As we get ready to say goodbye to November and welcome in December, the holiday season is upon us! In addition to all the fun festivities, family gatherings, and yummy holiday treats, there's likely some gift shopping to get to.
In this week's Q&A we're going to help you tackle your list with some great gift ideas for runners and non-runners alike on your holiday gift lists. Brainsport sales associate, Donna Galus, has plenty of ideas for you - so let's get to it!
Q&A with Donna Galus
Tara: With the holiday season underway, gift hunting has begun. What are some the first items in-store that come to mind when you think of holiday gift ideas this year?
Donna: Winter running gear, such as reflective gear, and winter running shoes are always great choices! And if you're looking to splurge a bit there are the Quartz Co. jackets. They are so gorgeous and so warm for our climate - they're really a good gift. Brian gave each of the staff a Quartz Co. jacket for Christmas this year. You can definitely feel the quality of them - and they're made in Canada!
Lisette staying warm in her Quartz Co. jacket outside of Brainsport. Photo T2 Social Media
Tara: How about for the more experienced runners, who seem to have everything - what do you suggest as gift options for them?
Donna: You can never have too many tops or socks. More experienced runners, or advanced runners are running up to five days a week or more, and have a need for lots of changes of socks and base layers (who wants to do laundry every day!). The Smartwool and Craft base layers are fantastic options.
Craft and Smartwool base layers also work as a single layer on warmer days, and indoors - with running, sporty, or casual wear. Photo supplied
Tara: Brainsport's inventory isn't exclusive to runners. There are plenty of gift options for everyone. What are some items you think customers will be flocking to this season for the non-runners on their list?
Donna: Smartwool socks are always a great gift for anyone. No matter what you're activity, the wool helps keep moisture away and keeps you warm and dry. We have a large variety in the store right now - from running socks to hiking and casual-wear socks.
From stocking stuffers to secret Santa gifts, Smartwool socks will bring a smile to anyone's face. Photo supplied
Tara: We also have the Brainsport Running Academy courses, and Brainsport gift certificates. What makes these two items solid options for crossing off some names on your holiday shopping list?
Donna: The gift certificates are great because the person can use them anytime for whatever they find in the store. For someone just starting to run a proper fitting pair of shoes is the best gift, and a gift certificate ensures they can come in and get a proper fitting. The Brainsport Running Academy courses are another great gift idea for beginner to advanced runners - there's something for everyone!
How about a Brainsport gift certificate or Running Academy course under this year's tree? Photo supplied
Tara: What advice do you have for those shoppers who don't know where to begin finding the right gift for the runner, triathlete, swimmer, hiker, walker, etc. on their list?
Donna: Come on into the store, and find a sales person. We'll ask you some questions to get more information about the person you're buying for. Then we'll make some suggestions and show you some options.
A handful of the Brainsport crew ready to help you out this holiday season. Photo supplied
Upcoming Events
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 17 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
Vibram Arctic Grip
Here's a gift idea for the person in your life who loves getting outdoors all the way through the winter season. Whether walking to work, the store a friends house, or it's somebody you know who loves running, hiking and exploring outdoors during our deep-freeze months - we've got a game-changing product in-store for you!
Brainsport is now carrying Saucony running shoes, and Merrell hiking boots featuring Vibram's innovative Arctic Grip outsole. This latest in cold-weather gripping technology allows you to get a grip on slippery, wet ice!
Does it seem to good to be true? Check out this video to see for yourself!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara