YourSaskatoon Blogs

With the Easter long weekend approaching hopefully everyone can get out and enjoy some nice spring running!Speaking of spring running, the second annual Brainsport Spring Run Off is coming up next month in Elbow. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Natalie Letts, chairperson with the Friends of the Elbow Trail.This group has been successful in building the beautiful trail along Lake Diefenbaker in partnership with the Trans Canada Trail, which will be a highlight of this year's event. Let's get to our chat with Natalie and learn more! Q&A with Natalie Letts Tara: For those who weren’t out at last year’s inaugural event, would you mind giving some background about it and what participants can expect?Natalie: Our trail group has partnered with Brainsport to annually put on this race, which approximately 200 people signed up for last year. We are hoping for more runners and walkers this year. It’s a family day for everyone, including their pets, to come...

Happy springtime everyone! Race season is fast approaching, so we're going to get to another interview featuring a race director this week. Cari Bode is heading up the Canada Goose 150 Race in Regina this summer. This is a special one-time event in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday, with distance and time options suitable for everyone.  Speaking of summer racing, it's time to start practicing race-day nutrition and hydration during some upcoming long runs. You'll want to checkout the product of the week at the end of this edition for some excellent product options.  Now, let's get to our Q&A with Cari! Q&A with Cari Bode   Tara: This event looks like a great opportunity for runners wanting to get out and have some fun celebrating Canada's 150th birthday. Tell us more about the intention and motivation behind the no-pressure vibe the Canada Goose 150 Race will have?   Cari: Marathon Matters is...

If you can for a moment, shake off the cold feelings of the past several days and imagine yourself running along the Meewasin Valley Trail cradled by the warmth of a late-May day's sun. You're surround by hundreds of other runners reaching for their goals and supporters are cheering you along the way as run in one of the province's premier events: The Saskatchewan Marathon. This is a special year to take part in this well-known, multi-distance event as it will be celebrating Canada's 150th Anniversary. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with race director Kim Ali to get more details.  Q&A with Kim Ali   Tara: As Saskatchewan's population continues to grow, so to does its running community. This means there are people who may not know a whole lot about the Saskatchewan Marathon. For those less familiar what do you want them to know about this event? Kim: The Saskatchewan Marathon...

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Brainfreeze over the weekend! Be sure to scroll all way to the very bottom of this edition to check out photos of the event submitted by Times readers! In this week's Q&A we're learning more about an upcoming Brainsport Running Academy course that may be perfect for you, or somebody you know who's interested in getting to know the fundamentals of running within an encouraging and welcoming environment. Coach Cara Mazurak is here with the scoop on this course. So let's get to it! Q&A with Cara Mazurak Tara: Before we get into some of the specifics of the upcoming Learn To Run course, would you mind telling us a bit about your background as an athlete and coach? Cara: I became a runner about 15 years ago. I had lost 65 pounds and decided I wanted to start running. I joined a 10K running clinic and...

While the snow may still be falling, before you know it summer will be here and we'll be celebrating Canada's 150th Anniversary! In this week's Times we're learning more about an anniversary event runners can really get excited about.  Our neighbors to the east at Trail Run Manitoba are planning an "epic" ultra marathon and everyone's invited to make the road trip to join in! Race director, Dwayne Sandall is going to fill us in on this upcoming event in this week's Q&A.  But first, a reminder that more than 100 pairs of shoes have been reduced to $50 (Reg. $120-$190) at the Brainsport Pop Up Store at 704 Broadway Ave. The store will be closing on March 5, so now's your time to get in on the deals!  Now to our Q&A . . .  Q&A with Dwayne Sandall Tara: What motivated the folks at Trail Run Manitoba to celebrate Canada's...

Last week was exciting for Brainsport as it was honoured with a 2017 SABEX Award! The award was given in recognition of Brainsport's commitment to bettering the community, which is evidenced in ways such as the gently-used shoe program, free Run Club, community-room use, the Gingerbread Run and Brainfreeze.  Brian and Lisette at the 2017 SABEX Awards gala, where Brainsport recieved the SABEX Award for Community Involvement. Photo supplied In a short acceptance speech Brian told the audience three quick things: "One, we need your gently-used shoes because there are people in the community that need footwear. Two, if it's good for your business it's probably good for the community. And three, thanks for shopping locally." Now on to this week's Q&A. We're speaking with Tarrant Cross Child today, who's coaching the Brainsport Academy's 10K course starting on February 20. Let's get to it! Q&A with Tarrant Cross Child Tara: For those considering signing up for this...

Thanks to everyone who took part last Wednesday in our special Walk/Run Club in celebration of Wintershines. It's always great to see familiar and new faces out to share in the fun!  In this week's Times we're turning our attention back to the Brainsport Running Academy.  Our Learn to Run, Performance Marathon and Standard Marathon courses are all underway at this point, which leaves us with the Half Marathon and 10k courses to preview. Today we're going to speak with Jen Kripki, the coach of our Half Marathon course. This course gets started on February 13, so there's still time to sign up!  Q&A with Jen Kripki  Tara: Let's start by giving people some of your background as both a coach and runner. What kind of experience are you bringing to this half marathon course? Jen: I have been coaching various clinics with Brainsport for the past eight years. Anywhere from...

Tonight the Brainsport Walk/Run Club is celebrating the Wintershines Festival! This is going to be a great opportunity to bring out a friend who has yet to experience what we have to offer every week at the club. Check the "Upcoming Events" section below for more details about this evening.  In this week's Q&A we're speaking with a Ph.D. candidate in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. Margo Killham is embarking on an exciting study and she's looking to some of you to help her out with her research. Let's get to it! Q&A with Margo Killham Tara: Let’s start by learning more about your study. What can you tell us about the focus and goals of your research? Margo: Like most graduate students I have many goals for my Ph.D. research in the College of Kinesiology, but the main goal of my ongoing study is to find out more...

It's an exciting time at Brainsport as we're in the midst of our Minus 40 Sale, and the Brainsport Running Academy Courses are getting underway! Last week we focused on the Standard Marathon Course, with coach Pat Sommerville. Now we're turning our attention to the Performance Marathon Course. This year's course is being coached by one of Canada's former top distance runners, Jason Warick. Jason also happens to be Brian's coach. So for a little bragging, which Jason is far too humble to do, we turn it over to Brian to tell us more about the top-notch coaching you'll receive in the Performance Marathon Course. "Jason is an incredible coach," says Brian. "I thought I peaked in my 30's, but he helped me set my marathon personal best when I was in my 40's. Without Jason, that would never have happened. We are lucky to have one of Canada's top running experts here in Saskatoon."  Now let's...

The countdown is on to New Year's Eve, hopefully you all had a wonderful Christmas Day and are continuing to enjoy the Holiday Season. There's nothing quite like sharing in a run with friends and family this time of year. In this week's Q&A we speak with a new member of the Brainsport Run Club who definitely understands the spirit of camaraderie among runners. If you're a regular at Run Club you may have already met Shan Chao. If not, this will serve as an introduction and opportunity for everyone to learn a bit more about him. Before we get to it though, a quick thank you to long-time Rub Club member, Don Cochrane, for connecting us with a translator to help make this interview possible. Q&A with Shan Chao Tara: Welcome to Saskatoon. We are very happy you found the Brainsport Run Club. You come to us from a great distance. Where in China do...

Let's go back in time for a moment, to the Brainsport 25th Anniversary Celebration this past July. Do you all recall Ed Tomlinson winning the Brooks Rock Your Run Contest? The winnings of that contest included a trip to Las Vegas to run the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon on November 13 - quite an exciting contest and prize! In this week's Q&A we catch up with Ed, who recently returned from Las Vegas, to hear all about the trip. Also, be sure to check out the "Product of the Week", which Ed selected this week (hint: it involves a Brooks product). Q&A with Ed Tomlinson Tara: Let's go back to that July evening when your name was drawn as the winner of the Brooks Rock Your Run Contest, what was your first thought? Ed: I was the volunteer event photographer so was getting ready to take the winner’s photo. My name was...

Congratulation to everyone who participated in the Gingerbread Run this past Sunday! It was a beautiful day for the event, and we were so happy to you all out there having a great time.  In this week's Times we have a special guest for our Q&A - Mayor Charlie Clark! Mayor Clark, who prefers to be called Charlie, has been a long time supporter of Brainsport, and the independent business scene as whole in Saskatoon. He is also a runner himself and very committed to creating a city conducive and encouraging of an active lifestyle for all Saskatonians. With Charlie's very busy schedule we were pleased to be able to snag him for a couple of questions this week.  Q&A with Mayor Charlie Clark Tara: First, congratulations on your well run campaign and election victory. With your long history as a Saskatoon City Councillor you have a great deal of experience working with people from...

For all of you out there looking for an opportunity to race on the track before Christmas, or who have children interested in running, this Times is for you! In this week's Q&A we're speaking with meet director, Ivan Tam about the PR First Chance Track Meet coming up on December 3 at the Saskatoon Field House. Q&A with Ivan Tam Tara: For those unfamiliar with the First Chance Track Meet, would you mind giving us a brief overview of the event? Ivan: This is a meet for athletes of all ages. We have had athletes that are three years-old to 85 years-old competing at this event.   One little runner leaping over the hurdles at the PR First Chance Track Meet. Photo supplied Tara: What was the motivation for starting the meet?  Ivan: We started this meet about 30 years ago when there was no local meet prior to Christmas, which meant athletes...

In this week's Times we're taking a look at a new housing development in the city aimed at encouraging a healthy active lifestyle. Carrie Catherine, a local artist and Shift Development partner, is an avid runner who's passionate about contributing to a vibrate and healthy community - and that's exactly what she believes her latest project, the Element Urban Village in Riversdale will do. Check out this video before we get to our Q&A to get a bit of an overview of the project - and see Carrie on the run!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue7mAgvfTAw. Q&A with Carrie Catherine Tara: Before we get to questions about your exciting new project, let's first learn a bit more about you as a runner. When did you start running, and role does it play in your busy life now? Carrie: I started running when I was in university and soon made a quick half an hour run in the morning part of my routine....

Happy election day Saskatoon! Hopefully everyone has the chance to get out and vote - maybe even incorporate it into a run!  In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Tarrant Crosschild about his experience passing along his love of running to his children. His daughter, Jaira, recently ran her way to gold at the provincial cross-country championship and will be representing Saskatchewan next summer at the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto.  Before we get to our interview with Tarrant, if you're interested in volunteering with Team Saskatchewan visit http://www.teamsasknaig.ca/.  Q&A with Tarrant Crosschild Tara: Many in the local running community are familiar with your compelling story, but for those unfamiliar would you mind giving a bit of background about the impact running has had on your life? Tarrant: For 10 years I battled alcohol and gambling addiction. I wasn't being the husband or the father I was meant to be. In April 2014...

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...

Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone! Hopefully you all had a great holiday weekend and are now back into the swing of things.  In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Brainsport's Jamie Epp. For those of you unfamiliar with Jamie's background, he's a former U of S Huskies running star, with a seemingly endless list of national championship titles to his name - in events from the 1,500m to cross-country. He has also represented Canada in five international competitions, most notably placing fifth in the 10,000m at the 1999 Pan American Junior Championships. Last year Jamie's remarkable career was recognized with his induction into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame. Jamie is now passing along his knowledge and experience to the next generation of Huskies, holding an assistant coaching position with the cross country team for the past four years. The team is having a standout season this fall, so we thought we would get the scoop from Jamie on...

It's not every day you hear about a husband and wife duo training for, and running ultramarathons together - and doing so successfully. However, if you're a regular at the Brainsport Run Club you already know a couple doing just that!  As mentioned in last week's Times Brainsport's Harvey Mathies, and his wife Karon, both ran outstanding races at the Lost Soul Ultramarathon in September. Karon completed the 100 mile race, placing 5th in her age group; while Harvey ran a personal best in the 100 kilometre race. In this week's Times we're speaking with Harvey to learn more about the experience.   Q&A with Harvey Mathies  Tara: You and Karon both ran extremely well at this year's Lost Soul Ultramarathon with Karon completing the 100 mile race, placing 5th in her age group; and you ran a personal best in the 100 kilometre race. What do you think was the key to your success...

Here we are, the last day of summer! As the leafs start to turn and the ground begins to frost we will be welcoming the fall. One of the highlighted events for many local runners during this season is The Gingerbread Run. This week we announced registration for this popular event opens on October 1 (see Upcoming Events for more information).  Before we get to this week's Q&A, congratulations to Brainsport's Harvey Mathies, and his wife Karon, for their outstanding performances at the Lost Soul Ultramarathon in Lethbridge last weekend (Sept. 9-10). Karon completed the 100 mile race, placing 5th in her age group; while Harvey ran a personal best in the 100 kilometre race.  Now, onto our Q&A. This week we're speaking with, chiropractor, Kayla Lucas to learn more about her upcoming open-house being held at Brainsport this Saturday (Sept. 24) at 10 a.m. Q&A with Kayla Lucas Tara: Your focus, as a chiropractor, is primarily on the...

The long weekend is now behind us, which means school has started and there's likely still some back-to-school shopping to get done. Beyond the jeans and stationary there are a whole bunch of other must-haves on the lists of many as they get settled into classes, and start up fall sports seasons.  In this week's Q&A we speak with Brainsport Manager Lisette Schermann to learn more about some cool back-to-school products in stock this year.Q&A with Lisette Schermann Tara: With back-to-school shopping well underway, what some of the staple products in stock right now that may help parents check off their lists? Lisette: Running shoes are number one. Often one pair for outside wear and one for indoors. It’s also back to swim time, so we help kids find new goggles, suits and fins too.Lisette showing off some of Brainsport's swim gear. Tara: Beyond the staple products, are there any unique products that stand out to you as being back-to-school friendly?...