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...

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...

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...

It's seems safe to say Saskatonians are in the thick of winter's wrath, which means one thing: It can only get warmer, right? Well, let's hope so. In the meantime, keep your sights set on the beautiful spring and summer days ahead, when all the training you're putting in over the winter is going to pay off.  This week's Times is an excellent edition for those of you who are, or who know of somebody who is, interested in kicking up their activity intensity over the season and into the spring. First up, the Brainsport Running Academy still has spots open for the Learn To Run course with coach Jen Kripki, but only for one more week so jump on it if you're interested. For more information, or to register contact Harvey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Secondly, for all the women out there who have ever considered the idea of getting into triathlon the Just Tri-It program is for you! In...

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...

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?...

As the fall racing season approaches many of you will soon be taking to the starting line. Whether it's the Queen City Marathon, or a destination race a little extra inspiration from someone who just ran her first marathon may be helpful. For this we look to Brainsport Sales Associate Kim Galus. Kim ran her first marathon earlier this month - in Iceland! In this week's Q&A we speak with Kim to learn more about her experience.  Q&A with Kim Galus Tara: You just returned from running your first marathon - the Islandsbanki Reykjavik Marathon. Not too many people choose to travel to Iceland to run a marathon, let alone their first. What inspired you to go on this adventure? Kim: There's a few reasons I decided to do this race. Iceland has been a place I have wanted to visit for a few years now so last summer when I heard I could go there and run through Team...

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...

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...