We have a cool opportunity coming up at the Brainsport Running Academy; our next Learn to Run Course is going to be held at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. If you're not familiar with this park it's well worth your time to get out there to enjoy the history and beauty it provides. Jill and Gisele George will be coaching our 7-week long Learn to Run course out there starting on August 11 in preparation for the Race Against Racism being held on October 22. To learn more about this unique course we're speaking with Jill and Gisele in this week's Q&A!Q&A with Jill and Gisele GeorgeTara: Let's start off by learning more about your running and coaching backgrounds? What do you as a duo bring to participants?Gisele: I have coached track and field at the North American Indigenous games in both Regina in 2014 and Toronto in 2017. I like coaching because it lets me stay involved in a sport that I really love. I enjoy running because it keeps me active and it's a way to always challenge yourself. Jill: I have coached track and field, hockey, soccer and running. My running background involves running and training for other sports that I used to play. I am fairly new to recreational running as I now use it as a way to stay in shape and for something to do. As a duo, we both have different strengths as runners and coaches that allow us to help each participant reach their goals.
Join Gisele as she helps lead the way at the Brainsport Running Academy Wanuskewin Learn to Run Course starting this August. T Squared Social Tara: What are your goals for this course? What will the focus be? Gisele: The goal for me during this course is to have participants enjoy the running journey. Whether they are new to running or have experience running, I hope that each participant can walk away after the course having learned something new and happy with their achievements. Tara: This is a Learn to Run Course, which means you're working with new, or those coming back, to running. For those who may be on the fence about signing up, what do you have to say?Gisele: I think running is a great way for anyone to get active. One of the reasons I like running and track and field is because you're always trying to better your personal best; it's not so much about competing against others - it's about how you can improve and do better. For anyone that is on the fence about joining, this is the first time Brainsport is doing a run academy at Wanuskewin. It'll be a great way to explore a different place, be away from the city hustle, see some views of our beautiful province, and maybe learn some history and run!
Jill is ready to welcome new runners to the sport and looks forward to exploring the trails at Wanuskewin with the group. T Squared SocialTara: Indeed, Wanuskewin is a beauty of a place to run. Talk a bit about what this means for participants. Gisele: I think that is what is awesome about this course. We will be able to run and see the beautiful area of Wanuskewin. It's always fun to run a new trail. I'm still doing some planning for the course, but I know there are multiple walking/running trails that we will get to use and the views are so beautiful along the river. I also hope to do some fun little activities where we will get to learn about some of the history of the area and what makes Wanuskewin such a beautiful place. Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?Jill: Both Gisele and I participated in our first Brainsport Running Academy course last year and after it was done we completed our first 10K together. It was so fun to push each other and meet other runners. This was out of my comfort zone and some runs are harder than others. So, if you're a bit nervous about joining, that's totally normal and we really hope you come join us.
Upcoming Events
Brainsport Running Academy
Learn to Run at Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Get the basics down this summer over a 7-week long course leading into the Race Against Racism on September 22.
The course starts on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Sessions will take place along the great trails at Wanuskewin Heritage Park! To register go to raceroster.com.
GMS Queen City Marathon
Take part in one of the province's premier road races on the weekend of September 7 at the Queen City Marathon. There are distance options ranging from the kid's 1K through to the full marathon, along with relay options. To learn more and to register click here.
EY River Run Classic
The EY River Run Classic is one of the premiere running events in Saskatoon. This event is organized by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association and consists of 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances. The routes run along the South Saskatchewan River, making for a beautiful route. For more information click here.
Triathlon Movie Screening"We Are Triathletes" is screening across Canada this summer. On August 9 Transition Sport & Fitness is hosting the Saskatoon screening at the Galaxy Theatre. Everyone is welcome. Come for a fun night in a cinema full of triathletes, endurance enthusiasts, and their pals.Watch the trailer here: https://ca.demand.film/we-are-triathletes/. Tickets are on sale now, (organizers are asking people to please buy tickets in advance as they need 50 people to guarantee the movie can screen). Use the code "TriClub18" to receive 10% off your tickets if you reserve them before July 11. Click here for tickets. And, join the Facebook Event Page here.
Teen Challenge Freedom Run
Runners and walkers of all fitness levels will join together for our Teen Challenge Freedom Run on August 19. This 5K fun run is in support of the Teen Challenge Prairie Hope Women's Centre. Whether you are a seasoned runner or first-time participant, end your summer with a healthy living challenge and support a great cause fighting addiction across Saskatchewan. To register click here.
Voodoo Fitness Festival
In September Saskatoon will play host to the Voodoo Fitness Festival - the largest fitness competition in Canada. There are divisions for all levels of athletes, so if CrossFit is up your alley be sure to check out the website to learn more. https://voodoofitnessfest.com/.
Product of the Week
Keen Rose Sandal
We're well into sandal season and Keen's Rose Sandal continues to be one of our go-to options for those looking for a comfortable, good looking ride. The Rose Sandal is just as suited for walk in the city as it is for a hike. This is a great-feeling sandal with plenty of support, and Cleansport NXT for natural odor control. It also has a grippy outsole, allowing you to tackle that more adventurous terrain!
Thanks for reading the Times.
Gotta run,
Tara