Brainsport Times June. 13, 2018

It's tough to beat late spring/summer running in Saskatoon; the Bridge City really does have it all! And there's no better time to delve deeper into the sport, or pick it up as a beginner, than this time of year. 

To help you get off on the right foot the Brainsport Running Academy is offering a Learn to Run Course this summer designed to get you ready for the Teen Challenge Freedom Run on August 19. Rilla Johnson and Tarrant Cross Child are coaching this course, which is sure to be a fun and informative time! 

In this week's Q&A we're learning all about it in a conversation with Rilla, so let's get right to it!

Rilla Johnson

Tara: Before we get into talking about the Learn to Run Course itself, would you mind telling us a bit about your background as a runner and coach?

Rilla: I only started running after university, and it took me a while to learn to enjoy it. So I can definitely relate to people when it doesn't come easily to them at first. But after signing up for my first race in Saskatoon I was hooked! It wasn't until I signed up for a Brainsport Running Academy Course that I became really confident about running, setting goals for myself and running with others. 

Tara: What will you and Tarrant be focusing on in this course?

Rilla: We are excited to deliver a program that will help you reach your goals no matter where you are at. We'll take an incremental and individualized approach all while having fun! We'll teach proper running form, strength exercises for runners, lots of dynamic warmup drills, and learn some running terminology (ie. what the heck is a fartlek!?). Another awesome bonus of joining the course is getting to hear from guest speakers who will cover proper running technique and injury prevention, nutritional needs and other important topics specific to runners. 


Rilla Johnson and Tarrant Cross Child will get you ready to run a 5K and have lots of fun along the way. Photo Josh Alex

Tara: How much running should participants expect to do on a weekly basis for this course? Is there a level of fitness someone needs to be in order to sign up?

Rilla: We'll meet as a group once a week (Mondays at 6 p.m .at Brainsport), and we'll also give you some suggested 'homework' to do during the week, consisting of approximately three other days of running. The course is designed for those with little or no running experience, but also for those that can run a 5k or 10k but are looking to improve their times and become a better all-around runner. 

Tara: This is course is designed to get participants ready for the Teen Challenge Freedom Run. For a lot of people, this might be their first-ever organized running event. What do you have to say to calm those who might be nervous about signing up?
 
Rilla: The Freedom Run is a fun family event that is perfect for runners and walkers of all fitness levels. Fun runs are great unintimidating atmospheres, with so much encouragement and support! And 5K is a great distance for everyone! For those that want to walk, those that want to run with others, to get your kids to join you, even for those that want a fast time. Preparation is key to feeling calm before a race. This course will help you feel confident about your race plan, help you know what to eat prior to, how to warm up, and best of all, remind you to have fun! The race is a great way to showcase and celebrate all the work you've put in to get you to the starting line. 

Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
 
Rilla: For those that have signed up for the Learn the Run Course or anyone reading this, please sign up for the Freedom Run on August 19. This fun run is in support of the Teen Challenge Prairie Hope Women's Centre - making a huge difference in the lives of women in Saskatchewan struggling with addiction. 

Upcoming Events

Brainssport Running Academy 




Learn to Run Course (Teen Challenge Freedom Run) 
Join coaches Tarrant Cross Child and Rilla Johnson in our interactive and fun-filled Learn To Run training course for the Teen Challenge Freedom Run. Expert guest speakers will be presenting on proper running technique and injury prevention, nutritional needs and other important topics specific to runners.

This course will get you ready for the Teen Challenge Freedom Run 5K being held on Sunday, August 19. The course begins Monday, June 25 and ends Monday, August 13/18. For more information and toregister go to http://www.brainsport.ca/.

Summer Tune-Up Course
Starting June 12 through  Sept. 4 Brainsport Run Academy will be opening some spots for the Summer Tune-up Course with Coach Pat Somerville. These will be hard training sessions designed to get you ready for the fall racing season.

If you're interested call Brainsport at 306-244-0955 and speak with Harvey. Or email Harvey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There will be limited openings for this course because of the large group already.
 

Teen Challenge Freedom Run 

Runners and walkers of all fitness levels will join together for our Teen Challenge Freedom Run on August 19. This 5K fun run is in support of the Teen Challenge Prairie Hope Women's Centre. Whether you are a seasoned runner or first-time participant, end your summer with a healthy living challenge and support a great cause fighting addiction across Saskatchewan. To register click here.

Also, check out the Learn to Run Course at the Brainsport Running Academy designed to get you ready for the Teen Challenge Freedom Run. 

Saskatoon Triathlon Club Races & Call for Volunteers

There are still a couple of opportunities to delve into the local triathlon scene this summer both as a race participant and volunteer. The STCI is looking for volunteers for the following races - there is also space available for participants to sign up to race.- Brainsport Kids of Steel Saturday, June 16 (sold out - volunteers still wanted)
- Living Sky Triathlon Saturday, June 23 - June 24 (register here)

To volunteer contact STCI Volunteers: http:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Brainsport Cross Country and Track Coach's Summit

Coaches of all levels are welcome to this free clinic on June 23, featuring guest coach Jason Warick!

This is an opportunity to learn strategies and techniques for coaching children within an interactive, participatory environment. There will be a free lunch and door prizes (bonus!). 

The summit will be held on June 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at Brainsport. To register email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Space is limited. Register by June 18.

Participants Wanted for U of S Study 

Dentistry students at the U of S are looking for participants for a student-research study testing the effects of Gatorade on teeth in endurance athletes. Participation involves performing a VO2 max test and two 90-treadmill minute runs; one while drinking Gatorade and the other water. Saliva will be collected during the runs and the acidity will be tested.

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 50-years-old. Testing days are scheduled for June 10, 17 and 19, but other dates will be accommodated if necessary. Participants are paid $50 at the end the testing and are given their VO2 max results. If interested in participating contact Dylan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Athletic-focused Yoga

Breath Move Be Yoga wants to help you become a better athlete. A regular and well-rounded yoga practice helps bring the body into symmetrical alignment helping to prevent overuse injuries in endurance athletes. Yoga can help with flexibility, balance, and whole-body strength, thereby improving your form, efficiency, and power. 

Join Breath Move Be for their athletic-focused yoga class at their new location on a new evening. Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. from May 31 to June 28 at Midwest Karate Studio. $70 pre-registered by May 25. Drop-in sessions are available through June 28. Email Leanne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text 306-251-2964 to register.


Product of the Week

Keen Newport H2 Retro 



Sandal season has arrived! Keen is consistently among our most popular brands of sandals each year and with good reason. They are durable, waterproof, comfortable and can take you just about anywhere on your summer adventures. The Iconic Newport sandal turns 15 this year - and we're carrying this colourful version in celebration. Come check it out, along with our other Keen offerings. We'll get you set and ready to take on summer!

Thanks for reading the Times.

Gotta run,
Tara