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:

As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are.

Joan Benoit Samuelson

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

Weekly Chirp: How many of you have gone out for a run on your own with your iPod…but no I.D.?!  I have contact info attached to my Fuel Belt but wouldn’t have anything with me on a short run.  Here is an inexpensive solution to this problem…A “Road I.D.” This bracelet (also comes for ankles, necklace, etc.) has your personal info that EMS would need to know in an emergency.  You can purchase one for yourself (an other athletes in your family) at http://www.roadid.com/Common/Default.aspx.  I am getting one for myself, my husband and as a small gift for a few active friends for Christmas! Lots of different styles and colors to choose from. They are only 20.00!!  What a steal for a little piece of mind.

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: Are ready to be picked up from me.  Printing charge is 20.00, due upon pickup.

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: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.  There is also a Frosty 5km for anyone wanting to run a shorter distance.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. Party starts around 8ish!

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 – Dec. 6 8:15pm (I will not be out tonight due to donating blood today, Brogan will, and I will see you off!)
Holding on 5km – 5km

Learn to Run 10km – 5km

Holding on 10km – 5km

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – 5-10km

Thursday –   Dec. 8 8:15pm

Holding on 5km – 5km

Learn to Run 10km – 5km with hill x 2

Holding on 10km – 5km with hill x 2

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – 5km/20 sec sprint x 5

Saturday – Dec 10 8:00am 

Holding on 5km – 5km

Learn to Run 10km – 9km

Holding on 10km – 10km

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – 13km

Have a wonderful week! Niki