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

I HAVE just experienced another example of what I call city neighbours. Previously I have mentioned the bizarre correlation that the closer your neighbours are in location, the less you seem to know them. This still baffles me but it has been proved true yet again.

At home (in Devon) we know our neighbours reasonably well — on first name terms at least — and the closest are a few minutes' walk away. In Bath I say hello when I see them but do not actually know the names of the couple that live in the flat below.

On a completely different subject after a full weekend of competing in the final Team GB modern pentathlon selection trials I treated myself to a meal out with a friend. Needing to replenish the carbohydrates I headed to the local Italian restaurant. It hadn't even occurred to me but that should have been a great choice after the surprising rugby result that day when Italy beat France 23-18.

It turns out the two waiters and the barman were French as well as being rugby supporters; thankfully the owner and chefs were Italian! As a result we had great food and some fun banter with the waiter, apparently it was just a one off and France will be back.

Times readers can be updated on what Heather is up to via?her social networking site twitter:heatherfellnews