Before we jump into this week's Q&A, a reminder to check out the Upcoming Events section of the Times for a few new events, including two very cool events happening in-store over the next couple of months!
In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Marsha Crossman, a race director for the Canada Goose Ultra, being held next month in Regina. This is a 24-hour timed event that also serves as the Canadian 24-hour Championship. But don't let the championship title intimidate you, this event is suitable for all levels of runners.
Marsha's going to fill us in on all the details. So let's get to it!
Q&A with Marsha Crossman
Tara: The Canada Goose Ultra is a unique racing opportunity where participants run for a designated amount of time, rather than distance. Tell us what's the draw of an event like this?
Marsha: Being timed, as opposed to the more common distance race, provides a unique opportunity for participants to choose their own distance. In each timed event (6/12/24-hour) participants can run/walk as many kilometers as they choose from a 4K loop. The clock keeps ticking. The 4K loop allows for easy aid and a no-pressure environment. A participant can run a loop or two, rest for a while, and then complete more loops. The clock keeps ticking - it's as many 4K loops as they choose in the timed event.
Tara: The Canada Goose Ultra serves as the Canadian 24-hour Championship. What does this mean for participants?
Marsha: Our 4k loop course is certified by Athletics Canada. Both Canadian and International competitors can officially break the record for 6/12/24-hour time. The course is a flat, paved pathway along side the scenic Wascana Lake. An event like this draws participants from all over.
Taking in the sights of Regina's Wascana Lake at the Canada Goose Ultra. Photo supplied
Tara: In addition to serving as the national championship, this is also an event suited for those looking to simply get out and have fun. What makes this a suitable event for all levels of runners?
Marsha: The event is for all levels of fitness. Being a timed event, there is no pressure to complete a certain distance. Each participant can choose how many 4K loops they wish to complete. If a participant completes a minimum of one loop, they receive a medal and other goodies. This event is perfect for families to do together, for a runner to push themselves to a new personal distance, or to the more experienced runner who wants to possibly set a new timed-distance record. We want to encourage all levels of fitness to come out and enjoy the day. This is a local event that received the designation of the 24-hour national championship - all participants can say they took part in a national championship
The Canada Goose Ultra provides a fun experience for all levels of runners. Photo supplied
Tara: Are you in need of volunteers this year? And if so, what kind of opportunities are there?
Marsha: Yes, we are in need of volunteers for a variety of positions. Being a 24-hour event, many volunteers are needed to ensure the entire race runs smoothly. If people are interested in volunteering, please go to the race roster page and select the menu tab, and register under the volunteer link.
https://raceroster.com/events/2018/15352/canada-goose-ultra.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Marsha: Our charity partner is MitoCanada. A national charity, with a local chapter, that supports patients and families of those living with mitochondrial disease. A mitochondrial disease is a group of genetic disorders that affects the body's ability to produce energy at the cellular level. Often targeting systems that require lots of energy, such as the brain and muscle system. Participants will be provided information about the disease at the time of registration, and will also be given the option to donate to MitoCanada. We're proud to partner with such a great charity!
Upcoming Events
Canada Goose Ultra
The Canada Goose Ultra is a timed distance running event for all levels of fitness. The race welcomes new ultra runners and offers a fast course for seasoned ultra runners. Choose from the 6-hour, 12-hour, or 24-hour event. All events are run on a certified 4K loop. The course is a flat, paved route through a beautiful urban park. This race is officially the 2018 Canadian 24-hour Championship. The race takes place on May 12 through 13. For more information and to register click here.
Sweat Science - at Brainsport
Join author Alex Hutchinson at Brainsport on May 4 at 6:30 p.m. as he discusses his new New York Times-bestselling book, ENDURE: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance, exploring the science of endurance and the surprising role of the brain in setting our physical limits.
Alex Hutchinson (@sweatscience) is an award-winning science columnist for Outside, the Globe and Mail, and Canadian Running, and a former national-team long-distance runner.
This event is free, but as space is limited please sign up through the link above or at the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sweat-science-at-brainsport-tickets-44725979609.
Cloud Edge Launch Party
Join us is launching the Cloud Edge on April 19 at 6 p.m. The Cloud Edge is only available at a handful of the best retail stores around the world, with an incredibly limited release. Brainsport will sell out fast, so don't miss out and reserve your spot in line!
On has become a favourite not just among some of the world’s best athletes, but with masters taking their craft to the edge. Inspired by Kaizen – the concept of continual improvement – On has created the Cloud Edge for these innovators. To sign up for this event go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cloud-edge-launch-at-brainsport-tickets-44426433659.
Saskatchewan Marathon
The 40th Annual Saskatchewan Marathon event takes place on May 27! There's still plenty of time to get registered and train for your event, whether it be the 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon. This is sure to be an exciting weekend featuring a pasta dinner, race expo and some of the best road racing in the province! To learn more about the event, including how to volunteer go to http://saskmarathon.ca/.
Yoga for Athletes is the 3rd training module of the FYI (Fitness Yoga Instructor) program. Yoga instructors looking to add athletic perspective to their current class offerings can participate in this training module and receive CEC's for SPRA and Yoga Alliance. BreathMoveBe will be offering this training on April 20-22 at Anytime Fitness Gym in Yorkton. If interested, move quick - there are only two spots still open. To register contact
SIGA’s Second Annual Good Food Run
Brainsport Running Academy Spring Courses
Join our interactive and fun-filled training courses with expert guest speakers presenting on healthy running technique and injury prevention specific to runners. Our high-quality coaches will prepare a program for you which will help you reach your personal running goals.
Learn To Run: Training for the 2018 Saskatchewan Marathon 5K event. Begins April 4, ends May 23. Coach, Kim Galus.
#PatTrick Run Program: This is an on-going training group coached by Pat Sommerville. Participants can join at any time. Training will include preparation for the Saskatchewan Marathon and Queen City Marathon.
For more information on these courses, and to register go to www.brainsport.ca. Or call the store at 306-244-0955.
RIKI Walkathon 50th Year Celebration
The RIKI Walkathon is celebrating its 50th year on June 9. The entire family is welcome to come walk 22 miles along scenic Pike Lake. Gate fees are being waved for participants, and there will be refreshments and awards for the top fundraiser after the walk. All funds raised this year will go to the Riversdale Kiwanis Club. For more information about this event click here.
Spring Triathlon Training Program
Transition Sport & Fitness' Spring Triathlon Training program runs March 27 to June 2. Choose from on one, two, or three times training for swim, bike and/or run. Coach's tips, info clinics and all the support you need to get in great shape and/or complete a triathlon. The program ends with a super beginner-friendly Transition Triathlon. http://www.transitionsportandfitness.ca for more information. Or, click here to register.
Canada Beer Run
The Canada Beer run is going coast to cost this year, hitting eight cities across the country, including Saskatoon! On June 3 the run stops in Saskatoon! Run your way through 10K making stops at six breweries along the way!
For more information about this event visit https://canadabeerrun.ca/products/saskatoon-beer-run.
Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon
The 2018 Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon is being held on April 29. This event features 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances - and is open to runners/walkers of all levels. For more information and to register go to https://saskatoonpoliceservicefoundation.org/. Volunteers are also needed for this event. If you would like to give some of your time please contact Sgt. Wade Bourassa at
Brainsport Spring Run Off
Join us on Saturday, May 12 in Elbow for our annual Spring Run Off! Take the short drive to Elbow, or hop on the shuttle, and enjoy a 5K or 10K trail run on the beautiful and challenging Elbow Recreational Trail. Register here: raceroster.com/events/2018/15233/brainsport-spring-run-off.
Brainsport Run Club - Thursday Morning Run
The Brainsport Run Club is now gathering every Thursday morning at 10 a.m at the store. This session is in addition to the Wednesday, 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. sessions. Run Club is free and open to all levels of runners. We look forward to seeing you out with us for a run!
Product of the Week
Currex Sole RunPro
Brainsport manager, Lisette Schermann has selected the Currex Sole RunPro insoles as this week's featured product. Her thought process is that, as runners rack up the training mileage these insoles might provide a nice boost.
"They’re a comfortable and accommodating insole; they’ve been carefully designed to perfectly fit running shoes and your personal size and arch shape. They gently support and guide your foot while still allowing it to stay strong and move naturally - comfort in a box!"
Our shoe fitters are ready to get you into the proper Currex Sole RunPro insoles, just drop by the store and we'll get you set up!
Gotta run,
Tara