YourSaskatoon Blogs

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...

It's likely safe to say there's not a runner in Saskatoon who doesn't enjoy taking to the trails of Meewasin Valley. It's also likely most runners do their part to keep the trails free of trash, but there is an opportunity to do even more!  Tomorrow (Thursday, April 20) everyone is welcome to meet at Brainsport at 6 p.m. to walk the river and do some cleaning up. The plan is to clean from Victoria Bridge to the start of the woodchip trail. If you're not familiar with that area, not to worry there will be lots of supports around.  In this week's Q&A we're speaking with longtime runner David Buchner to learn more about this annual spring clean up and why it's so important.  Q&A with David Buchner Tara: One of the great pleasures of living in, or visiting Saskatoon is running the trails of Meewasin Valley. As someone who's been a longtime...

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...

For those of you who have frequented Brainsport over the past several years there's a good chance you ran into Trevor Hofbauer at some point. Trevor is our former New Balance rep turned elite long distance runner; and at 6'3 he's tough to miss in passing. The 24-year-old is a no-nonsense runner who isn't afraid to publicly voice his goals: to compete in the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games. If his performances over the past couple of years are any indication, he's well on his way. He's a national bronze medalist in the half marathon and cross country, with personal bests of 1:04:28 half marathon, 29:28 10K and 14:33 5K. In 2016 he represented Canada at the World's Best 10K in Puerto Rico, and just last week was the first Canadian to cross the finish line at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Kampala, Uganda. Trevor's commitment to pursuing his dreams was made evident earlier this...

In this week's Times we're going to be speaking with Brian! For those of you who are new subscribers, or perhaps new to Saskatoon's running community, Brian is the founder/owner of Brainsport and all-round creative, interesting guy (and really fast runner).  Brian was recently in the Florida Keys for a dealer's summit where he learned about some exciting new products, and explored some innovative ideas in terms of the future of the running industry. Let's not waste anytime in getting to our conversation with Brian!  Q&A with Brian Michasiw    Tara: Let's start with some product talk. The three founders of On were at conference and gave you a sneak peek at what's coming up next year. This is a company you, and many in the industry, are very excited about. What's got you so pumped about On? Brian: I'm excited because On running shoes have a technology that is both innovative and...

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...

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...

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...

In this week's Times we're talking hill training . . . wait don't stop reading . . . it's not as bad as you think! Believe it or not hills can be a lot fun and a super rewarding workout, especially if you find the right group to train with.  For anyone who's been around Brainsport long enough, you've likely heard about a group of runners who go out and tackle hills every Monday evening. In today's Q&A we're going to speak with one of those runner - Dave Stark, and learn more about this opportunity to join a great group of runners for a great workout! Q&A with Dave Stark Tara: Let’s start by getting a bit of a rundown on this group of hill-bound athletes. How did it get started? What’s it all about? Dave: There's no denying that a regular workout on hills can be a great benefit to even the recreational...

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...

With relief from the deep-freeze conditions it's getting a lot easier to envision this year's upcoming racing season. The Brainsport Running Academy is offering a robust line up of courses this winter and spring to help you meet your running goals in 2017. If the Saskatchewan Marathon Event is in your sights, you'll surely want to check out the courses being offered. Whether you're a beginner, or an experienced marathoner, there's a course for you!  In this week's Q&A we're speaking with the coach of the Standard Marathon course, Pat Sommerville. Pat has an extensive background helping runners meet their goals, and has dedicated many, many hours to runners who have come through the Brainsport Running Academy. Q&A with Pat Sommerville   Tara: The Brainsport Academy Marathon Course gets underway next week, and there are still some spots open. For those who may be considering it, but aren't quite sure it's for them...

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...

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...