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 :-)
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