I think I’m reasonably fit. My pasty chicken legs go vaguely whizzy when on two wheels and have been known to break into an occasional canter when confronted with hilly green bits, but even I had to gulp when considering the sporting opportunities hitting Eastbourne this year.

The 2011 Beachy Head marathon takes place on October 22 and will provide arguably the most scenic 26-miler of the year and certainly the most gruelling.

We’re always full of runners and their families for the marathon weekend, drawn to our Eastbourne self catering and B&B accommodation by our sporting heritage and carbo-loading breakfasts, but even aware of the inevitable comeraderie over porridge in the dining room and the reviving hands of the masseur we offer our guests here, I just can’t quite find the dedication to fill in the application form.

I regularly run some of the course, with the finale a death-defying vertical mudslide onto the Eastbourne side of Beachy Head. I was amazed at the finish of last year’s event to see how everyone bombs down in a fit of enthusiasm over exhaustion. Whilst I simply look to tentatively traverse across in survival mode. The last time I tried anything resembling a  stright line down I hit a wet patch, over-compensated and went head-first into a roll, retrieving my composure with a commando roll straight back onto 2 feet and away again in a joyous vision of fluidity, to a gentle round of appause from the cafe at the base of the hill.

If challenging yourself amongst spectactular scenery is what makes you tick you might also want to consider Endurancelife. Their Coastal Trail Series showcases some of the most exhilarating sections of the UK coastline with the toughest trail running series on offer. The eighth leg, Sussex, takes place around Beachy Head and Birling gap on March 26 this year, with 10k, half- and full marathons available, but irrespective of length expect an undulating route, with expansive views and an unforgetable experience.

If two wheels are more your bag why not take a look at the Eastbourne Cyclosportive, taking place on May 22, with entry now open for three routes.

The Cyclosportive is part of the Eastbourne Cycling Festival, a weekend of cycling events based on the seafront. It won’t be all lycra and inappropriate shorts – family rides will also be available as well as the time trials and road racing.

So, some pretty hardcore action on offer. Stay at The Guesthouse East and get prepared – on a Wednesday night enjoy the regular running club night with The Running Inn (as well as this red-faced ginger author) or perhaps a Friday night Circuits session with (Iron) Mike Ovens – let’s not hear any excuses about not being ready for it…..

I need a run tonight to clear my head – good job Wednesday night means The Running Inn‘s weekly gathering of lycra and neon tops. Thankfully you can’t see my grotty shorts and manky trainers I’ve donned for the occasion.

It’s been a packed day; potato-mashing for the toddler’s fishcakes first thing, redesigning our website over brunch- see here for our new offering (week-long lets of swanky apartments next door) – and then a radio interview on Sovereign FM this afternoon after they heard about our Name Your Price promotion we ran last Friday. Phew.

So, if you fancy joining us for a canter around Beachy Head or the lawns along Eastbourne Promdenade or indeed need to find a luxury apartment for your gang of friends or family this summer you’d better give us a call on 01323 722774.

If you know you Latin from your Ballroom, your Cha Cha from your Tango, you’ll be keen to hear that two of Strictly Come Dancing’s top stars Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag are putting on a performance at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne this February.

If you missed the sell-out tour last year be quick to book now – and while you’re at it, book some handily-placed accommodation in Eastbourne, such as the suitably chic hotel Guesthouse East on Hartington Place. Double suites are only £70 per night mid-week in February so dust off the DJ and polish the patent leather. Check availability.

Chill wind, frost-bitten fingers, a precarious ledge and vertigo. A great combination. Hotelier life in Eastbourne with a Grade II-listed property is nothing if not rock ‘n roll – a spot of pointing above a window bay has been the crescendo of the morning after seamlessly adopting the roles of cleaner, financial analyst, website optimiser and bookeeper. And a nice sounding chap is on his way round to look at a suite so I’d better get my customer-facing head back on, dust myself down and look vaguely presentable.

Given that I must be on about 37p an hour (if I if I did the maths) I should make myself available for contracts – the minimum wage sounds VERY appealing…..

The Guesthouse East , the pioneering Eastbourne b&b,  has teamed up with English Vine Tours  to offer a weekend to remember in October.

The Guesthouse East, which offers chic but comfortable 4* accommodation, has won awards thanks to it’s innovative  approach (with luxurious self-catering facilities whilst offering the indulgence of bed and breakfast) provides the perfect setting from which to embark on a tour of some of southern England’s finest vineyards.

English Vine Tours is a unique, locally-based company providing local and national tours, offering the opportunity to walk through the vines, understand the inner workings of a winery and taste the wines in production. With over 20 years of experience in the wine trade English Vine Tours offers a blend of wine knowledge and experience to make your wine tour both enjoyable and informative.

A 2-night package starting on Friday 23rd October is from £129 per person, with accommodation at The Guesthouse East, with Saturday spent with tours and tasting at  2 vineyards, lunch (with a glass of wine), drop off, free gift and complimentary bottle of wine.

Ring Carl at The Guesthouse East on 01323 722774 for more details or to book.