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.

Type your email address in the blank to the right and click follow to automatically receive my updates! You can also check out the Nik’s Chicks Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/132984713404930/

Quotes of the Week: 

I love running.  It gives me a bit of an escape from all the other stuff I’m dealing with.

Professional runner Gabriele Grunewald

 

Running for me isn’t about getting faster, it’s just about going further.

Kate Fletcher

 

There is something sacred…about friendships forged through miles.  We see the depths of each other – the pain, the sweat, the commitment, the frailty, the strength and the courage.

Kristin Armstrong, writer and runner

News from the “Nest”: Our half marathon is almost here and I am so excited to be heading to Ottawa with seven fabulous ladies.  Truly, it’s less about the race and more about the time away with them! After the race is over we have the June 3 volunteer opportunity.  We have participated in many races and now we get to give back in the form of race marshals.  Then, on June 10th the next round of programs will begin.  Start spreading the word and let’s get a good turn out for summer running.  

As I am out running with you, a familiar theme keeps coming up – this group is not all about running but also about forming relationships with other women. We grow and learn from each other and there is always a shoulder to lean on when we need it most! Thanks ladies for helping me cope with new and challenging situations…Happy Belated Mother’s Day to you all:) 

Stories That Can Inspire…:  I am always touched by stories of runners who have overcome obstacles to be able to get out there.  Here are a couple of videos to nudge you out the door! 

http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2376441155   Blind Runner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZukTBPeFxQ  Runner with prosthetic leg

A New 5km Race:  The Lighthouse for Grieving Children 5km Run is full.  Nik’s Chicks will be volunteering at the June 3 race as race marshals 7:30 – 12:30. Currently I have

Joanne – 3

Christine G – 3

Niki – 2

Let me know if you are avail. to volunteer and cheer on the runners in Lions Valley/16 Mile Creek Ravine. I will send out the race day details as the date gets closer.

Magazines:  I will leave some running/fitness/triathlon magazines on my front step for the next few runs.  Please help yourself to them!

L.O.S.T. –  The Kelso Open Water Swimming group will not be swimming at Kelso this summer due to low water levels.  The closest alternative for open water swimming is the Lake Ontario Swim Team.  They swim from the bottom of Navy St. at 8am on Saturdays for only 45.00 for the summer.  I have registered and will give it a go – no guarantees I stick with it!  It will be a chillier and more daunting swim experience.  Hopefully we can get a few of us to do it together – comfort in numbers kind of thing.  You can register atAnnual Membership

Nik’s Chicks swimmers may have to get a super early start on Saturday mornings to get a run in before we jump in the lake…

Hot Spots and Chaffing:  Do you get hotspots or blisters on your feet? Do you get chaffed by your bra or waistband? Here are a couple of solutions.

1) 3M Medipore cloth surgical tape.  Shoppers Home Health sells pre-perforated rolls 2″ wide.  Great for feet.

2) Body Glide (Running Room) or DZ Nuts women’s Bliss Chamois Cream (Cyclepath) can be spread on any spots that have friction.

Holding on 5km – 5km 

Holding on 10km – 5-7km – Hills

Ottawa Half – 5km