Brainsport Times Sept 23, 2015

Today is the first day of Fall — around here that means our next round of running clinics are getting underway!

We woke the store up early on Tuesday morning to invite Global Morning News in to talk about our Learn To Run Clinics. Coach Stacey Mortenson-Spokes and Ben Rempel had a great time chatting with Global's Joelle Tomlinson. Check out Stacey's interview by clicking this link. 

In this week's Q&A we catch up with Coach Ben to get his thoughts on the upcoming clinics. We also check in on his own training — he's had many adventures and logged many miles this year.

Q&A with Ben Rempel

Tara: The first class is fast approaching, and there are still spots available for anyone wanting to sign up. What are your words of encouragement to anyone who is hesitating?
 
Ben: I just want to let everyone know that nobody needs to feel intimidated by one of our running classes. For a Learn to Run class specifically, they are aimed at anyone who is wanting to educate themselves on adding running into their lifestyles. We are even offering a daytime clinic at 10:30 a.m. for people who don't work a regular nine to five job and may be more available during the day than the evenings. So, it doesn't matter if you haven't ran at all in your life, or if you used to run 10 years ago and are scared to start again, absolutely everyone is welcome. 
 
Tara: This clinic is a perfect fit to get ready for the Gingerbread Run. How will you be preparing participants for that run?
 
Ben: Well, every class of our Learn to Run programs has a speaker who will educate the runners on various topics. We cover everything from injury prevention, running technique, core stability, and lots more. We also have very experienced coaches who will give the runners a training program to ensure that every runner will be prepared for the 2015 Brainsport Gingerbread Run. 

Tara: Why do you think it's beneficial to train with a coach and in a group setting?
 
Ben: Running is a lifestyle sport. To get the most out of any endurance sport takes a lifetime of knowledge and experience and if you are starting to run for the first time it can certainly be intimidating. That's why having an experienced coach who can guide you through the process can prove to be extremely beneficial. Also, being in a group setting with like-minded individuals all sharing the same journey definitely makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone!

Tara: How about an update on your own training — what's next for you?

Ben: My training has been going well. I am fully recovered from the Canadian Death Race that I completed August 1. Although I didn't run it like I know I can I am already looking forward to the Grizzly Ultra 50K in Canmore (October 3), which will be my final goal of the running season. I have already logged well over 3,000 miles this year running so I am certainly excited to swap my running shoes for cross country skis for a few months this winter!

Tara: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Ben: I would just like to add that running is something that requires patience. It requires a slow and gradual progression when you are beginning. I have learned the hard way, through injuries, where I wish I would have had a coach to guide me when I was beginning. Our coaches have years and years of experience and stories to share and we are excited to share our passion and knowledge of the sport with you!

Upcoming Events:

Functional Freedom Fitness and STCI Open House

Sept 27 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m at Freedom Functional Fitness.

Freedom will be offering two separate 45 minute sessions. A cycle conditioning session that will focus on cycling specific training with elements of core strengthening throughout. And a freedom camp, their signature training session. 
 
This is the time to learn about STCI Fall programming. STCI members get a discount on Freedom Functional Fitness memberships.
 
There will also be a Clothing, Gear and Equipment Sale in support of the Saskatoon Youth/Junior Program of the Saskatchewan Triathlon Centre. Nothing is too big or too small. Items need to be at Freedom Functional Fitness by 2:45 p.m.

Bring the whole family (kids under 14 need to be supervised) and stay for a free BBQ. STCI would like you to indicate you are coming by going to the STCI Open House event on the STCI Facebook page by September 25 so they now how much food to have on hand.  

Brainsport Learn to Run Clinics

Brainsport is offering three 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 the Wednesday clinic. Stacey is a three-time Boston Marathoner. She's excited to make running fun and enjoyable for our participants.

Harvey Mathies is coaching the daytime Wednesday clinic beginning September 30 at 10:30 a.m. Harvey is an experienced trail and ultra-marathon runner. 
 
For more information and to register go to www.brainsport.ca/clinics.html.

Day of the Dead Fun Run

Grab a headlamp and hit the trails at the 9th annual run. Enjoy a challenging short 5K (approximately) or long 10K (approximately) course at beautiful Blackstrap Provincial Park. The run starts at 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 1. For more information and to register, go to www.mudfirstracing.com or pick up a registration package at Brainsport. Early-bird pricing lasts until September 30.

SRRA Prediction Mile

This annual event is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 7. Register at the Fieldhouse in Meeting Room #3 upstairs at 10 a.m. Members attend for free. Non-members pay $5.
Note: Participants will be timed. Do not bring your watch.

SRRA Annual General Meeting

Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the  Saskatoon Field House (Meeting Room #3, upstairs).

Before signing off the folks at the Melfort Multi-k sent along this photo of last weekend's event. They wanted to let everyone know it was a great day and thank Brainsport for our Gold sponsorship.