In last week's edition of the Brainsport Times we talked holiday gift-giving, so it's fitting that in this week's edition we bring you some opportunities for charitable-type giving. Be sure to check out the "Upcoming Events" section for a couple of new announcements that provide an opportunity to help out others in our community, along with a unique opportunity to help out a fellow runner.
Now onto our Q&A! This week we're speaking with the creator of the Uksi Winter Skirt, Elizabeth Stack. For those of you not familiar, the Uksi is a staple at Brainsport every winter season; keeping women and children warm and stylish throughout the deepest of freezes. Let's learn more in our conversation with Elizabeth!
Q&A with Elizabeth Stack
Tara: As the creator of the Uksi Winter Skirt, what was your inspiration for bringing your idea to life and actually beginning to make, and distribute the skirts?
Elizabeth: When I started wearing my original version of the Uksi winter skirt I had so many women asking me what it was and where they could get one. I felt it was making my winter so much better and I wanted other people to enjoy their winters more too!
Elizabeth showing off one of her creations outdoors. Photo T2 Social Media
Tara: What makes the Uksi unique, and what are some of the more notable qualities of the skirt?
Elizabeth: The idea of an outerwear skirt is definitely a new one. Being able to throw it on over your other clothes makes it really handy, and the felted wool is incredibly warm.
Tara: Over the years, have you noticed who the Uksi works best for? In other words, who is the clientele?
Elizabeth: I think it appeals most to people who spend a lot of time outside, either walking to work, walking their dog, or being outside with their kids. It’s also really handy for staying warm when you’re dressed up for an evening out!
The new collection of Uksi Winter Skirts is now available at Brainsport. Photo T2 Social Media
Tara: Do you have any funny, or touching, Uksi stories you could share?
Elizabeth: One thing that comes to mind is the large concentration of skirts in my neighbourhood. Because many of my friends from my neighbourhood have supported me by buying and wearing Uksi skirts from the beginning, it has meant that other people in our neighbourhood see them and buy them as well. If you go to our local school on a cold day, you could see quite a few Uksi’s. I often think it must be a bit strange for newcomers at our school wondering what this skirt is that so many people are wearing!
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Elizabeth: We have a fresh batch of skirts available at Brainsport right now, with a lot of different colour options. Adult skirts come in extra small to large and are $150. There are two sizes of kids skirts and they are $70 and $40. Also, I will be in Regina this Thursday, December 7 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., selling Uksi winter skirts at Head to Heal, 2706 13th Ave.
Upcoming Events
Local Sock Drive
Longtime Brainsport Run Club member, Jan Stirling has been inspired to start a sock drive after learning how people in need often lack socks. She will be collecting new socks and distributing them to the Lighthouse and other organizations that will make sure the sox get onto some feet in need!
She's asking for your help in gathering 100 pairs of new socks (for all ages and genders) by December 20! You can find drop box at Brainsport, or message Jan on Facebook and she'll arrange a drop-off.
Benard Onsare - GoFundMe
Brainsport Times founder, Ian Colvine, has brought a compelling story to our attention that might put you into the giving spirit. Ian is now living in Cochrane, AB, and of course has his finger on the pulse of the running scene. He asked if we would share the story of local runner, Benard Onsare and the bid to help him reach his running potential. Check out this link to learn more about Benard and the GoFundMe campaign: http:// https://www.gofundme.com/benards-canadian-marathon-fund.
Brainsport Run Academy Winter Training Sessions
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 at the YMCA (new) starts January 17/18 and ends March 7/18. Coached by Jen Kripki.
Learn To Run at Brainsport starts Wednesday, 6 p.m., January 10/17 and ends February 28/18. 8 week course. Coached by Karon Mathies.
10K Run Course at Brainsport starts Monday, 6 p.m., Nov. 27/17 and ends Feb. 26/18. 14 week course. Coached by Tarrant Cross Child.
1/2 Marathon Run Course at Brainsport starts Monday, 6 p.m., Nov. 20/17. 15 week course. Coached by Mike McKague.
#PatTrick Run Program. One low priced registration for three high-quality long distance training courses. Starting Nov. 28/17, 6 p.m. at Brainsport. Coached by Pat Somerville.
For more information and register go to www.brainsport.ca. Or call the store at 306-244-0955.
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.
Lighten Up! Fun Run 2017
On December 17th, come light up the night with your fellow runners. Decorate yourself in some lights, take a run, hand out some gifts, sing some carols, and eat some treats! For more information about this event click here.
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.
Fall Cross Training, Family Fitness, and Triathlon Training
Registration is now open for Transition Sport and Fitness fall programs including family-friendly fall fitness, cross-training for runners and triathletes, virtual Pilates, swim skills sessions, and the fall triathlon training programs. Visit http://www.transitionsportandfitness.ca for more info or contact
Yoga For Runners
Come experience the benefits of yoga for runners, with the Breath Move Be instructors at Namaskar Yoga Studio - 615 2nd Avenue North. $125 pre-registered and $17 for drop-in (if available space). Classes begin November 21. Register by contacting http:
Product of the Week
Uksi Winter Skirt
Photos T2 Social Media
If you're looking for a unique, functional, and fashionable holiday gift this season, be sure to check out the Uksi Winter Skirt at Brainsport. Each skirt is locally handmade, providing a high-quality product sure to keep the warmth in through the cold winter season!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara