We're only 17 days away from hundreds of runners lining up at the start of the Saskatchewan Marathon. Some will be taking on the full marathon distance, some the half marathon, and others will be looking to achieve their goals in the 5K and 10K races.
It's always a pleasure to watch this event, as runners of all levels take to the streets. In this week's Times we're going to speak with a beginner runner who's been participating in the Brainsport Running Academy 10K Course.
Michael Baars started out on what he would have once considered an unlikely journey back in February with coach Tarrant Cross Child. Over the past few months Michael has transformed himself into a runner who will proudly pin on a Saskatchewan Marathon race bib on May 28.
Let's learn more about Michael's story in this week's Q&A!
Q&A with Michael Baars
Tara: You've made great strides at the Brainsport Running Academy 10K Course. Tell us a bit about your where you were at coming in, and what you were hoping to achieve.
Michael: Well, coming into the course I had no real running experience. So my expectations were fairly low. I figured that I would be able to finish the 10K, but definitely have to walk for a good portion of it.
Tara: How has working with a coach, and having the support of other runners helped you progress?
Michael: It’s been very encouraging seeing other people's progression through the weeks and how excited the coach and other runners get when someone reaches a goal they've set; even if it's just for a training run! It has made the experience that much more enjoyable.
Michael training for the 2017 Saskatchewan Marathon being held on May 28. Photo supplied
Tara: Often people are intimidated by the idea of running if they haven't done it in the past, but a walk/run program can be very effective in getting people to their goals. How has this approach worked for you?
Michael: I absolutely love the walk/run method of training. If I was told at the beginning of the course to just go run for even 10 minutes I would have needed to take several breaks at random times and I wouldn't have known what the next step was. But being able to run 2 minutes and recover each time made it much simpler.
Tara: What have you learned about yourself along this journey?
Michael: When I was young I played hockey for a few years. I wasn't very good, and as much as my father or anyone would try to convince me otherwise I couldn't believe it for myself. It always made me feel physically incapable of doing well at any sport and really hurt my confidence. And I had that belief for many years. But with running I don't compare myself to others, I don't feel like the best, or the worst. And you never have to feel that way because it's your goal, not someone else’s.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Michael: Coming into this course I was 30 pounds heavier and could barely run for 2 minutes and, now I'm going to be able to run the entire 10K! My goal is under 65 minutes. I'm just so excited for the Saskatchewan Marathon at the end of the month!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saskatchewan Marathon
The 2017 Saskatchewan Marathon event is being held on the weekend of May 28, with race distance options for all levels of runners. This premier event, put on by the SRRA, is known as one of the provinces best racing events of the year!
Jason Warick and Tarrant Cross Child will be this year's speakers at the Saskatchewan Marathon Pasta Dinner. Journey with Tarrant and his coach, Jason, through the lows and highs of their running careers, from the red dirt trails of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley to the ice- covered roads of northern Saskatchewan. Along the way, they found meaning in their running. For more information and to register click here.
Huskies Track and Field & Cross-Country Community Forum Meeting
Everyone is welcome to attend this open session aimed at informing people about the Huskies' program and the vision for it. Local cross-country and track & field teams, along with all members of the community will have an opportunity to learn more about the program, take part in a Q&A and hear from the Huskies' new coach!
Running for Hope - Running Clinic
Come join coaches Tarrant Cross Child, and Harvey and Karon Mathies at Big River Bible Camp on May 5 - May 7 for a fun and informative running clinic. You'll be situated on lakefront property and surrounded by fantastic running trails. All levels of runners are encouraged to sign join in!
Meals, accommodations, a 10 minute massage, and swag bag are all included in the clinic fee of $175. This is a fundraiser for Hopes Home, so come on out and support this much-needed organization while getting off the pavement and enjoying the natural terrain!
For more information. or to register please call Kim Shadlock: 306-724-7088.
Brainsport Spring Run Off
Come run along beautiful Diefenbaker Lake with friends, family and fellow walkers and runners. This year's Spring Run Off is being held on May 13, and features a time 5K and 10K race. Don't let the timing fool you though, this is not an event for just those serious runners. The entire day is aimed at providing a good time for everyone! For more information and to register click here.
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
Beads of Courage Colour Fun Run
This is a fun family run with 100% of proceeds going to Beads of Courage programming and helps support sick kids in Saskatchewan. Register you and your family today; kids 10 and under are free. Don't delay, this event sells out! To register go to www.colourrunsask.ca.
Canada Goose 150 Race
This one-time only, no-pressure distance running event is being held on June 24 and 25 in Wascana Park in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. There's something for everyone at this fun-inspired event. Choose from 150-minute run to a 150K run, with plenty of other options in between. For more information click here.
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 - Six More weeks!
Breath Move Be is offering runner specific youg at Namaskar Yoga Studio (615 2nd Avenue North. Cost is $72 if pre-registered. There will also be a $17 drop-in option if there's room in class. Pre-register by contacting
Product of the Week
New Balance 1400v5
If you're on the hunt for a new racing flat this season, the latest version of the New Balance 1400 might be your shoe! This comfortable, lightweight shoe is designed to feel fast and help you hit that next race with confidence. The REVlite midsole provides supportive cushioning without weighing you down, and the well thought out perforations on the upper provide exceptional breathability. Come take a pair for spin on our treadmill and feel for yourself!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara