Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Saskatchewan Marathon over the past weekend!
In this week'sTimes we're excited to be talking about our first-ever Brainsport Coach's Summit, which is being led by Jason Warick. Many of you are familiar with Jason both as a coach and runner, but for those of you who aren't so familiar - here's a brief bio:
Jason is a proud dad of young athletes Annie, 12, and Taras, 9. He began running at St. Augustine Elementary School and became the Sask. marathon record holder (2hrs19min), representing Canada in competitions around the world.
Jason now coaches beginners and experienced athletes of all ages, including his kids’ X-country, relay and Marafun squads at Ecole Victoria. His priorities for all athletes, in order of importance, are health, fun, skill development and performance.
Now, let's get to our Q&A with Jason and learn more about the summit!
Q&A with Jason Warick
Tara: This is the first year for the Brainsport Coach's Summit. What drew into getting involved?
Jason: It was the promise of a free lunch, haha. Actually, it was the idea of Brian Michasiw and Celeste Cross Child. I was happy to help out however I could. It's always nice to chat with fellow coaches, and I'm looking forward to learning a lot as well.
Jason (right) with his mom, dad, sister and two children post-Saskatchewan Marathon. Photo Supplied
Tara: What kind of topics will you be talking about? What do you hope coaches take away?
Jason: We'll go over some basics of recruiting and retaining your young athletes. There'll also be sections on tailoring workouts to your school facilities and time constraints. We'll look at ways to make it fun and challenging for kids of all abilities (hint: have them run intervals by time rather than distance so everyone finishes at the same time).
Tara: Is there a particular coaching level someone needs to be in order to attend the summit? Who is welcome?
Jason: That's an easy one. Everyone at every level is welcome, from experienced coaches to those who'd like to help out at their school or youth club for the first time.
Jason nearing the finish of the 2012 Saskatchewan Marathon. Photo supplied
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Jason: We're going to emphasize the active and interactive components. For every topic, we'll have lots of time to try things, brainstorm as a group or chat informally. Bring your runners, or get a new pair while you're here!
Upcoming Events
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
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.
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 to register 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
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. Email Leanne at
Beads of Courage Colour Festival Fun Run
On Sunday, June 3 get out for a fun run and get covered in colour along with your friends and family! Beads of Courage is an Arts in Medicine program that supports children and infants living with chronic or life-threatening conditions by awarding them with glass beads each time they endure a medical test, procedure, or surgery.
The 5K family-oriented fun walk/run will get you covered with colour to symbolize the colourful beads these children earn and support Beads of Courage-Canada programming. All funds raised go towards Saskatchewan programming. For more information and to register go to: http://www.colourrunsask.ca/.
Saskatoon Triathlon Club - Volunteers
There are several opportunities to delve into the triathlon scene this summer as a volunteer. The STCI is looking for volunteers for the following races:
- Brainsport Kids of Steel Saturday, June 16
- Living Sky Triathlon Saturday, June 23 - June 24
To volunteer email STCI Volunteers: http:
SIGA’s Second Annual Good Food Run
On June 10, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is hosting its second annual fun run in support of CHEP: Good Food Inc. Presented by SIGA’s Long Runners, participants can choose between a 1K, 5K or 10K run. There are finisher medals for all participants! Family entertainment, water stations, swag and after-race snacks and refreshments provided. Registration is now open! To register or donate go to http://www.siga.sk.ca/goodfoodrun.
RIKI Walkathon 50th Year Celebration
The RIKI Walkathon is celebrating its 50th year on June 9. The entire family is welcome to come walk 22 miles along scenic Pike Lake. Gate fees are being waved for participants, and there will be refreshments and awards for the top fundraiser after the walk. All funds raised this year will go to the Riversdale Kiwanis Club. For more information about this event click here.
Canada Beer Run Volunteers Needed
The Canada Beer run is going coast to coast this year, hitting eight cities across the country, including Saskatoon! On June 3 the run stops in Saskatoon! Run your way through 10K making stops at six breweries along the way!
Volunteers are needed for this event, including the need for Beer Bunnies, who get to participate for free and guide a wave or participants from brewery to brewery. For more information visit https://canadabeerrun.ca/products/saskatoon-beer-run.
Product of the Week
New Balance Sigma Sprint Spike
The New Balance Sigma Sprint Spike is designed using Boa® Closure technology, an alternative to traditional laces for customized comfort and no pressure points. While an asymmetrical eight-spike plate provides traction while also providing the right amount of flexibility. This is a spike meant for business (and fun, of course!). Come check a pair out and learn more about the Sigma at the store!
Thanks for reading the Times.
Gotta run,
Tara