YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Feb. 24, 2016
Spring is in the air! Well, maybe it's a bit too soon to make such a bold statement, but the mild temperatures so far this week certainly do serve as a reminder of warmer days ahead.
The mild temperatures are also a reminder that one very lucky Brainsport Run Club member, along with a guest, will be jetting off to Las Vegas this Fall for the Rock n’ Roll Marathon. If you're not familiar with the Rock Your Run Contest check out the "Up Coming Events" section for all the exciting details!
In this week's Q&A we speak with Justin Dempsey-Chiam, Brooks Country Manager — Canada, to learn more about the contest and Brooks' involvement.
Q&A with Justin Dempsey-Chiam
Tara: The Rock Your Run Contest is getting runners in Saskatoon quite excited. What inspired Brooks to want to be involved with the running community in this city?
Justin: We’ve always been impressed with the heartiness of runners in Saskatoon who will get outside and run in the harshest conditions. That’s the true definition of ‘Rockin’ Your Run’. Run Club at Brainsport has been a staple in Saskatoon for over two decades – we wanted to be a part of that.
Tara: Why is it important to Brooks that the contest winner receives an experience, rather than a product?
Justin: Brooks Running’s global brand campaign is “Live the Way you Run, Run Happy”. Part of a runner’s lifestyle is traveling to different cities for races to compete and to compete with runners from all over. It made sense to support that opportunity in a big way.
Tara: Would you mind telling us a bit about Brooks' relationship with Brainsport? And the significance of the store's 25th anniversary?
Justin: Brooks Running is committed to supporting independently-owned specialty running stores, like Brainsport, who do so much for their communities. Together we provide great products and service to keep you running faster, longer, and injury-free. We’re able to create a community that inspires everyone to run and be active. For us, the significance of celebrating Brainsport’s 25th anniversary is to recognize the long-standing impact Brian and Brainsport have had on Saskatoon to make it a healthier, more active place. We also want to celebrate Brainsport’s success as a local business that keeps dollars in Saskatoon.
Tara: How was the location and race selected? Is there a reason for it being Las Vegas?
Justin: Brooks Running is a sponsor of the Rock n’ Roll Marathon series across North America, hence the ‘Rock Your Run’ contest. The winners will be selected at Brainsport’s 25th anniversary event on July 13, so we needed to pick a Fall event for the winners to attend. Rock n' Roll Las Vegas is a special race because runners get to run down the strip (twice!), the bands along the course and post-race are great, and there is no shortage of things to do in Vegas.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Justin: Good luck to all the Run Clubbers! It’ll be a fun event on July 13 when we announce the winners!
Upcoming Events
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 13 anniversary Run Club gets and entry. In order to win you must be present for the draw on July 13. The prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas. Air, hotel and race entry included. Hope to see you at Run Club!
Nordic Walking Introductory Course
If you've ever thought about learning how to Nordic walk, here's a great opportunity!
A one-time fee of $30 set you up for classess on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 23 to March 21. Classes are held at the Physical Activity Complex (UofS) from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The course will cover:
- Different types of poles
- Basic and Advanced Poling techniques
- Warm-Up, Strength and Stretching with Poles
- Adapting technique to hills and hiking
Registration Available online at : https://beactive.usask.ca
Strength and mobility; a fascial rolling class with Theresa Ziegler
Learn how to optimize your tissue mobility and get a core workout ideal for runners at the same time. Streamline your strength and mobility into one effective workout. This class goes through multi-area foam rolling for tissue health and mobility, as well as intersperses each release technique with core specific strengthening work on hips, abdomen and back. Class size is up to 10 people — 45-60 minute classes.
Cost: $40 for 3 classes, foam rollers available for purchase for $45 or bring your own.
Dates: March 16, 23 and 30.
Sign up by leaving your e-mail at Brainsport.
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://
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 
Brainsport Running Academy
Spring Tune Up with Pat Somerville. This seven-week program is designed to get you ready for the Brainfreeze onMarch 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. Thursdaynights 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. Mondaynights 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/
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 at
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . .gotta run . . . Tara
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