Heather Fell, Olympic modern pentathlete silver medalist, writes about her life 'on and off' the track.

THE snow certainly hung around longer than I expected, which led to more imaginative training.

There was no resting over the festive period, after my run on both Christmas and Boxing Day it was back out with the toboggan, though this time it was used uphill. With two sets of skis strapped on and a rope around my waste I was the carthorse from home up to Roos Tor. My parents convinced me this was all good training, not sure how I fell for that one! However once skiing down the fresh powder on an empty piste I decided it was worth it, even if for only one minute of fun.

Although I haven't been fencing or riding this ended up being a high volume-training week in the pool and on the legs. Therefore by the time darkness fell and the log fire was roaring the last thing I felt like doing is heading back out. Maybe I'm getting old but I have to admit I had a quiet new year's eve. The choice of a lie in, in my own bed, or waking up hung over at a friend's house wasn't a hard decision to make, especially after the previous five early morning swims.

I've been making up for my unsociable evenings by catching up with people during the day. Although it wasn't until Friday that I agreed to meet a friend in Exeter to face the sales, I did survive but my credit card didn't come off so lightly!

My festive break was topped off nicely with some great live sport. I wasn't the only one braving the cold to enjoy the racing at Haldon on Saturday and the rugby at Sandy Park on Sunday.

I think anyone at either event will agree it was worth losing feeling in the toes!

n Times readers can stay updated with what Heather is up to via twitter: heatherfellnews