All the best to everyone participating in the Queen City Marathon this weekend! Here's hoping for some beautiful September weather, and ideal running conditions.
In this week's Q&A we're catching up with Kaycee Shroeder. You may recall we had an interview with this talented young triathlete mid-summer. At that time Kaycee had her sights set on competing in the Canada Summer Games, which took place last month in Winnipeg.
Kaycee met her goal of making it to the Games, so now it's time to get the scoop on her experience there!
Q&A with Kaycee Schroeder
Tara: Since we last spoke, you've gone on to achieve your goal of competing in the Canada Summer Games, which took place just a few weeks ago. We'll talk more about your experience at the Games in Winnipeg in just a minute, but first, tell us about your journey there.
Kaycee: Four years ago when it was the last Games, I was not able to go as I was too young. I made it my goal that in four years I would go to the Games. The next four years I worked towards that; I started training full time with the Saskatoon Triathlon Club under RossAnn Edwards. Three years ago my family moved into the city so that my sister and I would have more opportunities with sports. This made training a lot easier as we were not driving 30 minutes both ways every day. This past season of training was all about focusing on the Games so I would peak in time to perform. I had some races not go so well due to sickness but I had to put those behind me as they were not my main focus. Starting in May we had our first qualifying race for the Games and those continued until the end of June. Six weeks out from the Games we started a heavy training block, focusing on our weaknesses and making sure our technical aspects were strong so that we would not mess up on little areas that could potentially cost us our races.
Kaycee taking to the bike portion of the triathlon on very hot Winnipeg day. Photo Supplied
Tara: What did you take away from the experience of competing among the best young athletes in the country?
Kaycee: It was an incredible experience competing at the Games. The overall atmosphere in the village and at our race venue was unique from other races I had been to. We were all relaxed, as we knew our final preparations had gone very well. Other athletes were very intrigued by our sport which made it fun to explain to them what we all did and it was interesting talking to other athletes. It took the edge and pressure off a bit as we were all there competing for our provinces.
Tara: How do you feel about your performance at the Games?
Kaycee: I am quite happy with my three performances at the Games. Last year was a hard year for me as I was coming off an injury and needed to get back into racing. This year I went into the season good and healthy so I was able to pick my training up again. We were all prepared and everyone raced really well despite the heat on the first day of our individual race. I am most proud of our female relay, we came in 5th which was our goal. Our mixed relay did really well too - the field was competitive but we came through.
Kaycee (left) with her teammates at the 2017 Canada Summer Games. Photo Supplied
Tara: The spirit of the Games is about more than what happens during competition. What was your experience beyond competition?
Kaycee: During down time we would go hang out in the cafeteria or the athletes' lounge. My favorite thing to do was go and trade pins. Every province has a set of unique pins that you trade with. I was lucky enough to get pins from every province and I got some really cool ones. I liked visiting with other athletes and hearing how their competitions were going and I loved going to watch other events. It was exciting to cheer your own province on and other provinces.
Tara: What's next for you in terms of your athletic pursuits?
Kaycee: I just graduated high school this spring, I am going to work for the next year and focus on triathlon. I want to finish off my Junior Elite career as this is my last year. After that, I am unsure as there will be many doors open for me. I would like to compete in a few long distance races and see how my body reacts to those versus the shorter races
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Kaycee: The Canada Games was an awesome experience, I would just like to thank everyone who helped me these past four years and this year. I went through some tough times with injuries and illnesses and was fortunate to have an amazing community behind me and supporting me through everything.
Upcoming Events
37th Annual Saskatoon Terry Fox Run
Everyone is welcome to participate in a Terry Fox Run, regardless of age, athletic ability or socioeconomic standing. While the Run does not have an entry fee or minimum donation we do ask all participants to fundraise or make a donation. You can raise funds online, use a pledge sheet or make a donation at the Run site. Whatever your choice, please know that every dollar counts.
The Terry Fox Run is being held on September 17. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the Delta Bessborough Gardens. Run begins at noon with 5K and 10K course options. Walkers and kids/strollers are welcome!
Brainsport Running Academy
It's time to start getting ready for the 2017 Ginger Bread Run, and the Brainsport Running Academy is here to get you off to a great start with the following course offerings!
10K Course, with coach Tarrant Cross Child for 14 weeks beginning August 28.
Learn to Run Course, coached by Kimberlee Galus. This 8 week course begins on September 27.
For more information and to register go to http://www.brainsport.ca/, or drop by the store to register.
Regional Run - Warman to Martensville
On September 16 take part in a race from Warman to Martensville in the 2017 10K Regional Race! Participants are welcome to walk the route as well. There is a pre-race community breakfast being offered at Prairie Oasis Park in Warman for racers and community members.
A BBQ lunch will also be served at Kinsmen Park in Martensville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for racers and community members.
For more information go to the Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/434835300220608/.
YWCA Saskatoon Shine a Light Run
Shine a light on Friday, September 15 to raise awareness and funds for YWCA Saskatoon community programs - and help make a difference. Everyone is welcome to this event with distance options of 2K, 5K and 10K. The run gets started at sunset at Meewasin Valley. Register teams or individuals at http://www.ywcasaskatoon.com/2017-ywca-shine-the-light-run-why-do-you-run/.
Queen City Marathon
This year's Queen City Marathon is being held on the weekend of September 8. Considered one of the premier running events in the province, this is a race consider getting on your list. There are racing options for everyone at this event! Click here to learn more.
Fall Cross Training, Family Fitness, and Triathlon Training
Registration is now open for Transition Sport and Fitness fall programs including family-friendly fall fitness, cross training for runners and triathletes, virtual Pilates, swim skills sessions, and the fall triathlon training programs. Visit http://www.transitionsportandfitness.ca for more info or contact
Yoga For Runners
Come experience the benefits of yoga for runners, with the Breath Move Be instructors at Namaskar Yoga Studio - 615 2nd Avenue North. $125 pre-registered and $17 for the drop in (if available space). Classes being offered from September 5 to November 7. Register by contacting http:
Product of the Week
On Cloud Running Shoes
Kaycee selected On Cloud running shoes as our featured product this week. This comes as no surprise being she's a big fan the company (as we learned in our interview with her earlier this summer).
"I recently switched to On this winter and use the Cloud in both training and racing. The shoe is light but still has some protection and stability. I like the shoe a lot as my feet don't get sore in them doing long runs. I like training and racing in the same shoe as my feet do not have to adjust to a different shoe and then I do not have feet issues like I have in the past. It has made training and racing a lot easier on my body and feet."
Brainsport has several colour and model options of On shoes in stock for you to come in and try out.
Before signing off this week we want to congratulate Kelsey Van Dyke of Regina for winning the Brainsport-sponsored Challenger wetsuit at the Crown The King Open Water Swim.
And to all 35 open-water contestants, who competed in distances varying from 10K, to 4K and 1.6K, congratulations to you as well!