Well what a blow for the oldies. Good old Francesca Schiavone – winning the French Open and getting everyone talking about a victory for the mature sportsman and woman…..she’s only 29. Okay she will turn 30 during this year’s Wimbledon, but even so, a veteran at 29……please…..that must make me……okay never mind. But Schiavone’s win was terrific and underlined the value of persistence and determination, something that a host of young British tennis players could certainly learn from.

Now as a sports nut, I absolutely love this time of year, because I regard the French Open as the gateway to the summer of sport. There’s the tennis at Queen’s and Royal Ascot this week, which inevitably means Wimbledon is just around the corner. A fortnight of strawberries, rain and British under-achievement. Lovely. After that the British Grand Prix and The Open take centre stage and all of this running alongside the World Cup. My sporting cup runneth over, indeed to such an extent that actually doing any sport may be tricky.

But fear not my friends. I shall still be heaving myself into lycra and keeping as fit as the proverbial flea. I have of course been running again, but the last few days have been slightly frustrating due to a hamstring strain sustained while gardening…….yes gardening….. So while I have been chomping at the bit to get out and run like the wind…..or more of a gentle breeze perhaps, I just haven’t been able to. Poo. Still I think I may attempt a gentle jog tomorrow...hamstring permitting of course. I fear though it could be the onset of my more…. hmmmm…….mature years, which is finally taking its toll. I have certainly never had as many injuries before.

But at least I am still doing my bit by pottering around in my new Fitflops. No, I am not promoting them I promise. I just bought myself a couple of pairs last week on a whim, mainly because they promised to make me thinner simply by wearing them. Now I need all the help I can get in the legs and bum department, so the notion of wearing some shoes that will give me a 10% greater chance of burning more calories and removing cellulite, well I jumped at the chance. A workout while you walk - now that is my cup of tea. Also on a totally shallow point, they have a slight wedge heel which gives you that bit of extra height to make you look even slimmer. Bingo. Happy days. Sporty yet glamorous…..blimey that could be me………(that was definitely a joke by the way)….have a great week!