So, firstly, Tuesday (aka B-DAY minus 5) saw me on a 6am train to the Peak District to meet my colleague Joe for a challenge events recce. I am an early riser by nature, as I usually try to squeeze in some form of training before work, but getting up at 5am does seem particularly painful. However, I have to say if ever an early start was rewarded, this would be it. Our starting point was Edale, in the centre of the Park, east of Sheffield. I have only once been to this area before and forgot how breathtakingly beautiful it is. As we drove through sweeping ranges of hills and peaks I immediately wished I was spending more than a day there. Now I am sworn to secrecy on the nature of the event and the client, but suffice to say we have created a gem here. These are the parts of my job I particularly love - when you can really get creative and start with a blank canvas to build an exciting event. Watch this space for more updates as it goes public,,,,
Of course all of that work and fresh air calls for some serious refuelling and what better to do that with than a traditional Bakewell Tart? We convinced ourselves that a trip to Bakewell wasn't really out of our way, was it? Like excited kids we firstly went into a Bakewell gift shop, all ready to buy all manner of Bakewell novelty items, when the lovely woman behind the counter said that they weren't the REAL Bakewell tarts, and that shop was further down the road. How refreshingly honest. Although that said, I wasn't quite expecting to pay £5.50 for this hallowed item....but I have to say it is delicious!
As I unearthered my mobile out of my kit bag I was greeted by endless birthday text messages from friends, to which I replied I was ready for a celebratory drink. I was unaware that it was only 11.30am - it's amazing how much you can achieve in a day if you set your mind to it. Ah but there was time for a 'proper celebration' that evening. Some friends had booked the rather lovely Opera Tavern in Covent Garden for some tapas - my favourite style of food. It was my first time there and it certainly didn't disappoint. They offer a bit of a fusion of Spanish and Italian tapas, but most importantly the essential pimientos de padron.
Sometimes referred to as 'Russian roulette peppers' I have only once had a really firey one. However, best not take a chance, so I made sure I was well oiled with lots of cava. As the first day of a new year goes, this one had been pretty memorable. Hmmm, just think, this time next year I could enter the duathlon in a new age group...i wonder how I'd do? No, Denise, no!!