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

January seems to be the month for competitions. I've just completed another weekend — long pentathlon, which unfortunately clashed with two other events; the local Westward league cross-country and another race in Cardiff — for which I was asked to represent the South West.

Training has been going well and I was hoping for a strong performance, but injury has struck. It is a little embarrassing to admit but the problem is my little toe. It was hit during a fencing session last week, (by an incredibly apologetic and slightly scared junior boy).

The next day I was forced to visit the doctor who diagnosed a mere haematoma, so limping around was rather embarrassing as there wasn't even much to show. However I had to compete. With the aid of painkillers and some supposed magic numbing patches (which didn't seem to do much) I survived the competition.

Unfortunately nearly a week on I'm still not sound and can only walk in my Ugg boots, so I won't be hitting the town for a few nights!

I was thinking it must be the time of year for proposals but I'm starting to worry it's the time of my life for weddings. Over the last few months several friends have got engaged and now after this weekend there is one more. I'm struggling to contain my excitement as my 'little' sister Megan has just agreed to marry her long-term boyfriend John Harfoot. Congratulations to you both!

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