Thank you to everyone who signed up to participate in this year's Gingerbread Run - we're sold out! The Gingerbread Man is going to have his work cut out for him on November 20.
In this week's Q&A we're speaking with one of Canada's former top long distance runners and Saskatoon native, Jason Warick. Many of you may have seen Jason flying around the city on his ElliptiGO and perhaps wondered, "What is he doing on that odd looking bike-type thing?". The short answer is he's crossing-training, but there's a lot more to it than that.
In fact, Jason recently returned from competing in his second Elliptical Cycling World Championship in San Diego, California, where he placed 2nd among some very tough competition.
Q&A with Jason Warick
Tara: First, for those unfamiliar with ElliptiGO would you mind telling us about it, and how you use it in your training?
Jason: It's similar to running or cross-country skiing, but on wheels. It looks pretty bizarre, but so is a bicycle when you think about it. Balancing, hill climbing, etc are just as easy as a bike. The main difference is it uses more muscles - in a better body position - than a bike. I first heard about it a few years ago from my phsyiotherapist, Bruce Craven, and Dr. Patrick Ling, who rides one. They were helping me recover from hip surgery after getting hit by a texting driver. I couldn't run because of the impact, and the posture on a bike was painful. This was a godsend. I used it for commuting to work and easy rehab at first. After a few months, I was doing all my hard workouts on it - all the typical running or cycling sessions like intervals, hills, etc. Now, thanks in part to the fitness, strength and flexibility I've gained from the ElliptiGO, I've been able to get back to some easy runs.
Jason making the long ascent up Mount Palomar on his way to a second place finish.
Tara: What was your motivation for returning for a second world championship?
Jason: I raced last year and got 5th. I knew I could go faster so decided to come back. I was stuck in fourth for a while, but was stoked to move up a couple of spots in the second half against two pretty great athletes. I also knocked more than a minute off last year's time. Now that I got on the podium, of course I want to go back next year and win.
Tara: Tell us a bit about the race itself. It's a huge uphill climb!
It's a 4,200 foot climb over 11.6 miles straight up Mount Palomar near San Diego. The incline is tough, but so is summoning a finishing kick at that altitude.
Jason with his daughter Annie and son Taras.
Tara: What was the highlight of the event for you this year?
Jason: I brought our kids along this time. They helped hand out water at the halfway mark, so that gave me a huge boost. And then we got to party with friends over a craft beer, gigantic portions of Mexican food and a trip to Legoland. What a life!
*You can check out results and photos from the world championship, and learn more about ElliptiGo at http://www.elliptigo.com/.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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 to read and run with these children please email: http://
Triathlon Training
Transition Sport & Fitness Fall Triathlon Program starts Nov. 1. Whether you're training for your first or fifty-first triathlon, this program is designed to help you achieve your goals. All abilities welcome, including beginners. No bike or fancy equipment required. Register online at https://www.registrationlogic.com/secure/Register.aspx?E=2353.
The Distance Group or Personalized Coaching is also available for anyone wanting to take their swim, bike, or run training to the next level. Visit www.transitionsportandfitness.ca for more info on all programs.
Leopold's Tavern
There's a new place in the Broadway district to grab some well deserved food and drink after those long runs. Leopold's Tavern now open at 616 10th street E. Great food, great beers and good times! Open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. -2 a.m. with full menu util close. Bring something to pin up on the walls - you'll see . . .
Yoga for Runners
BreathMoveBe is offering six more weeks of yoga for runners this season. Classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. from Nov. 8 to Dec. 13 at 615 2nd Ave. N. Saskatoon. For more information contact Leanne Parsons: (306) 251-2964 http://
Running Tour of King George Neighbourhood
The SRRA is hosting a free running tour of the King George Neighborhood on Nov. 5. Starting time is 10 a.m. Participants are asked to arrive by 9:45 at Wolf Willow Co-Housing at 530 Avenue J South at 17th Street. Subjects of the tour will include: King George School, Gordie Howe, Don Freed and Conversion of Rails to Trails - plus more.
SRRA Annual General Meeting
The Saskatoon Road Runners Association's annual general meeting is being held on Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. This year's meeting will be held at Wolf Willow Co-Housing at 530 Avenue J South at 17th Street. Complimentary lunch will be served at noon.
Product of the Week
New Balance 880v6 Gore-Tex
We have a new option in stock to keep your feet dry this winter! The New Balance 880v6 is a very popular neutral shoe that provides solid energy return for long runs and speed work alike. Now, you can enjoy this popular ride through the seasons with the new Gore-Tex version. Drop by and give it a try - you're cold, wet feet will thank you!