Deep end (TT column 29.07.13)

Listening to my radio Devon "legacy" pieces last week it would be understandable if you were left still wanting more evidence on what the London Olympics have done for us. There have been numerous local and national reviews carried out for the first anniversary and all seem to have different conclusions. I want to believe London 2012 has inspired our nation, but the only thing I can be sure of is that it's inspired me. As a multi sport athlete I'm used to training for many different sports and from previous columns you'll be aware of my recent introduction to road cycling. Obviously as an athlete I'm competitive so it's only natural to be interested in the world of cycle racing, although it appears to not be as straight forward as I might have first thought. I'm used to running races where you purely enter through your club, turn up and run as hard as you can, that's not quite so for cycling. Resisting jumping in at the deep end I actually watched a local road race at Brentor on Sunday, although I'm not sure that has necessarily encouraged me.
Last week, all in the name of charity I was left without a choice and had to jump straight into the deep end with a different sport. I'm using the word "sport" rather loosely as my performance on the cricket pitch was more likened to a comedy sketch. This was the first time I'd ever held a cricket bat or "thrown" a cricket ball - yes my attempts at bowling were more successful when I resorted to throwing as opposed to bowling. The only previous involvement I'd had in cricket was sitting in the stands drinking Pimms and basking in the sunshine; I'll now be watching the next match of the Ashes series with a new found interest and respect.