YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Mar. 8, 2017
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Brainfreeze over the weekend! Be sure to scroll all way to the very bottom of this edition to check out photos of the event submitted by Times readers!
In this week's Q&A we're learning more about an upcoming Brainsport Running Academy course that may be perfect for you, or somebody you know who's interested in getting to know the fundamentals of running within an encouraging and welcoming environment. Coach Cara Mazurak is here with the scoop on this course. So let's get to it!
Q&A with Cara Mazurak
Tara: Before we get into some of the specifics of the upcoming Learn To Run course, would you mind telling us a bit about your background as an athlete and coach?
Cara: I became a runner about 15 years ago. I had lost 65 pounds and decided I wanted to start running. I joined a 10K running clinic and thought to myself they expect me to run for 10 minutes in a row, that is impossible. I ran numerous 10K runs that year and then decided to take a half-marathon clinic. I have now, to date, run at least thirty half marathons and five full marathons. I previously coached a half-marathon clinic and enjoyed the experience. I feel that I am very motivating and hope to lead by example.
Tara: What drew you to coaching beginners?
Cara: I just know what it feels like to walk into a group of runners at a clinic and be scared of the outcome. When I started running and joined a clinic I was terrified. I now have made amazing close friends through my running clinics and Brainsport Run Club runs. I love the new runners who are enthusiastic and maybe not that serious. The Learn to Run courses are amazing because you watch how these runners progress and succeed in achieving their goals. I love that they are so enthusiastic.
Cara sporting the maple leaf at a race in Australia. Photo supplied
Tara: What should participants expect from this course in terms of intensity of workouts and time commitment?
Cara: This course’s goal will be to be able to run for thirty minutes continuously. Speed is not a factor in this course. It's more about completing the runs and getting out and do the workouts. The schedule will give participants a breakdown of what type of run they should be doing on specific days. This schedule is set up for three runs a week. It's all designed to encourage participants to get out and do their runs, and that will lead them to be more successful.
Tara: Sometimes trying something new, especially around people you're just meeting, can be difficult. Do you have any words of encouragement to those who are considering signing up, but still have some apprehensions?
Cara: I worked with Weight Watchers as a coach and have seen people struggle with their goals. I had the opportunity to help them rise to the challenge, stay motivated and have huge success in the end. I will be there to help each participant in any way that I can; and be available to answer questions while in person and via email. Some of these fellow runners in the course may become some of your best friends. I believe anything you put your mind to that you can accomplish. The hardest part of this whole coure may be the first night when you walk through the doors and are scared, but everyone is there to achieve the same goal.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Brainsport Running Academy - Spring Courses
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 5k race. The Learn to Run course will give you a solid foundation for your future running goals.
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 - Spring Tune Up!
Starting on March 14 through May 16, Breath Move Be is offering runner specific youg at Namaskar Yoga Studio (615 2nd Avenue North). Cost is $120 if pre-registered. There will also be a $17 drop-in option if room in class. Pre-register by contacting
Canadian Western Short Track Championships
This March Saskatonian business people have the opportunity to sponsor the next generation of potential Olympians! The Saskatoon Lion's Speed Skating club is hosting the Canadian Western Short Track Championships on March 18-19 at the SaskTel Centre. There will be 128 of the best short track speed skaters in western Canada at this competition.
To successfully host this event, the club is looking for sponsors to help with the many costs associated with hosting an event of this caliber such as food for volunteers and athletes, timing equipment and rental fees. Sponsors will have their company logo placed along the crash mats for anyone that supports this event. If you, or someone you know may be interested in supporting this event, please contact http:
200 Hour International Yoga Teacher Training
The Living Well Centers is offering 200 Hour International Yoga Teacher Training starting on April 4. Deepen your yoga knowledge and practice. Strengthen your spiritual connection. Become a yoga instructor.
Training consists of five modules in total, each focusing on different elements of yoga teacher development. Each module includes roughly 40 hours of instruction, personal practice and mandatory homework.
For more information email
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.
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:
Product of the Week
Mizuno Wave Inspire 13
Mizuno's wave system is fine form as usual in the updated version of the ever-popular Wave Inspire. A few tweaks to this lightweight, supportive shoe is sure to make Mizuno wearers happy, and draw in some new fans. The upper has a supportive design with the right amount of structure and softness, while improved mesh makes for better breathability, and the addition of a blown-rubber forefoot makes for a durable shoe with a soft ride.
Brainsport Brainfreeze 2017 - Your photos!
Nadine Poulton getting some air time in a leap of joy.
Robin Sasko (left), Arielle Briand and Kirsten Bergan are all smiles.
Lee Mosmann (right) celebrating post-race with her biggest supporter, her daughter. Lee had major surgery this past November and was thrilled to have a great run on Sunday.
Kent Hartshorn managed to get this fun shot before his phone froze!
Greg Chovin says, "Really, what could possibly go wrong with signing up for a race called the Brainfreeze?. I mean, other than running through a blizzard with 399 other slightly deranged people."
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara
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