Brainsport Times Jan. 10, 2018

We have an exciting new addition to the Brainsport Run Club lineup!

As of last week, we are now offering a Thursday morning group starting at 10 a.m. For those of you who can't make it out to Wednesday evening runs, this may be a great option. As with all of our Run Club sessions, all levels of runners are welcome, and it is free!

Now on to our Q&A. This week we're speaking with Mike McKague. Mike is coaching the advanced marathon training course at the Brainsport Running Academy, which gets underway in February. This is an excellent opportunity for those of you looking to run a personal best time at the Saskatchewan Marathon this year!

Q&A with Mike McKague

Tara: Tell us a bit about your coaching background, and what brings you to the Brainsport Running Academy?

Mike: Not too many people know this, but I was the second coach to help with the Brainsport Running Academy (way before it was called the Brainsport Running Academy). I have coached various individual and team sports for several decades.

I’m excited to coach another Brainsport course this spring. It’s been a few years since I last coached with Brainsport and I am looking forward to helping athletes over the next few months. Over the years, I have coached roughly 400 people to the finish line of a marathon or a half-marathon. I love helping people set and achieve their goals; guiding them through the journey of their training program.

Tara: Who is likely to benefit most from this course?

Mike: Usually, the people who are most impacted are individuals who have never been coached. It is amazing to see a person who doesn’t really consider themselves an athlete go out, work consistently through a training plan and then crush it on race day.


Coach Mike McKague (above) is excited about coaching the Brainsport Running Academy Advanced Marathon Course this year. Photo supplied.

Tara: What can athletes expect from their experience in this course?

Mike: My philosophy for this course involves a relatively low mileage, somewhat high-intensity training program. Your overall mileage with my program will be less than other programs. For most athletes, marathon training involves finding that fine balance between running well and injury prevention. My primary goal is to get you to the start line of your race very fit and uninjured so that you can have a great race experience.

Tara: With this being an advanced level course, can you explain who is best suited for it terms of running ability?

Mike: Although the mileage will be relatively low, the amount of work you will do in the program will be substantial as you will run three or four times per week. The program works well for people moving up for a first try at a new distance (because of relatively low volume). It will also be awesome for experienced individuals looking to drop their times (because of relatively high intensity). This isn’t an appropriate course for people whose 5K race times are over 30 minutes.

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

Mike: Does it all sound daunting? Does it sound fun? The truth is training for a long race is both. If you’re looking to have a great experience through your training journey, come and join us. See you on Monday, February 5!

Upcoming Events

Brainsport Run Academy Winter/Spring Courses



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: Jan. 10, coached by Karon Mathies. This course will prepare beginner runners for the 2018 Brainsport Brainfreeze

Learn To Run: Jan. 17 at the YMCA, coached by Jen Kripki. This course will prepare beginner runners for the 2018 Brainsport Brainfreeze.

Learn To Run: Training for the 2018 Saskatchewan Marathon 5K event. Begins April 4, ends May 23.

10K Run Course: Coached by Jen Kripki. Begins Feb. 19, ends May 21.

Standard Half and Full Marathon Course: Coached by Pat Somerville. Starts Feb. 5, ends May 21. This course is suitable for first-time distance runners, or those wanting to pick up their pace. 

Advanced Half and Full Marathon Course: Coached by Mike McKague. Starts Feb. 5, ends May 21. This course is suitable for runners aiming for a personal best time.

#PatTrick Run Program: This is an on-going training group coached by Pat Sommerville. Participants can join at any time. Training will include preparation for the Brainsport Brainfreeze, Saskatchewan Marathon, and Queen City Marathon. 
 
For more information on any of these courses, and to register go to www.brainsport.ca. Or call the store at 306-244-0955.

Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon

The 2018 Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon is being held on April 29. This event features 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances - and is open to runners/walkers of all levels. For more information and to register go to https://saskatoonpoliceservicefoundation.org/.

Just Tri It 

The women's only eight-week triathlon program runs from March 18 to May 13 and includes, 3 sessions per week, one of each swimming, biking, and running. For more information about the program visit https://justtriitcom.wordpress.com/.

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:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or text Leanne at 306-251-2964.


Product of the Week

Silicone Smart Cap from Arena



Described as an "Aha product!" by Brainsport manager Lisette Schermann, the Silicone Smart Cap from Arena is going to make a lot of swimmers happy. Its award-winning two-step design wraps up and protects long in five seconds flat! No more fighting with your swim cap before hitting the pool for some laps with this addition into your lineup of gear. Come check the Smart Cap out in store! 

Thanks for reading the Times!
Gotta run,
Tara