Remember when you used to watch Sesame Street as a kid – and each episode was “brought to you by” a letter and a number…
Well, this week’s Brainsport Times is brought to you by the number 4 and the letter R: we have FOUR great Running stories in this edition.
I will likely log more than 250 runs this year, but my run at the Thorpe Recovery Centre – just outside Lloydminster - on September 29th will rank in the Top 10 for the year.
Every year – for the last several years – Thorpe hosts its own Step Up for Mental Health run for their residents, complete with official Step Up swag and medals.
With 16 medical detox beds and 64 residential treatment beds for those recovering from substance abuse and mental-health challenges, Thorpe plays an important role for those recovering. On Sept. 29th, more than 80 people ran 5KM in the satellite version of Step Up – with residents and community volunteers on the course that covered rural gravel roads just west of the city.
“The clients (residents) absolutely loved the run and the event was talked about within our client community for days afterwards. To this day, our clients are probably wearing their hoodies and showing off their medals to their families on visiting day,” said Vera Koster, the clinical director.
Congrats to Saskatoon-area runner Andrew Giassa for a stellar Bank of America Chicago Marathon last weekend. The RCMP officer finished in 2:33 to place 309th among nearly 55,000 participants.
Michael Branstetter and Corrie Sinclair continue to crush new milestones. You might remember their story from earlier this fall, when Corrie pushed Michael in his specialized wheelchair to a half-marathon finish in the QCM in Regina.
Well, last weekend the pair completed their first-ever marathon by finishing the Victoria Marathon.
After reading those inspirational stories, you may be motivated to tackle a new goal next year. If you are, Carly Priebe of Transition Sport & Fitness has a plan for you!
Their triathlon training program starts this week. They also offer training programs in the winter (January to March) and the spring (April-May). “This is a great option for people looking for support to get ready for their first triathlon. It's also a great group for those who have tried triathlon before but want more formal coaching or group support,” explained Priebe.
“We welcome all levels including those who might not be ready to tackle a full triathlon but who want coaching in one of these disciplines.”
More info can be found at www.transitionsportandfitness.ca.
