Thank you to everyone who came out to this year's BYOC (bring your own cookie) run on Saturday - it's always fun to celebrate the holiday season together. We were honoured to also present Brent Senger with the Ric Hanna Leadership Award on the weekend!
We're going to speak with Brent in this week's Q&A to learn more about his story, as well as hear from Brian about presenting Brent with the award this year.
First though, an update on the sock drive we spoke with Jan Stirling about in last week's Times. Her goal was to collect 100 pairs of new socks for those in need by December 20.
Well, she reached that goal and then some. All together, including infant, children's, men's and women's, the drive brought in 278 pairs of socks! Jan sends a big "thank you" to everyone who donated.
Now on to our Q&A with Brent and Brian!
Q&A with Brent Senger and Brian Michasiw
Tara: Brian let's start this off with you, so everyone can hear, in your words, what the Ric Hanna Leadership Award is all about, and why Brent is this year's recipient. So, for those not familiar what is the award all about?
Brian: Ric was an incredible runner. His marathon personal best was 2:25 (a time that would have won most the previous Saskatchewan Marathon events). But Ric was more than just a fast runner. Ric was a community builder, race director and running advocate. Ric was also an extremely loyal Run Club member. He ran with the advanced group until Huntington's Disease started to take a toll on his body. He continued to run with the Brainsport Run Club but had to work his way down to slower paced groups. The thing that stood out is that Ric lead nearly every workout that he came to. Once he could not lead anymore, we created an award to honour his dedication. Sadly, Ric passed away a couple years ago.
Tara: What is it about Brent's story that made him your choice to receive the award this year?
Brian: Brent had been coming to run club for awhile - always in a great mood. About a year ago, we got a call from Arnie (Brent's wife). She called to tell us that he may be a little off next time we see him because he was just diagnosed with colon cancer. He did come out the next Wednesday to run, and he told me about his diagnosis (which is the amazing thing about running - you can talk about anything).
So, for the past year, he came to Brainsport and either ran (and lead) the intermediate group. Or, depending on his chemo cycle he would patiently wait for his wife Arnie to run. I found Brent's attitude and commitment to run club to be inspiring.
Brent (right) leading the way with Brian at a recent Brainsport Run Club event. Photo supplied
Tara: Thank you Brian. Now let's hear from the recipient himself - Brent!
Congratulations Brent on being named the recipient of this year's Ric Hanna Leadership Award. What were your thoughts when you found out you were receiving the award?
Brent: The Ric Hanna award is about making running more meaningful to running club members. In my opinion, this applies to everyone in the group. I'm happy to have a place to get a sweaty workout with other like-minded people and leave cancer at the door.
Tara: Would you mind telling us about what the Brainsport Run Club meant to you through treatment? How has it played a role through this difficult time?
Brent: Brainsport Run Club gets me out to run with friends. We always look forward to Wednesday nights. At the end of the run, I always feel better than at the beginning. The motivational aspect of running with this group has been essential to getting me out of the house. Every third Wednesday I have gone from the chemotherapy unit at the cancer centre straight to run club.
Tara: As Brian mentioned, you're an inspiration to a lot of runners. What do you think drove you to keep running, even on the toughest of days?
Brent: I want to beat this! Staying active is a crucial part to getting through cancer and the treatments for me. It has helped me maintain some muscle mass and bone density when I otherwise could have spent this year resting.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Brent: First of all I would like to thank Brian and the Brainsport staff. Brian has created a fun community-based environment for people to run together and I appreciate that. In the past few days, I have heard people say that I am inspirational which is surprising because relative to me it is quite the opposite. I look forward to many more years of being a part of this group.
Upcoming Events
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
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.
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
Brainsport Gift Certificate
For all of you out there still crossing off names on your holiday gift lists, look no further than the Brainsport Gift Certificate. This is one item that's always the perfect size, colour, style, and model. You name the dollar amount, and we write up the gift certificate - it's that simple! Drop by the store and we'll send you on your way, one more gift closer to having your list complete!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . . gotta run . . .Tara