Brainsport Times Dec. 12, 2018

This week the Brainsport Times bids farewell to outgoing editor Tara Campbell, who has put out this weekly newsletter since the spring of 2015. Back then, Campbell had just left a job in daily news in Saskatoon when Brainsport owner Brian Michasiw asked her if she would take over the weekly newsletter.

"The timing worked out well for me," Campbell recalls. "When Brian approached me about writing the Times, I thought it would be a great fit. I love to write and I love to run — it was an easy decision."

Campbell now lives in Omaha, Nebraska and recently started a new reporting gig for the local NBC affiliate. "Life has become a whole lot busier," she said. "Simply put, it’s time to let go of the Times."

This newsletter is now being edited by myself, Andrea Hill, in the moments when I'm not running or writing for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.

I talked with Campbell this month about the experiences she had as Times editor over the last nearly four years.

Tara Campbell out for a run with her late dog Skylar

Brainsport Times: What was one of the most memorable interviews you did for the Times?

Tara Campbell: My interview with Tarrant Cross Child back in June of 2015, shortly after I had started with Brainsport, stands out to me. Tarrant, a former Saskatchewan Marathon winner, had recently finished his stay at a rehabilitation centre for treatment of alcohol and gambling addiction and was embarking on the beginning of his journey of sharing his story. His message of hope and restoration has gone on to reach thousands of children and adults across the province and beyond. This was my first introduction to the Cross Child family — and it’s been a pleasure getting to know him and his wife, Celeste. 

BT: Tell me about something you learned from an interview that you were able to apply to your own running.

TC: Tarrant and I went on to build a relationship over the years as I covered his story for Canadian Running Magazine and ran with him and Celeste on Team W, a performance-oriented running group coached by former Canadian national team marathoner Jason Warick. I found Tarrant's story relatable, as I too used running to help me through my own struggles with ADHD.

BT: What do you miss the most about running in Saskatoon?

TC: Hands down, the bridges and the river. Saskatoon is truly a unique and beautiful place to run. I also miss running with Jason Warick’s team; the people only add to the beauty of running in Saskatoon.   

BT: What is something about the Times that people might be surprised to learn?

TC: Maybe people know this, maybe they don’t, but writing and editing the Times over the past several years has meant a great deal to me. It allowed me to transition away from life as a reporter and into life as a freelance writer. I’m honoured to have worked with Brian and the Brainsport staff and to have met so many wonderful people along the way. 

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Upcoming Events

Until Thursday December 27: December Brainsport Lunchtime Runs
Meet at the clocktower across from the Sheraton hotel in downtown on Thursdays at 12:08 p.m. for a 30 minute run. This informal workout is suitable for all levels of runners. No charge, no sign-up, just bring a friend and come ready to run!

Sunday December 16: 6th Annual Lighten Up Fun Run
Get out your bells, and battery-op l.e.d. lights. On Dec. 16, decorate yourself for a fun run at the start of winter. Hot beverages and dainties post-run will once be provided by D'lish. There's no fee, no registration — just come out and have fun! Bikes, well-behaved dogs, strollers welcome. For more information click here. 

Monday December 31: No Frills Chili Run
Brainsport is hosting a no-swag year-end run in support of the Child of the Cross running clinics. Register in-store for a five-kilometre run or 2.5-kilometre walk. Registration is $20 and the race starts at 5 p.m. After the run you will get a bowl of chili, a dessert and some sparkling apple juice.

Sunday Mar. 3, 2019: Brainsport Brainfreeze
Brainsport’s Brainfreeze is a winter run that raises money for the University of Saskatchewan cross country team. Enjoy the snow-coated scenery as you choose from a five-kilometre, 10-kilometre or half marathon distance along the beautiful South Saskatchewan River. Register before prices go up on Dec. 14.

Saturday May 11, 2019: Royal Road Race (Regina)
The ninth-annual Royal Road Race, hosted by the Jaleta Pacers and the RCMP is once again being held on Mother’s Day weekend. Since it began, this race has contributed over $161,549 to local charities. Held on the RCMP Training Academy grounds in Regina, this fast course has something for everyone with five-kilometre and 10-kilometre races, a five-kilometre walk, a five-kilometre wheelchair and a one-kilometre Mini-Mountie run for children. This race sells out fast so make sure to register soon. Prices increase Mar. 31.

Sunday May 26, 2019: Saskatchewan Marathon
The Saskatchewan Marathon is the oldest marathon in Saskatchewan. The event is organized and produced by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association. The 2019 Saskatchewan Marathon features Craven SPORT services five-kilometre, Goodlife Fitness 10-kilometre, half-marathon and marathon event distances along a scenic course highlighting the world-renowned Meewasin Valley. Easily deemed one of the most scenic running events in Canada, the Saskatchewan Marathon is also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Sign up today. Prices increase Mar. 1.

Courses and programs

NEW Brainsport Running Academy: Half Marathon and Full Marathon Clinic
This clinic, coached by Pat Somerville, is ideal for less experienced runners or those looking to improve their previous half or full marathon time. It is recommended you be able to run 40 minutes consecutively before joining this clinic. The clinic runs Monday evenings from Brainsport starting at 6 p.m. It will prepare runners for the 2019 Saskatchewan Marathon on May 26 and runs from Jan. 21 to May 20. In addition to weekly coached runs, there will be informational sessions on topics such as injury prevention, core stability, running technique, nutrition, yoga for runners, and more. Register online now.

Breath Move Be Yoga for Athletes
Breathe Move Be offers a Yoga for Athletes course starting on Thursday evenings from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. until Dec. 20 at Midwest Karate. Drop-in spots will be made available for $18 when space is available. For more information and to register contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Product of the Week
 
Salomon Spikecross

These unisex shoes feature metal studs on the soles giving you maximum traction on snowy and icy surfaces. 

The Brainsport Times brings you news and stories from Saskatoon's running community every Wednesday. If you have a story to share, an event you want featured or suggestions for future content, please email Brainsport Times editor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..