It’s 2314 and I’m sitting here feeling frustrated. Frustrated because I can’t do my upper body session tomorrow at the gym.

The weeks between January and Lent were always going to be relaxed. In January, I didn’t drink and dieted. In Lent I will do the same but harder. I’ve had a couple of drinks in February, but I’ve maintained everything else - more or less. But I didn’t expect a setback.

Last week, I went to London to meet colleagues for dinner. It was a wet day and there was water everywhere. On the way to the tube station, I slipped on the escalator. For a millisecond I was completely airborne. I landed on my left arm and legs, just above the ankles. Then I realised I was approaching the end of the escalator, so I pulled myself up swiftly using my left arm. A gentleman informed me “it happens, don’t worry” and handed my water bottle back to me from the floor.

Immediately I felt grazed. My right arm and legs met the metal escalator. But having got on the tube and back to the rail station, I decided this fall warranted an extra mini bottle of wine. All felt normal at this stage.

Then I woke up in the morning. There were no bruises or grazes, but my left arm felt very strained. I would like to say it was from working out but it wasn’t. It must have been from the quick action to get upright on the escalator.

And today, almost a week later it is still sore. Yesterday, I popped into the minor injury unit, only to be scolded for not going to my GP. The nurse checked a few things out, informed me that it wasn’t broken and told me to take pain killers. Next time I will apply the leeches at home. When you get to my age, the next fall could be the last one… A bit of sympathy would have been nice.

Anyway, it means I can train my legs but not my upper body. And I’m frustrated because I’m making progress. This weekend I’m going on holiday. When I get back, I hope my arm is back in condition. Also, when I’m back, I will be eating only one meal a day for Lent. Hopefully all will be well!