Brainsport Times Feb. 8, 2017

Thanks to everyone who took part last Wednesday in our special Walk/Run Club in celebration of Wintershines. It's always great to see familiar and new faces out to share in the fun! 

In this week's Times we're turning our attention back to the Brainsport Running Academy. 
Our Learn to Run, Performance Marathon and Standard Marathon courses are all underway at this point, which leaves us with the Half Marathon and 10k courses to preview.

Today we're going to speak with Jen Kripki, the coach of our Half Marathon course. This course gets started on February 13, so there's still time to sign up! 

Q&A with Jen Kripki 

Tara: Let's start by giving people some of your background as both a coach and runner. What kind of experience are you bringing to this half marathon course?

Jen: I have been coaching various clinics with Brainsport for the past eight years. Anywhere from the Learn to Run to Performance Marathon level. I’m also a Registered Massage Therapist, Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor. Running has always been a part of my life. I started as a fitness runner 24 years ago and changed modes to distance racing 14 years ago. I have since  then tested the waters in ultra marathon running and triathlon.  

Tara:  Is it possible to give us a rundown of what you'll be covering over the duration of this course?

Jen: I always put emphasis on practicing proper running technique to become a more efficient runner and help avoid injuries to the best degree possible. Core strength is also a huge player in my clinics, as your core is where we generate power to push the body forward when we run.

Jen running in the 2013 Chicago Marathon. Photo supplied

Tara: Is this course designed for people of all levels?

Jen: This course  is designed for both those looking to complete their first half marathon and also those looking to improve on past half marathon times. I recommend that anyone taking this course be able to currently run a minimum of 8k comfortably.

Tara: What are your hopes for participants in terms of race day and beyond?

Jen: My hope is that each participant goes into race day feeling well prepared and has an awesome, enjoyable run experience. Beyond race day, I would hope to run into participants on the trails and see that they've continued to incorporated running into their lifestyle.

Tara:  Is there anything else you would like to add?

Jen: All of the courses held at the Brainsport Running Academy are a fantastic way to meet other runners in the community who share a common goal. You have the support of a group that will get you to the start line and to cheer you in as you make your way to the finish line.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Brainsport Running Academy - Spring Courses


Below are brief descriptions of this year's spring courses. For more information, including dates and registration go to: http://www.brainsport.ca/. Spots still available in some courses that have already started - inquire for more information on all courses.

Performance Marathon Course:

Coached by Jason Warick, this will be an intense training course for the experienced and serious runner wanting to reach a competitive edge. Jason is a very high qualified coach and knows what it takes to be an extremely competitive runner.

Standard Marathon Course:

Coached by Pat Sommerville, you will be training with like-minded athletes as you work toward taking on 26.2 miles. Pat has coached countless running courses at the Brainsport Running Academy and is known for his coaching technique and ability to help you reach your goals.

Half-Marathon Course:

Coached by Jen Kripki, this will be a fun, interactive training time with athletes wanting to do their first half-Marathon or raise their running to a higher level. Jen Kripki is a very experienced runner, personal trainer and coach.

10k Course:

Coached by Tarrant Cross Child, this will be an engaging and interactive course. Tarrant will bring both his knowledge of running, and his personal desire to see people excel to the group. This course is designed to take you to a new level of running and is geared at the beginner and established runner. Tarrant will have a training program for everyone.

Learn To Run Course:

Coached by Cara Mazurak, the Learn To Run course is designed to accommodate those from a non-running background, or someone coming back to running after an extended time away. This is an 8-week course, which will culminate with a 5km race. The Learn to Run course will give you a solid foundation for your future running goals. 
 

Virtual Pilates and Virtual Rides

For runners looking for some great recovery, strengthening, and cross-training options, Transition is now offering pilates and cycling from the comfort of your own home. These interactive live web-streamed classes are unique in that. if you choose to have your webcam Coach Carly can see you and correct technique and interact.

Join live: Pilates for Strength, Recovery and Injury Prevention (Monday nights 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. For more information click on the link. http://www.powhow.com/classes/transition-sport-and-fitness/pilates-for-strength-recovery-and-injury-prevention

For those with an at-home trainer Virtual Rides take place Sunday mornings. Click the link for more information.http://www.powhow.com/classes/transition-sport-and-fitness/virtual-ride-triathlon-training-winter-2017/313494

Brainsport Shoe Donation Progtram  


The Brainsport Shoe Donation Program has received a request for basketball shoes. If you have gently-used basketball shoes please consider dropping them off at the store for donation. They will go a long way in making sure no child is left sitting on the bench because they don't have proper footwear.

Just Tri-It - Triathlon Training

Ladies, have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a triathlon? Are you looking for a fun and challenging spring training program? The Just Tri-it program gives you eight weeks - starting on March 19 - of swim, bike and run training, plus entry into the Makin It Happen Triathlon, where you can show off your new skills. Registration is now open, and it always sells out! Learn more and register click here.


Brainsport Brainfreeze


The 9th Annual Brainfreeze, in support of the U of S Cross Country Team, is set for Sunday March 5, 2017! This year there will be the addition of a 5K race, along with the 10K and half-marathon distances. Start time is 10 a.m. in front of Brainsport (also the finish). Register by going to www.brainsport.ca. 


Breath Move Be - Yoga for Runners

Drop-in is available for 2017 classes. Contact Leanne, below, for more information.
Breath Move Be is back with more yoga for runners in the new year. Join in this runner-specific yoga class starting January 10 through February 28. Classes will be held at Namaskar Yoga Studio on Tuesday nights from 6:05 to 7:05. For more information and to register email Leanne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text 306-251-2964.


Triathlon Training

Transition Sport and Fitness is offering Distance Group, or Personalized Coaching for anyone wanting to take their swim, bike, or run training to the next level. 
Visit www.transitionsportandfitness.cafor more info on all programs.

Start2Finish


Every week, at one of Saskatoon's community schools, volunteers and children come together for a running and reading program called Start2Finish. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Saskatoon's at-risk children. You run, read, and share a word of the day with the group of kids. Start2Finish not only allows you the opportunity to give back to the community, and gain a rewarding experience, but also allows you to help children grow in a positive way. If you are interested in giving a couple hours of your time email http:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or http:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information on the program go to www.start2finishonline.org. 


Product of the Week

FlipBelt

Whether training for a Spring race, or simply putting in your regular weekly miles, there are few things more annoying than having your cell phone, or keys flopping around in the pocket of a jacket or wherever you've tried to stow stuff away. The FlipBelt is a lightweight, unnoticeable option for carrying everything from a cell phone to bank cards while on the run. Come try one on at the store and see for yourself just how comfortable and functional the FlipBelt is! 
 

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