Brainsport Times Feb. 10, 2016

Over the past few weeks there has been a great deal of discussion across the country about the school shooting in La Loche. Through the analysis, questions, and theorizing about why it happened, and how to prevent it from happening again, mental health has emerged as a primary focus of discussion. 

It's very timely this week to have the opportunity to talk about mental health and physical activity with Sgt. Wade Bourassa of the Saskatoon Police Service.

Sgt. Bourassa is currently in his 17th year of service with the Saskatoon Police Service. The father of two is also a big time runner, with 10 marathons behind him. His service to the city has been recognized publicly numerous times. He is the recipient of the Governor Generals Award for Bravery, has received the M.D. Ambulance lifesavers award and the Chiefs award for community service.
 

Q&A with Sgt. Wade Bourassa

Tara: What impact has your position with the Saskatoon Police Service had on your knowledge and experience in understanding physical activity and its relationship with mental health?

Sgt. Bourassa: As a person who is pre-disposed to depression and who has served 17 years with the Saskatoon Police Service, I can running has played a life saving role; not only for me, but also for my co-workers and those who we are there to help. My experience has changed the way I deal with people. I have been exposed to some of the most depressing, stressful and terrifying circumstances anyone can think of, yet something has kept me going. Running is that thing!

As a team leader of the Saskatoon Police Service CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) team I see, hear and debrief the effects of every serious critical incident our officers deal with everyday. My 17 years of firsthand experience, feeling the bumps along the way, has motivated me to seek training and understanding to help others. I wish I had the help and understanding 15 years ago.

Tara: You have found running to be vital to your own mental health. Would you mind telling us a bit more about that?

Sgt. Bourassa: Early in my policing career I started running to maintain my physical fitness. Little did I know it would carry me through some of the darkest moments of my life. There are two things I have lost count of over the years. One, the number of tragic incidents I have experienced.  And two, the number of miles I have run thinking about number one.

Running helps me sort out my thoughts and allows me to move on to the next day in the right frame of mind for me, my wife and children and my friends and co-workers. Without running, over the years I would have had a hard time sleeping and eating and so on.

Sometimes the motivation to run focuses on my physical health and sometimes competition. No matter what the motivation is, there are always side benefits to the other forms of motivation. When I decided to train for one of the 10 marathons I have run there was always a moment when the motivation to train pulled me through a dark period. The same can be said for running through a dark period - it helps my physical and mental health and brings me back to a happy place to be.


A throwback photo of Sgt. Bourassa earlier on in his policing career, running the Boston Marathon.

Tara: This year the funds raised at the Saskatoon Police Service Half Marathon are going to the Saskatoon Police Service Foundation. There is a connection to mental health here, can you explain more?

Sgt. Bourassa: The Saskatoon Police Half Marathon for me has always been a way to motivate my peers to run and stay healthy. I wanted to develop an event that showed my co-workers that the community supports them. I wanted to show the community what a great bunch of people I work with and tell their stories. The side benefits of these things are the mental health of our officers and the community. When there is a bad story told about a tragic event, the officers and members of our community who were involved need to know they support each other. What better way than to gather together and go for a run and raise some money to make things better.

Tara: What are your thoughts on the La Loche shooting?

Sgt. Bourassa: The events and circumstances that have transpired in La Loche are clearly tragic but are also years and several generations in the making. The possibility of something like this happening in another community in Saskatchewan is real.

I have been involved in several armed confrontations and have lived through the effects they have had on my family and me. The focus and support needs to be on the families and communities involved. 

The police and first responders are people who we need to rely on in these situations. In the end our first responders are also part of the community and need support to move forward.

Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add on the issue of mental health and physical activity?

Sgt. Bourassa: The Saskatoon Police Service is no different than any other police service. Their people are sometimes in crisis and need our support. The news stories seem to be on a 24-hours news cycle but the stories and experiences stay forever for those involved.Physical activity and mental health are like first responders and their community. They need each other to stay healthy.

Upcoming Events
 
Saskatoon Police Service Half Marathon

The 2016 Saskatoon Police Service Half Marathon will be held on May 1 at 8 a.m at police headquarters. For more information and to register go to: https://saskatoonpoliceservicefoundation.org/events/2016-half-marathon/

Brainsport Brainfreeze

Get ready to shake off that winter rust, and support the Huskie Cross-Country team! The Brainsport Brainfreeze starts at 10 a.m. on March 6 at Brainsport. The event consists of a 10K and a half marathon distance. The course goes down the Broadway Bridge and Meewasin Trail. The 10k turnaround point is just before the Circle Drive Bridge, and the half marathon turnaround is down the Meewasin Trail near Adilman Drive. 

This race is the Huskie program's main fundraiser, and the team has been working hard to organize the race with the help of Brainsport. All that’s left is for you to sign up! Go to http://www.brainsport.ca to register online, or come into the store to register.

For more information visit Brainsport’s website or contact the race director Iain McCormick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..



Brainsport Running Academy

Spring Tune Up with Pat Somerville. This seven-week program is designed to get you ready for the Brainfreeze on March 6. It is best suited to the 10K event, but adjustments can be made to accommodate experienced runners who are preparing for the half marathon distance. $100. This session will not include the Speaker's Series. Tuesday nights at 6, starting on January 19.

Performance Marathon with Jason Warick - Achieve your best marathon performance with the help of one of Canada's top talents. This 18-week course is designed for runners with sub-two hour half-marathon experience. $170. Thursday nights at 7:15, starting on January 28.

Beginner/Recreational Marathon with Tobi Rempel - Looking to gear up for your first Marathon? Come out and join one of Saskatchewan's most experienced endurance athletes. This 18-week course is designed for runners who are new to the Marathon distance. Monday nights at 6, starting on January 27. 

Half-Marathon with Mike McDonald - Both new and experienced half-marathoners alike will get an energy boost from this course. The 14-week course is open to any runner capable of running continuously for 35 minutes. $145. Monday nights at 6, starting on February 22.

10k with Pat Somerville - Build your endurance and unlock new speed with this fun and challenging 10-week course. Runners should be comfortable running 35 min. continuously before taking the course. $120. Tuesday nights at 6, starting on March 22.

To sign up for any of the Running Academy courses go tohttp://www.brainsport.ca/running-academy.htmll or drop by Brainsport.

Rock Your Run contest

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Brainsport Running Club we are excited to announce the Rock Your Run contest. Brooks shoes is sending one lucky run club member to run the Las Vegas Marathon this fall. There are several ways to enter: 1) Every time you lead a group at Run Club you get an entry. 2) All new Run Club members will get an entry. 3) Everyone who comes out to our July 13th anniversary Run Club gets and entry. In order to win you must be present for the draw on July 13th. The prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas. Air, hotel and race entry included. Hope to see you at Run Club!


Yoga For Runners

Come experience the benefits of yoga for runners.Wednesdays January 20 to March 9 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the Brainsport Community Room. $112 preregistered. $18/class drop in if there is room. There are just three spots left. To register contact Leanne atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or 306-251-2964.