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Over summer, it was too hot to go running outside, so I went to the gym instead. I like the gym because I can use the weights, machines and other equipment after using the treadmill. However, we are only allowed to use the treadmills for 30 minutes at a time. I like to run for an hour or more.

Now that it is getting cooler, I’m going to start running outside again. I am also going to continue going to the gym. I think weight training is important, and it is also fun. The gym also has a rowing machine. Not many people use it, so it is usually free when I go.

The gym is good, but I still think running outside is better. I like the breeze and the fresh air, and I like being outside. I also like running long distances. I usually run 10km, but this autumn, I want to run 15km or 20km. Eventually, I’d like to run a half marathon, and then maybe a full marathon, but I’ll have to train harder for that!

I belong to a running club. Many members continued running through the summer. They ran early in the morning or late at night. I work early in the morning and at night, so my time to exercise is the afternoon – the hottest part of the day. I haven’t run outside for three months. It’s time to start again.

By Heather @ I Talk You Talk Press

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I decided to keep a diary in Chinese. When I study Chinese, I read, listen and speak it, but I rarely write it. Writing is important. On the HSK test, there are some writing questions, so I need to be able to write.

Also, writing is output. I need more output. I practice speaking with my teacher once a week, but this is not enough. I need to practice more. When I have my Chinese lesson, I ask my teacher to correct my mistakes, and then we talk about the content of my diary.

When I write in my diary, I use the grammar patterns I have studied. I try to use the vocabulary I have studied too. This helps me to remember words and phrases.

I don’t write in my diary every day. I usually write once or twice a week. I want to write more though. I will try to schedule more time into my days to write.

By Heather @ I Talk You Talk Press

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Every year, I read about twenty-four books. That is two a month, on average. I want to read more, but I have many things to do. This year, my plan was to read one English book, then one Japanese book, then one English book, then one Japanese book, and so on. This hasn’t happened. So far, I have read seventeen English books and only three Japanese books.

I think one reason is that I have an English Kindle. It is so easy to buy English books. I just click a button, and I have the book. I don’t have a Japanese kindle, so if I want to buy a book, I have to go to the bookstore or wait for the books to arrive by post. Now I’m thinking of getting a Japanese kindle. Maybe that will help me to read more Japanese books.

Another reason is that I read Japanese all day when I work. I translate from Japanese to English, so at night, when I am tired, I want to read something easy and light. And I want to read in English. Reading in English is important. I translate into English, so I have to keep my English writing level high. To do this, I need to read, write and use English.

I enjoy reading in both languages, but I think I should try to read more Japanese books next year. Actually, I should try to read more English books too.

By Heather @ I Talk You Talk Press