Highlight of the week 19/02/12 - 25/02/12

If you read my last post, you will know that the week previously I boarded an aeroplane bound for Dubai, feeling extremely exhausted and in desperate need of a relaxing break...  You may then find it a little bizarre that this highlight of the week was running before breakfast every morning, particularly in 77 degree Fahrenheit (25 degree Celcius) heat!

The week started with 2 days of mostly sleeping, at the start of the second day I really started to wonder if I'd made a mistake in travelling to Dubai, I could have taken the week off work and slept at home without shelling out for an aeroplane ticket... I think it was this thought that made me drag myself out of bed and get out an about so see some new sights later that day.  It worked! By the time day 3 had dawned I was feeling back to my normal self and desperate to get out there for a run :-)

Of course, I run regularly when at home but it can sometimes be a real struggle to run in the evening having started the day 12 hours previously and in the workplace for 9 of those! Last week all my runs were an absolute pleasure, they were at my pace and convenience rather than having to squidge them in around the usual demands of everyday life and when coupled with such a stunning location I have to admit I felt very priviliged.  I couldn't wait to get back out for a run before breakfast each day and was determined to make the most of the opportunity so for the 4 remaining days of my trip I did just that!

After my final run on the last day I retraced my steps a few hours later to take some photographs of the views along my running route.

This bridge connects the Al Bahar Souk to the Dubai Mall and is where I started and finished my runs each day

I would then proceed around the Burj Fountain, The Al Bahar Souk is in the background. 

Then continue past the Burj Khalifa, no photograph or words can ever fully capture how magnificent this is!

Then over a bridge, again past the Burj Fountain, this time in action.

One of three bridges I used to maintain my hill training.

Perfect sidewalk for running!

The Burj Khalifa from the otherside of the lake.

See, these bridges weren't imaginary... They felt bloomin' steep at the time too!

Heading back past the Burj Khalifa and up towards the waterfalls.

I would run up, usually the left hand side of these waterfalls, across the top and back down the other side.

Back past the Burj Fountain, you can see the Address Downtown Dubai hotel to the left.

Back over the bridge to the apartments.

Having three bridges enabled me to easily vary my route each day, to get the mileage in without too much repitition, although to be honest, it would not have been a great hardship to stick to just several repeats of the same circuits in such a beautiful spot.

In my opinion the best way to explore a place is on foot, even if I think I already know the location I always stumble across something that I didn't know was there so I love to just start running and see where my feet take me :-) I've since also learned that running in the sun is the best way to speed up the tanning process - the only downside being that the need for sunglasses does rather encourage the 'reverse panda' effect!

Roll on UK summertime so I can back to running amongst some of our hidden gems instead of fighting my way through chip papers, drinks cans and other debris as we pound the pavements by the 'safety' of streetlight!

***Be sure to check out the blog archive on the right for previous posts***

Highlight of the week 12/02/12 - 18/02/12

This one is easy! The highlight of this week also fell on Saturday and it involved me consuming a G&T or two before climbing aboard a Boeing 777 bound for Dubai :-) 

After a hectic working week of struggling to get loose ends tied up, ongoing projects handed over and trying to get as many orders as possible in ahead of my annual leave, this was a much needed break!

The flight itself didn't go as smoothly as usual though...

• I requested a window seat at check in and got allocated a H seat, now being a 3-4-3 seat row aeroplane I didn't think anymore of it but on boarding it became obvious H was an aisle seat :-(
• We departed late - no big deal I suppose but when you've a 7 hour flight ahead you do just want to get on with it!
• My media screen didn't work and didn't until 3.5 hours into the flight.
• The lunch menu was a choice of either chicken smothered in 'killer pepper' sauce or lamb curry (I am allergic to peppers and I don't like lamb so avoid eating it where possible)
• The headsets were collected 15 mins before landing meaning I missed the end of the film I was watching (strangely on the return leg I was allowed to wear them right up until we landed!)

I'm not really selling this as highlight of the week am I? Lol.

Seriously though, the instances above made the flight less comfortable than it could have been but I made it to Dubai safe and sound with several complimentary G&T's consumed and the prospect of a week of sun, relaxation and exploration ahead of me - that certainly made it the highlight of an otherwise very stressful and exhausting week!

***Be sure to check out the blog archive on the right for previous posts***

Highlight of the week 05/02/12 - 11/02/12

I know, I know, this is way overdue but I really have been a busy girl! Hence, I've decided to add the dates for each week to the title so you have a fighting chance of keeping up! ;-)

The highlight for this week was undoubtedly the dinner party I attended on the Saturday night :-) Spoilt is not the word! The guests I mean, not the food which was absolutely scrumdiddlyumptious, courtesy of our very talented hostess!

The menu was as follows:

Starter - Apple and onion soup with crumbled Stilton (Sounds strange, tastes yummy!)
Main - Pan fried Sea Bass with lemon thyme butter (Spinach tarlet was the vegetarian option), served with baby potatoes, stirfry cabbage with mushrooms and beansprouts
Dessert - Soft chocolate pudding, coffee and mints.

Six of us girlies gathered for this little soire and, as is always the case when we get together, the conversation flowed, giggles were had, bargain buys were envied and stories were shared...  Add delicious food and drink into the mix and you have a winning night!

It was a fabulous evening which has most definitely provided me with the inspiraton to hold dinner parties myself this year :-)

***Be sure to check out the blog archive on the right for previous posts***

Highlight of the week

I have decided that introducing this as a weekly feature to my blog will not only ensure regular articles are posted but will also mean I take the time to reflect upon my week and appreciate the good bits :-)

It might be a personal achievement, another persons good news or maybe just something that made me really smile. There could be several equally 'high' moments during the course of a week... If so, I will choose just one that I think will be of most interest to you, the reader :-)

So, what was the highlight from the past week?

Well, to say my running week started on a rubbish note is a bit of an understatement! Having spent most of Saurday feeling a little 'eurgh' and with no appetite, the Sunday morning run was never a good idea... But, I had committed to it and if I've said I'll be somewhere, I will! It was only 7 miles, a distance I never think twice about doing and although obviously running on empty, I wasn't concerned, I could work through it... Right..? Wrong! I managed 3.5 miles and arrived home feeling wobbly, disappointed and very annoyed with myself.

Now, I know you're probably thinking this doesn't sound like much of a highlight, bear with me... In order to convey the moment effectively, I feel I must elaborate upon the days and events leading up to it.

Fast forward to Tuesday, I was still feeling a little drained but I knew the cold weather and hectic last few days of the month at work were the main culprits, on the whole I was looking forward to finishing work, pulling my trainers on and getting out there! Unfortunately, the last working day of the month didn't go quite as planned and by the time figures were balanced and I left the office it was too late to get to running club :-( I was somewhat frustrated but equally grateful that I could go home, eat and sleep!

A blink of the eye and Thursday was here, the next club running night. Gym bag packed and full of good intentions I headed off to work but boy was I tired! The benefit of the long and deep sleep of Tuesday night had been wiped out by the later than expected bedtime on Wednesday (pub quiz) night. As the working day drew to a close I wrangled - do I run? (I felt I should) or do I head home and rest? (This seemed the most sensible option). Decision made, I left the office without getting changed (I generally do change at work if I'm running, to save time). It was cold, I was tired and I couldn't face another lethargic, poor run...

Almost home, the Alexander Stadium came into view and that's when it hit me... When did I start making excuses and being pathetic?! 'I'm cold and tired', well if that's my excuse tonight it could easily be for the next few months, we've only just begun our winter and Wednesday night is always quiz night - if I didn't make the effort tonight I would be starting on the slippery slope of excuseness! I still wasn't really feeling it when I pulled on to the car park so I tagged myself as being there on Facebook, that way I had to go through with it - I'd be bombarded with various texts and comments later if I didn't!

We were barely out of the stadium grounds and on to the road when I realised I had definitely done the right thing :-) The icy blast on my face alleviated the tiredness, the rest of my body had warmed up already and I was surrounded by people who both inspire and entertain me - It then seemed crazy to me that I'd momentarily forgotten the power of running, how nothing else seems to matter and how alive it makes me feel.

On Thursday night we ran 6 miles, not a long run but it was the most amazing run for me and I went home on such a high :-) 3 days later and I'm still smiling about it... Proof, if ever proof was needed that we can all have an off day but that doesn't mean just because we feel tired we shouldn't run... I'm sooooo glad I made the effort!

What was the highlight of your week?

***Be sure to check out the blog archive on the right for previous posts***

Four by Four

It's been a while!

The easiest excuse to make would be that I've been too busy. I have, in actual fact, had more time on my hands than usual over the last month or so. The reality is that I've been wrangling with how to further develop this blog. I have a number of draught articles at varying stages of completion but for one reason or another now just isn't the right time to complete or post them.

Today however, I happened upon this little "Four" survey and decided it could be a great way to kickstart my blog again, particularly if I approach it from two different angles... Firstly from a workout/fitness viewpoint and secondly from a home/social viewpoint - my belief being that the environment and mental zone one is in will naturally mean the answers will be very different!

The workout/fitness survey

1. Four states I have seen (Having never worked out or ran in the US I shall change this to UK counties!)

Staffordshire: I completed my very first half marathon in Lichfield! I also have ran a number of 10K races in Staffordshire including Fradley and Cannock Chase and it's not uncommon for me to be seen putting in the training miles in around the small villages of Gnosall and Church Eaton some weekends.
Tyne & Wear: I completed my second, and the worlds most famous half marathon 'The Great North Run' in Newcastle (this used to be part of the county of Northumberland until border reforms in 1974).
Berkshire: I ran an 8K race in Windsor last year, little did I know that there was a HM race the following day but as I sustained a foot injury shortly ahead of the race, that was probably a blessing in disguise!
West Sussex: I have never ran a race here but I do have a fellow running friend who lives in Arudel and with whom I've had the pleasure of running over the beautiful South Downs with.

2. Four smells I love

The wood/forest after rainfall: I love the damp earthy smell that penetrates my nostrils when I veer off the road into woodland... All at once the change of surroundings and smells transports me into a magical kingdom! I get lost in the beauty of the nature that surrounds me and even on hot sunny days, woodland never seems to lose that cooling damp mustiness.
Ralgex: This is not a smell I would like or appreciate at any other time but in a race, particularly at the start when everyone is huddled together, anxiously anticipating the starting gun, the air is filled with the aroma of Ralgex and, for some reason, I find it strangely reassuring!
8 hour cream: Workouts, particularly in colder weather can really take their toll on skin so I use Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream to avoid dry chapped skin - the smell is quite old fashioned and I suppose a little 'medicinal', not like the modern fragrances we are used to these days, but I find it quite comforting.
Bacon: For me a bacon sandwich and a cuppa is the perfect post-race brunch!

3. Four goals I've set this year

Get a new half marathon PB: I have done three HM's to date and each so far has been a new PB put there's always room for improvement!
Get back to doing regular Body Pump: Over the last twelve months, running has been my main focus and as the BP classes at the gym were on the same night as run club they took a back seat :-( I miss the classes and I miss my guns!
Remain injury free: Last year saw me sustain a few injuries, hopefully with regular sports therapy, foam rolling and being patient when I need to be, this should be achievable.
Strengthen my core: Core Stability is key to a good performance in any physical sport - I have great strength in my abdominal muscles but my back strength lets me down - cue the newly purchased gym ball and also the return to BP will help.

4.  Four TV shows I love to watch

The Biggest Loser: Watching people transform their bodies through diet and exercise is amazing.
Fat Fighters: As above
The Great North Run: The most famous HM marathon in the world!
UK Athletics: Always good to follow home grown talent :-)


The home/social survey

1. Four states I have seen

Illinois: This was a few years ago on a holiday to Chicago, my first taste of the US and I loved it!
Indiana: This was the same holiday, we travelled to Indianapolis for a few days.
Louisiana: Last year I went on a Caribbean and Mexican Rivera cruise which set sail from New Orleans - definitely a place I want to revisit!
Texas: We stopped off at Houston en route back from New Orleans, unfortunately we only had six or seven hours there but still keep in touch with some Texans so maybe one day I'll be back :-)

2. Four smells I love (This one will be tough, there are so many!).

Cinnamon: It works so well in everything from pies & sauces to Chinese spring rolls and hot cider (not that I eat that many or drink that much I hasten to add!)  Interestingly, cinnamon sticks also make a great addition to the vacuum cleaner bag - they are great for neutralising odours and actual have antimicrobial properties.
ASDA Antiseptic Disinfectant Fresh: A disinfectant without the disinfectant smell, this is my regular household cleaner and I love coming home to the fresh clean scent.
Wood: Particularly freshly sawn wood. Mmmm, I wish someone would create a 'freshly sawn wood' air freshener, I would buy it!
Nivea Soft moisturising cream: It's lush! :-)

3. Four goals I've set this year

To get my muscle definition back: It's still there but not as sculpted and that can make a huge difference when choosing what to wear for an evening out.
Lower my mortgage term: It currently has 11 years left, I'd like to see that halved but even a third off that time would be good.
Start holding dinner parties: Not 'Come Dine With Me' styleeee though... I want to entertain, not chain myself to the oven!
Dip my toe in the dating pool again: I'm still not sure about this one, I have a full and active, fun-filled life, I rarely get lonely or feel unfulfilled and to be honest if I'm going to make the time in my busy schedule to accommodate another person they will need to be super amazing! You know, I think I just talked myself out of this one... We'll see!

4. Four TV shows I love to watch

Doctor Who: Those who have read my previous blogs will require no explanation, those who haven't... Read them, then you'll know!
Torchwood: A spin off series from (and also an anagram of) Doctor Who.
True Blood: I'm two seasons into this four season (to date) programme, it rocks!
Hollyoaks: The only soap I watch and having grown up with programmes such as Grange Hill and Brookside courtesy of Mr Phil Redmond it seems only natural that I would embrace the, sometimes controversial, Chester based soap.

So there it is, my two takes on the Four by Four survey. Hopefully that will give you a greater insight into lil ole me!

Feel free to play along if you like :-)

***Be sure to check out the blog archive on the right for previous posts***