Nik’s Chicks is a FREE ladies only running/triathlon group. It is only a time and place to meet & a program to follow. I cannot join you on every run/workout. If you are new to exercising, it is advisable to have a doctor’s OK prior to beginning. Any information or products represented on this site are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for any advice given to you by a medical, nutritional or fitness professional. Please sign my waiver (in “About”) and fill out my contact info sheet when you arrive for your first run. Please park on West Oak Trails Blvd, Nightingale or at Bloomfield Park to avoid congestion, locking beeps and car doors closing around my neighbours’ houses – especially on Saturday mornings! We run Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm and Saturday mornings 8am from the corner of Redwing and Blackbird Courts. Check out Weekly Workout section for specific times.
Quotes of the Week:
Every day is a fresh start; don’t measure yourself by yesterday’s troubles.
Dagny Scott Barrios
I am overwhelmed by the strength of my body and the power of my mind. For one moment, just one second, I feel immortal.
Diana Nyad
For me, running is a great way to jump-start my day, boost my energy and have a few minutes to plan and prioritize my schedule.
Michael Dell
Hello ladies, here is the latest news from the “nest”! It’s that time of year when many of us get caught up in holiday preparations and celebrations…and we start to skip workouts! We get “busy”! Why not make this the year you make the time to exercise and fend off the extra 5lbs that January seems to bring? Why not alleviate some of the stress by getting the blood flowing and clearing your head – if only temporarily!? Put your workouts/running sessions into your calendar along side the parties and functions. Carve out the time, your body will thank you!! 🙂
Must Watch Videos: If you are looking for some inspiration to get yourself moving, watch these videos. They put a few things in perspective! Be prepared for tears:) Inspirational Running Story and and inspirational basketball player http:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPvRoQzrwnA
Stressed About Buying Running Shoes?: Read this article about a newbie buying shoes! We have all had that first time experience!! Buying Shoes!
Holiday Carolling and Food Drive: For the past 8 years I have organized a carol sing and food collection for the Fair Share Food Bank. This year the date will be December 14th. We will meet at my house at 6:30pm. Following the collection, we will have hot chocolate and cookies for the participants. Please RSVP me at mclaughlins1438@gmail.com if you will be joining us so we will have enough treats. Please feel free to spread the word. High school kids can get a couple of volunteer hours!
“The best way to spread Christmas Cheer,
is singing loud for all to hear”
Buddy the Elf, The Elf Movie, 2003
The McLaughlin Family and Friends
will be bringing Holiday Cheer to their neighbours on
Sunday, December 14 starting at 6:30pm.
They will be carolling and collecting non-perishable food items and/or personal hygiene products which will be donated to the Fair Share Food Bank.
Please take a moment to gather your items for the kids. You generosity this holiday season is greatly appreciated. (If the weather is poor, carolling will be cancelled and donation pick up will take place on Monday.)
If anyone would like to join us, please RSVP Niki at mclaughlins1438@gmail.com.
We will have hot chocolate and cookies for participants following the festivities at 1438 Redwing Crt.
Thank You!!!!
Jackets: After talking with lots of you, there is some interest in group jackets. I have made a couple of inquiries with Sugoi and Louis Garneau about a custom order. Instead of heat press or screen printing they use sublimation – where the design is woven into the fabric. Price point is 99 -130.00 depending on quantities. Minimum order is 12. I am checking in with my graphic artist girl, Athena, to see if she has any time to help out on this. Are any of you graphic artists? If so, let me know!!
Turn around time is 4 weeks-6 weeks. I will use Cyclepath as a contact and we may be able to get a discount. Can you please let me know if you are tentatively interested in a new jacket. You don’t have to confirm until you see the proof and try a sample on. Might be time for the ladies with the original jackets to invest in a new one?! It won’t be too flashy, but recognizable!
Interested ladies: Niki, Karin, Karin’s sister, Erica, Debbie, Anabelle, Christine A
Here are links to the ones I am thinking of:
Sugoi Windblock Jacket 99.00 No front pockets, 3 on the back. No reflective piping. Good price. Unisex.
Louis Garneau Prolight – 102-134.00 No front pockets, 3 pockets on back, reflective on back, women’s fit .
LG Superlight 122- 133.00 No front pockets, 3 on back, reflective on front and back, unisex.
There is a possibility with Louis Garneau to do one design and have 2 different jackets based on fit.
Give it some thought and let me know if you might be “in”. I can work on getting samples and artwork done.
CPR/First Aid Course: I had to change the date of my course to January 7th. I am registered to do a Emergency First Aid with CPR C + AED course on Wednesday, November 7 8:30-5 through St. John Ambulance. Course # 1-341925105 in case you want to join me. Course will take place at 468 Morden Rd Oakville, ON L6K 3W4. Cost is 109.99.
A Women’s Tri Magazine: Thanks to Tony who wanted to pass along this info to the ladies: Triathlon For Women Magazine
NEW Massage Therapist: Dave Ellis, owner/Osteopath at Balance Point Health Centre is happy to announce the arrival of Amy. Her hours are Tuesdays 9-5 and Wednesdays 11-7 so far. She is still practicing in TO as well. Sam has tried her out and gives her a thumbs up! You can call to book an appointment at (289) 291-0254.
Need Running Shoes?: I have a pair of Ascics TriNoosa 9 shoes size 6 that I need to sell. They only have 4 runs in them, just didn’t work out. Looking for a good home for them! Specs are here: TriNoosa. Asking 100.00. Cute, aren’t they! Send me a note if you are interested – mclaughlins1438@gmail.com.
Road ID: You HAVE to get yourself one of these!!! If you were to go unconscious during a run, would the runner next to you know how to contact your spouse? Would EMS personnel know any pertinent health info? If not, spend 20.00 and get yourself a running ID. This one comes as a shoe tag or bracelet. Money well spent!! Road ID
What to Wear?: Having a hard time deciding on how many layers? Use this tool to help sort it out. What to Wear
Or try this new shoe light for only 3.75!
They also have a good selection of reflective bands. When choosing new gear, opt for clothing that has some reflective trim on it as well.
Here are some other options from the folks at Road ID High Visibility Gear Thanks Jo, for info.
5 Km Runners: Here are some race options for you ladies:
Nov. 30 Santa Hamilton 5km (wear a Santa suit), Dec. 6 Sanata Shuffle Oakville, Dec. 13 Burlington Santa Run (wear Santa suit), Dec. 31 Resolution Run Oakville (receive a Running Room jacket with entry!)
Quotes from 2014 Runner’s World Daily Calendar: 1) Eating small, frequent mini-meals that include a lean protein, complex carbohydrates and monounsaturated fat (like almond butter on whole wheat toast or guacamole and carrot sticks) helps stabilize your blood sugar. This will keep your metabolism and digestive tract humming and will make it easier to resist unhealthy snacks. 2) Stress can be distracting. When stressed out, run on a flat, well it surface and try to pick a route you find calming. Run in a place that will help you to be present in the moment. Another option, hop on a treadmill and crank your iPod. 3) Mix in some faster running to keep things interesting and enhance your fitness. Try the “negative split run” to start speed work. Pick an out and back route. Run for say, 20 minutes, then turn around and try to cut one or two minutes from that time coming back. 4) Stay motivated by making a date to meet someone for a run. There’s no wimping out when someone is waiting. Winter group runs are another way to make a commitment through the colder months.
This week’s workouts – (Meet at 1438 Redwing Court):
WEAR REFLECTIVE GEAR AND/OR FLASHING LIGHTS FOR NIGHT TIME VISIBILITY
Monday – November 24 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5km
Holding on10km – 5km
Thursday – November 27 8:00pm (I am definitely running tonight, hope there are some others! Dress warm and put moisturizer on your face:)
Holding on 5km – 5km
Holding on10km – 5km
Saturday – November 29 8:00am (I am in Kitchener and won’t be out to run)
Holding on 5km – 5km
Holding on 10km – 10km
Monday – November 31 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5km
Holding on10km – 5km
Thursday – November 27 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5km
Holding on 10km – 5km
Have a wonderful week! Niki
Nik's Chicks 
You must be logged in to post a comment.