YourSaskatoon Blogs

For two straight weeks we had the pleasure of watching the world's best athletes perform at the Rio Olympics. It's sad to see it end, but the spirit of the Games will certainly live on; and we won't forget the outstanding showing by our Canadian athletes.   There's no telling how many future Olympians were inspired by these Games, but we can be sure they will be popping up in the years to come. It was fun to watch as the Canadian women really stood out this year, and undoubtedly caught the attention of young women here in Saskatoon, and across the country.  One of those young women looking to the Games over the past two weeks was Shayna Uhryn. If you haven't already heard about Shayna, she's a very talented and accomplished young runner who's already made her mark on the Saskatchewan running scene. In this week's Q&A we're going to get to know more about Shayna.  Q&A with Shayna Uhryn Tara: To...

We're less than week into the track and field events in Rio and already we've been treated to some spectacular Canadian performances. From Derek Drouin's gold-medal high jump performance last night, to Andre De Grasse's head-spinning 100m race to bronze and the courageous comeback by Humboldt's Brianne Theisen-Eaton to claim bronze in the heptathlon.  As our eyes continue on Rio we'll also be looking out for the performances of two Kenyan athletes: Asbel Kiprop in the 1500m and Ezekeil Kemboi in the 3000m steeplechase. As we learned last week these two athletes received shoes from Saskatoon's running community in 2004 when Jason Warick made his first trip Kenya. Jason's trip, and Brian's involvement in getting shoes gathered to take over, born what we now know as the Brainsport Shoe Donation Program.  In this week's Q&A we speak with Colin French, Brainsport's Shoe Donation Program Captain, to learn more about this remarkable program that has put shoes on thousands of people in need.  Q&A with Colin French Tara: As...

The Olympics are in full swing, and its about to get even better this Friday, August 12, when the athletics events get underway! Athletics Canada has sent the largest Olympic team in its history to the Rio Games, with 65 athletes set to compete. There will certainly be no shortage of homegrown talent to watch over the next couple of weeks, but there's also a connection with two Kenyan athletes we'd like to share with you in this week's Times. In 2004 Jason Warick won a journalism fellowship to write about anything in Africa. He's topic of choice - running. So off he went, along with Brian and his parent's - Judy and Randy. The rest is history - really interesting history, at that, so let's get right to our Q&A with Jason.  Q&A with Jason Warick Tara: Let’s start with a bit of background about the approach you took going into this project in Kenya. You...

Imagine running across Canada, solo and unsupported, and then turning around and running all the way back -- all in effort to raise funds for Alzheimer’s and breast cancer charities. That's exactly what Edward “Fast Eddy” Dostaler is doing on his "There and Back" journey across Canada. Eddy has reached Saskatchewan, andtonight he will be at Brainsport for a meet and greet between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Come learn more about Eddy's journey, and even have a chance to run with him.   In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Eddy to learn more about his "There and Back" journey.  Q&A with Edward Dostaler - “Fast Eddy” Tara: When did you first start to think about the prospect of running across the country -- and back? Eddy: I started to think of it after my grandmother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I wanted to go one way and with a support vehicle, however when I learnt of a mentor's passing, who was a professor and advocate of Breast Cancer awareness,...

Excitement is building for the start of the 2016 Summer Olympics, which gets underway on August 5, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Here in Saskatoon the Olympic spirit will be celebrated at this year's Folkfest with a torch run on opening day of the festival - August 18. In this week's Q&A we learn more about the torch run from the Greek Pavilion Manager, Effie Kutsogiannis. Q&A with Effie Kutsogiannis Tara: With the Olympic Games fast approaching, soon the world will be  watching as the Olympic torch is lit in Rio. Tell us how the idea to light a torch here in Saskatoon during Folkfest came to fruition. Effie: This year's Olympic Games inspired this torch run. The roots of the ancient games in Olympia were to unite the Ancient Greek city states for a short time. As the Greek pavilion, we want to celebrate this. Tara: Where will the torch run start and finish? And, what will...

A big thank you to everyone who helped celebrate Brainsport's 25th Anniversary last week - it was a great evening! In celebration of the big year, we have a very cool "Product of the Week" to highlight this week at the end of this edition.   In this week's Q&A we're checking back in with Joey Lorer to get his thoughts on completing the Sinister 7 Ultra solo! But, before we get to that a reminder that Brainsport will be open during construction on the 600 Block of 10th Street East - it's expected to last three to four weeks. Now, on to our Q&A . . . Q&A with Joey LorerTara: Just a few years after committing yourself to running, you managed to successfully race the Sinister 7 solo, completing the 100 mile race in 27 hours 49 minutes and 23 seconds. What did it take physically, and mentally to get to the starting line?Joey: I found a training plan that was geared towards...

The big day is here! Today we are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Brainsport! We look forward to seeing you all out at run club this evening, where the winner of the Brooks Rock Your Run contest will be announced! It's going to a packed evening of celebration with a dinner at the Cosmopolitan Senior Citizens Centre following run club (limited amount of tickets still available for the dinner).  Today we are also taking time to remember Ric Hanna; one of Saskatoon's greatest runner's, and a man who fought Huntington's Disease with an unrelenting spirit.  Ric's legacy will certainly be everlasting; and his name will continue to be honoured each year at Brainsport with the Ric Hanna Award, which is awarded to one runner who exemplifies outstanding leadership. Past recipients of the award are: Dave Stark, Peter Goode, Jan Sterling, Theresa Reid-Shea, Brian Breit, Audrey Mowchenko, and Oliver Eaton. In place of a Q&A this week, we have a tribute to Ric, with words...

Brainsport's 25th Anniversay celebration is fast approaching; and there's plenty to look forward to on July 13 as the fun gets underway - you're not going to want to miss it! Bit-by-bit some details have been released about the celebration, including the Brooks Rock Your Run Contest winner announcement, ticket availability, supper location, and catering. In this week's Q&A we get even more details from Brian.    Q&A Brian Michasiw Tara: The big day is almost here! What are your thoughts as you approach this milestone of 25 years in business? Brian: It makes me reflect on how far we've come. Looking back to when we started Brainsport it's now clear to me how little we knew about business. At the time my partner Debbie Harksen was 20-years-old and I was 21. We knew how to sell shoes, but that was about it. However, it's amazing what a positive attitude and a bit of hard work can accomplish. Tara:...

Anyone who’s is a part of Saskatoon’s running community likely knows just how special it is. This is evidenced every week on Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings at the Brainsport Run Club; individuals gathering, each with a unique story of how they came to be a runner. It seems fitting to take some time to get to know more about some of the remarkable individuals who make up Saskatoon’s running community. If you’re a regular Run Club goer you likely know Joey Lorer. You may also know him as the lead vocalist of Old Joe and the Truth Hurts. Next month he's going to be running the Sinister 7 Ultra solo; just a few years after taking up running. In this week’s Q&A we learn more about Joey's journey.   Q&A Joey Lorer Tara: With only a few years of running under your belt next month you'll be taking on 100 miles solo at the Sinister 7 Ultra in Alberta. What has been...

The fist day of summer fell upon us this week, marking the continuation a robust racing season both in Saskatoon and beyond. Whether training to race competitively, or working toward your first-ever race, these summer days provide a beautiful backdrop to whatever adventure you may be on.  With the EY River Classic set for mid July, there is a great opportunity to transition your summer-morning runs into a summer-morning race. This is one of the province's premier racing events, hosted by the SRRA. In this week's Q&A we speak with race committee member, Neil MacKay, to learn more about the event.   Q&A Neil MacKay Tara: The EY River Run Classic is one of the province’s top road races. What goes into making this such a great event year in and year out? Neil: There is something for everyone as there are a variety of race distances - a 5K walk/run, a 10K and a...

We are getting increasingly excited about Brainsport's upcoming 25th Anniversary! You have likely already heard, or read here in the Times, about the celebration we'll be having on July 13 (if not be sure to checkout the "Upcoming Events). This is going to be super fun evening of celebration! We also have another 25th anniversary project in the works. Over the past several months Don Cochrane, with the assistance of photographer, Louis Christ and myself, have been working on a publication for Brainsport's 25th Anniversary.  In this week's Q&A we learn more about the project from none other than Don, himself.    Q&A Don Cochrane Tara: First, a bit about you Don, and your relationship with Brian and Brainsport. You go way, way back making you a perfect fit to lead the way on this project. Would you mind telling us a bit more about this?   Don: I first met Brian more than thirty years...

A few special travelling-visitors passed through the store last week! On May 9, Stanley Barkman started walking from his home in Sioux Lookout, Ont. with the goal of reaching Fort McMurray by foot to raise funds for the fire evacuees. On that day the Walking for Fort McMurray campaign took to life. Along the way Stanley has been joined by his cousin David Barkman (in Ontario) as well as Fort McMurray evacuee, Nathan Walmsley, in Regina. On Friday morning the trio was at Brainsport where they were each given a new pair of shoes, along with a few pairs of socks to help them along their journey. Before sitting down for his fitting we caught up with Stanley to learn more about his venture.   Q&A Stanley Barkman Tara: What motivated you to walk from you home in Ontario, to Fort McMurray to raise money for the fire evacuees? Stanley: People are losing their houses - I want o do what...

Congratulations to all the participants and volunteers who took part in the 2016 Saskatchewan Marathon over this past weekend! There is a lot to celebrate; goals accomplished, fantastic performances, and the wonderful spirit of a community of runners, walkers, and volunteers coming together for a great event. On the heels of such a fabulous weekend, we've packed the Times with two Q&A's this week. First up, we're going to talk with Brian to get his take on his thrilling third-place performance in the marathon. Then, we'll have a chat with Joel Pedersen of J2J Fitness about the safety-awareness and self-defence session being held at Brainsport this Saturday.  There's a lot to cover, so let's get right to it! Brian Michasiw Tara: It's not very often you see a sprint right to the finish line in a marathon, but you and Seiji Yoshimura battled it out hard for third place all the way to the end. It was a cat and...

The 2016 Saskatchewan Marathon is just days away! As the excitement builds, we thought it would be fun to interview Brian for this week's Q&A to get his thoughts on this year's event.  Before we get to the interview - all the best to everyone participating this weekend!   Q&A with Brian Michasiw  Tara: Having won the Saskatchewan Marathon six times, you have some invaluable experience heading into this weekend's race. On the flip side, there are a whole lot of runners out their eagerly anticipating their first Saskatchewan Marathon. Do you have any advice for first-time participants? Brian: Don't go out too hard. All of us runners, at a certain point in the race, enter our fatigue-form state and if we go out too hard and can't maintain our form we're going to fall apart. It's easy to go out way too fast; it takes a lot of discipline to hold back...

First off this week, thank you to all the participants, volunteers and sponsors (Salomon, Harbor Golf Club & Resort) who helped make the Brainsport Spring Run Off in Elbow a success. We had approximately 170 participants out over the weekend for the inaugural event - way to go! There's no doubt, Saskatchewan is a great place for summer racing. Fast approaching is the Saskatchewan Marathon here in Saskatoon, which a lot of you have been in training for. Following this great event is the Queen City Marathon in September; another marquee racing event in the province.  In this week's Q&A we're speaking with the race director of the Queen City Marathon, Shawn Weimer. He has a lot of information for us, so let's get to it!  Q&A with Shaw Weimer Tara:  As plenty of runners are gearing up for the Saskatchewan Marathon, you're busy in preparation for the Queen City Marathon. Can you speak to the way these two events...

We have a nice shift in gears in this edition of the Brainsport Times. In this week's Q&A we'll be speaking with Stephan Bourassa, a local occupational therapist, who's starting up a very important program here in Saskatoon for children with a wide range of challenges.  There's a lot to talk about, so let's get right to it!  Q&A with Stephan Bourassa Tara: As an occupational therapist you have worked with kids of many different ages and abilities. Can you give us a bit of background about your work? And, your running?  Stephan: You bet! After working with injured adults for 12 years, I needed a change. After seeing the magic of the growth and development of my own young children, I decided to step out on my own and established Milestones Occupational Therapy for Children, a private pediatric Occupational Therapy practice in Saskatoon. I work with children and youth with a...

Experienced runners and triathletes alike understand the importance of cross-training. Whether it's hitting the eliptical machine, pool, or bike there's plenty of options available. However, it's kind of nice to try something new every once in a while. There's an interesting opportunity to do just that - at Breathe Cycle Studio, which just opened here in Saskatoon.  In this week's Q&A we speak with Clay Sparks, Co-founder of Breath Cycle Studio, to learn more about this unique form of cross-training.  Q&A with Clay Sparks Tara: Let's start with what exactly Breathe Cycle Studio is all about. This is not your average spin class - would you mind telling use more about it?   Clay: Breathe exists primarily as a reminder to tap into the power deep within each of us. We've built a special room for you to reconnect with that power through movement. The tool we've chosen to use is a RealRyder "un-stationary" indoor-cycle....

Tomorrow evening marks the start of the 2016 Saskatoon Road Runners Trail Race Series! In this week's Q&A we speak with the SRRA's Peter Goode to learn more about the series. It's exciting to know these races are for all levels of runners — as long as a conservative approach is taken, which Peter will get to. Also, be sure to check out our "Product of the Week" — we're featuring another great trail shoe (last week was the Hoka One One Speedgoat). Q&A with Peter Goode   Tara: For those not familiar, can you tell us more about the SRRA's series of trail races? Peter: The SRRA trail series is about five years old. It began with a fall trail race at Blackstrap Provincial Park, which I had planned as an SRRA end-of -season run and barbeque. It was so popular I decided to plan for three events in the following...

Interested in going on a beautiful trek in Peru in support of a great cause? This week we're speaking with Mavis Derksen, who's leading the way for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada on a Machu Picchu adventure! There's a lot to learn about this Charity Challenge, so we'll get started right away. But first note, there is also an information session on Saturday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brainsport. Q&A with Mavis Derksen Tara: This seems like a wonderful opportunity to take on a major trek for people of varying experiences hiking. Is it fair to say it's suitable for those who have very little experience? Mavis: Destination hiking is very popular worldwide. The training for Machu Picchu will begin in mid July 2016. Before that I encourage teammates to walk and enjoy the outdoors. This hike is not a race. The speed you will be...

We have an exciting evening coming up this week! On Friday, April 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. you're all invited to the Brainsport Run Club/Academy Appreciation Night.  To fill us in on all the details we'll be speaking with Brian in this week's Q&A. So, let's get right to it! Q&A with Brian Michasiw Tara: What’s was the motivation to present this evening of appreciation?   Brian: We want to give our loyal customers an opportunity to gear up for the Saskatchewan Marathon event. As a token of our appreciation we’ll have an extra special discount on Friday evening.   Tara: The timing of the appreciation night is very intentional. Can you elaborate on why you think it’s important to offer this discount at this time?   Brian: I was in Victoria for the Victoria Marathon a few years ago and I looked at my shoes and noticed the...