YourSaskatoon Blogs

Runners of all levels, another opportunity to meet and run with others is coming to the city! On April 14 New Balance Saskatoon is launching NB Run Crew. This group will provide a relaxed, inclusive environment for everyone to come out and enjoy a run together. If you're already a regular Brainsport Run Club goer this may be a nice addition to your weekly routine. If you've never been to a running group before Run Crew is another great way to get started!In this week's Q&A we're talking to one of its co-leaders, Madison Heise, to learn more.Q&A with Madison HeiseTara: Let's start by learning more about you and co-leader of Run Crew, Saija Shearer. You are business partners at Black Dove Healthy Eats, and running partners too — would you mind telling us more about your background?Madison: Saija and I are best friends, we are not business partners. We met through Thrive...

Thanks to everyone who came out to run and volunteer at the Brainfreeze on Sunday — it was a beautiful day! Looking ahead at the 2016 racing schedule, there's a lot to get excited about, including the 38th Saskatchewan Marathon. This race is top of list for many runners in Saskatchewan and beyond. In this week's Q&A we speak with its race director, Kim Ali, to learn a bit more about the event. Q&A with Kim Ali Tara: For those who are perhaps new to Saskatchewan, or new to running, could you tell us more about the race's history and how it came to be such a marquee event?   Kim: We are runners and walkers and we volunteer at races! The dedicated race committee has a vision to improve every year through a strong community focus and ongoing communication with past participants. A small number of running enthusiasts started the...

Looking past today's not-so great weather, we have a beautiful forecast for the upcoming days, and hopefully much more to come! The warmer weather is getting everyone excited about our new spring arrivals. We're starting to get questions about what's coming in to the store. So this week, we thought it would be fun, and informative, to speak with Brainsport Manager, Lisette Schermann.Q&A with Lisette SchermannTara: Excitement is building as people anticipate getting outdoors more as spring arrives. Can you share some of what customers can expect to see coming into the store, and when new arrivals will land? Lisette: We don’t have any control over when spring arrives outside, but inside Brainsport, spring will be arriving in mid March. That’s for running clothes and accessories like Buffs, for shoes, many of the best spring styles are already here. Tara: Running shoes are constantly evolving. You are in a lot of meetings with the companies in...

Spring is in the air! Well, maybe it's a bit too soon to make such a bold statement, but the mild temperatures so far this week certainly do serve as a reminder of warmer days ahead.The mild temperatures are also a reminder that one very lucky Brainsport Run Club member, along with a guest, will be jetting off to Las Vegas this Fall for the Rock n’ Roll Marathon. If you're not familiar with the Rock Your Run Contest check out the "Up Coming Events" section for all the exciting details!In this week's Q&A we speak with Justin Dempsey-Chiam, Brooks Country Manager — Canada, to learn more about the contest and Brooks' involvement.Q&A with Justin Dempsey-ChiamTara: The Rock Your Run Contest is getting runners in Saskatoon quite excited. What inspired Brooks to want to be involved with the running community in this city?Justin: We’ve always been impressed with the heartiness of runners in...

Welcome to the short work week everyone! Hopefully some extra time away from the desk and computer has served you all well. I'm away this week, so the Times is a bit scaled back — I'll have a Q&A prepared for you next week. In the meantime, you may want to check out, photographer, Steve Gibb's website. He's posted his photos of Brainsport, along with some lovely writing about the store. Here's the link http://www.gibbart.com/  — enjoy! Upcoming Events Strength and mobility; a fascial rolling class with Theresa Ziegler Learn how to optimize your tissue mobility and get a core workout ideal for runners at the same time. Streamline your strength and mobility into one effective workout. This class goes through multi-area foam rolling for tissue health and mobility, as well as intersperses each release technique with core specific strengthening work on hips, abdomen and back. Class size is up to 10...

Over the past few weeks there has been a great deal of discussion across the country about the school shooting in La Loche. Through the analysis, questions, and theorizing about why it happened, and how to prevent it from happening again, mental health has emerged as a primary focus of discussion.  It's very timely this week to have the opportunity to talk about mental health and physical activity with Sgt. Wade Bourassa of the Saskatoon Police Service. Sgt. Bourassa is currently in his 17th year of service with the Saskatoon Police Service. The father of two is also a big time runner, with 10 marathons behind him. His service to the city has been recognized publicly numerous times. He is the recipient of the Governor Generals Award for Bravery, has received the M.D. Ambulance lifesavers award and the Chiefs award for community service.   Q&A with Sgt. Wade Bourassa Tara: What impact...

Welcome to February everyone! Hopefully you all have been enjoying the warmer weather — and getting out for some nice runs! In this week's Times we're speaking to photographer Steve Gibb. Most of you are already familiar with his work, but may not realize it. Steve is responsible for taking the Times' stunning front-page photo. With a keen eye for capturing the beauty of Saskatoon's historic buildings, it's no surprise Brainsport caught his attention. Steve will be posting his photos of the store on his website gibbart.com in the next week or so. In the meantime let's get to know him! Q&A with Steve Gibb Tara: Let's start with a little bit of your photography background. Would you mind telling us more about yourself?   Steve: I retired in 2010 after 40 years in the newspaper business, with 35 of those in various editing roles, including the last 17 years as...

It's been a very busy time at Brainsport with our 25th Anniversary Sale last week. We had fun keeping up with all the action. Thank you to everyone who came out and kept us super busy! In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Mike McDonald, who's coaching the Brainsport Running Academy Half-Marathon course. We're very excited about all the courses being offered this year by the academy — be sure to check them all out on our website. There's also more information below in "Upcoming Events."Q&A with Mike McDonaldTara: We’ve been getting some background on the Brainsport Running Academy coaches over the past few weeks. Now it's your turn. Would you mind telling us about your experiences as a runner and coach? Mike: Well, to be honest, the reason I got into running was because of my mom. She has run for almost my whole life and has completed many marathons, half-marathons and 10K runs....

Tonight's Run Club is going to be huge! You may have heard Brian is announcing a contest that will "rock you." Coach, Jason Warick will also be making an exciting announcement about a special training opportunity with the Brainsport Running Academy. And, coach Tobi Rempel will be there to answer any questions you may have about her upcoming Beginner/Recreational Marathon course. In addition to all of this, Run Club alumni Ian and Selinda will also be dropping by! The store is going to be open until 9 p.m. with refreshments served after the running is done. It's a perfect evening to bring along some new people to Run Club. And, to take advantage of our 25th Anniversary Sale! In this week's Q&A we're talking to Jason Warick about the Performance Marathon course he's coaching at the Running Academy starting on January 28th. He also gives a tease about the big Running...

This is the last Times of 2015. Happy New Year everyone!  There's a lot to look forward to in 2016, as we celebrate Brainsport's 25th anniversary. As we enter this exciting new year, Brainsport continues to evolve, while still staying true to its founding principals. With  new ventures such as the Brainsport Running Academy, we're positive 2016 is going to be a great year! In this week's Q&A Brian is taking a look back at Brainsport over the years, as well as looking ahead at what's to come in 2016.   Brian Michasiw: Tara: What does it mean to you to be closing in on the 25th anniversary of Brainsport? Brian: It's a huge milestone. Two and half decades! It's especially meaningful because about half that time in business I didn't think we'd make it. There were lots of times when things were very challenging; and I didn't know if we would be able...

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...