitely returning in 2016. We have two currently planned at the moment, with the first aimed at training for the 5K for the Saskatchewan Marathon, coached by Dave Stark. The second is aimed at the 5K for the 2016 Mogathon. Our Learn to Run groups are important for a lot of people in the community. Running is something that, if done correctly, can be done for a lifetime. However, learning how to properly train your body is a difficult thing. We're excited our Brainsport Running Academy is going to help teach those in our community how to run!

Tara: We're introducing a new speaker series in 2016. What can you tell us about this?

Ben: One of the more exciting changes in the new year for the Brainsport Running Academy is the new structure we are introducing for our speaker series that we offer for our participants. Our speakers will now be presenting on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. We are also going to be changing up the lectures we have been giving as a way to educate our runners. This new format will make the talks more fun and will give the runners the option as to whether or not they want to educate themselves on certain topics.

Upcoming Events:

New Years Eve No Frills Chili Run

Save the date for the 4th Annual New Years Eve No Frills Chili Run. 
Say goodbye to 2015 and toast in 2016!
Registration forms available at Brainsport starting December 1. Cost: $15.00 Place: Brainsport

Lighten Up! Fun Run

Get out your bells, and battery-operated l.e.d. lights. Decorate yourself for a fun run on the first day of winter. Hot beverages, and dainties post-run provided by D'lish. No fee, no registration, just fun. Bikes are welcome. Sunday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m. at d'Lish by Tish Cafe. For more information clickhere.

Fall Triathlon Training

Transition Sport and Fitness' Fall Triathlon Training Program starts this week and there are still a few spots open to Swim, Bike, & Run (with 1, 2, or 3 times per week options). All abilities welcome. If you've ever wanted to try triathlon (or perhaps receive some technical swim instruction by an international-level coach) now is your chance. Visitwww.transitionsportandfitness.cafor more information. Or register here.

Leg Speed for Triathletes and Runners

ZONE Sports Physiotherapy's Friday Morning Track Session is a go at the Saskatoon Field House. 24 sessions, starting November 6 to December 18, resuming again January 8 to April 29.

Time: 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. Cost: $360 for all 24 sessions. Minimum of 8 athletes, maximum of 20 athletes. Please email Brad Spokes atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your spot in this program.

Yoga for Triathletes and Runners

Looking to up your overall human performance? Come sign up for ZONE Sports Physiotherapy's Thursday Night Yoga Classes with Instructor Josh Safronetz, Baptiste Institute Yoga Instructor in training. Josh promises to leave you sweating with this style of yoga. Improve your global flexibility, breathing, and overall core strength in these one-hour sessions. Sign up today by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as there are only six spots left. 

Thursday nights from 6:15 to 7:15 at ZONE Sports Physiotherapy.
November 19  to December 17, resuming January 7 to March 31. 
Cost: $240 for all 18 sessions www.baptisteyoga.com.

Yoga For Runners

Thanks for reading the Times this week . . .gotta run . . . Tara