Happy springtime everyone! Race season is fast approaching, so we're going to get to another interview featuring a race director this week. Cari Bode is heading up the Canada Goose 150 Race in Regina this summer. This is a special one-time event in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday, with distance and time options suitable for everyone.
Speaking of summer racing, it's time to start practicing race-day nutrition and hydration during some upcoming long runs. You'll want to checkout the product of the week at the end of this edition for some excellent product options.
Now, let's get to our Q&A with Cari!
Q&A with Cari Bode
Tara: This event looks like a great opportunity for runners wanting to get out and have some fun celebrating Canada's 150th birthday. Tell us more about the intention and motivation behind the no-pressure vibe the Canada Goose 150 Race will have?
Cari: Marathon Matters is a Regina-based running group that promotes marathon and ultramarathon running. We're celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday with a fun event - the Canada Goose 150. It will be held June 24 (and 25th for the super-long distance runners). Our club runners and volunteers are incredibly supportive and we welcome all runners who would like to join in the celebration! Our focus is on being supportive of runners of all abilities and helping everyone achieve their goals.
The featured event is the 150K solo ultra, but we also want to encourage all ultrarunners and aspiring ultrarunners to join us for 50K, 150K, 24 hours, or even 100 miles. There is a generous 30-hour time limit, so whether you’re looking to set a new PR or attempt a new distance goal, this is a great course for you.
We added a shorter event for those that aren’t ready to tackle an ultra – the 150 minute run. It's held on the same 4K loop course that circles Wascana Lake. You can run or walk as many laps as you can in 150 minutes.
Runners racing around Wascana Lake at the 2016 24 Hour Goose race, which is also put on by Marathon Matters. Photo supplied.
Tara: Wascana Park seems like a super appropriate place for an event with Canada Goose in the title. Any tips for those runners not used to being joined by our feathered friends on their training runs?
Cari: I can promise you that you will encounter geese in the park, but they generally stay out of the way of runners. They sometimes wander onto the race course near the Legislative Building, but don’t cause any trouble!
Tara: What more can you tell us about the course?
Cari: The 4K looped course around Wascana Lake is flat and paved - ideal for a PR-attempt at any ultra distance. If you’ve never run a long race on a looped course, it has several perks. Runners have access to washroom facilities with running water on every loop, as well as the aid station and any personal nutrition or gear they may need. The path is lit at night, and scenic during the day. And, you won’t get lost on the course!
Tara: As you've mentioned there are a number of distance and time options to choose from; can you recommend certain distances/times better for beginners and for the more advanced runners?
Cari: The 150 minute run will appeal to half-marathoners and those that have perhaps done a 10K, and are looking to go further. The great thing about the timed format is everyone is a finisher and gets a medal if they complete at least one lap. There is no worry of a DNF if you don’t quite complete a specific distance. Come out to challenge yourself or just have fun.
I encourage marathoners looking for a new challenge to sign up for the ultra. We welcome competitive ultrarunners as well as those that are new to distances beyond 42.2K. Don’t be afraid to try an ultra if you’re not a “faster” runner. The timed format allows you to run or walk as many or few laps as you wish, and you are free to leave the course, so long as you rejoin where you left off. It is not uncommon for people in longer races like this to take breaks when needed. You might be surprised at how far you are capable of running.
Tara: Is there any thing else you would like to add?
Cari: Register by March 31 to save $20 on all entries. Your registration fee includes an embroidered technical running cap and a fabulous custom medal. You can find more information at
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saskatchewan Marathon
This premier event, taking place on May 28, offers a distance for everyone, including a kids Marafun! Whatever level you may be at there's a race for you with offerings of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. The Saskatchewan Marathon is known as one of the provinces best racing events of the year! For more information and register go to http://saskmarathon.ca/.
EY River Run Classic
The EY River Run Classic, organized by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association, is being held in Saskatoon on Sunday, July 9. The event consists of a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, with the 10K race being part of the Saskatchewan Athletics Road Race Series. It is a great route along the South Saskatchewan River. For those of you who will not be entering the race, please consider volunteering (volunteers can contact Nancy Milhousen
Brainsport Running Academy - Spring Courses
Learn To Run Course:
Coached by Cara Mazurak, the Learn To Run course is designed to accommodate those from a non-running background, or someone coming back to running after an extended time away. This is an 8-week course, which will culminate with a 5K race. The Learn to Run course will give you a solid foundation for your future running goals.
Canada 150 Ultramarathon
Celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary by taking on this unique ultra marathon traversing the Canadian Shield. The event will be held on July 1 at Falcon Lake, Manitoba (race starts at Great Falls). Run the 150 solo, or get a team together to participate in the relay! For more information go to http://canada150ultra.com/registration/,
Breath Move Be Yoga - Spring Tune Up!
Starting on March 14 through May 16, Breath Move Be is offering runner specific youg at Namaskar Yoga Studio (615 2nd Avenue North). Cost is $120 if pre-registered. There will also be a $17 drop-in option if room in class. Pre-register by contacting
200 Hour International Yoga Teacher Training
The Living Well Centers is offering 200 Hour International Yoga Teacher Training starting on April 4. Deepen your yoga knowledge and practice. Strengthen your spiritual connection. Become a yoga instructor.
Training consists of five modules in total, each focusing on different elements of yoga teacher development. Each module includes roughly 40 hours of instruction, personal practice and mandatory homework.
For more information email
Virtual Pilates and Virtual Rides
For runners looking for some great recovery, strengthening, and cross-training options, Transition is now offering pilates and cycling from the comfort of your own home. These interactive live web-streamed classes are unique in that. if you choose to have your webcam Coach Carly can see you and correct technique and interact.
Join live: Pilates for Strength, Recovery and Injury Prevention (Monday nights 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. For more information click on the link. http://www.powhow.com/classes/transition-sport-and-fitness/pilates-for-strength-recovery-and-injury-prevention
For those with an at-home trainer Virtual Rides take place Sunday mornings. Click the link for more information.http://www.powhow.com/classes/transition-sport-and-fitness/virtual-ride-triathlon-training-winter-2017/313494
Brainsport Shoe Donation Progtram
The Brainsport Shoe Donation Program has received a request for basketball shoes. If you have gently-used basketball shoes please consider dropping them off at the store for donation. They will go a long way in making sure no child is left sitting on the bench because they don't have proper footwear.
Triathlon Training
Transition Sport and Fitness is offering Distance Group, or Personalized Coaching for anyone wanting to take their swim, bike, or run training to the next level.
Visit www.transitionsportandfitness.cafor more info on all programs.
Start2Finish
Every week, at one of Saskatoon's community schools, volunteers and children come together for a running and reading program called Start2Finish. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Saskatoon's at-risk children. You run, read, and share a word of the day with the group of kids. Start2Finish not only allows you the opportunity to give back to the community, and gain a rewarding experience, but also allows you to help children grow in a positive way. If you are interested in giving a couple hours of your time email
Product of the Week
Scratch Exercise Hydrationi Mix
If the Saskatchewan Marathon, or any other distance race in on your schedule this summer you're likely starting to think about race-day hydration and nutrition. Skratch Exercise Hydration Mix is an extremely high quality product designed to deliver much-needed nutrition and electrolytes without causing stomach problems. With a commitment to keeping things clean Skratch Labs uses real fruit for flavouring.
If you're looking for a way to carry your fluids you'll also want to check out the spring collection of Nathan bottles and belts on shelves now.
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara