Welcome to spring everyone! Though we still have some time to wait until those warm late-spring mornings start welcoming us onto the streets and trails, one can dream a little, right? So, this week we're going to allow our minds to slip ahead to late spring to learn more about an opportunity to hit the streets with a bunch of fellow runners on June 10 at the Second Annual SIGA Good Food Run.
This event is held by the SIGA Long Runners to raise funds CHEP Good Food. For those not familiar with CHEP, its mission is to work with children, families and communities to improve access to good food and promote food security. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Shannon Josdal, the president of SIGA Long Runners, to learn more.
So, let's get to it!
Q&A with Shannon Josdal
Tara: This is the second year the Siga Runners Fitness Group is hosting this event. What were the motivating factors in coming back for a second year?
Shannon: The SIGA Long Runners participate in numerous running events each year and that planted the seed of an idea that we should host our own event. We were really brave our first year and printed "first annual" on our posters - so we were committed right from the start. With that said, our whole group worked really hard for months to put the first run together and were rewarded with almost 200 participants and nearly $5,000 raised for CHEP. That kind of result gets you excited to do it again!
Participants from last year's race taking off through Victoria Park. Photo supplied
Tara: For those not familiar with the Siga Long Runners, would you mind telling us more about the group?
Shannon: The SIGA Long Runners are a group of SIGA employees committed to promoting healthy, and active lifestyles for ourselves, our co-workers, our families, and communities. We participate in numerous running events each year and support each other in our running and fitness goals. All fitness levels are welcome and our membership includes everyone from new runners to experienced marathoners.
Tara: What are some of the details of this event in terms of distance options, who's suited to participate, etc.?
Shannon: The Good Food Run features three distances: 1k, 2k, and 10k. All routes start in Victoria Park and run along the beautiful Meewasin trail. This is a friendly, fun, and family-oriented event that is suitable for walkers and runners of every pace. Kids age 5 and under can participate free of charge and strollers and leashed dogs are welcome.
If your dog is leashed she/he is welcome to run at SIGA's Good Food Run. Photo supplied
Tara: What are your hopes for this second annual event?
Shannon: We've made some additions this year that we're really excited about. We've added the 10k distance, increased our participant cap from 200 to 300, and joined forces with Brainsport - which has been an amazing resource! All of these additions serve our end goal of raising more money for CHEP: Good Food Inc. and raising awareness of the work they do to make healthy, affordable food available to everyone in our community.
The crowd gathers at the start of the First Annual SIGA Good Food Run. Photo supplied
Tara: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Shannon: Just that we hope to see everyone out on June 10 and to visit http://www.siga.sk.ca/goodfoodrun to register!
Upcoming Events
SIGA’s Second Annual Good Food Run
On June 10, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is hosting its second annual fun run in support of CHEP: Good Food Inc. Presented by SIGA’s Long Runners, participants can choose between a 1K, 5K or 10K run. There are finisher medals for all participants! Family entertainment, water stations, swag and after-race snacks and refreshments provided.Registration is now open! To register or donate go to http://www.siga.sk.ca/goodfoodrun.
Saskatchewan Marathon
The 40th Annual Saskatchewan Marathon event takes place on May 27! There's still plenty of time to get registered and train for your event, whether it be the 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon. This is sure to be an exciting weekend featuring a pasta dinner, race expo and some of the best road racing in the province! To learn more about the event, including how to volunteer go to http://saskmarathon.ca/.
Brainsport Running Academy Spring Courses
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.
Learn To Run: Training for the 2018 Saskatchewan Marathon 5K event. Begins April 4, ends May 23. Coach, Kim Galus.
#PatTrick Run Program: This is an on-going training group coached by Pat Sommerville. Participants can join at any time. Training will include preparation for the Saskatchewan Marathon, and Queen City Marathon.
For more information on these courses, and to register go to www.brainsport.ca. Or call the store at 306-244-0955.
Spring Triathlon Training Program
Transition Sport & Fitness' Spring Triathlon Training program runs March 27 to June 2. Choose from on one, two, or three times training for swim, bike and/or run. Coach's tips, info clinics and all the support you need to get in great shape and/or complete a triathlon. The program ends with a super beginner-friendly Transition Triathlon. http://www.transitionsportandfitness.ca for more information. Or, click here to register.
Canada Beer Run
The Canada Beer run is going coast to cost this year, hitting eight cities across the country, including Saskatoon! On June 3 the run stops in Saskatoon! Run your way through 10k making stops at six breweries along the way!
For more information about this event visit https://canadabeerrun.ca/products/saskatoon-beer-run.
Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon
The 2018 Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon is being held on April 29. This event features 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances - and is open to runners/walkers of all levels. For more information and to register go to https://saskatoonpoliceservicefoundation.org/. Volunteers are also needed for this event. If you would like to give some of your time please contact Sgt. Wade Bourassa at
Brainsport Spring Run Off
Join us on Saturday, May 12 in Elbow for our annual Spring Run Off! Take the short drive to Elbow, or hop on the shuttle, and enjoy a 5k or 10k trail run on the beautiful and challenging Elbow Recreational Trail. Register here: raceroster.com/events/2018/15233/brainsport-spring-run-off.
Brainsport Run Club - Thursday Morning Run
The Brainsport Run Club is now gathering every Thursday morning at 10 a.m at the store. This session is in addition to the Wednesday, 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. sessions. Run Club is free and open to all levels of runners. We look forward to seeing you out with us for a run!
Just Tri-It
The women's only eight-week triathlon program runs from March 18 to May 13 and includes, 3 sessions per week, one of each swimming, biking, and running. For more information about the program visit https://justtriitcom.wordpress.com/.
Yoga For Runners - Spring Tune Up
BreathMoveBe is offering 11 weeks of yoga to help get you ready for the Saskatchewan Marathon. The sessions run from March 13 to May 22 on Tuesday nights from 6:05 to 7:05 at Namaskar Yoga Studio - 615 2nd Ave. North. Cost is $140 for pre-registered. Drop-in will be available if space permits. Register by contacting http:
Product of the Week
New Balance 1500T2
This newest version of the New Balance 1500 keeps in stride with what's made it a hit with runners who like a bit of support while clocking quick speeds. The REVLite midsole, no-sew breathable mesh and synthetic upper, continue to make this an ideal shoe for speed work and racing. The addition of the Boa lacing system to the 1500T2 provides a customizable, lockdown fit on the go; while its bootie construction and heel tabs add to the secure slip-on convenience of the shoe.
Come check out this speedy new offering from New Balance in store - we'll be happy to get you fitted!
Thanks for reading the Times.
Gotta run,
Tara