It's hard to believe we're almost halfway through the month of December! In the spirit of this busy season we have a couple of new events for you all to check out in the Upcoming Events section of this week's Times, so be sure to check it out!
For this week's Q&A we're speaking with longtime Brainsport Run Club member, Jan Stirling, about the sock drive she's organized this holiday season. Donating a pair of socks may seem like a small gesture, but as Jan explains, it can make a big difference for many of those living in Saskatoon.
Q&A with Jan Stirling
Tara: Before we get into more about the sock drive, would you mind sharing some of your background as a runner and your involvement with the Brainsport Run Club?
Jan: My husband, Ken, and I started running 12 years ago after being inspired by close friends. Our first coach in a Brainsport Learn To Run Clinic was Olivia Yuel. She encouraged running in community so we joined the Brainsport Run Club. It has been a great support over the years and we have met some wonderful people to run with.
Tara: What compelled you to start a sock drive this holiday season?
Jan: I was compelled to start a sock drive this season after seeing a notice on The Lighthouse website. The Lighthouse is a supported living, emergency shelter. which also offers some affordable housing. The notice said, “Socks wear out faster than any other article of clothing and are the number one need of the homeless." This spurred me on to find a simple way to collect a large number of brand new socks to distribute to those in need in the lead up to Christmas. The sock box came to mind as a way to achieve this goal.
Jan is aiming to collect 100 pairs of socks in the month of December to deliver to those in need. Photo supplied
Tara: How many pairs of socks are you aiming to collect? Where can people drop off their donations?
Jan: My aim was to collect 100 pairs of brand new socks for children and adults before December 20. This would give me time to deliver the socks to the Lighthouse and The Bridge On 20th Fellowship Centre. Socks can be dropped off in the blue sock box bins at Brainsport or at our home address posted on the bulletin board at Brainsport. The majority of the men's socks will be given to The Lighthouse, as 90 percent of their clients are male. The rest of the socks will be dropped off for distribution to the families that use The Bridge On 20th as a drop-in centre.
Tara: The running community in Saskatoon is a supportive group of people, who are so often thinking about how they can help out those less fortunate. The Brainsport Shoe Donation Program is an excellent example of this, and your efforts with this sock drive is yet another great example. What do you think makes this group of people so very conscientious and willing to serve others?
Jan: The running community is a very compassionate group of people. They are always willing to help and volunteer their time in so many ways, both within the running community and beyond. That is what has drawn me to this community and why I have turned to them for help in this project. This group has already shown great support and I want to express my appreciation for that.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Jan: Lastly, I want to thank Brian for his support in suggesting immediately that Brainsport could be a drop location for one of the sock boxes. He is such a great supporter of community projects and a great encourager! Thanks Brian and Brainsport.
Upcoming Events
Local Sock Drive
Brainsport Run Club member, Jan Stirling, has been inspired to start a sock drive after learning how people in need often lack socks. She will be collecting new socks and distributing them to the Lighthouse and other organizations that will make sure the sox get onto some feet in need!
She's asking for your help in gathering 100 pairs of new socks (for all ages and genders) by December 20! You can find drop box at Brainsport, or message Jan on Facebook and she'll arrange a drop-off.
Theatre on the Trail - unique volunteer opportunity
Sum Theatre is looking for volunteer walkers/runners! Theatre on the Trail will be a one-of-a-kind winter experience coming to Saskatoon in January, 2018. Created by Sum Theatre, the company that has brought Theatre in the Park to communities across Saskatoon each summer for the past five years, this original, large-scale, and completely free theatre experience will invite audiences to explore the wintertime beauty of Saskatoon’s beautiful Meewasin Trail.
Experienced walkers/runners would lead these groups in a scenic walk along the river, celebrating being outdoors even in the heart of Saskatoon's winter! Performance times are4pm, 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. on January 18, 19, and 20. For more information, contact: Lisette at
Annual Chilli Run
Join your fellow runners in feasting on a variety of yummy chilis as you get set to ring in the New Year! The event gets underway at 5 p.m. on December 31 at Brainsport. It will be done by 7:30 p.m. so everyone can carry on with their regular celebrations.
There will be a 2.5K walk/run and a 5K walk/run distance. Regular chili and vegetarian chili to follow the run, along with goodies for dessert. Register at Brainsport by December 28. Cost is $15.
Benard Onsare - GoFundMe
Brainsport Times founder, Ian Colvine, has brought a compelling story to our attention that might put you into the giving spirit. Ian is now living in Cochrane, AB, and of course has his finger on the pulse of the running scene. He asked if we would share the story of local runner, Benard Onsare and the bid to help him reach his running potential. Click here to learn about Benard and the GoFundMe campaign.
Brainsport Run Academy Winter Training Sessions
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. We have listed several options for you to chose from for your winter training desires.
Learn To Run at the YMCA (new) starts January 17/18 and ends March 7/18. Coached by Jen Kripki.
Learn To Run at Brainsport starts Wednesday, 6 p.m., January 10/17 and ends February 28/18. 8-week course. Coached by Karon Mathies.
#PatTrick Run Program. One low priced registration for three high-quality long distance training courses. Starting Nov. 28/17, 6 p.m. at Brainsport. Coached by Pat Somerville.
For more information and register go to www.brainsport.ca. Or call the store at 306-244-0955.
Brainsport Brainfreeze
Join us for the 10th Anniversary Brainfreeze! Run a 5k, 10k or half marathon and support the UofS Huskies Cross Country team. This run will feature chip timing, and the first 300 entrants will receive a pair of custom Mizuno running tights. Registration is open at Brainsport and online at http://www.brainsport.ca.
Lighten Up! Fun Run 2017
On December 17 come light up the night with your fellow runners. Decorate yourself in some lights, take a run, hand out some gifts, sing some carols, and eat some treats! For more information about this event click here.
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track & Field Championships
Registration is now open for the 10th Annual Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track & Field Championships, being held on March 2 and March 3 at the Saskatoon Field House.
Visit www.saskatf.ca for more information, and for details on how to register to compete, or volunteer.
Yoga For Runners - New Classes beginning in 2018
Come experience the benefits of yoga for runners, with the Breath Move Be instructors at Namaskar Yoga Studio - 615 2nd Avenue North. $100 pre-registered and $17 for drop-in (if available space). Classes run from January 9 to February 17. Register by contacting http:
Product of the Week
Salomon Speedspike
This week's feature product is going to help you stay on your feet through this slippery weather. The Salomon Speedspike is a wider fitting, toothier version of the always-popular Spikecross. These are an excellent option for those of you who enjoy running through the winter season, as well as those looking to stay safe on the slick roads on daily walks.
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . . gotta run . . .Tara