YourRegina Blogs

Registration is open for the 12th annual Brainsport Brainfreeze, which takes place snow or shine on March 1. This event, which features five-kilometre, 10-kilometre and half marathon races, is the main fundraiser for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies cross-country team.  Here are five reasons you should sign up: 1. The event is a huge boost for the Huskies The Brainfreeze has capacity for 400 runners and, if it sells out, could bring in more than $10,000 for the Huskies cross country team. Race Director Taryn Heidecker says the race is so important because the Huskie cross country team struggles to fundraise like some of the more spectator-friendly university sports that charge people to watch games. Money raised from the Brainfreeze goes toward scholarships, team travel, training camps and program development.  The cost of registration for each distance is $75, which includes an ArroWhere vest. 2. There are lots of photo opportunities...

We have a cool opportunity coming up at the Brainsport Running Academy; our next Learn to Run Course is going to be held at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. If you're not familiar with this park it's well worth your time to get out there to enjoy the history and beauty it provides. Jill and Gisele George will be coaching our 7-week long Learn to Run course out there starting on August 11 in preparation for the Race Against Racism being held on October 22. To learn more about this unique course we're speaking with Jill and Gisele in this week's Q&A!Q&A with Jill and Gisele GeorgeTara: Let's start off by learning more about your running and coaching backgrounds? What do you as a duo bring to participants?Gisele: I have coached track and field at the North American Indigenous games in both Regina in 2014 and Toronto in 2017. I like coaching because it lets me stay involved in a sport that...

All the best to everyone taking part in the Saskatchewan Marathon this weekend! We hope everyone has a great day, whether you're racing, volunteering, or cheering along the sidelines.  In this week's Q&A we're speaking the Cary Snyder. Cary is the race director of a new fun run in the city called the Teen Challenge Freedom Run happening on August 19. This event is a great opportunity to get out with family and friends in support of an important cause, which Cary is going to tell us about!  Q&A with Cary Snyder Tara: What was the motivation behind starting the Teen Challenge Freedom Run? Cary: Teen Challenge is always interested in finding different ways to reach our community and spread the word about Teen Challenge. The Freedom Run is a fun way to bring people together to raise awareness & funds for Teen Challenge. Tara: For those not familiar, what is...

Here at Brainsport we're pretty pumped On has selected us as one of only a handful of retail stores across the world to help launch their latest innovation in running shoes - the Cloud Edge! On April 19 you'll have the opportunity to be among the first to get your hands on this highly-anticipated shoe. In this week's Q&A we're getting the scoop on the Cloud Edge from On's National Director of Sales, Chris Bilick. Let's get right to it!  Q&A with Chris Bilick Tara: On is a fairly new company on the running scene here in Canada. For those who aren't familiar with the company would you mind talking a bit about what makes it a unique company? Chris: On is a Swiss company which has taken a new approach to running shoes. Engineering a unique cushioning system (Cloudtec) which addresses not only the vertical impact of running but also the horizontal force that...

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Brainsport Brainfreeze over the weekend, and to all those who competed and volunteered at the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track and Field Championship! In this week's Times we're going to be learning about an upcoming Brainsport Running Academy Course that is sure to help you, or perhaps someone you know, get well on their way to reaching their running goals. Kim Galus is coaching the Learn To Run course starting in April. This course will prepare you for the 5K event at the Saskatchewan Marathon on May 27, and also serves as a launching point for your future running goals, whether it be to race, or simply get out to run for fun and fitness. We're excited about what this course has to offer, so let's get right to our Q&A with Kim to learn more!Q&A with Kim Galus Tara: Let's start off by addressing some of the fears people...

We're excited to be hosting the Brainsport Running Academy Shopping and Learning Night this upcoming Monday! This is an opportunity for all former, or current participants of the academy to take advantage of some great deals on gear, as well as learn a few things along the way.  To get the scoop on this event we're going to speak with Brainsport's Harvey Mathies in this week's Q&A. But before we get to that we want to wish everyone who's participating in the Brainfreeze all the best this Sunday - have fun out there!  On that note, we're having a Brainfreeze sale this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. All in-stock Mizuno shoes will be 20 percent off. And buy one item of clothing at regular price and get the second item of clothing (equal or less value) for only five dollars! Alright, now let's get to our conversation with Harvey.  Q&A...

In this week's Times, we're going to speak with the winner of this year's Queen City Marathon, Jen Kripki!  Many of you may be familiar with Jen as she's coached at the Brainsport Running Academy, and has her own personal training business in the city. This week we're going to get to know Jen a bit better and learn about her big win in Regina. So, let's get right to it!  Q&A with Jen Kripki Tara: Let's start by getting some background for those not familiar with your running career. What have been some of your career highlights? Jen: Some of my career highlights include running the Boston marathon as it was my first big race, a second place finish in Winnipeg in 2014, and hitting my PB of 3:06 in Vancouver 2014. Tara: How does winning the Queen City Marathon stack up to other major accomplishments in your career? Jen: The...

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Queen City Marathon over the weekend! Hopefully everyone is recovering well, and enjoying some time off.  In this week's Times we're going to learn more about a fun event coming up this weekend! The second annual Broadway Fit Fest, presented by RYDE YXE, gets underway Saturday morning; and there's tons of action you won't want to miss out on. To learn more about the event we're going to speak with Shaina Lynden, owner of RYDE YXE Cycle Studios. So, let's get to it! Q&A with Shaina Lynden Tara: Let's start by learning how Broadway Fit Fest came to be. What were the motivating factors in bringing this event together? Shaina: During last summer's construction on Broadway Ave, the Broadway BID and businesses in the area were looking for events to help keep people interested and coming to Broadway. We thought that it would be great to organize an event...

Before we know it we're all going to be settling into our fall routines. Some of you may be interested or know someone interested, in adding some more running into this year's routine, and we may just be able to help out with that!The Brainsport Running Academy is offering a Learn to Run course perfect for those looking to challenge themselves, learn a lot, and have fun with other people also new to running. Our upcoming Learn to Run course is being coached by Brainsport's Kim Galus - Kim has a ton to offer, and great energy to bring to newcomers.In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Kim to learn more about her background and what her hopes are for the participants of the Learn to Run course.Kim GalusTara: Let's start by learning more about you, as a runner. What kind of experiences are you bringing to participants of this upcoming Learn to Run course?Kim: Most of...

With the Easter long weekend approaching hopefully everyone can get out and enjoy some nice spring running!Speaking of spring running, the second annual Brainsport Spring Run Off is coming up next month in Elbow. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Natalie Letts, chairperson with the Friends of the Elbow Trail.This group has been successful in building the beautiful trail along Lake Diefenbaker in partnership with the Trans Canada Trail, which will be a highlight of this year's event. Let's get to our chat with Natalie and learn more! Q&A with Natalie Letts Tara: For those who weren’t out at last year’s inaugural event, would you mind giving some background about it and what participants can expect?Natalie: Our trail group has partnered with Brainsport to annually put on this race, which approximately 200 people signed up for last year. We are hoping for more runners and walkers this year. It’s a family day for everyone, including their pets, to come...

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Brainfreeze over the weekend! Be sure to scroll all way to the very bottom of this edition to check out photos of the event submitted by Times readers! In this week's Q&A we're learning more about an upcoming Brainsport Running Academy course that may be perfect for you, or somebody you know who's interested in getting to know the fundamentals of running within an encouraging and welcoming environment. Coach Cara Mazurak is here with the scoop on this course. So let's get to it! Q&A with Cara Mazurak Tara: Before we get into some of the specifics of the upcoming Learn To Run course, would you mind telling us a bit about your background as an athlete and coach? Cara: I became a runner about 15 years ago. I had lost 65 pounds and decided I wanted to start running. I joined a 10K running clinic and...

While the snow may still be falling, before you know it summer will be here and we'll be celebrating Canada's 150th Anniversary! In this week's Times we're learning more about an anniversary event runners can really get excited about.  Our neighbors to the east at Trail Run Manitoba are planning an "epic" ultra marathon and everyone's invited to make the road trip to join in! Race director, Dwayne Sandall is going to fill us in on this upcoming event in this week's Q&A.  But first, a reminder that more than 100 pairs of shoes have been reduced to $50 (Reg. $120-$190) at the Brainsport Pop Up Store at 704 Broadway Ave. The store will be closing on March 5, so now's your time to get in on the deals!  Now to our Q&A . . .  Q&A with Dwayne Sandall Tara: What motivated the folks at Trail Run Manitoba to celebrate Canada's...

Last week was exciting for Brainsport as it was honoured with a 2017 SABEX Award! The award was given in recognition of Brainsport's commitment to bettering the community, which is evidenced in ways such as the gently-used shoe program, free Run Club, community-room use, the Gingerbread Run and Brainfreeze.  Brian and Lisette at the 2017 SABEX Awards gala, where Brainsport recieved the SABEX Award for Community Involvement. Photo supplied In a short acceptance speech Brian told the audience three quick things: "One, we need your gently-used shoes because there are people in the community that need footwear. Two, if it's good for your business it's probably good for the community. And three, thanks for shopping locally." Now on to this week's Q&A. We're speaking with Tarrant Cross Child today, who's coaching the Brainsport Academy's 10K course starting on February 20. Let's get to it! Q&A with Tarrant Cross Child Tara: For those considering signing up for this...

Thanks to everyone who took part last Wednesday in our special Walk/Run Club in celebration of Wintershines. It's always great to see familiar and new faces out to share in the fun!  In this week's Times we're turning our attention back to the Brainsport Running Academy.  Our Learn to Run, Performance Marathon and Standard Marathon courses are all underway at this point, which leaves us with the Half Marathon and 10k courses to preview. Today we're going to speak with Jen Kripki, the coach of our Half Marathon course. This course gets started on February 13, so there's still time to sign up!  Q&A with Jen Kripki  Tara: Let's start by giving people some of your background as both a coach and runner. What kind of experience are you bringing to this half marathon course? Jen: I have been coaching various clinics with Brainsport for the past eight years. Anywhere from...

Tonight the Brainsport Walk/Run Club is celebrating the Wintershines Festival! This is going to be a great opportunity to bring out a friend who has yet to experience what we have to offer every week at the club. Check the "Upcoming Events" section below for more details about this evening.  In this week's Q&A we're speaking with a Ph.D. candidate in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. Margo Killham is embarking on an exciting study and she's looking to some of you to help her out with her research. Let's get to it! Q&A with Margo Killham Tara: Let’s start by learning more about your study. What can you tell us about the focus and goals of your research? Margo: Like most graduate students I have many goals for my Ph.D. research in the College of Kinesiology, but the main goal of my ongoing study is to find out more...

It's an exciting time at Brainsport as we're in the midst of our Minus 40 Sale, and the Brainsport Running Academy Courses are getting underway! Last week we focused on the Standard Marathon Course, with coach Pat Sommerville. Now we're turning our attention to the Performance Marathon Course. This year's course is being coached by one of Canada's former top distance runners, Jason Warick. Jason also happens to be Brian's coach. So for a little bragging, which Jason is far too humble to do, we turn it over to Brian to tell us more about the top-notch coaching you'll receive in the Performance Marathon Course. "Jason is an incredible coach," says Brian. "I thought I peaked in my 30's, but he helped me set my marathon personal best when I was in my 40's. Without Jason, that would never have happened. We are lucky to have one of Canada's top running experts here in Saskatoon."  Now let's...

With relief from the deep-freeze conditions it's getting a lot easier to envision this year's upcoming racing season. The Brainsport Running Academy is offering a robust line up of courses this winter and spring to help you meet your running goals in 2017. If the Saskatchewan Marathon Event is in your sights, you'll surely want to check out the courses being offered. Whether you're a beginner, or an experienced marathoner, there's a course for you!  In this week's Q&A we're speaking with the coach of the Standard Marathon course, Pat Sommerville. Pat has an extensive background helping runners meet their goals, and has dedicated many, many hours to runners who have come through the Brainsport Running Academy. Q&A with Pat Sommerville   Tara: The Brainsport Academy Marathon Course gets underway next week, and there are still some spots open. For those who may be considering it, but aren't quite sure it's for them...

It's seems safe to say Saskatonians are in the thick of winter's wrath, which means one thing: It can only get warmer, right? Well, let's hope so. In the meantime, keep your sights set on the beautiful spring and summer days ahead, when all the training you're putting in over the winter is going to pay off.  This week's Times is an excellent edition for those of you who are, or who know of somebody who is, interested in kicking up their activity intensity over the season and into the spring. First up, the Brainsport Running Academy still has spots open for the Learn To Run course with coach Jen Kripki, but only for one more week so jump on it if you're interested. For more information, or to register contact Harvey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Secondly, for all the women out there who have ever considered the idea of getting into triathlon the Just Tri-It program is for you! In...

Happy New Year to everyone! Hopefully you are all having a wonderful start to 2017. For many, a new year marks a time for new beginnings. In this week's Q&A we speak with a local physiotherapist who's embarking on a new endeavour in 2017. Juliet Sarjeant has spent her career working at the Saskatoon Health Region; and is now excited to be starting a private practice part-time at McInnes Physiotherapy - starting tomorrow. As you will read further down, Juliet is looking forward to reconnecting with the Brainsport community in the months ahead. Q&A with Juliet Sarjeant Tara: What was your motivation for venturing into private practice at this time in your career? Juliet: I’m looking forward to starting work in private practice primarily to broaden my client base. At the health region, I only see women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. At McInnes Physiotherapy, I’m hoping to continue working with those...

Merry Christmas to you all, and Happy Holidays! As Christmas Day nears and many of you are still hustling around tracking down those last minute gifts, be sure to keep Brainsport in mind. Our staff is full of fantastic ideas for the runner, walker, swimmer, hiker and triathlete in your life. And, of course we are also home to a wide selection of fantastic casual footwear, from warm boots to work shoes, and a whole lot more. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with James Funk, co-director of the Brainsport Brainfreeze, about the race coming up in March. James also has a solid Christmas gift idea near the end of the interview, so stay tuned all the way through - it involve signing someone up for the race! Q&A with James Funk Tara: This is the ninth year for the Brainsport Brainfreeze, so clearly it's a successful event. What do you think...