YourSaskatoon Blogs

Merry Christmas everyone! This is our last edition of the Times before Christmas Day, so you all get an early greeting. This week we're speaking with Oliver Eaton, the 2015 recipient of the Ric Hanna Leadership Award. This award is inspired by a man who made a tremendously positive impact on the Saskatoon running community.Ric was an outstanding runner, who organized numerous running events throughout the years. He was also a long-time member of the Brainsport Run Club, who was always willing to step up to lead a group.In a display of his commitment, determination, and love of running, Ric managed to make it out to Run Club while battling through Huntington's Disease.Ric, number 28, in his glory days of racing.By 2007, the neurological disease had taken its toll, and Ric could no longer lead any of Run Club's groups. However, he didn't allow the disease to deter him from the club. He...

Christmas is nine days away! It's tough believe, being the weather has felt more like March than mid-December. Nonetheless, Christmas is certainly coming!  It's most likely many of you are still getting some of your final holiday baking and gift shopping done. Unfortunately, there's not much we can do to help you with the baking, but we may be helpful on the shopping front! In place of a Q&A this week, check out some of our Staff Holiday Gift Picks. And, don't forget we're open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas Eve! Staff Holiday Gift Picks Lisette's pick this year is Ultimate Direction's Ultra Vesta because it holds lots of stuff, doesn't bounce around, and it's sized for women! Harvey's pick is the Salomon Spikecross. It keeps him feeling safe and secure on the ice. It's also very comfortable! Jaimie is going with the Saucony Run Mitt. Primarily, because it has...

As the new year fast approaches many of you, along with friends, family and co-workers, are setting your sights on 2016 running goals. We're super excited to be presenting a ton of new running courses in 2016 to help you reach these goals.  In this week's Q&A we speak with Ben Rempel, who's been busy organizing these courses, which will become better known as Brainsport Running Academy.Q&A with Ben RempelTara: There is a lot coming up in the new year for those looking to get into some organized training. Let's start with the 6 Week Tune Up course. What can you tell us about this particular course? Ben: The 6 Week Tune Up course is coached by Pat Somerville. It's aimed at runners who are wanting to fine tune their form for the 2016 Brainsport Brainfreeze. It can be tough getting back to form after a busy holiday season and this is sure to...

While most of us are fortunate enough to have fantastic footwear, for many people in Saskatoon this is not a reality. In fact, many don't even have the bare necessities when it comes shoes. This time of year we can only imagine what it would feel like to be outside in these frigid temperatures without proper footwear.  This is part of why we're so proud to, again, be presenting Free Shoe Day! In this week's Q&A we speak with Mike McDonald, the Founder and Executive Director of Recess Guardians, and long-time volunteer/organizer of Free Shoe Day.Before we get to our chat with Mike, a quick sidenote: We are still gathering as many pairs of gently-used, or new shoes as possible by the end of today (Wednesday, December 2). So please swing by the store and drop off your donations by 6 p.m. We'll also be asking people to volunteer after Run...

The winter weather has arrived, and quite convincingly!  As the colder weather hits we're seeing more-and-more people coming into the store to get suited up for winter running. We're also seeing a lot of people interested our uksi skirts. If you follow us on social media you may have seen a fun photo of the designer, and founder of uksi skirts, Elizabeth Michasiw, posing with Brett Wilson, from CBC's Dragons' Den.  We often hear "it's such smart idea," and "who makes these?". So, today we're going to talk to Elizabeth and learn more about how the uksi skirt came to be, and much more.   Q&A with Elizabeth Michasiw Tara: The uksi skirt is such a smart and unique idea. How did you come up with it and, ultimately, create the skirt as we now know it?   Elizabeth: I feel like I can’t take a lot of credit for coming up with a really creative idea because it...

As this beautiful fall continues to bring us mild temperatures and wonderful running conditions, it's a reminder of how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to slip on quality running shoes and hit the trails.  For those less fortunate, it's not always so simple, but we have the chance to help out. December 5 is Brainsport's Free Shoe day at King George School. If you have any gently-used or new shoes you'd like to donate, please drop them off at the store byDecember 2.  In the spirit of helping out, our Q&A this week features an interview with Michelle Wray from an organization called Start2Finish.   Q&A with Michelle Wray Tara: For those not familiar with Start2Finish, would you mind telling us a bit about the program? Michelle: Everyday Start2Finish help give children the building blocks to graduate. We empower children with the tools to succeed for life so they can create a "Cycle of Success." Tara: What makes Saskatoon...

On this day we remember all those who have served our country — thank you. We'll be back next week with a Q&A — for this week, simply take some time to remember. A reminder, we won't be hosting Run Club this evening, but if you're interested in getting out for a fun group run, check out the SRRA's Remembrance Day Run (details below). Be sure to read all the way through the Upcoming Events — there's some pretty cool news at the end of this week's Times. Upcoming Events: SRRA's Remembrance Day Run Wednesday, November 11 at 2 p.m. Starting at Nutana Collegiate front doors. This a 90 minute easy fun/educational run, making stops at some of Saskatoon's war memorials. There's no charge for the run, so come explore and remember those who have served. Refreshments will also be served.  Lighten Up! Fun Run Get out your bells, and battery-operated l.e.d. lights. Decorate...

It's been great to see some new faces at Run Club over the past several weeks. In last week's Times we spoke with one of the original Run Club members, Don Cochrane. This week we thought it would be fun to introduce one of the newest members, boxer, Herve Ndabaneze..  Q&A with Herve NdabanezeTara: Before we get into your boxing career and how running plays a role in your training, it would be great to learn more about your background. What brought you to Saskatoon? And, how did you discover Run Club?Herve: I moved to Saskatoon two years ago. I'm originally from Burundi in east Africa, but I have been living in Quebec for 11 years. The reason I came to Saskatoon is because I heard there were more job opportunities in the west. Especially in Saskatoon . This summer, when I was at the Blackstrap trail race somebody told me that Brainsport had a run club and that it would be a good idea for me to join .Tara: As a...

As the first snowflakes of the season start to fall, we're reminded of the Winter ahead. It's enough to make most Canadians shiver at the thought, but not Saskatonians. Our Run Club (as many of you know) goes year round. It's a great opportunity to introduce newcomers to our community, and show how beautiful the Bridge City is — even for winter running! In this week's Q&A we speak with one of the first-ever members of Run Club — the fabulous Don Cochrane. Q&A with Don CochraneTara: Let's start with how you got involved with Run Club. How did you hear about it? And, what motivated you to give it a try?Don: I coached Brian for about six months when he was in grade 12. He was so successful at the Canadian Junior Trials in June, I decided to retire with an unblemished coaching record! As a result of this first collaboration, we stayed...

We have an exciting demonstration coming up this weekend at the store. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, physiotherapist, Brad Spokes is going to be taking runners through the paces with the first-ever running power meter called Stryd! In this week's Q&A Brad explains more about this new technology and what he has planned for this weekend.Q&A with Brad SpokesTara: Let's start with a bit of your background. Tell us about your experience as an athlete and physiotherapist.Brad: I am a physiotherapist and co-owner of ZONE Sports Physiotherapy here in Saskatoon. I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2004. Over the past 11 years I have gained continuing education certification in acupuncture, IMS and was certified as a strength and conditioning specialist. Currently my caseload as physiotherapist primarily focuses on endurance sports injuries, especially in the running population. Over the past five years my role as physiotherapist has grown and evolved into...

Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone! Hopefully you all had a wonderful long weekend and are ready to get back at it this week. We're excited to have Leanne Parsons, co-founder of Breath Move Be, offering Yoga For Runners classes in our Community Room this month. In this week's Q&A we talk to Leanne to learn more about what the classes are all about. Q&A with Leanne Parsons Tara: Before we get into the specifics of yoga for runners, would you mind filling us in on your background in yoga and running? Leanne: Of course, I have been practicing yoga regularly since 2007, the same year I took up running. I never thought I would be a runner and when I tried it I found I loved it. I have completed a number of 5K, 10K and half marathon races. And yoga is a wonderful counterbalance to any sport.  In fact I loved it...

One month from today our colleague Jamie Epp will be inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame. We did an interview with Jamie back when it was announced, but thought it would be fun to do another interview as the day approaches. Here's a bit of background on Jamie for those of you who may not know just how remarkable his accomplishments are. From 1999 to 2003 he dominated the CIS as a distance runner with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. In cross country and track he was named a First Team All-Canadian eight times and is a nine-time Canada West All-Star. He's a three-time winner of the CIS 1500 metres, once winner of the CIS 3,000 metres and two-time Cross Country National Champion. The list of awards Jamie received along the way is lengthy. in fact, he's already in the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame as a member of...

We have a fun event coming up next week for anyone who's interested in hitting the trails this fall and winter. The Salomon demo tour is going to be at the store on Wednesday, October 7 with a fleet of high-performance trail shoes to try out on our city's beautiful trails! We're going to have two special trail groups at Run Club that evening. Salomon representative, Scott Friesen will be available to answer questions and get everyone set up. We caught up with Scott to get some more details about the event in this week's Q&A. Q&A with Scott Friesen Tara: You're bringing the Salomon demo tour to Brainsport next Wednesday evening. Would you tell us more about the tour? Scott: The Salomon demo tour is a grassroots program we are hosting with accounts like Brainsport to have consumers try on trail running shoes and take them out for a test...

Today is the first day of Fall — around here that means our next round of running clinics are getting underway! We woke the store up early on Tuesday morning to invite Global Morning News in to talk about our Learn To Run Clinics. Coach Stacey Mortenson-Spokes and Ben Rempel had a great time chatting with Global's Joelle Tomlinson. Check out Stacey's interview by clicking this link.  In this week's Q&A we catch up with Coach Ben to get his thoughts on the upcoming clinics. We also check in on his own training — he's had many adventures and logged many miles this year. Q&A with Ben Rempel Tara: The first class is fast approaching, and there are still spots available for anyone wanting to sign up. What are your words of encouragement to anyone who is hesitating?   Ben: I just want to let everyone know that nobody needs to feel intimidated by one...

It's been a beautiful September so far and last Saturday was no exception — we had a gorgeous day for the Broadway Street Sale. It was great to see so many people out at our new location just off Broadway, as well as all the buzz on Broadway. Our friends at New Balance were busy, busy. You may have noticed a new business, Summit Sports and Health, has moved into the location just above the New Balance store. In this week's Q&A we talk to Clinic Director, Dr. Wade Phillips, to find out more about about this new venture and what it has to offer active Saskatonians.Q&A with Dr. Wade PhillipsTara: You recently relocated to Saskatoon from Toronto to start up this business. What motivated you to move here?Wade: My wife and I are originally from Saskatoon. I lived here for 24 years before moving to Toronto for school and so Saskatoon has always been home. Family is very important...

The hustle and bustle of summer's end is in full swing. There's been plenty of action at the store and we're looking forward to seeing even more at our Street Sale on September 12. We're also looking forward to the start of our Learn To Run Clinics. In this week's Q&A we chat with coach Stacey Mortenson-Spokes. She has a wonderful message to share. For more information on our clinics take a look at the "Upcoming Events." There's still time to sign up! Q&A with Stacey Mortenson-Spokes Tara: Running carries with it inherent challenges, and for you, a big one has been managing Type 1 Diabetes. Would you mind telling us about when, and how, you found out you are diabetic? And how you responded? Stacey: I was a few weeks out from having completed my fourth marathon in Kelowna when I started to feel very sick. I ignored symptoms for...

Tonight is our All Party Marathon! If you want to get to know more about local candidates running in the upcoming federal election be sure to get out to Running and Walking Club this evening — we're getting started at 5:45. In this week's Q&A we speak with longtime Brainsport employee, and ultra-runner, Harvey Mathies. He's heading off to run 100 miles at the Lost Soul Ultramarathon in Lethbridge next weekend. Harvey is also coaching an upcoming daytime Learn To Run Clinic, so there's plenty to talk about. Q&A with Harvey Mathies Tara: Let's start with your big race coming up. Would you mind telling us about it and why you chose this race? Harvey: The race is called Lost Souls Ultramarathon and claims to be the toughest ultra on the Prairies. After running it three times I think they might be right. I can assure you that the only thing you won't lose is your...

Last week's sale was a great success and such an energizing week! Thanks to everyone who came out to take part. It was very cool to see so many people investing in their health and being active — "Walk, Run, Live!" In this week's Q&A we are talking about a run you may, or may not have, heard of. Either way we think you should know more about the Day of the Dead Fun Run. It's founded and organized by Lisette and her husband, Neil. They are both super passionate about it — check out my conversation with Neil. Q&A with Neil Boone Tara: For readers out there who aren't familiar with the run, what are the basics: location, distance, terrain, etc.? Neil: The run is always in the evening on November 1. The route is about a 5K loop and runners have the option of doing one or two laps. The route changes a...

It's hard to believe, but we're already nearing the end of August. The summer months have been flying by. It was just three months ago we were saying goodbye to our friend and colleague Ian Colvine as he and his wife headed off to retire in Cochrane, Alta. closer to their grandchildren. If you are Facebook friends with Ian you have likely been getting a look at what he's been up to — he often posts fun photos. For this week's Q&A we thought it would be nice to go beyond the social media posts and get caught up with Ian for this week's Q&A. Q&A with Ian Colvine Tara: Let's jump right into the running scene -- how is it out there? Have you found a good group of runners?   Ian: It’s been three months since I retired from Brainsport and we’ve been in Cochrane for two and a half months now. Nice community and...

It's time for that announcement mentioned in last week's Times! You may have already heard on the radio, or by word-of-mouth, about the "greatest sale in Brainsport history" starting on August 14. But what you likely haven't heard is our ever-so-fantastic Brainsport community (that's you!) is getting in on the savings early! This is our way of thanking you for your constant interest and support. Starting tomorrow, August 13, and going through until August 22 you'll receive 20 to 50 percent off all shoes and apparel at both Brainsport and New Balance!! There are so many cool shoes and apparel to choose from — decisions, decisions, decisions — so, to help you out we thought it would a good idea to chat with Lisette, one of our managers. She's got tons of insight on the products that come into the store and is, in general, a really fun and informative person...