Congratulations to all the kids who rocked the Brainsport Kids of Steel Triathlon last weekend!
This week we're keeping the focus on the triathlon with an interview with young and upcoming triathlete here in Saskatoon - Kaycee Schroeder. Kaycee moved to Saskatoon two years ago from Dundurn. She's been competing in triathlon for 10 years, along with track and cross country.
Let's get to know more about Kaycee and hear some of her insights on the triathlon scene here in Saskatoon and surrounding area.
Q&A with Kaycee Schroeder
Tara: As we saw again with the success of this year's Brainsport Kids of Steel Triathlon- along with the increasing interest in the sport from adults, triathlon is alive and well in Saskatoon and the surrounding area. As a young woman competing in the sport, what do you think makes for such a strong triathlon scene here?
Kaycee: We have a strong triathlon community in Saskatoon that is very close and welcoming. Shortly after I started competing in triathlon both my parents and younger sister began too. After competing at local races we made many close friends and were welcomed into the triathlon family.
Tara: What you looking forward to in this upcoming triathlon season?
Kaycee: This triathlon season is a big year for the Junior Elites across Canada as it is a Canada Summer Games year. Currently, I am trying for a spot on team Saskatchewan and am hoping to represent my province at the Games in Winnipeg at the beginning of August. As well as I am looking forward to representing Team Canada at Multisport Worlds in Penticton, BC in August. I will be competing In the aquathlon. We have several other triathletes that have qualified for worlds as well in the decathlon and off-road triathlon.
Tara: How did you involved in the sport and what has kept you in it?
Kaycee: When I was younger I had a fear of water and hated swimming. My parents found out about Kids of Steel racing and decided to put me in it. I hated the whole swim as I couldn't swim but absolutely loved the bike and run aspect of triathlon. After my first race, my parents encouraged me to continue with swimming lessons and put me in triathlon clinics for kids. Every summer I would compete in one or two local Kids of Steel races. When I turned 11 I met RossAnn Edwards the provincial coach and I went out and trained with her team a couple times. As I got older I started traveling to more races and eventually made it to where I am now traveling North America racing. I love the sport. I stayed in it because I love the challenges that I face every day in training and racing.
Tara: In the coming years how do you think triathlon will continue to grow in the area? What do you have to say to others who are looking at getting into the sport?
Kaycee: Triathlon is not a well-known sport but with the publicity, it is getting more and more people are giving it a try. The best advice I can give to people that are just starting or have been competing in it for awhile is that sports and competing is all about having fun and loving what you do. Hard work and dedication pays off and when you love the sport, everything will come together that much easier.
Tara: Talk to us a bit about On running shoes - what makes them a favorite of yours?
Kaycee: On running has been on the triathlon scene for a couple years already. A couple years ago my dad bought a pair and bragged about how amazing they were. It took me awhile to get behind the shoe as they are a bit different from your typical running shoe. I did a lot of research on them and saw that quite a number of pro triathletes were sponsored by On and competing in them so I decided to give them a try. My first run in them was amazing, I had no odd pains in my foot, the shoe fit like a glove on my foot and felt super light. I train and race in the Cloud; it's lightweight but still, offers the support I need. On has multiple different shoes for every runner. They have excellent technology behind them and everyone I know that has a pair loves them.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Kaycee: Thank you to Brainsport for giving me this opportunity to talk about my triathlon experience and helping me out along this journey. The triathlon community in Saskatoon has been very supportive and helped me a lot in my 10 years in this sport. I have been fortunate to travel and race in the places I have and I always love representing Saskatchewan.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Shoe Donation Request
We have a request from a local high-school teacher for gently-used running shoes - ASAP! Four boys who are avid runners are in need of shoes by this Friday. All four boys were size 10. Please drop donations at Brainsport.
EY River Run Classic
The EY River Run Classic, organized by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association, is being held in Saskatoon on Sunday, July 9. The event consists of a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, with the 10K race being part of the Saskatchewan Athletics Road Race Series. It is a great route along the South Saskatchewan River. For those of you who will not be entering the race, please consider volunteering (volunteers can contact Nancy Milhousen
Queen City Marathon
This year's Queen City Marathon is being held on the weekend of September 8. Considered one of the premier running events in the province, this is a race consider getting on your list. There are racing options for everyone at this event! Click here to learn more.
Open Water Swim Clinics
Transition is offering Open Water Swim Clinics at Pike Lake this June. These clinics are designed to increase triathletes/swimmers confidence and skills in the open water and are targeted at both beginner and experienced triathletes/swimmers. The focus is on skills and tips for open water swimming including sighting, swimming around buoys, exits, etc. For more information click here.
Tri-Unity Challenge
Registration for the 2017 Tri-Unity Challenge being held on August 12 is now open. Challenge yourself to walk, jog or run 18K, 8K or 3K - all while taking in the sights of Pasquia Regional Park in the Carrot River Valley. For more information and to register click here.
Canada Goose 150 Race
This one-time only, no-pressure distance running event is being held on June 24 and 25 in Wascana Park in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. There's something for everyone at this fun-inspired event. Choose from 150-minute run to a 150K run, with plenty of other options in between. For more information click here.
Canada 150 Ultramarathon
Celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary by taking on this unique ultra marathon traversing the Canadian Shield. The event will be held on July 1 at Falcon Lake, Manitoba (race starts at Great Falls). Run the 150 solo, or get a team together to participate in the relay! For more information go to http://canada150ultra.com/registration/,
Breath Move Be Yoga - Six More Weeks!
Breath Move Be is offering runner specific yoga at Namaskar Yoga Studio (615 2nd Avenue North. Cost is $72 if pre-registered. There will also be a $17 drop-in option if there's room in the class. Pre-register by contacting
Product of the Week
On Cloudrush
We're now stocking On's latest innovation - the Cloudrush! This performance shoe is streamlined for running fast with 18 responsive, low-abbrasion rubber elements and the patented CloutTec sole. A Lightweight, high-grade EVA midsole provides great durability and performance. On shoes are like no shoe you've ever experienced before - come on out to Brainsport and feel for yourself!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara