YourSaskatoon Blogs

This is a big weekend for the local running community, and beyond, with the running of the Saskatchewan Marathon; all the best to everyone participating! There's such a celebratory atmosphere at this event over the course of the weekend - we hope you all soak it up and are proud of the hard work you've put in to get there.  Speaking of hard work, for those of you looking to keep up with your training over the summer months the Brainsport Running Academy kicks off its Summer Tune-Up Course on June 6. Coach Pat Somerville will be guiding participants through 14 weeks of training in preparation for races ranging from 10K to full marathon distances. In this week's Times we speak with Pat to learn more about this course and what makes it a great option for summer training.  Q&A with Pat Somerville Tara: You've coached countless running courses at Brainsport over the...

Brainsport has announced a new fun run is coming to the city this summer! The Mimosa Run will be held on June 11 in support of the Lasers Swim Club Para Swim Program. This event means a great deal to Brainsport's founder/owner Brian Michasiw, who's daughter Harriet has a rare genetic condition called Congenital Hyperinsulinism. Damage done to Harriet's nervous system as a result of the condition means she does a physical activity a bit differently than other children - which makes her a great fit for the Lasers Swim Club Para Swim Program. Having witnessed the positive impact the program has had on his daughter and other children, Brian felt it was a great idea to get involved in supporting the program with a fun run. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Laurel Scherr and Rochelle Anthony who started the Lasers Swim Club Para Swim Program four years ago; and who are now also co-directors of the...

We're only 17 days away from hundreds of runners lining up at the start of the Saskatchewan Marathon. Some will be taking on the full marathon distance, some the half marathon, and others will be looking to achieve their goals in the 5K and 10K races.  It's always a pleasure to watch this event, as runners of all levels take to the streets. In this week's Times we're going to speak with a beginner runner who's been participating in the Brainsport Running Academy 10K Course. Michael Baars started out on what he would have once considered an unlikely journey back in February with coach Tarrant Cross Child. Over the past few months Michael has transformed himself into a runner who will proudly pin on a Saskatchewan Marathon race bib on May 28. Let's learn more about Michael's story in this week's Q&A!  Q&A with Michael Baars Tara: You've made great strides at the Brainsport Running Academy 10K...

Each year one of the highlights of the Saskatchewan Marathon event is the pasta dinner; not only because there's tons of yummy carb loading to be done, but also because of the keynote speakers. This year two local runners will be headlining the event - Jason Warick and Tarrant Cross Child.  In his prime Jason was one of Canada's top long distance runners, captaining the Canadian National Marathon team, and owning a marathon PR of 2:19:39, which he ran in Chicago in 2006. Jason now coaches a group of competitive runners here in Saskatoon, including Tarrant Cross Child - winner of the 1998 Saskatchewan Marathon.  In this week's Q&A we're having a conversation with Jason and Tarrant about their upcoming gig at the Saskatchewan Marathon! Q&A with Jason Warick and Tarrant Cross Child Tara: You both have a lot to give in terms of sharing your running experiences with others. What motivates you to share...

Runners get ready to race! The first half-marathon of the season is fast approaching. This year the The Saskatoon Police Half Marathon is being held on May 7.  This is a great opportunity for competitive runners to test out their fitness coming off the long winter season. It's also an event catered to runners of all levels, and ages, so everyone is welcome! In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Sgt. Wade Bourassa to learn more about this year's event.  Q&A with Sgt. Wade Bourassa Tara: The Saskatoon Police Half Marathon has become a go-to race for a lot of runners in and around Saskatoon. What do you think it is about the event that's made it a success? Sgt. Bourassa: For the eighth year, the Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon has been the first timed race of the season. The course has always been as interesting as it is beautiful. We have...

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...

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...

Happy New Year to everyone! Hopefully you are all having a wonderful start to 2017. For many, a new year marks a time for new beginnings. In this week's Q&A we speak with a local physiotherapist who's embarking on a new endeavour in 2017. Juliet Sarjeant has spent her career working at the Saskatoon Health Region; and is now excited to be starting a private practice part-time at McInnes Physiotherapy - starting tomorrow. As you will read further down, Juliet is looking forward to reconnecting with the Brainsport community in the months ahead. Q&A with Juliet Sarjeant Tara: What was your motivation for venturing into private practice at this time in your career? Juliet: I’m looking forward to starting work in private practice primarily to broaden my client base. At the health region, I only see women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. At McInnes Physiotherapy, I’m hoping to continue working with those...

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...

Merry Christmas to you all, and Happy Holidays! As Christmas Day nears and many of you are still hustling around tracking down those last minute gifts, be sure to keep Brainsport in mind. Our staff is full of fantastic ideas for the runner, walker, swimmer, hiker and triathlete in your life. And, of course we are also home to a wide selection of fantastic casual footwear, from warm boots to work shoes, and a whole lot more. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with James Funk, co-director of the Brainsport Brainfreeze, about the race coming up in March. James also has a solid Christmas gift idea near the end of the interview, so stay tuned all the way through - it involve signing someone up for the race! Q&A with James Funk Tara: This is the ninth year for the Brainsport Brainfreeze, so clearly it's a successful event. What do you think...

As we settle in to the Holiday Season many memories have already been made with our families, friends, and ever-so important running pals; we need only look back a few weeks to the running of the 2016 Gingerbread Run. Not only was a ton of fun had by all, but a ton of money was also raised for The Saskatchewan Abilities Council, which will be receiving more than $10,000 as a result of the tremendous response of Saskatoon's running community.  In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Lydia Michasiw, to get a young person's perspective on the race. This Grade 3 student is our youngest interviewee to date - it's also worth noting the Gingerbread Man she was trying to catch was her dad!  Q&A with Lydia Michasiw   Tara: Thanks for doing this Lydia, it's exciting to be talking to you about your experience running in this year's Gingerbread Run! How does...

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...