Tonight is our All Party Marathon! If you want to get to know more about local candidates running in the upcoming federal election be sure to get out to Running and Walking Club this evening — we're getting started at 5:45.
In this week's Q&A we speak with longtime Brainsport employee, and ultra-runner, Harvey Mathies. He's heading off to run 100 miles at the Lost Soul Ultramarathon in Lethbridge next weekend. Harvey is also coaching an upcoming daytime Learn To Run Clinic, so there's plenty to talk about.
Q&A with Harvey Mathies
Tara: Let's start with your big race coming up. Would you mind telling us about it and why you chose this race?
Harvey: The race is called Lost Souls Ultramarathon and claims to be the toughest ultra on the Prairies. After running it three times I think they might be right. I can assure you that the only thing you won't lose is your soul because every bit of pride, cockiness and physical energy will be taken from you before the race is over. There are options of 50K, 100K and 100M distances. It is very well organized and the volunteers are extremely runner-friendly and helpful.
I originally chose it because it was close to home and I thought it wouldn’t be as tough as a mountain ultra would be, and I love adventure. The first was correct but the second was as wrong as I could be. I heard about it through several runners in Saskatoon and now I try to pass the word along to get others excited about it.
Tara: You have a lot of experience in trail and ultra-running. Tell us a bit about your background. And what motivated you to get into the sport?
Harvey: I was a late starter to the running scene. When I was 48-years-old I decided to run a marathon and ran my first at age 50. I have run many road races on pavement since then and have totally enjoyed them, but after doing a few runs on dirt trail I fell in love with them.
I am always looking for something that is a little beyond what I could normally accomplish and trail running was an easy switch. I love the mental anguish and the challenge to keep pushing when all I want to do is quit.
Tara: What has your training looked like for this race?
Harvey: Since January I have been running three to four times a week just to keep active. In May I ran a 64K trail run to see what condition my legs were in. From then until June I increased to five and six days a week while trying to run around 60 to 80K a week with most of that on the single track trails in Saskatoon. Through July and August I tried to focus on hills — doing a lot of my runs at Blackstrap and Cranberry Flats. The Monday evening SRRA hill run group has been a great group to spend one evening a week doing a workout. I encourage other SRRA members to join up with this group for a great running experience. If you are not a member it is very easy to become one.
Tara: Soon you'll be passing on your knowledge and experience at a Brainsport Learn To Run Clinic. Are you excited about this opportunity? And, what do you hope participants will learn?
Harvey: I am very excited about coaching the Learn To Run Clinic starting Wednesday September 30 at 10:30 a.m. This morning clinic is something new to Brainsport and the hope is to reach people who are unable to participate in an evening clinic. It could work for retired people, shift workers, stay-at-home moms or dads.
The program leads people very cautiously through a walk/run program into a continuous half hour of steady running. We will be having professionals coming in to speak on stretching, nutrition, clothing and a host of other subjects relating to running healthy.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add? Perhaps some clinic details for people interested in signing up.
Harvey: If you are feeling that you will not fit in please don't think that. Our Learn To Run Clinics are very friendly and great place to make new running friends. Everyone coming out is there to learn. Don't let your perceived ability stop you. You will not be sorry! I could tell you lots of success stories but will leave them for the clinic days.
Upcoming Events:
All Party Marathon
On Wednesday September 2 at 5:45 p.m. you are invited to participate at the "All Party Marathon” at Brainsport. Come out to Running and Walking Club and go for a run/walk with local federal election candidates. Afterwards you’ll have the opportunity to chat with the candidates over refreshments. The goal of this event is to promote all citizens to take an interest in federal politics and have an opportunity to meet all the candidates running in the 2015 election.
Day of the Dead Fun Run
The 9th annual Day of the Dead Fun Run is onNovember 1 at Blackstrap. This is a nighttime trail run welcoming runners of all skill levels. If you're looking for a unique adventure outside of Saskatoon this is the run for you. Click on the link for more information and to get signed up:www.mudfirstracing.com.
Newly Added 4-Week Session - Happy Body Movement Classes
Soon-to-be Osteopath Anne-Marie Mougeot is adding a 4-week session of Happy Body Movement Classes, after having a great response to her first series of classes. Learn how to keep your body healthy, strong and working at its best in this series of classes. For more information click here. And, to register click here.
Outlook River Run
The 3rd annual Outlook River Run is set forSeptember 19.
is holding its 3rd annual run on Sept. 19. There are options for runners there is a 10K, 5K, and 2K. The 2K is also open to walkers. The trail portion of the 5K run is on the Trans Canada Trail. And part of the 10K run is on a single track trail joining the Trans Canada Trail. There are also some short hills and beautiful scenery.
Following the run there is a lunch served and live music from a local professional musician.
Door prizes will be drawn after the race as well. These include a Fitbit donated by Shoreline Realty and $100 gift certificate donated by Brainsport.
The run starts at 10 a.m. Meet at the museum on Railway Avenue at the end of Franklin Street by 9:30 a.m. Click here to register now. For more information call Ric Janzen at 306-860-7566.
Brainsport Learn to Run Clinics
Brainsport is offering two Learn to Run Clinics beginning September 28 and September 30. These eight-week clinics are designed to safely take a non-runner through a walk/run progression so that by completion participants are able to run 30 minutes at a time.
Clinics Include: Experienced coaches, proven program to follow, guest speakers, and souvenir tech shirt.
Benjamin Rempel is coaching the Monday clinic. Ben is an experienced ultra-runner. He looks forward to bringing his knowledge and experience to those looking to add running to their lifestyle.
Stacey Mortenson-Spokes is coaching theWednesday clinic. Stacey is a three-time Boston Marathoner. She's excited to make running fun and enjoyable for our participants.
For more information and to register go towww.brainsport.ca/clinics.html
Brainsport 10K Running Clinic
This 10-week clinic begins on September 15 and will be coached by the very-experienced Pat Sommerville.
Clinic includes: A proven program to follow, guest speakers on topics ranging from injury prevention to nutrition, plus a souvenir tech shirt. If you're wondering how you can take your training and racing to the next level, this clinic is a great way to achieve your goals.
Note: You must be able to run 25 minutes continuously for this clinic.
For more information and to register go towww.brainsport.ca/clinics.html
Learn to Clinic - Nordic Walking
Have you ever wanted to learn more about Nordic Walking — it's an excellent cross training option. The clinic will cover: how to size poles, proper poling technique, different types of poles, how to use poles on different terrains such as grass, gravel, asphalt or indoors, how to use poles to safely descend and ascend hills, how to warm up, cool down using poles.
August 18, 20, 25 and 27 from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. at Rotary Park
$50.00 per person
Poles are available for sale at Brainsport.
Instructors: David and Sheila Taylor, SPRA Certified, Trained in Leki and Urban Poles
To register call 306-374-3737 or email:
Crown The King Openwater Swim
This openwater swim race is held in Waskesiu onSeptember 7. It features 1.6K and 4K distances. For more information click here.
Queen City Marathon
There are plenty of distance options at the Queen City Marathon with a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, mini-marathon and relay. Race dates are September 12 and 13. From more information click here.
Miles for Smiles
Support the Saskatchewan Children's Hospital Foundation at the 12th Annual Miles for Smiles onSeptember 12. There's a 2.5K fun run, a 5K walk/run and a 10K run. For more information visitwww.miles4smiles.usask.ca.
Family-Friendly Fitness
This 8-week (September 9 - October 31) program targets individuals who are new to exercise right up to runners and triathletes hoping to gain strength, alignment, and fitness in the off-season. We'll use TRX suspension straps, Pilates-based exercises, Medicine Balls, and more in cardio-strength circuits and fun outdoor workouts sure to get your heart pumping. While participating as couples and families is not a requirement, this program is designed to be "family friendly" with reduced cost for couples/families and kid-friendly activities like scavenger hunts. Program led by Coach Carly Priebe (Ph.D. Kinesiology, 10 plus years experience coaching triathlon, running, and promoting fitness, and mother of two little ones). Visitwww.transitionsportandfitness.
The 8th Annual KIN Spin Walk, Run, and Roll
This event raises money for the College's Special Needs Trust Fund, which provides much needed funding for Special Needs programming within the College. September 19 at the University of Saskatchewan Bowl.
To register go to: https://give.usask.ca/
SRRA Trail Series - Race #3 Blackstrap
The Saskatoon Road Runners Association Trail Series ends on September 20 with a race at Blackstrap. Distances are approximately 5K, 10K, 15K. For more information and to register click here.
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . .gotta run . . . Tara