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:
Talk to your body, and if you’re ready to make a commitment, have a go at it.
Priscilla Welch
Life is short. Running makes it seem longer.
Baron Hansen
If you want to achieve a high goal, you’re going to have to take some chances.
Alberto Salazar
Running changed my life and brought it into balance. I now feel as though my entire essence, body and soul is centered.
Donna Isaacson
Hello ladies, here is the latest news from the “nest”! I am sure I am not the only one furiously shopping and prepping for Christmas. In this (late) update I have included some good gift ideas for yourself! Doesn’t hurt to point your husband in the right direction:).
Hopefully, over the next few weeks, you can take a moment to 1) reflect on your year and assess whether you have met your goals and 2) set some new goals to shoot for in 2015 – perhaps try a new distance, hit a faster time, learn to swim, try a triathlon. We are never too old to challenge ourselves!
This will be my last email of the year! I hope that 2014 was a good one for you and that 2015 brings you good health and happiness. Thanks to everyone who has come out over the past 12 months. I have had so much fun running and racing with the newbies and getting out there with the veterans for some good catching up runs! You all know that running is NOT a passion for me – it’s a way to keep healthy and socialize simultaneously. Some of you have happily kicked my butt when I needed it…thanks;) It’s wonderful to have this network of women who support each other and the community (Bra Drive, Shoe Drive, Run for Susan, Food Drive). Thank yous go out to all of you who have lended a helping hand along the way.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from myself and my family!
Niki XO
Holiday Carolling and Food Drive: Reserve Sunday night!! 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! If you are unable to attend and want to donate, you can drop off a bag onto my front step until Sunday. I am dropping off the donations first thing on Monday morning.
“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!!!!
The Bliss List: I like to look around and put a list together of some great gift ideas for runners. Feel free to pass along to your spouses:)
FitBit – These tracking bracelets are helping lots of people get more active. Avail in different styles and colours! Buy locally at FutureShop starting at 99.00. There are silicon bracelets avail to cover your band to color coordinate with your outfits!
Foot Roller – I use this roller regularly to work out the kinks in my feet! Find it on amazon 2 for 16.99. Foot Roller
Road ID – I have mentioned this so many times….but it is such a necessity. RoadID
Lights – You can pick up this little light by Filzer at MEC for only 9.25. 
Fuel Belt – For runs longer than 10km you need to bring along some fuel. There are many styles, but this 4 bottle belt is 54.00. Fuel Belt
Hat – At only 20.00 this hat, with ponytail hole, is a steal! Avail at Brooks Running. Comes in pink and purple!
Hands Free Dog Leash – Avail at www.rei.com at only 27.00US.
Best Gel Flavour – I just tried this flavour and LOVE it! Feels like a decadent snack! Get them at Cyclepath or Mountain Equipment Co-op for under 30.00 a box.
Running Phone Cases – These are so cute, lots of slogans to choose from. 17.99US iPhone Cases
Underwear – These are my personal fave! No panty lines!! Avail in many colours and also as a thong. Great for running and everyday wear. 18.00 Light As Air Undies
Compression Socks – At 54.99 these are a little steep, but folks who use compression socks during and after a run swear they help with recovery. Avail at Compression Socks
Pace Bands – These silicon bands are sweat resistant. Avail in various distances and colours. Order them at Pace Bands for 8.99.
More ideas from last Christmas at More ideas
Anyone Interested in Learning to Curl?: Ellen is going and she asked me to pass info onto the group!
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. I just had a session with her yesterday and she is awesome. Don’t let her smaller stature fool you:) You can call to book an appointment at (289) 291-0254.
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. Athena is super busy and not able to help with the design. Are any of you graphic artists or do you know one who might like to help? 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:
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 in January.
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.
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.
What to Wear?: Having a hard time deciding on how many layers? Use this tool to help sort it out. What to Wear
Quotes from 2014 Runner’s World Daily Calendar: 1) Be seen! With limited daylight, chances are you’ll be running in the dark. Tall snowbanks on plowed streets make you even harder to see. Wear reflective, fluorescent gear and don’t be shy about lighting yourself up like a Christmas tree. 2) Sip more green tea. Research shows that drinking 2-4 cups of green tea a day can significantly boost your metabolism. Unlike black tea, green tea contains a phytochemical called ECGC, which researchers believe can cause the body to waste calories as heat, thus speeding calorie burn. 3) The best energy bars for before and during a run contain about 25 grams of carbohydrate and less than 15 grams of protein. eat one bar about an hour before a run. 4) When it’s chilly out, arthritis pain increases. Even those without arthritis often notice a spike in stiff or achy joints during winter. To help, eat some more foods with anti-inflammatory omega-3s, found in abundance in such fatty fish as salmon.
This week’s workouts – (Meet at 1438 Redwing Court):
WEAR REFLECTIVE GEAR AND/OR FLASHING LIGHTS FOR NIGHT TIME VISIBILITY
Thursday – December 11 8:00pm RUN CANCELLED DUR TO SLIPPERY CONDITIONS!
Holding on 5km – 5km
Holding on10km – 5km
Saturday – December 13 8:00am
Holding on 5km – 5km
Holding on 10km – 7-10km
Monday – December 15 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5km
Holding on10km – 5km
Thursday -December 18 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5km
Holding on 10km – 5km
The workouts will stay the same and repeat through til January 4th!!
Have a wonderful holiday season! Niki
Nik's Chicks 