Nik’s Chicks is only a time and place to meet & a program to follow.  I cannot join you on every run.  If you are new to exercising, it is advisable to have a doctor’s OK prior to beginning. Please  sign my waiver (in “About”) and fill out the contact info sheet prior to your first run.

Quote of the week –

I realize that I have been blessed with health and strength to overcome not only the miles on the road, but also to overcome the hard times in life when you want to throw in the towel. When I cross the line now, it is a celebration of the fact that I didn’t quit.

Tasya Lacy, U.S. Navy Human Resources Officer

Chick News –

Hello ladies, here is the latest news from the “nest”!

Weekly Chirp:

How many of you see/feel the chilly temps and then go…”I don’t feel like running today!”  One of my old coaches used to say there was no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. Time to add a few items to your running clothing selection.  To help with this, here are a few options:

– join me for a shopping trip to Mountain Equipment Co-op on Saturday, Nov. 26.  I am aiming to leave my place around 11:00am (or later if we need to) in case you would like to carpool. RSVP me at mclaughlins@cogeco.ca.

– The Running Company is hosting a VIP night on Monday, November 28th 4-9:00. Up to 50% off regular in stock merchandise.

– The Running Company is hosting a “Moving Comfort Fitfest” where you can find the right bra for you.  December 1, 4-8:00pm.

– If all else fails, add your items to your Christmas Wish List, be good and hope that Santa brings them to you!

Brogan: For those of you wondering how Brogan did at his first 10km race…he finished it in 55:50! We were pretty excited for him.  His legs are still recovering!!

Website: Now that the website is here, there will not be any weekly emails.  Please remind your friends to type in their emails on the right and click follow to get the latest Nik’s Chicks news.

New Learn to Run 5km: I will wait until the new year to begin another 5km program.  That’s not to say that you cannot join or come back to the group until then.  You are welcome to meet with the rest of the runners and follow the 5km program at your leisure.

Jackets: I am taking the final order to be screen printed today.  Anyone wanting a jacket at this point will be on their own for it. The screen printing was done at Embroidme on Kerr St. in case you want your jacket done in the future.

Shirts: According to the tracking number, the shirts should arrive today or tomorrow! Total cost will be 52.00 each, taxes in (similar styles sell for 70.00 – 80.00). I have 3 smalls, 2 mediums, 4 larges, and 3 x-larges in stock).  Sam has a medium, worn once, to sell for 30.00 in case you are interested. Check out the Wasaga Beach Triathlon photos for a peek at the shirts in action.

Races: There hasn’t been much vocal interest in the Santa Shuffle thus far.  It turns out I will be away for my daughter’s hockey tournament that morning and won’t make the race myself.  Please don’t let that stop you from signing up! The Santa Shuffle 5km takes place on December 3, 10:00am from the Oakville Running Room. It is a fun run, not chip timed event that supports the Salvation Army.  You can register for it here: http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=5703.  Entrance fee is only  30.00 until Nov. 30 because it is not chip timed and no technical shirts! I

Chilly Half Marathon in Burlington, is on March 4.  Training, from a 10km base, will begin December 10. Technical jackets are included for the first 4000 participants! Register at http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=6690.

Long range plans for anyone doing 5km or 10km now, may include a half marathon on May 27 of next year – I am thinking road trip to Ottawa?!  You would need a 10km base by March 3 – plenty of time to train!!

Pre-Mapped Runs: I have added the link to Map My Run – Nik’s Chicks into the “Links” header. Check it out! http://classic.mapmyrun.com/community/groups/505786885967

Holiday Gathering: It’s that time of year when our schedules start to get extra busy with shopping, concerts and gatherings.  I would like to substitute one of our December Thursday night runs with a Nik’s Chicks social.  It will be an informal (no dressing up!) evening of drinks, munchies, year in review recollections and goal setting!  Yes…goal setting!  I would like for us, as a group and as individuals, think about and verbalize what 2012 will bring for us running/fitness wise.  We all need something to shoot for.  If your goals are made “public”, you have a higher likelihood of training for them and reaching them. And…a glass of wine may help! Details to come once I nail down a date!!

Aspiring Triathletes: Our swim training won’t begin until after the new year but here is a deal you should consider on wetsuits.  Xterra is having a 60%off sale! Go to their website http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/ and input code Fall11 when purchasing. Michelle, Ellen and I all have the Vortex with sleeves and really like it. It’s a great time to save a chunk of money! Wetsuits are a must when lake swims begin in May – the water temps are around 19 degrees…not to mention, the flotation is awesome!!

YMCA: There is a contingent of us who meet at the Y to workout and you are welcome to join us. M-9:30 weight training/T-9:30 swimming/W-1:30 yoga/F-9:30 weight training and 10:30 swimming

This week’s workouts – (Meet 1438 Redwing Court)

Tuesday – Nov. 22 8:15pm (I will not be out tonight due to a meeting)

Holding on 5km – 5km

Learn to Run 10km – 5km

Holding on 10km – 5km

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – What are you girls up to?! 10km

Thursday –   Nov. 24 8:15pm

Holding on 5km – 5km

Learn to Run 10km – 5km with one hill

Holding on 10km – 5km with one hill

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – 10km

Saturday – Nov. 26 8:00am (I won’t be out due to hockey practice. Anyone interested in going out for 10km Sunday morning around 9:30?)

Holding on 5km – 5km

Learn to Run 10km – 7km

Holding on 10km – 10km

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – 10-15km

Have a wonderful week! Niki