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

OUT with the old in with the new — let's hope it isn't a case of better the devil you know! Due to commitments in Devon I had to leave my new lodger to move in alone; fingers crossed I still have a flat when I return in a few days!

It was yet another new challenge that pulled me home this weekend and something even further out of my comfort zone than a 10k race. I volunteered, or should I say pleaded, to be part of the crew on a yacht that is racing in the Plymouth autumn series. When asked about my experience – and as much as I wanted the chance to be invited - I made certain to not exaggerate my skills and previous sailing experience, and how glad I am. It was certainly more challenging than I expected but as a result more exhilarating too. I must admit I'm not exactly sure what I brought to the boat as my chat was about as limited as my skills due to the necessary strong focus on the horizon, but at least I didn't decorate the boat with my breakfast.

If (and I hope) I'm invited back again I will certainly be more prepared and will try and bring more than a green face with me.

I try not to talk about the weather too much but I am British so it is ingrained in me. I know we have been much luckier than the north of the country with the recent rainfall but there has certainly been more at home than I realised. So much so that I couldn't cross the usual stream I jump on the way back from my run route, there was no option but to wade thigh deep through the crossing instead, I saw it as a recovery ice bath. I've been trying to ignore that winter has arrived but now October is here I think I can allow myself to put away the flip flops and dust of the cosy winter boots.