Brainsport Times Nov. 7, 2018

This past weekend was a big one for local runners taking part in the New York City Marathon. Over the past two weeks, we've talked to a couple these local runners as they made final preparations for New York. 

In this week's Q&A we're going to wrap up our coverage of the New York City Marathon with local runner Penny Bourassa. Penny is here to give us the scoop on her experience in New York, so let's get to it!

Q&A with Penny Bourassa

Tara: Before we get into hearing about your experience running the New York City Marathon, tell us about what brought you to this place in your running journey?

Penny: My husband, Wade, and I used to train for and run marathons as a way to feel good, train/spend time together and travel to new places. We have taken a bit of a break from running marathons to focus on our family. At the start of this year, we both felt as though we were once again in a place to work towards training and running longer distances. It was a little different training this time around because it was more about fitting in the runs when we could versus training together.

Tara: Why did you want to run this iconic race?

Penny: I had never been to New York but I had heard amazing things about the race. The route goes through five boroughs and the entire city supports the runners throughout the race. As many other runners can attest to, there is no better way to experience a city than running there. 


Penny and Wade taking a selfie while on route to finishing the 2018 New York City Marathon.

Tara: Was there anything that surprised you about the experience - both the race itself and taking part in the NYC Marathon weekend?

Penny: The sheer size of the event was larger than I ever could have imagined. The expo was shocking with the number of people floating through and checking-out with race merchandise. The amount of police and level of security was something I have never experienced in any other race - in some senses shocking but in other ways, comforting. 

Tara: Tell us what it was like to run through the city's five boroughs and experience NYC from that perspective?

Penny: It was amazing, there were people everywhere. There was an outstanding number of race volunteers and the number of runners never really thinned out along the way. There were people cheering you on in every borough and bands playing everywhere. From the start of the day, we were seeing things we have never seen - from the ferry ride and seeing the Statue of Liberty to the sight of runners taking over multiple bridges and streets throughout the boroughs. I can't think of a better way to see a city!

Tara: What was the highlight of the race for you?

Penny: The overall race experience was phenomenal, but the biggest highlight was being able to run the entire race with Wade and living the experience together, taking everything in and providing each other support along the way. Whenever I was having a moment of self-doubt or a difficult time in the race, I would look over and see Wade grinning, taking in the view or singing with the band; that is what kept me going.

Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Penny: Thank you so much to Brian (Brainsport) and New Balance for giving Wade and I this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run New York together, we are forever grateful.

Upcoming Events

Breath Move Be Yoga for Athletes

Breathe Move Be is offering a Yoga for Athletes course starting on Nov. 15 and going until Dec. 20 at Midwest Karate. Pre-register for $85. Drop-in spots will be made available for $18 when space is available. For more information and to register contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

6th Annual Lighten Up Fun Run 

Get out your bells, and battery-op l.e.d. lights. On Dec. 16, decorate yourself for a fun run at the start of winter. Hot beverages and dainties post-run will once again be provided by D'lish.

There's no fee, no registration - just come out and have some fun! Bikes, well-behaved dogs, strollers welcome. For more information click here. 

Gingerbread Run Volunteers Needed



Brainsport's Gingerbread Run is back again this year in support of SaskAbilities! Though this event is sold out, you still have an opportunity to get in on the action on November 18 as a volunteer. For more information and to sign-up contact Lisette - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 

Transition Sport & Fitness Triathlon Training

Transition's Fall Triathlon Training program runs from November 6 to December 22. The program includes three coached group workouts a week, as well as weekly coach's emails, monthly clinics on topics such as equipment, clothing, nutrition and injury prevention, a guaranteed spot in the winter tri program, and a super supportive environment for newbies and experienced triathletes alike. Limited spots left. To learn more go to www.transitionsportandfitness.ca

Special Olympics Youth Program


Registration is now open for the 2018 Fall session of the Special Olympics youth programs! The Active Start Program (ages 2-7) and FUNdamentals program (ages 7-12) will run Thursday evenings from September 20 to December 6. To register click here. 


Product of the Week

Brooks Levitate 2 



Brooks found a way to make the already-comfortable Levitate even more comfortable in the second edition of this zippy shoe. The soft, stretchy and supportive upper provides a glove-like fit, without feeling restrictive, or irritating. While the DNA AMP midsole energizes every step with its top-notch energy return. The entire package is tough enough for your longest runs, with plenty of pep for the short ones.

Come check it out at the store - our shoe fitters will be happy to introduce you to this Brooks beauty! 

Thanks for reading the Times this week. 

Gotta run,
Tara