News from the “Nest”: It’s race day! Well…Sunday is race day:) Looking forward to sharing the morning with three lovely ladies who have been clocking the kms and doing the work to prepare for a half marathon.  There’s nothing like pinning on a bib number to affirm ourselves that our bodies can do amazing things.

If you are thinking of doing a half marathon “someday”, check out my blurb below for an October race!

Starting Runs on Time:  We have all been getting a little slow going lately for the runs:) By the time we catch up with one another we are 10-15 minutes late heading out.  If everyone could shoot to arrive 10 minutes before (to have time to chat) then we can leave on time and get home sooner. As well, please remember to park on Westoak or Nightingale so my neighbours don’t lose the street parking or wake on Saturdays to beeping locks and slamming car doors!

Fall Half Marathon: I have been planting this idea in many ears over the past few weeks:) The Scotia bank 1/2 and the PEI 1/2 are both on October 16th.  We could have a large group training and then divide on race day depending on which race you want to do.  Here are links to both races:

Toronto Scotiabank Half Marathon  and PEI Half Marathon

These are very different races (large/small, some hills/minimal hills, home/travel) so there are some things to  consider when making your choice.  The 12 week training program for both races will begin from a 10km base on Saturday July 17.

Click to access half-marathon-training-program.pdf

If there is a good number of ladies wanting to travel to PEI, there are some wonderful places to stay downtown but I highly recommend the http://thegreatgeorge.com/ (a group of modernized historic homes) as it’s so close to the race start and walking distance to everything in town! I have made a quick inquiry and have gone ahead and reserved three 2 bedroom suites. (309.00-339.00 a night) This way we can accommodate from 2 – 12 ladies and I can cancel without penalty 24 hours before arrival:) Currently flights are 531.00 round trip directly into Charlottetown – and take a cab to hotel. 500.00 into Moncton, NB but then we would need to rent a car. If there are only 4-5 of us, we can stay with my parents:)

NEW Learn to Run 5km and 10km Programs began May 21: It’s not too late to jump in. You will be training for the Toronto Beaches Jazz Run on July 24th.  There are both 5 and 10km races – and a 1/2 marathon for any keen ladies! Here are your programs: Learn to Run 5km Training Program (T,Th,S)     10 Km program from 5km base (T,Th,S)  Training runs leave from 1438 Redwing Crt. If you are new to the group, come a few minutes early to fill out a waiver and contact form.  Remember that that the programs are FREE!  Spread the word to friends and co-workers so we have a surge in numbers for the summer.  It’s so much more fun to run in a group instead of on your own:) 

Jackets:  The last jacket order has arrived…finally! If you have preordered one, see me to pick it up. Hope you get at least one cool day so you can wear it proudly:) 

Triathlon: It sounds like triathlon/duathlon is gaining some interest but no one is jumping in to commit just yet! Well, I have officially registered for Welland Sprint Tri.  There were some ladies who were planning on doing this race and the Guelph Lake Try-a-tri the weekend before. I will also look ahead to Lakeside Tri in September.  Here is the link to register for Welland (remember there are other race options!) Welland Triathlon/Duathlon

If you are on the fence, check out this book/audiobook: Triathlon for the Every Woman. You can be a Triathlete. Yes. You. by Meredith Atwood 

 http:/http://www.audible.com/pd/Sports/Triathlon-for-the-Every-Woman-Audiobook/B00CSXGVF0/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1463675587&sr=1-1

  It’s a light hearted book about the trials and tribulations of an overweight, unhappy woman finding herself through the sport of triathlon.  Part memoir and part handbook – it’s a great read to shed some light on how to get into the sport.

Friday Morning Bike Ride: For anyone looking to jump on their road/tri bikes and do about 30km north of Dundas, meet at the front of Glen Abbey Rec Centre 9:15am tomorrow morning.  Jo and I will be there.  

I created a Facebook group for bike rides so we can communicate easily about times, distances, routes and who is available.  If you plan on biking this summer, whether is be local rides on mountain bikes or longer rides up north on road bikes, sign into the group so you are in the loop!  Do a search for “Nik’s Chicks and Friends Summer Cycling Group” and send me a request to join.