Brainsport Times Nov. 8, 2017

Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit this year? Look no further than the Lighten Up! Fun Run, being held on December 17th. 

This is a unique event, that will have you running the streets of Saskatoon like you've never run them before. In this week's Q&A we're going to speak with the run's organizer, Dave Butchner, to learn all about it!

Q&A with Dave Buchner

Tara: For those we are not familiar with the Lighten Up! Fun Run, can you explain what makes this run unique?

Dave: What makes this run unique is that all the participants decorate their winter outfits/strollers/bikes/dogs with battery operated l.e.d. Lights. The run is a visual treat for both participant and spectator.

Tara: Who is welcome to join in the event? All ages, and capabilities?

Dave: Everyone is welcome to join the event. There is no registration, no fee, just show up, and have some fun. There will be bikes, well-behaved dogs, strollers, runners and walkers. The course is short 3.7K with a couple of stops along the way for pictures. For those who want a short walk, you can walk to Ronald McDonald House from D'lish Cafe, and back. For the full loop, we will bike/walk/jog from Dlish to Ronald McDonald House down the University Bridge along Spadina to the skating rink by the Bessborough.

We will stop and gather as a group for pictures at the rink, and hand out toys along the way. From the rink we will continue to the Broadway Bridge, head up the bridge to Sask Crescent, and back to Dlish Cafe for something warm to drink, and some dainties to eat. This is a winter event, the course is on sidewalk, all traffic rules apply, and you need to dress appropriately.


Be creative, and light yourself up this December - and enjoy an evening with your fellow runners. Photo supplied.

Tara: What is the most fun part of lighting up the night?

Dave: I think the most fun part of the Lighten Up! Fun Run is seeing all the creative ways that the participants light up their outfits. And when you collect all the runners in a group, it is something to see. This run is all about having some fun and embracing the beginning of winter.

Tara: Tell us more about the event's involvement with the Ronald McDonald House.

Dave: A couple of years ago, Curt Halpenny asked if our run could make a short detour to Ronald McDonald House. We thought that it was a great idea. All the runners made their way from D'lish Cafe to Ronald McDonald House. Lynn Cushway passed out some lyric sheets to the participants, and we sang some Christmas carols to the residents of the house. There were large cartons full of teddy bears at the house, that we were asked to take. So each runner took an armful of teddy bears to hand out at random along the way - great fun! The skating rink was very busy that night, and all the children who happened to be there got a teddy bear. We have continued that tradition.


One of the highlights of the run is handing out teddy bears along the way. Photo supplied.

Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Dave: First of all, I would like to thank my running group friends who went along with my silly Christmas-lights run idea. This run has grown far beyond my wildest imagination. Second, I would like to extend a big thank you to Tisha Paget for hosting our group at D'lish Cafe. She supplies hot drinks, and food, post-run at no charge. Third, I would like to thank Curt Halpenny for arranging our visit to Ronald McDonald House. The toys and caroling have added a whole different dimension to the run. Fourth, I would like to thank Peter Goode, Bob Holtsman, and many of the participants for taking great pictures, and videos of the run, then sharing them for all of us to enjoy

Upcoming Events

Lighten Up! Fun Run 2017

On December 17th, come light up the night with your fellow runners. Decorate yourself with some lights, take a run, hand out some gifts, sing some carols, and eat some treats! For more information about this event click here. 
 

SRRA Remembrance Day Run 

Join SRRA member, Murray Gross and SRRA volunteers for an easy-pace 4k run through Saskatoon, in remembrance of those who have served in Canada's Armed Forces. This year there will be some unique readings and discussion including peace and pacifism, the War of 1812 and Dr. Norman Betune/the Spanish Civil War.

There is no charge for this fun, educational and moving run. Refreshments will be served at the end of the run. 

Start time is 2 p.m. on November 11, at Wolf Willow Co-Housing, 350 Avenue J South (at 17th Street and Avenue J, near King George School). For more information email Murray, at  Murray at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


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.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or text Leanne at 306-251-2964.


Product of the Week

Quartz Co. Jackets


Lisette sporting a Quartz Co. jacket - now available at Brainsport. Photo T2 Social Media

Brainsport is proud to announce we are now carrying Quartz Co. jackets. If you are looking to brave the outdoors this winter, you can't go wrong with this high-quality, all-Canadian product. Come check out a jacket in your size today! 
 

Thanks for reading the Times this week . .  gotta run . . .Tara