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

ONCE over the jet lag and re-accustomed to the cold – apparently it was warm while I was in California? – it was back to the training. The next international competition is more than two months away for me, so it's another hard cycle ahead.

I've been one very spoilt girl this week, but it was my birthday so I'll let myself off! My flat has never seen so many visitors; it has been good to make the most of the spare room before I eventually find a lodger. I forgot, that as a host, you are supposed to look after your guests, not the other way around. When my mother and sister arrived I asked them to help 'make the bed'; you would forgive them for presuming I meant put on the sheets, not construct the bed frame! I also have a fully functioning shower now thanks to my father.

­Once all jobs were completed I allowed my parents to take my sister and I out! It was quite a treat to be altogether as a family as we're all so busy it doesn't happen often.

I managed to fit in another cross-country race on Saturday before more guests arrived. I donned my Devon vest for the national inter-counties in Birmingham. It is always a great race, even if a little further than I expected (I only discovered the night before it was 8K not 5K — that's almost a marathon for me!). Luckily it didn't take too much out of my legs and I still had something left for boogying that night!

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