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

RIGHT now I should be packing, but as usual I'm putting it off. It's a bit of a challenge for this trip as we've been given an allowance of only 25kilos.

This may sound easy but not when you're taking kit for five sports including several epees (swords), a mask, riding hat and boots, air pistol, trainers — the list goes on! I haven't yet worked out how it's going to be possible, especially when I was hoping to take a fair amount of nutrition to supplement the Chinese cuisine. The airline is also restricting our hand luggage so I might just have to wear a pair of riding boots or fill my pockets with food to avoid any surcharge.

By the time you're reading I shall be competing in the semi-final, then, hopefully, the final on Saturday. Training has been going to plan even though it might not quite be evident by looking at me. I currently have a bruise on my face from riding, an egg shaped lump on my shin from fencing and several scratches on my legs from running, I'm just glad we don't shoot with pellets any more!

By the amount of weddings I'm attending this year I'm aware that I'm getting old, but when reading last week's Times' I discovered an old school friend has returned to Tavistock to set up a business and settle down after having enough of the city life. I really am rather behind as I still haven't left home properly, I even go back to both my secondary schools for training several times a week. Anyway I wish Ed and Becky the best of luck with Oggy Oggy, don't tell my nutritionist but I did enjoy a little treat from their lovely selection of sweets.

Times readers can stay updated with what Heather is up to via her Twitter site on twitter:heatherfellnews