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:

The perfect run is when you kind of get into the zone. Your body feels light; you feel good. Those days when the monkey’s off your back are just so great. You feel like you’re invincible.

Kit Hoover, Cohost, Access Hollywood Live

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

Weekly Chirp: It is early in the year and I (and other Chicks) have been recruiting ladies to consider a Try-a-tri in June.  Although it seems like a long way off, there are the 5 stages of change we need to get through first! 1) Precontemplation – the place you were before I or other Chicks brought up the topic of triathlons 2) Contemplation – We have told you about Tri training and you are now considering the idea, chatting with other ladies to see if they might be “in” too 3) Preparation – You start preparing for the March training programs (make sure you have a one piece swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, flip flops, running shoes, bike gets tuned up, etc. so you are ready to begin), you mention your plan to others as a way of nudging yourself along, you watch swim videos so you learn how to do it efficiently 4) Action – March arrives and you have booked off time in your (and your family’s) calendar so your training time won’t be compromised, you begin swimming and running, you might feel out of condition and struggle in the beginning but it’s OK, you are showing up to training sessions with others because you feel accountable to them and don’t want to fall behind, as April/May draws near you are improving in both running and swimming and the weather will permit you to begin biking, you are feeling like you are achieving new goals physically and mentally. 5) Maintenance – After all of your effort, you experience a race and enjoy sharing it with others! Time to begin the stages of change again and decide what is the next step for you.  Will you continue training for another triathlon? 5km or 10km race? Open water swim challenge? The choices are many.

So…it may be January 24th…but March 3 is only 6 weeks away!  Get shopping for necessary items, book blocks of time into your iPhone or Blackberry, give family members a heads up that you will be doing something for YOU and would like their support, recruit friends to join you on this journey.  I am looking forward to helping you along this new journey!! In the upcoming weeks I will put together a list of items you will need/want to get yourself ready.

New Learn to Run 5km, Triathlon and Swimming: I will wait until  March 3 to begin these programs.  I already have 5-6 ladies waiting for the 5km run pgm and around 10 ladies considering the try-a-tri! 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.

ATB and Marathon Training Program: I have adjusted the training program for those of you NOT planning on running the Chilly 1/2.  Find it under Training Programs in the drop down menu.

Swimming Gadgets: I had mentioned these two gadgets to Chicks, and they suggested I post the information! (Good idea)  I use a Finis Swimp3 when I am swimming to pass the time.  I have the 1.0Gb model which holds approx. 250 songs.  It works on bone conduction technology and doesn’t require earphones.  Come swim with me and you can try mine out! http://www.finisinc.com/equipment/electronics/swimp3-2g.html  

If you are looking to swim in your backyard pool this summer, and not have to do turns – try out this tether.  I have use mine for three summers now and it’s pretty good.  I do find my legs sink a bit so I use a pull buoy between my legs for better alignment in the water.  A cheap fix at 35.00-45.00! http://www.swim-in-place.com/aquacise_coiled_swim_tethers.html  I have the fitness model and it’s fine, but if you are a strong swimmer or if your husband will use it, go with the competitor model. Shirts:  You can take one home to try one on 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. 

Suggested Reading: I have set up a new page under Helpful Information.  It is a list of books I have read that may inspire you on your journey to improved running, fitness and life balance.

YMCA: There is a contingent of us who meet at the Y to workout and you are welcome to join us. M and F 9:30 weight training and 10:30 swimming and W-12:00 spinning and 1:30 yoga

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

Tuesday – Jan. 17 8:15pm (I won’t be out – hockey tonight!)

Holding on 5km – 5km

Holding on 10km – 5km

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – 10km

Wednesday – Jan. 25 12:00 and 1:30

YMCA Spinning and Yoga

Thursday –  Jan. 26 8:15pm (I won’t be out – hockey tonight!)

Holding on 5km – 5km with hill x 2

Holding on 10km – 5km with hill x 3

Chilly 1/2 and ATB – 7km with hill x 3

Friday – Jan. 27 9:30 and 10:30

YMCA Weight Training and swimming (lesson 2)

Saturday – Jan. 28 8:00am

Holding on 5km – 5km

Holding on 10km – 10km

Chilly 1/2 and ATB –15 km

Monday – Jan. 30 9:30 and 10:30

YMCA Weight Training and swimming (lesson 3)

Have a wonderful week! Niki