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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

September is a great month to be a runner in the Bridge City. The weather is cooling down, and fall routines are starting to take hold. There are also plenty of running events this month. On that note, congratulations to everyone who participated in the Queen City Marathon last weekend! As we look ahead, to the very near future, the 36th Annual Terry Fox Run is just days away. In this week's Q&A we speak with Ali Lackie, a volunteer and organizing committee co-chair of the Saskatoon Terry Fox Run. Q&A with Ali Lackie Tara: Heading into its 36th year, what do you think is the key to the longevity and success of the Terry Fox Run? Ali: I think one huge factor is the consistency and integrity of the Terry Fox Foundation. The people involved in managing it (including the Fox Family) have really kept the spirit and values intact over all these...

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...

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...

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...

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:...

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...