YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Jan. 24, 2018
This week we're excited to bring you a conversation with Jason Warick about his recent trip to Eldoret, Kenya!
Jason has been to Eldoret several times - each time bringing shoes from the Brainsport Shoe Donation Program along with him to give away. There's a lot to cover with Jason, so let's get right to it!
Q&A with Jason Warick
Tara: For those who are not familiar with your past visits to Kenya, would you mind sharing a brief history of your time there?
Jason: I first went to Eldoret, Kenya in 2004 for three weeks of marathon training. I went this Christmas with my wife, our kids and her family. It was my fourth trip there as the links and partnerships with Saskatoon keep growing.
Jason and his daughter Annie, with a group of shoe recipients. Photo supplied
Tara: What motivated you to return for this most recent trip?
Jason: I hadn't been back for several years. During that time, Kip Keino High School was completed and is now open. It was built in large part with more than $100,000 raised by Saskatoon people, much of it by Brainsport Run Club members and others on the local running scene. It was pretty emotional to see the place - 300 students go to this basic but beautiful school with basic computer and science labs, an auditorium and classes in Swahili, English and Mandarin. They are hoping to build a 400m dirt track next year.
The second reason was to take more than 300 pairs of mostly new Brainsport shoes to the young athletes at Kip Keino's, Lornah Kiplagat's and other training camps in the region. The hope is these shoes - and the thousands of new and used ones taken in previous trips - have played a small role in helping these athletes reach their potential. They've been on the feet of at least three future Olympic and world champions - Asbel Kiprop, Ezekeil Kemboi and Janeth Jepkosgei - as well as dozens of others who've gone on to earn money for their families and villages in marathons and at track meets around the world.
Kip Keino stands outside Kip Keino High School. Donations from Saskatonians helped build the school. Photo supplied
Tara: What kind of impact have you seen the Brainsport Shoe Donation Program have on the community in Eldoret?
Jason: As Brian, my parents Randy and Judy and others have seen when they visited, these shoes and the school are tools for development. These things compliment the amazing work Kenyan runners are doing for their own communities. They're building and running the schools, health clinics, training camps and children's homes.
Saskatonian Lialo Salaash talking to a group of Masaai women artists gathered to discuss the Oltumo Project. Photo supplied
Tara: How does visiting Kenya inspire you as a runner and coach?
Jason: Running is largely an individual act, but you can use your running to accomplish greater things - in our case, we've made new friends, got an insider's view of a fascinating part of the world, and hopefully helped the Kenyans who are making their communities a bit better.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Jason: We also took a side trip down to the Masaai Mara for an incredible safari, and visit to the village of Brainsport Run Club member Lialo Salaash. Their Oltumo Project has brought a solar-powered well, community gardens, composting toilets and other innovations to the area.
Upcoming Events
Brainsport Run Club - Thursday Morning Run 
The Brainsport Run Club is now gathering every Thursday morning at 10 a.m at the store. This session is in addition to the Wednesday, 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. sessions. Run Club is free and open to all levels of runners. We look forward to seeing you out with us for a run!
Brainsport Run Academy Winter/Spring Courses
Join our interactive and fun-filled training courses with expert guest speakers presenting on healthy running technique and injury prevention specific to runners. Our high-quality coaches will prepare a program for you which will help you reach your personal running goals. We have listed several options for you to chose from for your winter training desires.
Learn To Run: Jan. 10, coached by Karon Mathies. This course will prepare beginner runners for the 2018 Brainsport Brainfreeze
Learn To Run: Jan. 17 at the YMCA, coached by Jen Kripki. This course will prepare beginner runners for the 2018 Brainsport Brainfreeze.
Learn To Run: Training for the 2018 Saskatchewan Marathon 5K event. Begins April 4, ends May 23.
10K Run Course: Coached by Jen Kripki. Begins Feb. 19, ends May 21.
Standard Half and Full Marathon Course:Coached by Pat Somerville. Starts Feb. 5, ends May 21. This course is suitable for first-time distance runners, or those wanting to pick up their pace.
Advanced Half and Full Marathon Course:Coached by Mike McKague. Starts Feb. 5, ends May 21. This course is suitable for runners aiming for a personal best time.
#PatTrick Run Program: This is an on-going training group coached by Pat Sommerville. Participants can join at any time. Training will include preparation for the Brainsport Brainfreeze, Saskatchewan Marathon, and Queen City Marathon.
For more information on any of these courses, and to register go to www.brainsport.ca. Or call the store at 306-244-0955.
Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon
The 2018 Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon is being held on April 29. This event features 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances - and is open to runners/walkers of all levels. For more information and to register go to https://saskatoonpoliceservicefoundation.org/.
Just Tri It
The women's only eight-week triathlon program runs from March 18 to May 13 and includes, 3 sessions per week, one of each swimming, biking, and running. For more information about the program visit https://justtriitcom.wordpress.com/.
Brainsport Brainfreeze
Join us for the 10th Anniversary Brainfreeze! Run a 5k, 10k or half marathon and support the UofS Huskies Cross Country team. This run will feature chip timing, and the first 300 entrants will receive a pair of custom Mizuno running tights. Registration is open at Brainsport and online at http://www.brainsport.ca.
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track & Field Championships
Registration is now open for the 10th Annual Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track & Field Championships, being held on March 2 and March 3at the Saskatoon Field House.
Visit www.saskatf.ca for more information, and for details on how to register to compete, or volunteer.
Yoga For Runners - New Classes beginning in 2018
Come experience the benefits of yoga for runners, with the Breath Move Be instructors at Namaskar Yoga Studio - 615 2nd Avenue North. $100 pre-registered and $17 for drop-in (if available space). Classes run from January 9 to February 17. Register by contactinghttp:
Product of the Week
New Balance 1400TG
If you're on the hunt for a high-quality winter boot for a great price, we've got you covered! The New Balance 1400TG is a waterproof, insulated, supportive boot that also comes in various widths to ensure the greatest of comfort. Right now, in the wake of the Burn the Bill Sale, this boot is 40% off!
Thanks for reading the Times!
Gotta run,
Tara
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