Happy Haloween to everyone! Here's to a fun day of costumes, treats, and even some tricks!
In this week'sTimes we're speaking with another local runner heading off to the New York City Marathon. This weekend Brian Pierce will lineup along with thousands of other runners to take to the streets of the city's five boroughs. We're going to catch with Brian next week when he returns to hear about his experience in New York, but first let's get to our conversation with him today!
Q&A with Brian Pierce
Tara: To start off, tell us what led to you taking up running.
Brian: I took up running shortly before my 50th birthday. I had recently finished hiking the West Coast Trail with my 18-year-old daughter and was looking for another challenge. The ideas of running a marathon struck me as an equally challenging goal so I signed up for a training program. I ran my first race, the Sask Half Marathon, on my 50th Birthday and from then on, I was hooked!
Tara: What was it about the sport that kept you going? And how do you stay motivated on daily basis?
Brian: Once you start running, it becomes a little addictive. No matter how you are feeling at the start of a run, you always feel better at the end – both mentally and physically.
Brian's running journey will take him to the New York City Marathon this weekend. Photo T Squared Social
Tara:
Brian: Most of the time, I am self-motivated but what really brings it together for me is making a commitment to the group you are training with. The friendships and camaraderie between fellow runners are both inspiring and motivating. That is why it helps to join a Brainsport Running Academy course. They offer excellent coaching for all levels and it helps to surround yourself with like-minded positive people.
Tara: What's the biggest challenge you've overcome as a runner?
Brian: The biggest challenge for me was learning to respect the distance - 42.2 K is hard and cannot be taken lightly. Training is paramount and on race day, you have to trust your training and run your own race. Be the best you can be on that given day.
Tara: What was behind your decision to run the New York City Marathon?
Brian: Ever since I started running, I always thought that New York would be the absolute best marathon to run. Many elite athletes say Boston is the race, but for me it has always been New York. I have entered the NYC Marathon lottery multiple times but it is tough to get in and I have never been selected. My entry into the 2018 NYC Marathon was thanks to Brian Michasiw of Brainsport and New Balance.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Brian: I would really like to thank Brainsport and New Balance for providing me with the opportunity of a lifetime to run the New York Marathon. Thanks also to the Brainsport Run Club, Brainsport Running Academy coach Pat Somerville, and the Run YXE crew for helping me get in shape to do it. It’s going to be a fantastic race!
Upcoming Events
Church Sale Event
Join us this weekend for our Church Sale Event happening Nov. 3 from 9-4 p.m. at Grace Westminster Abbey Church with up to 70% off everything!
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Plus we will have Darkside Donuts and coffee available at 10 a.m.with all money raised going back to The Lions Speed Skating Club.
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
6th Annual Lighten Up Fun Run
Get out your bells, and battery-op l.e.d. lights. 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 -
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.
SaskFit 2018 Expo
Brainsport will be at the Shaw Centre Nov. 2 to 4 for theSaskFit Expo. Come visit us and learn more about running shoes, training shoes and all the amazing ways that Brainsport can make your fitness journey better.
SaskFit is Saskatchewan's premiere fitness and health conference that reflects the energy and dedication that our provincial Fitness Leaders have towards promoting active, healthy lifestyle choices in our communities.
Special Olympics Youth Programs
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
New Balance 860
Brian has selected the New Balance 860 as this week’s feature product. Here’s what he has to say about it!
“These shoes provide you with great support and cushioning which is greatly appreciated by your knees on the long runs. They offer both style and functionality and are the shoes I have chosen for the NYC Marathon.”
Thanks for reading the Times this week.
Gotta run,
Tara