Brainsport Times Aug 8, 2018

The ability to rise each morning and head out the door for a run is a privilege. Today we're reminded of this in our Q&A with Tammy Powder. Tammy and her daughter Ella both have a condition called Chiari Malformation. The condition has caused a great deal of pain in her life, but she found a way to work through it and improve her quality of life - and running has played a major role in that. In September Tammy will debut a community run dedicated to raising funds for the Canadian Chiari Association. In our Q&A with Tammy, we're going to learn more about her journey and the run she is organizing. 
 
Q&A with Tammy Powder

Tara: Chiari Malformation is not a very well-known disorder. Would you mind explaining what it is and how it impacts your life and the life of your daughter? 

Tammy: Chiari Malformation is a rare neurological disorder that is not very well understood so it becomes a dangerous disorder to have. The only treatment for this debilitating disorder is brain surgery and painkillers. I've had three brain surgeries, but my daughter has not had any yet. The surgeries are to try and create more room for the back of the brain which is compressed into the spinal column. It causes a wide range of symptoms and pain. Surgeries are dangerous because even the best neurosurgeons often don't really understand Chiari and go in to make more room, however, can create more problems, which is what happened to me.It's been a long road for my daughter and I. I could barely walk two kilometers without having to rest because the pain was so intense. This was even after the surgeries. I finally figured out that if I flooded my body with whole fruits and veggies (natures best anti-inflammatory) then I started to get my life back. And I do the same for my daughter. I started to feel more energetic and needed less Advil for the pain. I've always wanted to be a runner, so I thought I would try a 5K in 2015. It was amazing; two months later I ran my first 10K. I've been running ever since and, in fact, I started a little running club in Kenaston called Oh My Quad Running Group. Ladies who have never run have now run in multiple 5K's with me - it's amazing! My daughter has also joined me on two 5K runs!  

Tammy and her daughter Ella use running to help treat Chiari Malformation. Photo Supplied

Tara: Tell us more about how running has impacted your health and overall quality of life? 

Tammy: Running has given me a new lease on life. I have four kids and lots of stresses of life and when I run, I seem to be able to put everything into perspective. There's nothing like going out for a run, even on the grid roads in the wide-open prairies. I feel so alive and thankful. Running has brought me more friendships and this is really something that I'm actually doing for me. I've had many people say they are inspired by my running and I always say, 'If I can run, anyone can run!'. 

Tara: What inspired you to take the steps towards putting on your own run? 

Tammy: September is Chiari Awareness month. In 2017 I was out for a run and feeling like I needed to find a run in September to keep me accountable and going - I like to have goals. I thought, 'why am I not organizing one myself to help raise money so close to my heart?'.  So, I organized a 5K and a 10K in Kenaston and I had about 10 people join me. That run I managed to raise $7,000 for Canadian Chiari Association. Two of my girlfriends ran the 10K with me. I'm a slow runner so obviously, I came in last, but I was so happy! My husband and children biked the 10K and there were about six other people who walked or ran the 5K. It was after the excitement of that run that my girlfriends and I thought we should plan an organized run in 2018; that's how it all came to be! ᐧ

Upcoming Events Crushing Chiari 5-10-15K Run In Kenaston

On September 15 take part in a fun run in Keneston in support of the Canadian Chiari Association. The event is being organized by Tammy Powder, who, along with her daughter Ella, has Chiari Malformation - a neurological disorder. Anyone is welcome to take part in the 5K, 10K, or 15K with the options of running, biking or walking.The race fee is $40 for each run but if you raise over $80 in sponsorship then you will be able to enter for free! Each participant will also receive a race t-shirt. Send your registration fee to Tammy Powder via e-transfer along with the following information and you will get a tax receipt from CCA! Name, address, email address and phone number. Contact Tammy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details and to register.

YWCA Shine A Light Run

Every participant in the Shine a Light Run has their own reasons for committing to run the 2K, 5K, or 10K course. On September 20, join in the run to shine a light on needs and solutions right here in our community, like safe streets, homes for everyone, childcare, and jobs for individuals and families to thrive. For more information and register click here. 

Inspiritus Restorative Yoga TrainingLearn the ins and outs of teaching Restorative Yoga. Restorative Yoga is just that - restorative. It is a peaceful and calming class to release stress and allow the body to rest, heal, and restore through restful yoga postures, meditation and conscious relaxation. Props (blankets, blocks, bolsters and straps) are used in a way that support the body to enable comfortable opening of the tissues. Online course, available for existing yoga teachers only. The course runs from August 7 to August 14. To register click here. Inspiritus Chair Yoga TrainingAdapt your teaching to a chair and broaden your skills to reach special populations. This unique class is designed for seniors or for those who have physical limitations or difficulties exercising. Students are led through a series of yoga postures while seated in a chair or using a chair for support, providing options appropriate for every body. Online course, available for existing yoga teachers only. The course runs from August 21 to August 28. To register click here. Race Against RacismOn September 22 join your community for a run that brings together people from all over Saskatoon from various communities, with unique backgrounds, religions, cultures, sexual orientations, ages and ethnicities. Everyone comes together to achieve a common goal; to provide a positive, safe environment to live in harmony and show that Saskatoon will not accept racism.Runners, walkers and rollers have the choice to participate in the 2.5K, 5K, 10K or half marathon. To learn more and to register click here. Brainsport Running Academy

Learn to Run at Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Get the basics down this summer over a 7-week long course leading into the Race Against Racism on September 22.

The course starts on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Sessions will take place along the great trails at Wanuskewin Heritage Park! To register go to raceroster.com.
Teen Challenge Freedom Run 

Runners and walkers of all fitness levels will join together for our Teen Challenge Freedom Run on August 19. This 5K fun run is in support of the Teen Challenge Prairie Hope Women's Centre. Whether you are a seasoned runner or first-time participant, end your summer with a healthy living challenge and support a great cause fighting addiction across Saskatchewan. To register click here.AIESEC's Run for Good Health and Well-BeingWith support from Brainsport and Affinity Insurance, AIESEC Saskatoon will be hosting a community run on August 12 in Victoria Park. All proceeds of the event will be donated to the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital.Entry fee for each participant is $30. This includes single admission into a race of your choice and a free run t-shirt. Distance options are one mile, 5K and 10K. Registration is open until August 12 at 9 a.m.Click here to register. And, to find out more about the event click here.

GMS Queen City Marathon

Take part in one of the province's premier road races on the weekend of September 7 at the Queen City Marathon. There are distance options ranging from the kid's 1K through to the full marathon, along with relay options. To learn more and to register click here.

EY River Run Classic

The EY River Run Classic is one of the premier running events in Saskatoon. This event is organized by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association and consists of 2K (family run), 5K, 10K, distances. The routes run along the South Saskatchewan River, making for a beautiful route. For more information click here. Triathlon Movie Screening"We Are Triathletes" is screening across Canada this summer. On August 9 Transition Sport & Fitness is hosting the Saskatoon screening at the Galaxy Theatre. Everyone is welcome. Come for a fun night in a cinema full of triathletes, endurance enthusiasts, and their pals.Watch the trailer here: https://ca.demand.film/we-are-triathletes/. Tickets are on sale now, (organizers are asking people to please buy tickets in advance as they need 50 people to guarantee the movie can screen). Use the code "TriClub18" to receive 10% off your tickets if you reserve them before July 11. Click here for tickets. And, join the Facebook Event Page here.

Voodoo Fitness Festival

In September Saskatoon will play host to the Voodoo Fitness Festival - the largest fitness competition in Canada. There are divisions for all levels of athletes, so if CrossFit is up your alley be sure to check out the website to learn

more. https://voodoofitnessfest.com/.

Product of the Week

On Cloudflyer

Runners who want a little extra strength and stability in a lightweight training shoe, the On's Cloudflyer could be the fit for you! .The Cloudflyer is engineered to reduce inward rotation, while providing a smooth, natural transition. Memory foam and an adaptive, moulded heel counter provide a soft and secure fit. The innovative star lacing pattern lifts and smooths the front of the shoe for stability all the way to take-off.

Thanks for reading the Times this week. 

Gotta run,
Tara

In all our initiatives we aim to create an open and inviting environment for all people who love to walk, run and live a healthy lifestyle.306-244-0955