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 –

You don’t love running when you first start because it hurts. Your legs hurt, your lungs hurt. But once you make the decision and start to move forward, you become a different person. It’s not about having to hit your goal weight to start feeling good again.

Ben Davis, Founder of bendoeslife.com

Chick News –

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

Weekly Chirp:  Were any of you shocked to figure out Christmas is only 4 weeks away like I was?  It seems like every year the holidays sneak up on me again.  Considering how much we have to do to prepare – shop, wrap, mail parcels and cards, bake, entertain, attend parties and concerts, volunteer, travel – it’s a wonder we hold down jobs, care for families….and squeeze in a run!  Try to make exercising a priority this holiday season and see what a positive effect it can have on your spirit.  Running off the stress and taking some moments for yourself can have an enormous influence on how we deal with everything else…and we “make” a little room to indulge in that extra refreshment or dessert!  I know it’s cold…and wet…and dark, but you WILL feel so much better when you are finished running.

Shopping:  We had a fun and successful trip to MEC on Saturday to “gear up” some of our new Chicks.  Found some good deals.  I can recommend the Youth Mistral pant and long sleeve zip-T ~ size 16 fit the ladies! The women’s thermal hoodie was a hit and Amanda found a fuschia jacket that looked a lot like our Nik’s Chicks jacket.

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

Website: Now that the website is here, there will not be any weekly emails.  Please remind your friends to type in their email address 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 dropped the jackets off last Tuesday to be printed.  They have told me it would be two weeks – but hopefully sooner.  I will send out a note when I have them.  There will be an extra charge for printing.  You can pay this amt. to me on pick up – to be determined.

Shirts: The shirts have arrived! You can try one on pre-run if you wish.  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 this Saturday.  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  our December 15th Thursday night run 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! Mark it on your calendar and RSVP me at mclaughlins@cogeco.ca by December 13th please.

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. 29 8:15pm (I will not be out tonight due to a 9pm hockey game)

Holding on 5km – 5km

Learn to Run 10km – 5km

Holding on 10km – 5km

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – 10km

Thursday –   Dec.1 8:15pm

Holding on 5km – 5km

Learn to Run 10km – 4km with 90 sec sprints x 2

Holding on 10km – 4km with 90 sec sprints x 2

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – 10km

Saturday – Dec 3 8:00am (I won’t be out due to hockey tourney in Ajax.)

Holding on 5km – 5km

Learn to Run 10km – 8km

Holding on 10km – 10km

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – 10-15km

Have a wonderful week! Niki