Happy holidays to everyone! As we continue to make our way through this wonderful time of year, we thought it fitting to share a story that exemplifies the spirit of the holiday season. To do so, we're going to be speaking with Kim Gleim, a teacher at Nutana Collegiate.
Kim is a runner, who has begun a running program for students at Nutana. Our colleague Colin Federow runs with Kim and brought this inspiring story to our attention. He also played a key role in getting the students into new shoes, along with help from Brainsport, Child of the Cross Running Clinics, and New Balance.
Let's get right to our conversation with Kim!
Q&A with Kim Gleim
Tara: Start by telling us, what inspired you to get this running program going at Nutana Collegiate?
Kim: The students definitely; their stories, their lives and the challenges. I had been thinking about it and then two students, in a row, came in to see me feeling hopeless, helpless. and powerless to do anything that would make a difference. They had both been diagnosed with mood disorders, been on medication, and in and out of the Dube Centre. They both were interested in other ways they might be able to help themselves, and so began the discussion of exercise and the brain. Both were interested in walking and learning to run and so it began.
Tara: What kind of response did you initially get from students? And how have you seen them grow?
Kim: There are several students that are interested but the weather has been challenging and so has the lack of proper clothing and footwear. Three of them have been out with us and three are walking great distances on their own. One young man walks to and from school every day, and is often at school before the doors open at 7 a.m! There are eight students signed up, and I’m confident it will grow. Every time we are going out students and staff comment and there is interest, but also reluctance given the weather.
From left to right: Colin, Faith, Emerson, Natisha, Ryan, Adam, and Kim. Photo supplied
Tara: What does it mean to the students to each receive a brand new pair of New Balance running shoes, and how did that come to fruition?
Kim: There were two students that actually smiled for the first time since I met them! It is huge - none of the students had ever had new runners. They were commenting on how comfortable the runners were, which made me realize that the ones they have been wearing were clearly never comfortable or maybe never fit them properly.
All of this came about because I run with Colin Federow and was talking about the students and how they needed runners and gear. I took several pairs of my runners and running gear to school but clearly, that wasn’t going to work for most of the students. Colin suggested putting it out to the running community and said he would help with fitting and finding donations for the students. The next time we ran Colin said Brian had offered new runners for our students that had been sized - wow!
Tara: What is your hope for the program as you move forward?
Kim: That our students will feel better and have hope that they have control over some part of their lives. They desperately want to be able to manage their lives - to be happier, less depressed and anxious. Each one will bring another and slowly it will grow. I know they are going to feel better so it is just a matter of time and it will spread. I also would like to have a Nutana walk/run event for all of our students and staff that promotes wellness and informs others about brain health and mental wellness.
Upcoming Events
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 chilli and vegetarian chilli to follow the run, along with goodies for dessert. Register at Brainsport by December 28. Cost is $15.
Pace bunnies wanted - Saskatchewan Marathon
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Saskatchewan Marathon organizers are on the hunt for pace bunnies for the 40th Annual Saskatchewan Marathon taking place on May 27, 2018. Bunnies are needed for the 5k (:30 pace), 10k (1:00 pace), half marathon (1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30 paces) and marathon (3:45, 4:00, 4:30 paces). Pace bunnies should have a good track record in their distance and time, with room to spare. For more information contact Dave Stark at
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
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.
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
New Balance 1080 and Fresh Foam Zante
This week's feature product(s) was an easy selection. When this photo came in of the students at Nutana wearing their brand new New Balance 1080's and Zante's, it was a given.
These two New Balance models are a popular choice for runners across the board, whether a beginner or seasoned runner. Both the 1080 and Zante use New Balance's Fresh Foam to provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
The Fresh Foam Zante is a great choice for those looking for a super light, yet cushioned shoe for both training and even racing. Whereas the 1080 is a more luxurious training shoe, with its plush feel and maximum cushioning.
We have both models in stock at Brainsport, so come on in and check them out!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . . gotta run . . .Tara