Brainsport Times June. 6, 2018

With the sun shining and warmer temperatures arriving now is a great time to explore the local triathlon scene. For those of you who have been curious about the sport and want to give it a try, the Saskatoon Triathlon Club is the place to start.

In this week's Q&A we're going to focus on young triathletes in a conversation with Brainsport Kids of Steel Race Director, Tabetha Mason. There's still time to register for this event, which takes on June 16. Information for registration and volunteering is below in the Upcoming Events section of the Times.

Now, let's get to it!

Q&A with Tabetha Mason

Tara: Let's start with some basics about the Brainsport Kids of Steel Triathlon for those who aren't familiar with the event. What ages are welcome to participate in the triathlon? What are the distances for the swim, bike, and run? Do children need to have prior experience racing?

Tabetha: This annual event is about kids coming out to have fun, achieve something personal and special, and for everyone else to cheer and congratulate them on their accomplishments. The children don’t need to have any prior experience racing. The ages are 15 and under. This year we have a 3-year-old racing - if you can walk you can participate in our 5-years-old and under category! Triathlon categories are organized by birth-year, notby current age, so your age as of December 31 of 2018 is the age category you race in.

(Distances by age group)
5 and under - 200m run, 500m bike, 200m run
6 and 7-year-olds - 50m swim, 1.5k bike, .05k run
8 and 9-year-olds - 100m swim 3km bike, 1k run
10 and 11-year-olds -  200m swim, 6k bike, 2k run
12 and 13-year-olds - 300m swim, 9k bike, 3k run
14 and 15-year-olds - 50 m swim, 3k bike, 3k run  

Tara: Triathlon isn't necessarily the first sportparents and caretakers think of for children, but there are plenty of reasons why triathlon makes a great fit for kids. What are some of the benefits of the triathlon for children?

Tabetha: Triathlon benefits are you get to have fun, be healthy, be a better student, and get off of a screen. The kids are outside, active and successful. Triathlons promote self-esteem and a growth mindset. There is no better feeling than completing your first triathlon - except maybe doing it all over again!


Brian Michasiw cheering on his daughter Lydia at the Brainsport Kids of Steel Triathlon. Photo supplied

Tara: What do you have to say to people who are interested in having their child get involved in triathlon, but aren't sure if it's the right fit?

Tabetha: Interested? Come out and try a race. The Kids of Steel Triathlon is the best race to try and see if you love it. There are kids clinics offered throughout the year for kids to learn how to transition and race. These clinics are a good way to introduce kids to triathlon as well.

Tara: What is your favourite part about being involved in Kids of Steel?

Tabetha: My favourite part of Kids of Steel is the kids themselves; the joy, determination, and sense of accomplishment that the kids have in crossing the finish line. It’s wonderful to watch them race and achieve personal success.

Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Tabetha: Some parents may feel that the distances are long and that their child may not be able to finish. This is never the case. Kids are able to do what they need to do to complete their race. They can walk the run portion, or take a little break in transition. Kids always finish with smiles.

Upcoming Events

Saskatoon Triathlon Club Races & Call for Volunteers

There are still a couple of opportunities to delve into the local triathlon scene this summer both as a race participant and volunteer. The STCI is looking for volunteers for the following races - there is also space available for participants to sign up to race.

- Brainsport Kids of Steel Saturday, June 16(register here)
- Living Sky Triathlon Saturday, June 23 - June 24(register here)

To volunteer contact STCI Volunteers: http:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Brainsport Cross Country and Track Coach's Summit

Coaches of all levels are welcome to this free clinic on June 23, featuring guest coach Jason Warick!

This is an opportunity to learn strategies and techniques for coaching children within an interactive, participatory environment. There will be a free lunch and door prizes (bonus!). 

The summit will be held on June 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at Brainsport. To register email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Space is limited. Register by June 18.

Participants Wanted for U of S Study 

Dentistry students at the U of S are looking for participants for a student-research study testing the effects of Gatorade on teeth in endurance athletes. Participation involves performing a VO2 max test and two 90-treadmill minute runs; one while drinking Gatorade and the other water. Saliva will be collected during the runs and the acidity will be tested.

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 50-years-old. Testing days are scheduled for June 10, 17 and 19, but other dates will be accommodated if necessary. Participants are paid $50 at the end the testing and are given their VO2 max results. If interested in participating contact Dylan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

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.

Also, check out the Learn to Run Course at the Brainsport Running Academy designed to get you ready for the Teen Challenge Freedom Run. 

Brainssport Running Academy 




Learn to Run Course (Teen Challenge Freedom Run) 
Join coaches Tarrant Cross Child and Rilla Johnson in our interactive and fun-filled Learn To Run training course for the Teen Challenge Freedom Run. Expert guest speakers will be presenting on proper running technique and injury prevention, nutritional needs and other important topics specific to runners.

This course will get you ready for the Teen Challenge Freedom Run 5K being held on Sunday, August 19. The course begins Monday, June 25and ends Monday, August 13/18. For more information and to register go to http://www.brainsport.ca/.

Summer Tune-Up Course
Starting June 12 through  Sept. 4 Brainsport Run Academy will be opening some spots for the Summer Tune-up Course with Coach Pat Somerville. These will be hard training sessions designed to get you ready for the fall racing season.

If you're interested call Brainsport at 306-244-0955 and speak with Harvey. Or email Harvey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There will be limited openings for this course because of the large group already.

Athletic-focused Yoga

Breath Move Be Yoga wants to help you become a better athlete. A regular and well-rounded yoga practice helps bring the body into symmetrical alignment helping to prevent overuse injuries in endurance athletes. Yoga can help with flexibility, balance, and whole-body strength, thereby improving your form, efficiency, and power. 

Join Breath Move Be for their athletic-focused yoga class at their new location on a new evening. Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. from May 31 to June 28 at Midwest Karate Studio. $70 pre-registered by May 25. Drop-in sessions are available through June 28. Email Leanne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text 306-251-2964 to register.

SIGA’s Second Annual Good Food Run

On June 10, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is hosting its second annual fun run in support of CHEP: Good Food Inc. Presented by SIGA’s Long Runners, participants can choose between a 1K, 5K or 10K run. There are finisher medals for all participants! Family entertainment, water stations, swag and after-race snacks and refreshments provided. Registration is now open! To register or donate go to http://www.siga.sk.ca/goodfoodrun.

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.

Product of the Week

Louis Garneau Triathlon Apparel



Garneau is a Quebec-based company founded in 1983 by Olympic cyclist, Louis Garneau. This season we're carrying a variety of triathlon apparel from the company including the Men's Pro Carbon Jersey, Women's Pro Carbon Sleeveless Top, Pro Carbon 9.25 Shorts and Pro Carbon 8 Shorts. Garneau uses compressive yet breathable materials to provide supportive, comfortable and performance-based apparel. The company pays attention to detail, and to the needs of the athlete, making their gear an excellent choice for both seasoned and beginner triathletes.
 

Thanks for reading the Times.

Gotta run,
Tara