Back in my rugby days there was a culture of train, play, drink. Less so with the cricket.
The social side was the big influence and everyone just joined in.
Since those days I have greatly reduced alcohol consumption and drifted towards less but more enjoyment. I am more selective with the beers/lagers/wine/spirits these days as part of dietary improvements.
At golf we usually drink coffee/tea with “tots” when someone brings a bottle in on their birthday. A tradition that has built up.
I developed gout when in my 40’s and changed diet to help keep it at bay. Very painful and it occurred in the big toe joint on one foot only.The alternative was daily alopurinol tablets to knock back the uric acid. I declined and doc agreed that managing diet was a good first option. I moved to reduced purine containing foods ( occasional treats maintained though). Drank more water, drank cherry juice daily as it was thought to help. It did in my case as when I stopped it the gout started back. Now I don’t drink it as over time things have stabilised.
I do enjoy a glass of wine some evenings or a glass of my favourite single malts.
It is easy when out and about to be alcohol free as the driving helps focus on non alcohol. Mind you the fizzy coke drinks are not always the best. I have us3d Pepsi to clean the cast exhaust manifold. I don’t like the alcohol free beers. Orange/ blackcurrant/ lemonade and lime etc are better.
I walk a lt with golf ( a round is over 4 miles) and the dog. Having moved house 2 years ago walking into town is easier than driving ( no parking to sort out).
I am toying with using the gym at the golf club too. The cycling machines especially as next spring I might buy a bicycle to utilise the good cycling routes we have.
