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! 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:
News from the “Nest”: I like the Christmas season. Choosing the perfect gift for someone, listening to holiday music, wrapping, finishing my Christmas cards…these things make me joyful and smile more. So I have asked myself how can I keep this feeling going all year? I don’t have an answer but here is something I am trying to do – be grateful. I started using a meditation/mindfulness app just over a month ago and I feel that for at least 5-15 minutes a day I am centred, relaxed and calm! With practice I hope to be able to carry this over into my day.
The temps are definitely colder but we will still be venturing out on our runs unless it’s really icy! Bundle up and I will see you soon:)
Santa Shuffle 5km: Congrats to the ladies who participated in the Santa Shuffle 5km last Saturday. It was a great race and brunch was yummy!! So what’s next? Robbie Burns 8km
Christmas Gift Ideas 2017: Each year I troll the internet to com across unique and functional gifts for runners. If you love something…pass along the info to the “givers” in your life!
Gordini Stash Lite Mitten/Glove – 45.00 – I have a pair of these mitts and they are most impressive! http://www.gordini.ca/ca/shop/products/4107m3-stash-lite-touch-mitt/
MEC Glide XC Mittens – 35.00 – I have run with these for many winters. Lightweight, warm and good for nose wiping! Also available in gloves. https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5034-337/Glide-XC-Midweight-Mitts
AcuBall Mini – 22.99 – This little guy is great for releasing the fascia on the bottom of your feet. Anyone who has battled plantar fasciitis should get one! https://ca.shop.runningroom.com/gear/injury-prevention-recovery/acuball-acuball-mini.html
Coffee Mug – 18.00 – You are making a statement with this! https://www.amazon.ca/Worlds-Okayest-Runner-Mug-Runners/dp/B01MSNGWX9/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1510700710&sr=8-12&keywords=gifts+for+runners
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners – 15.00 – Short stories to nudge you out the door! https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/9781935096498-item.html?mkwid=sf4qE22rM_dc&pcrid=44154474422&pkw&pmt&s_campaign=goo-Shopping_Books&gclid=CjwKCAiAxarQBRAmEiwA6YcGKJcmfKMpsQ1kyrRSLui7nlxwZVAgk-PSJGe5MZPSUG4pQgOkIXgX3xoCFdsQAvD_BwE
Black Diamond Ion Headlamp – 28.00 – Pick one up at MEC for your next hill or track workout! https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5050-384/Ion-Headlamp#reviews 
Road ID – 20-30.00 – This is a must have for every runner! Avail. in various styles.
Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks – 27.00 – These are not only cute but really warm. Wear for running or casually! https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5043-922/Good-Witch-Crew-Light-Socks?colour=LUN06
Knix Leakproof Undies – 27.00USD – I have ordered these…ask me how they feel:)
Running Watch – 140.00 – There are many out there but 6 of us enjoy the Garmin Vivoactive. https://www.amazon.ca/Garmin-Vivoactive-GPS-Smartwatch-Black/dp/B00RE1UL52/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510702646&sr=8-1&keywords=vivoactive&dpID=41Lo3Naf2UL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
Spibelt – 25.00-35.00 – There are various options for this handy little belt! https://ca.shop.runningroom.com/gear/armbands-waist-pouches/spibelt-spibelt-performance-series-7bl-p001.html 
Running Bling – price varies – Check out Etsy for endless options! https://www.etsy.com/ca/market/running_jewelry
Body Wipes – 13.00 – These would be handy post race in the summer or following a gym workout when you just don’t have time for a shower:) Not just for guys! https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B008LXBZF2/ref=pd_luc_rh_sbs_01_02_t_img_lh?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Running Calendars – 18.00 – 27.00 – Great for motivation and tips.
Run Inspired Motivation 2018 Wall Calendar
Happy Shopping!!!
2 Great Apps: I have been using “The Christmas List” app for three holiday seasons now and don’t know how I kept myself organized in the past. Check it out in the iTunes store https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/the-christmas-list/id340779800?mt=8
The second app I am using that I think id just great is “Calm”. The meditation/mindfulness app I am using daily. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calm/id571800810?mt=8
Ragnar Relay Niagara: Just throwing this out there to see if it will “stick”! https://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/relay/niagara We can chat over the next few weeks….
Nik’s Chicks Jackets and Winter Hats & Headbands: I have found a company that can supply custom Nik’s Chicks jackets for 70.00. I am also sourcing out winter hats, headbands, buffs, and arm warmers. When I have all of the samples you can try them out.
Running Lights Are Available Again: Now that it is dark at 8pm you should try to wear reflective clothing and/or lights so you are visible to traffic. I sell the blue LED arm bands at cost – only 7.00 each. Bring cash to your next run to pick one up.
Facebook: If you are new to running with Nik’s Chicks, you may not have signed up to join our Facebook group. Ladies can chat with each other about who will be showing up for workouts or attending races and it is a place to share photos of the group. It is a closed group – invite only. Message me on FB Niki Gallant McLaughlin ahead of requesting to become part of the group please so I know you are a actual participant and local runner:) https://www.facebook.com/groups/132984713404930/
This weeks workouts (Meet at 1438 Redwing Court):
Tuesday – Dec 5 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 5-7km
Arizona 1/2 – 10km w 20 min tempo
Thursday – Dec 7 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5-7km with hill x 2
Holding on 10km – 5-7km with hill x 2
Arizona 1/2 – 7km w hills x 3 (run to Lion’s Valley from the corner)
Saturday – Dec 9 8:00am
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 10-12km
Arizona 1/2 – 21km
Tuesday – Dec 12 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 5-7km
Arizona 1/2 – 10km w 20 min tempo
Thursday – Dec 14 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 5-7km with 30 sec sprints x 5
Arizona 1/2 – 8km with 400 m repeats x 8
Saturday – Dec 16 8:00am
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 10-12km
Arizona 1/2 – 15km
Tuesday – Dec 19 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 5-7km
Arizona 1/2 – 10km w 20 min tempo
Thursday – Dec 21 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 5-7km with hill x 2
Arizona 1/2 – 8km with hills x 4
Saturday – December 23 8:00am
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 10-12km
Arizona 1/2 – 23km
Tuesday – Dec 26 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 5-7km
Arizona 1/2 – 10km w 20 min tempo
Thursday – Dec 28 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 5-7km with hill x 2
Arizona 1/2 – 8km w 400m repeats x 9
Saturday – December 30 8:00am
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 10-12km
Arizona 1/2 – 15km The taper begins!
Tuesday – Jan 2 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 5-7km
Arizona 1/2 – 8km w 20 min tempo
Thursday – Jan 5 8:00pm
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 5-7km with hill x 2
Arizona 1/2 – 8km w 400m repeats x 9 (or whatever we feel like doing:)
Saturday – Jan 7 8:00am
Holding on 5km – 5-7km
Holding on 10km – 10-12km
Arizona 1/2 – 5km
Keep on running! Niki
Nik's Chicks 