Christmas Round Up

I work almost all day on the Friday, finally finishing a little early at 3.30pm. L is off all day and we arrange to meet up at the Derby Arena for a joint festive gym session. Then, because I’m in the car, I can drive us both home.

She is a little late, or I’m a little early, and I do face the prospect of doing anything up to 100k killing time on the Watt Bike while I wait for her. After which I’d probably need mouth to mouth resuscitation but it doesn’t come to that. I'm a little disappointed.

On the Saturday we parkrun at Long Eaton but without Daughter, who has been told to rest more and only run once a week due to the injury she’s currently got. Something to do with her gluteal muscles apparently which sounds like a proper athletes injury.

Sunday, which is Christmas Eve, we meet up with L’s folks for a late breakfast at the Cosy Club. This was once the Royal gig venue and it’s odd sitting there with the ghost of Glasvegas, and other bands we saw there, loitering behind us. Son and his gf come over from Leamington for the occasion, armed with presents. The meal is decent, if not spectacular but a definite upgrade on rowdy old Spoons where we went last year and what had become the tradition.

Then it’s Christmas Day and I get my new cog for my track bike as well as a bike computer to see how slow I’m going. Along with loads of beer, wine, whiskey and chocolate. Not a bad haul all be told.

L and Daughter seem equally thrilled and appalled with their dual gifts of a 10k race entry and a taster session at the Velodrome. Along with the usual boots and trainers for L of course. Daughter seems pleased with her new GPS watch, so that she too will be able to see how fast she is going.

Christmas Day drinkies are at the Horse and Jockey again and then we go for our curry at the Haveli in Chilwell. It’s great to do something different even if the menu is a little basic and the price a little steep. I think the 10% service charge was a bit naughty on top of what we thought was an all in price. I'd certainly do it again though, it not there then somewhere else.

On Boxing Day we do the traditional run at the Furnace but this time ending up afterwards at the Nag's Head in Mickleover for post-run drinks as we drop Daughter near her Father’s. Then we head back home where we have my parents around for roast lamb.

Then, that’s it, Christmas over.

(Tuesday 26^th December)