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

LITTLE did I know that my life drawing experience might have been good preparation for my holiday in Biarritz.

I had forgotten the reputation of the French when I went for a gentle walk along the beach until I stumbled across the naturist section and it just happened to be high tide so nowhere to really hide — or should I say, look. I must admit after swimming in some of the strong Atlantic waves I nearly came out of the surf in a similar state, just managing to keep hold of my bikini.

At last I found a routine, it might not have been the usual productive one that you hope to have in a working week but I certainly had the chance to enjoy being in one place. Mine consisted of eating, drinking and sleeping either on the beach or by my tent just next to the beach - it was certainly the laziest holiday I've every had. I'm blaming the sea air or maybe I'm getting old.

For most of us a holiday always ends too soon and this trip to south west France was no different for me so you can imagine my delight when I attempted to check in online the day before flying home only to discover my flight was a day later than I had thought. Luckily an extra night in my tent was easy to arrange.

I managed to finish off my ever so 'unstressful' week with a bit more relaxation by the sea again when I headed to the beautiful Dorset coast for a friends birthday weekend.

The temperatures may have been a little lower and the sand replaced with pebbles but the sun was shining and the sea was surprisingly warm (or maybe it was the warming effect from the odd tipple).