Brainsport Times Mar. 23, 2016

Runners of all levels, another opportunity to meet and run with others is coming to the city!

On April 14 New Balance Saskatoon is launching NB Run Crew. This group will provide a relaxed, inclusive environment for everyone to come out and enjoy a run together. If you're already a regular Brainsport Run Club goer this may be a nice addition to your weekly routine. If you've never been to a running group before Run Crew is another great way to get started!

In this week's Q&A we're talking to one of its co-leaders, Madison Heise, to learn more.

Tara: Let's start by learning more about you and co-leader of Run Crew, Saija Shearer. You are business partners at Black Dove Healthy Eats, and running partners too — would you mind telling us more about your background?

Madison: Saija and I are best friends, we are not business partners. We met through Thrive Juice Co. We were both working there, we both have a passion for good healthy food and started a summer project of writing a cook book (Black Dove Healthy Eats). The project ended up becoming bigger than we had imagined so we just decided to set the it on the back burner because neither of us wanted the commitment of a business and we didn't want to lose our friendship if we were to get in over our heads.

In September we met every Monday for six weeks with a small group of friends and we went for a run by the river. Saija and I made snacks for the people who would come and run with us. It was a simple run with no competition, just a group of friends wanting to exercise and eat good food together. Once the snow hit our small running group kind of did their own thing with potential plans of doing another friend group run in the spring. Little did we know it would actually be with New Balance and and big crew.
 
Tara: What excites you about bringing Run Crew to the city?

Madison: We are excited to be working with New Balance and this Run Crew because it's something that Saskatoon is missing. There are lots of great running groups, but a lot of them seem to be on the more competitive side. Where as before this neither of us considered ourselves runners because we just enjoyed running and not competing. We kind of see it as more of social hobby with our friends than as a sport.

Tara: Run Crew has a wonderful, inclusive philosophy — what can you tell
us about it?

Madison: Run Crew's philosophy is "just show up" — we want you to just come and run with us. We aren't there to coach you or tell you how to do things. We are there as support and as friends. We want participants to set personal goals, if that's what you want to do. But, most importantly we want them to run with us, have fun and feel included.

Tara:  What do you hope runners will experience and take away from their time with Run Crew?

Madison: We hope people have fun and feel good about themselves. If this is their first time running with a group that's okay because completing your first group run is a huge accomplishment in itself. We look forward to being part of people's experiences and helping to encourage them.
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

NB Run Crew meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at New Balance Saskatoon. Always free and open to all levels. The group runs every week from April 14 to June 9. This group is led by the girls of Black Dove Healthy Eats(Saija Shearer & Madison Heise) and will finish at the 5K event at the Mogathon on June 12! For more information check out NB's Facebook page.

Brainsport Running Academy
Learn to Run with David Stark - Take the first steps towards a lifetime of running with our beginner course. Start with a brisk 30 minute walk and progress in 8 weeks to a continuous 30 minute run.  the course includes a souvenir tech shirt and our Speaker's Series  after the workout. $90 Wednesday nights at 6 p.m., starting on April 6. To sign up go tohttp://www.brainsport.ca/running-academy.htmll or drop by Brainsport.

19th Annual Zoo Run
Sunday, April 24 is the 19th Annual Zoo Run. Saskatoon's most unique running course featuring a 5K fun run or 2.5K walk through the  winding roads and trails of the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. The event is a fundraiser for the Saskatoon Zoo Society to support their environmental education programs. Participants receive a  souvenir T-shirt (they are tech shirts this year), post run cinnamon buns and refreshments, a chance at some cool draw prizes, and admission to the zoo for the day. Entry forms are available at Brainsport. You  can enter on-line or drop your completed entry form at Brainsport. Early registration deadline is April 15. For more information or online registration visit http://saskatoonzoosociety.ca/event/zoorun/ or call Greg Fenty at 306-975-3042.
 

Brainsport Spring Run Off in Elbow
 

Brainsport is introducing a fun new event for you this spring! Come join us for a beautiful run along the shore of Lake Diefenbacker on May 14. Take part in either the 5K or 10K fun run and enjoy refreshments and entertainment afterward. For more details go to:  http://www.brainsport.ca/events.

Club NB is the New Balance Saskatoon walking group where you can enjoy a social walk at a light intensity. The group meets at the New Balance store on Broadway every Wednesday at 11 a.m. from April 13 to June 8. Club NB is suitable for all activity levels.

This group is led by NB Ambassador Carol Keesey and will finish at the 5K event at the Mogathon on June 12! Check out NB's Facebook page for more details. 

 

38th Saskatchewan Marathon

As you set your training goals for spring, don't forget to register by April 30 2016 for best prices! Don't worry you can always switch your race if you exceed or fall short of your training goals!
 
The 2016 Saskatchewan Marathon taking place May 29 2016 features 5K, GoodLife Fitness 10K, Half-Marathon and Marathon event distances along a scenic course highlighting the world-renowned Meewasin Valley through the city of Saskatoon. Easily deemed one of the most scenic running events in Canada, the Saskatchewan Marathon is also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
Register today at http://saskmarathon.ca/races/.

The 14th annual Eston River Trek will be held on Saturday, May 14. This event has plenty of distance options including a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, full marathon and a 40 mile trek (walking challenge). For more information visit http://www.eston.ca/rivertrek.

Come out for some runner specific yoga. Yoga is a great compliment to running and can help
keep you running injury free! Starting Wednesday, April 6 to May 25. From 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Brainsport Community Room.Space is limited and fills up fast. To register contact Leanne via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text - 306-251-2964.

Just Tri-it Saskatoon has classes starting on March 20. Gain confidence and experience to complete your first super sprint triathlon. Program’s focus is on a fun, friendly, and safe atmosphere. Women only. March 20 – May 15. Swim is Sunday mornings - Bike is Monday evenings - Run and Information session is Thursday evenings. Limited  spots so register soon! For more information or to register visit: www.justtri-it.com.

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!

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://saskatoonpoliceservicefoundation.org/events/2016-half-marathon/.

The Asics Gel-Fuji Endurance is the shoe to have during this mucky running season! Using trademark technology called PlasmaGuard — this shoe will protect your feet in the worst of conditions. Check out this video to see it in action!