Blakelow Farm Cottage - Derbyshire

We're back home after a very relaxing break in the Peak District - Derbyshire. We stayed at Cranberry Cottage, Blakelow Farm just outside Matlock.

Our main theme for our vacation was 'peace and relaxation', with a little bit of walking to keep us active.

The setting was absolutely perfect with our location high up in the hills, 1,000 ft above sea-level and well away from the mass population.

Although very quiet Alison did however make a few new friends, who kept us both amused during our stay.

I'm really pleased that I managed to stick to my new eating regime and I managed to take my new friend 'The Juicer' with me as well as the Saxophone.

I have to say what with the combination of the diet, rest and relaxation I'm now ready to take on the World again.

Peak District

My wife Ali and I are taking time-out to visit the Peak District next week.

We're leaving the kids Rachel and Jason home-alone. (Don't worry they're 23 and 20 years old so they can look after themselves.)

Ali and I have often talked about going to this region, but until now have never gotten round to it. So we've finally made time to do something that we've been meaning to do for along time.

We're staying in a small Cottage near Matlock. It looks truly idyllic with lots of rolling hills close by. We seaking a little peace and tranquillty and I think we'll discover it right here.

The one week holiday also continues on with my theme of me trying a variety of different 'new-things' this year as well as taking time out to 'smell the roses.'

I'm taking the camera and I'm looking to have some amazing pictures to show on our return.

Back Home

Well I'm back home after my holiday in Spain and I have to say I'm feeling really refreshed.

I can't think of anything worse than boring you with all the details about my holiday exploits and of course showing you endless photos, which are of no particular interest to anyone except myself.

So I'll only give you a few brief details about my vacation including one family photo (above). I'm sure that you'll be pleased to know in keeping with my theme of becoming fighting fit at fifty it wasn't all sun, sea and sangria.

My daily morning routine consisted of rising about 7.30am and going outside and stretching for about 10 minutes. The warm climate does make so much difference when you're exercising, my flexibility increased by about twenty percent.

After stretching, I then practised all my Kuk Sool forms , improvising with some barbecue utensils and broom handles as make shift weapons.

I would then swim in the pool for approximately thirty - forty minutes, completing on average one hundred and fifty lengths (this might sound impressive, however the pool was only about 4 metres long.)

It was such a pleasure swimming in the mornings watching the sunrise and the pool temperature hovering around 80 degrees. Swimming is just a great way to keep in shape.

I worked-out for at least one hour everyday while on holiday and on some occasions longer. I have to say that it wasn't over strenuous exercise just enough to get a little-bit of a sweat on.

The main thing about my exercise regime - I was consistent and didn't miss a morning, but still had plenty of time for relaxation too. (Totally balanced)

Upon returning home after most vacations I've usually increased my overall weight by several pounds. This morning I weighed myself and was pleasantly surprised that I was 13stone 5lbs. - I actually lost 1 lb. Hooray!!

Well here I am again back in England on a chilly Saturday morning, preparing to go training once again. At least the sun is shining and I'm feeling re-vitalised and once again ready for action.

Now I'm looking forward to the Houston heat in three weeks time.

Happy Holidays

Next week Alison and I are taking a well earned break and jetting off to Spain for two weeks.

Now I've already mentioned in previous blogs how much we both enjoy the English countryside, however a friend has offered us his Villa in Spain free of charge. An offer we just couldn't refuse.

So for a short while my blog will be on hold. As for my preparations for the World Championships in Houston, I will still continue to train.

I have my faithful training partner with me and I know that we shall both be practising in the warm sunny climate, which always makes us feel good anyway.

My daughter Rachel and her partner Rob will be joining us for the second week, so it will be Yoga each morning outside in the sun next to the pool.

I am also looking forward to continuing with my healthy eating routine and a greater opportunity to follow the Mediterranean diet.

One thing that I just wanted to add, is a very big thank you to all the Instructors who are helping to keep our martial art schools running smoothly in our absence, as always your support is greatly appreciated.

Jason my son will be staying at home and looking after the house (as such) - we're just praying that he will not be having any wild parties.

So bye-for-now and I'll report back in a couple of weeks. Once again thanks for keeping up with the blog.