News from the “Nest”: Hello taper! A bunch of us have been training for a half marathon and we are down to the final two weeks.  Training tapers off and we get to indulge in some very short runs while our bodies rest and prepare to race. As nice as the taper sounds, it comes with the feeling that you aren’t doing enough, you are bored, sluggish, you feel like eating all of the time, and you feel like you are getting out of shape:) Your legs will feel heavy, you are unmotivated. This is exactly how you should be feeling. A taper is essential to a successful race because the body is taking the time to repair itself. Rest and sleeping are good – even naps! Decrease your over all workload if possible. Eat protein and complex carbs.  Don’t be surprised if you gain 2-4 pounds – your body is storing water and carbs for race day!  Welcome the chance to do those 5kms and look forward to unleashing on race day:)

NEW Learn to Run 5km and 10km Programs begin May 21: 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)  First training run leaves from 1438 Redwing Crt. at 8am! 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:) 

If you are new to running or are tentative about running longer/further, then check out this book Running Like a Girl – Notes on Learning to Run by Alexandra Heminsley.  It’s a “Bridget Jones’ Diary” type of book written in the cheeky UK way!  A humorous look and starting to run (by signing up for a marathon) and continuing to run.  Good stories as well as practical info.  Available on Audible. /http://www.audible.com/pd/Bios-Memoirs/Running-Like-a-Girl-Audiobook/B00F8M85JI/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1463676114&sr=1-1 (You can get a 30 day FREE trial on audible. Download it to your phone and listen while you drive, grocery shop, do house work.)

Coming in Last:  For many new runners, coming in last in a race is a real fear.  Read this story about a lady who did come in last in her first 5km race and it was….OK! She lived to tell the tale and is planning on running a marathon! http://www.runnersworld.com/other-voices/coming-in-last?cid=NL_QOTD_-_05172016_CominginLast&smartcode=YN_0006323701_0001552277  A good reminder to not let our fears overcome our ambitions.

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.

Want to Tidy Your House?: On a totally un-fitness related note: I have recently finished  two great books by Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying up and Spark Joy. Sometimes quirky, but a straight forward approach to tidying up – not cleaning – your house.  I listened to the audiobooks, but friends have read the books and said they were indeed life changing. I have learned to fold clothes in a new way that really makes things tidy and easy! I am looking forward to tackling books and papers:) Here are pics of some drawers that I have re-organized.  Notice how everything stands upright.  So easy:) (My kids think I am obsessed, my husband is elated!)

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.