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 Tuesday and Thursday evenings 8pm and Saturday mornings 8am from the corner of Redwing and Blackbird Courts.  Check out Weekly Workout section for specific times and distances.

Quotes of the Week:  

Like physical work, if you don’t practice, you shouldn’t expect results.

Desi Linden

Training is like putting money in a bank.  You deposit money, and then you can take it out.

Fred Lebow

Hello ladies, here is the latest news from the “nest”!   Snow! Are you tired of it yet?  We, apparently, don’t have it too bad.  PEI got 5 feet of snow in 13 days!!  Just think of the shovelling as extra calorie burning sessions 250-300 per hour!  Snow also provides opportunity for cross country skiing and snow shoeing.  Maybe it’s time to try something new and exciting:) 

Walking Anyone?:  I am taking a prescribed hiatus from running and will be walking instead.  If you are interested in walking, come out and join me:)  I will be doing 5km during each of the workouts.  My pace is brisk but not crazy fast.  Dress warmly, I have figured out that walking doesn’t warm me up as much as running and I need to put on warmer layers.

Wetsuit Sale: For those of you thinking of buying a wetsuit for triathlon season, Xterra is have ing a sale.  Shop now with code CLOSEOUT14.  The Vortex full suit now avail. for 139.00!! Vortex Pro suit is 199! Sale ends Feb. 10/15.  More info at Xterra

Socks: I just received these from my husband because he raved about his own.  They aren’t for running but they are very warm inside my boots and kicking around the house.

He bought them online to get a smaller size, but MEC carries larger sizes.

Traumacare: For those of you saddened by the discontinuation of Traumeel, here is a new product that can be a replacement. Traumacare is avail. at Shoppers.  The ingredient list and appearance is very close to Traumeel!

NEW Programs:  I have had a few ladies ask about the Learn to Run Programs and when they will be starting.  With the current colder temps and dark nights, we rarely have ladies who WANT to start programs at this time of year! That being said, new 5km and 10km programs generally begin right after March Break which prep you for May 5 km and 10km races. If you are wanting to do longer distances in May, the time to get your 10km base is now!  Check out the heading “Training Groups/Upcoming Races” to see what’s coming up and who has signed up for races.

Swimming: Just an FYI for anyone who is interested – Jo and I are swimming at QEP pool on Friday mornings at 10:00am.  Remember to pack your goggles, cap, towel, flip flops, shampoo, conditioner, and everything else you need to make a clean getaway!

Jackets:  The ball is rolling and I am arranging to get a sample kit from Louis Garneau with two styles and various sizes for you to try on.  Once I have them, I will host a “try on” evening complete with refreshments (wine) and snacks. We can also chat about goals/races for the year at that time.  I will be using one of their graphic artists to come up with a design and will get a consensus from the group before I sign off on the final design. It will be eye catching but not too flashy!!

 Instead of heat press or screen printing Louis Garneau uses sublimation – where the design is woven into the fabric.  Price point is 99 -130.00 depending on quantities. Minimum order is 12.  

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 (Don’t look at the patterns!):

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.

What to Wear?:  Having a hard time deciding on how many layers? Use this tool to help sort it out. What to Wear

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

WEAR REFLECTIVE GEAR AND/OR FLASHING LIGHTS FOR NIGHT TIME VISIBILITY

Tuesday – February 10  8:00pm

Walking 5km – 5km

Holding on 5km – 5km

Holding on 10km – 5km

Thursday – February 12 8:00pm    

Walking 5km – 5km (I am away this week)

Holding on 5km – 5km 

Holding on10km – 5km 

Saturday – February 14 8:00am 

Walking 5km – 5km (I am away this week)

Holding on 5km – 5km

Holding on 10km –  7-10km

Tuesday – February 17  8:00pm

Walking 5km – 5km (I am away this week)

Holding on 5km – 5km

Holding on10km – 5km

Learn to Run 10km begins Feb 28th from 5km base.

Have a wonderful week! Niki