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 150 Anniversary with this event?
Dwayne: There has always been a back-of-my-mind plan to do something epic in the Whiteshell area. We've spent many years scouting trails and researching logistics of an event in the area; the TransCanada Trail (TCT) being scheduled for completion at the same time was the real impetus to make this happen. The TCT is an amazing gem in this country so it just made sense to tie the 150th together with the completion of the trail. As for the 150 miles rather than kilometres, that was easy - it makes it just a bit more epic!
Tara: The course journeys along the Canadian Shield, which one can imagine is quite scenic. Can you tell us about the course and what people can expect along the way?
Dwayne: The first 50 miles are mostly alongside the massive Winnipeg River system which is one of the original hydro generating rivers in Manitoba. Our starting point is at the oldest operational hydro facility. Once you transition from the more open river edge into the boreal forest of the Shield there will be more big rock faces, more varied terrain (think rollercoaster ups and downs) and the ever present mixed forest of the Shield. This is Manitoba cottage country, so you will never be far from a lake, locals and friend’s cabins. This part of the province is rich in history, as the waterways were so critical in establishing the links back to the east.
Taking to the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba. Photo supplied
Tara: Being that a 150 mile race is a massive undertaking for one individual, there is a relay option. What are the details of this option for those interested in getting a group together?
Dwayne: We have an option for teams of three to share the journey. Each leg is 50 miles. All the same cut offs are in place, but we have lifted the qualification standards.
Tara: This is a one-time event, which alone is enticing, but what else will make this a special race?
Dwayne: One thing we are working hard on doing is making the event as close to 100% Canadian as possible. From the aid station supplies to the finisher awards (custom buckles produced by a local firm) our focus is on sourcing Canadian goods for the event.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Dwayne: This will be a pretty spectacular way to celebrate Canada's 150th. The race starts just east of the longitudinal centre of the country and traverses some uniquely Canadian terrain that we find in the Shield. 2017 also marks the tenth year for Trail Run Manitoba, so this race is a bit of our celebration as well, a chance to show the world that a volunteer ran organization can produce world class epic events.
Check out this video Dwayne shot a while back. It features the section of the course that will be at the 120 mile mark of the Canada 150 Ultramarathon. https://vimeo.com/70917431.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Canada 150 Ultramarathon
Celebrate Canada's 150th Anniversary by taking on this unique ultra marathon traversing the Canadian Shield. The event will be held on July 1 at Falcon Lake, Manitoba (race starts at Great Falls). Run the 150 solo, or get a team together to participate in the relay! For more information go to http://canada150ultra.com/registration/,
Breath Move Be Yoga - Spring Tune Up!
Starting on March 14 and going through May 16, Breath Move Be is offering runner specific youg at Namaskar Yoga Studio (615 2nd Avenue North). Cost is $120 if pre-registered. There will also be a $17 drop-in option if room in class. Pre-register by contacting
Canadian Western Short Track Championships
This March Saskatonian business people have the opportunity to sponsor the next generation of potential Olympians! The Saskatoon Lion's Speed Skating club is hosting the Canadian Western Short Track Championships on March 18-19 at the SaskTel Centre. There will be 128 of the best short track speed skaters in western Canada at this competition.
To successfully host this event, the club is looking for sponsors to help with the many costs associated with hosting an event of this caliber such as food for volunteers and athletes, timing equipment and rental fees. Sponsors will have their company logo placed along the crash mats for anyone that supports this event. If you, or someone you know may be interested in supporting this event, please contact http:
200 Hour International Yoga Teacher Training
The Living Well Centers is offering 200 Hour International Yoga Teacher Training starting on April April 4. Deepen your yoga knowledge and practice. Strengthen your spiritual connection. Become a yoga instructor.
Training consists of five modules in total, each focusing on different elements of yoga teacher development. Each module includes roughly 40 hours of instruction, personal practice and mandatory homework.
For more information email
Brainsport Running Academy - Spring Courses
Below are brief descriptions of this year's spring courses. For more information, including dates and registration go to:
10k Course:
Coached by Tarrant Cross Child, this will be an engaging and interactive course. Tarrant will bring both his knowledge of running, and his personal desire to see people excel to the group. This course is designed to take you to a new level of running and is geared at the beginner and established runner. Tarrant will have a training program for everyone.
Learn To Run Course:
Coached by Cara Mazurak, the Learn To Run course is designed to accommodate those from a non-running background, or someone coming back to running after an extended time away. This is an 8-week course, which will culminate with a 5k race. The Learn to Run course will give you a solid foundation for your future running goals.
Virtual Pilates and Virtual Rides
For runners looking for some great recovery, strengthening, and cross-training options, Transition is now offering pilates and cycling from the comfort of your own home. These interactive live web-streamed classes are unique in that. if you choose to have your webcam Coach Carly can see you and correct technique and interact.
Join live: Pilates for Strength, Recovery and Injury Prevention (Monday nights 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. For more information click on the link. http://www.powhow.com/classes/transition-sport-and-fitness/pilates-for-strength-recovery-and-injury-prevention
For those with an at-home trainer Virtual Rides take place Sunday mornings. Click the link for more information.http://www.powhow.com/classes/transition-sport-and-fitness/virtual-ride-triathlon-training-winter-2017/313494
Brainsport Shoe Donation Progtram
The Brainsport Shoe Donation Program has received a request for basketball shoes. If you have gently-used basketball shoes please consider dropping them off at the store for donation. They will go a long way in making sure no child is left sitting on the bench because they don't have proper footwear.
Just Tri-It - Triathlon Training
Ladies, have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a triathlon? Are you looking for a fun and challenging spring training program? The Just Tri-it program gives you eight weeks - starting on March 19 - of swim, bike and run training, plus entry into the Makin It Happen Triathlon, where you can show off your new skills. Registration is now open, and it always sells out! Learn more and register click here.
Brainsport Brainfreeze
The 9th Annual Brainfreeze, in support of the U of S Cross Country Team, is set for Sunday March 5, 2017! This year there will be the addition of a 5K race, along with the 10K and half-marathon distances. Start time is 10 a.m. in front of Brainsport (also the finish). Register by going to www.brainsport.ca.
Breath Move Be - Yoga for Runners
Drop-in is available for 2017 classes. Contact Leanne, below, for more information.
Breath Move Be is back with more yoga for runners in the new year. Join in this runner-specific yoga class starting January 10 through February 28. Classes will be held at Namaskar Yoga Studio on Tuesday nights from 6:05 to 7:05. For more information and to register email Leanne at
Triathlon Training
Transition Sport and Fitness is offering Distance Group, or Personalized Coaching for anyone wanting to take their swim, bike, or run training to the next level.
Visit www.transitionsportandfitness.cafor more info on all programs.
Start2Finish
Every week, at one of Saskatoon's community schools, volunteers and children come together for a running and reading program called Start2Finish. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Saskatoon's at-risk children. You run, read, and share a word of the day with the group of kids. Start2Finish not only allows you the opportunity to give back to the community, and gain a rewarding experience, but also allows you to help children grow in a positive way. If you are interested in giving a couple hours of your time email
Product of the Week
Skin Glide Anti Chafing Cream
Brought to you by the folks at the ever-popular Body Glide this moisture rich cream will help you avoid chafing, blisters, and raw skin whether running an ultra marathon or training for a 10K. This unique formula goes on wet and dries within seconds to form a silky smooth anti chafing barrier. Skin Glide is also an excellent option for triathletes, cyclists, swimmers and hikers.
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara