Heather Fell - Professional Modern Pentathlete for Great Britain
Blog
Friday, 28 October 2011
I've survived the second week of winter training, I think we've been eased into it rather gently and I'm sure it's about to intensify. I also enjoyed my last weekend with no competitions for a while and caught up on those annoying odd jobs. Unfortunately I didn't quite finish them all, a few interfering issues arose. The first being pointed out to me by a friend; after four yes four coats of paint in total on my cupboard doors I realised that it's the wrong colour. A slightly more successful mission was the changing of my wardrobe contents; I couldn't put it off any longer it was time to swap the bikini drawer for hats and scarves, winter has arrived.
I may not have been partaking in much sport last weekend but there was certainly enough happening around the world to keep me entertained. Having still not sussed out the problem with my TV I discovered the joys of ITVplayer on my laptop. Unfortunately this was only in time for the final three minutes, but still long enough to have goose bumps watching the Kiwis and their brilliant World Cup victory. I also watched some great live rugby at the Rec in Bath for the first time in a couple of years. Sadly the final game I was interested couldn't keep up the winning streak and it was a painful loss for the Exeter Chiefs away against Saracens.
I'm back in full training but I still managed to make the most of the scheduled half day on Wednesday to nip up to London for a bit of glamour and fun. It was another photo shoot and yet again my fencing kit was requested, I suppose I can't complain too much as posing in a swimsuit isn't quite my thing and providing a horse could be a little inconvenient. Luckily there was a more glamorous shoot in a dress and heels after; I just hope they choose the right picture. With my hair and makeup looking flawless I made the most of this trip to the city and headed over to the Ritz to meet my friend for tea. I'd like to pretend this is a typical afternoon in London but I was given the tea voucher eighteen months ago, trying to book a slot at the prestigious hotel to fit in with my schedule is harder than you'd expect. However it was worth the wait even if only for the cucumber sandwiches.
Monday, 24 October 2011
It has begun; I'm now back into official training and this is it for 2012. After a few days enjoying training at home it was time to head back to the 'regime' in Bath. I have to admit I was quite excited and it felt a little like the first day of the school year, only instead of a new pencil case it was new trainers. The first week has flown by smoothly, helped by plenty of gossip to catch up on and the novelty of having a routine again; the next one might be slightly more painful.
If I had been lacking in motivation the charity dinner in Torquay I attended would have put paid to this. I was honoured to be a guest along side some legends from the world of athletics for an evening that was all about the Olympics. The excitement is already building even all the way down here in the South West.
I have realised that I've now been living - well on and off ' in my Bath flat for a whole year so maybe it's time to get a few things sorted. Having had my brand new TV for at least five months I think I should now establish how to turn it on, even if only to keep up to date with the (dare I admit it) X-factor chat on the Monday morning run. With winter fast approaching I'm researching new boilers as the current one has problems beyond the incompetence of its user. The rest is down to me, I've dug out the paintbrush again as it's time for those much overdue finishing touches.
Friday, 14 October 2011
It was my forth and final wedding this year, (well not mine personally) but this was by far the most important one! It was my little sister's big day and what a day it was. Several friends who've married recently insisted that things never go completely to plan but they obviously weren't as organised and thorough as Megan, it could not have been a smoother more perfect day. As a bridesmaid I really had only to stand and smile sweetly for photos, my dress was sorted, my hair put up professionally and for a change older relatives and friends didn't get Megan and I confused! The only part that didn't quite go to plan was due to my pure competitiveness; I was hoping after a few drinks a lack of coordination would 'help' but somehow I unfortunately caught the bouquet. It left my hands like a hot potato but apparently it was too late, I was spotted.
This was the final week of my end of season break and I couldn't have asked for a more fun packed finale. It included a visit to the big smoke for an utterly glamorous gold carpet event which gave me another opportunity to wear a designer frock, borrow some stunning diamonds courtesy of Michael Spiers jewellers, and yet again have professional hair and makeup. This was all in aid of raising money for TeamGB where guests paid generous amounts to have an Olympic athlete on their table, or maybe (and most likely for my table!) it was for the brilliant entertainment and awesome hosts.
The challenge came when I had to be back in Devon by ten o'clock the next morning for the second part of my sister's 'hen do'. Unfortunately it didn't end there, I had three hours of adrenaline fuelled 'tree surfing' to survive. It was the quietest 'hen' activity I've ever done, the fear teamed with concentration equalled a peaceful morning but once back on solid land the personalities and colour to everyone's faces rapidly returned.
So my life of the last few weeks might be about to get more serious but at the same time the life of my little sister's is hopefully going to get more exciting with the challenges of married life. Good luck and best wishes to the newly wed Mr and Mrs Harfoot!
