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Brainsport Times July 26, 2017
A big congratulation to all of Team Saskatchewan for a solid showing at the 2017 North American Indigenous Games held in Toronto last week!
In this week's Times were going to check back in with Jaira Cross Child, who we spoke with a couple weeks ago, and get the scoop on her first Games. Jaira brought home five gold medals, but as you will read - her performance was only one part of the memorable experience.
Q&A with Jaira Cross Child
Tara: Let's start by getting your thoughts on what it felt like to represent Saskatchewan for the first time in your running career. Was it everything you expected and hoped it would be?
Jaira: It was such an honor to represent the communities and people of Saskatchewan. While I was wearing my team Sask gear, I was proud of my home. It was more than I expected - the team spirit, meeting the other athletes from Saskatchewan, and competing for team Sask was beyond what I expected it to be.
Jaira on her way to gold in the 3000m cross country event - her first event of the Games.
Tara: How do you think the experience of competing against people from across Canada and the United States will impact you as a runner in the years to come?
Jaira: The competition was very intense. I had to compete against others I normally do not compete against. I didn't know their strengths or their weaknesses. I had to trust myself and my race instincts to read my competitors. Racing against new people helps me as an athlete because I won't always know my competition heading into large meets out of province.
Tara: Tell us what it was like to meet so many athletes at once, and share in all the happenings of the Game off the track.
Jaira: The highlight of my week was definitely the people. Meeting so many athletes that I have so much in common with made me feel right at home. We all share the love for the sport and the excitement and nervousness of competing and being in a new place. We had the chance to become close to each other and get to know one another off the track as well. We got to explore the city and the campus together, eat together, and spend the entire week with one another.
On the track, Jaira won gold in the 800m, 1200m, 2000m and 4x400m relay.
Tara: What else stands out to you as a highlight of the Games?
Jaira: One of the many highlights from the Games that stood out to me was the opening ceremonies. The excitement, spirit, pride, sport, and community that came along with it was an evening to remember. Carrying the Metis flag into the ceremony was such an honor and it was an unforgettable event. Everyone was gathered together and beyond excited to be there, just like me!
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Jaira: I would like to congratulate all the athletes. It was amazing to watch everybody contribute their talents and skills to represent Saskatchewan. All the sports did very well and everybody gave their all to the Games.
Upcoming Events
Wapiti Bush Run
Get out and enjoy a beautiful trail run at the Wapiti Bush Run, being held on August 27 at 10 a.m. Choose from a 5.5K or 8.5K distance. All runners entering by Saturday, Aug 12 will receive a unique "bush lunch" hosted by the Gronlid Willing Workers Catering Company.
This race is being hosted by the Tisdale Track Club and the Melfort X-C Ski Club. Proceeds from the race will go towards projects undertaken by these two clubs. For more information and to register click here.
Queen City Marathon
This year's Queen City Marathon is being held on the weekend of September 8. Considered one of the premier running events in the province, this is a race consider getting on your list. There are racing options for everyone at this event! Click here to learn more.
YWCA Saskatoon Shine a Light Run
Shine a light on Friday, September 15 to raise awareness and funds for YWCA Saskatoon community programs - and help make a difference. Everyone is welcome to this event with distance options of 2K, 5K and 10K. The run gets started at sunset at Meewasin Valley. Register teams or individuals at http://www.ywcasaskatoon.com.
Tri-Unity Challenge
Registration for the 2017 Tri-Unity Challenge being held on August 12 is now open. Challenge yourself to walk, jog or run 18K, 8K or 3K - all while taking in the sights of Pasquia Regional Park in the Carrot River Valley. For more information and to register click here.
Product of the Week
New Balance FuelCore Sonic
This innovative new offering from New Balance is a great option for tempo runs and daily training. The BOA Fit System technology gives you the feel of a custom fit, while the ultra-breathable air mesh, synthetic upper and bootie constructions add to the overall comfort. With an REVlite midsole, this neutral shoe is both quick and cushioned and will keep you going strong through your daily mileage and workouts.
Thanks for reading the Times this week. gotta run. Tara
In this week's Times were going to check back in with Jaira Cross Child, who we spoke with a couple weeks ago, and get the scoop on her first Games. Jaira brought home five gold medals, but as you will read - her performance was only one part of the memorable experience.
Q&A with Jaira Cross Child
Tara: Let's start by getting your thoughts on what it felt like to represent Saskatchewan for the first time in your running career. Was it everything you expected and hoped it would be?
Jaira: It was such an honor to represent the communities and people of Saskatchewan. While I was wearing my team Sask gear, I was proud of my home. It was more than I expected - the team spirit, meeting the other athletes from Saskatchewan, and competing for team Sask was beyond what I expected it to be.
Jaira on her way to gold in the 3000m cross country event - her first event of the Games.
Tara: How do you think the experience of competing against people from across Canada and the United States will impact you as a runner in the years to come?
Jaira: The competition was very intense. I had to compete against others I normally do not compete against. I didn't know their strengths or their weaknesses. I had to trust myself and my race instincts to read my competitors. Racing against new people helps me as an athlete because I won't always know my competition heading into large meets out of province.
Tara: Tell us what it was like to meet so many athletes at once, and share in all the happenings of the Game off the track.
Jaira: The highlight of my week was definitely the people. Meeting so many athletes that I have so much in common with made me feel right at home. We all share the love for the sport and the excitement and nervousness of competing and being in a new place. We had the chance to become close to each other and get to know one another off the track as well. We got to explore the city and the campus together, eat together, and spend the entire week with one another.
On the track, Jaira won gold in the 800m, 1200m, 2000m and 4x400m relay.
Tara: What else stands out to you as a highlight of the Games?
Jaira: One of the many highlights from the Games that stood out to me was the opening ceremonies. The excitement, spirit, pride, sport, and community that came along with it was an evening to remember. Carrying the Metis flag into the ceremony was such an honor and it was an unforgettable event. Everyone was gathered together and beyond excited to be there, just like me!
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Jaira: I would like to congratulate all the athletes. It was amazing to watch everybody contribute their talents and skills to represent Saskatchewan. All the sports did very well and everybody gave their all to the Games.
Upcoming Events
Wapiti Bush Run
Get out and enjoy a beautiful trail run at the Wapiti Bush Run, being held on August 27 at 10 a.m. Choose from a 5.5K or 8.5K distance. All runners entering by Saturday, Aug 12 will receive a unique "bush lunch" hosted by the Gronlid Willing Workers Catering Company.
This race is being hosted by the Tisdale Track Club and the Melfort X-C Ski Club. Proceeds from the race will go towards projects undertaken by these two clubs. For more information and to register click here.
Queen City Marathon
This year's Queen City Marathon is being held on the weekend of September 8. Considered one of the premier running events in the province, this is a race consider getting on your list. There are racing options for everyone at this event! Click here to learn more.
YWCA Saskatoon Shine a Light Run
Shine a light on Friday, September 15 to raise awareness and funds for YWCA Saskatoon community programs - and help make a difference. Everyone is welcome to this event with distance options of 2K, 5K and 10K. The run gets started at sunset at Meewasin Valley. Register teams or individuals at http://www.ywcasaskatoon.com.
Tri-Unity Challenge
Registration for the 2017 Tri-Unity Challenge being held on August 12 is now open. Challenge yourself to walk, jog or run 18K, 8K or 3K - all while taking in the sights of Pasquia Regional Park in the Carrot River Valley. For more information and to register click here.
Product of the Week
New Balance FuelCore Sonic
This innovative new offering from New Balance is a great option for tempo runs and daily training. The BOA Fit System technology gives you the feel of a custom fit, while the ultra-breathable air mesh, synthetic upper and bootie constructions add to the overall comfort. With an REVlite midsole, this neutral shoe is both quick and cushioned and will keep you going strong through your daily mileage and workouts.
Thanks for reading the Times this week. gotta run. Tara
About the author
Brainsport provides a weekly update of running news from the local running world. They are a leading running supplier in Saskatoon and provide numerous training and educational classes.
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