Well I made it back from my trip this weekend and I have to say thanks for not drinking all my beer... you guys are the best! 
The tournament went well. It was a two day event, with things starting early on Saturday. I stayed at a friend's house about an hour from the event, so I had to get up at 5:20am in order to leave the house by 6am. Registration closed at 8am, meaning if you're not there, too bad. I arrived at 7:30 and took care of all the checking-in process. Then I warmed-up and waited for bouts to begin. I did horrible. I think I did worse than I have in years on Saturday. I lost every bout but one in the seeding round, and then got sent straight home in the direct elimination. But trying to be positive about the whole thing, I can say that at least I know what not to do next time. And I was able to work on my overall game. but whatever...
Sunday was a different story. I woke up sore (lunges make the legs and butt hurt!) but not too stiff. Again I made the drive early but I had company this time. My friend decided to go with me. We got to the venue and I noticed the parking lot was empty. So I rush in to check the schedule. Apparently the next day started later than the previous, so I got up at 5am for nothing. We got back in the car and found an IHOP where I proceeded to fill myself with french toast and bacon. When we returned to the site, I was a little full, but not too bad. Having some food in your system helps when preparing for a long day of fencing, which went really well this time. Different weapon and set of rules from the day before. So I made good in the seeding round, then beat my first guy in DE's. Then I had to fence a guy who was on the same skill level as me. We fought it out for almost the enitre 9 minute time limit. The first one to 15 wins the bout and we were tied 14 - 14 with just a few seconds left. I came in, trying to provoke a reaction so I could attack, but instead he charged all out and caught me off-guard. He ended up winning the bout but I have to admit it was the best match of the day for me. Afterwards I congratulated him and thanked him for the great bout. Sometimes it's not about winning but getting your money's worth from the day and I felt good about the loss. I put everything out there and so did he. It's times like that which make me look forward to my next tournament.
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And what the hell is up with January being a month of weddings? I have two friends getting married this month. One has occurred last week and another is going on this weekend, so more travels for me. The good news is that I get free food and booze (oh yeah, and I get to see a good friend celebrate the beginning of his new life). Champagne for everyone!!!
The tournament went well. It was a two day event, with things starting early on Saturday. I stayed at a friend's house about an hour from the event, so I had to get up at 5:20am in order to leave the house by 6am. Registration closed at 8am, meaning if you're not there, too bad. I arrived at 7:30 and took care of all the checking-in process. Then I warmed-up and waited for bouts to begin. I did horrible. I think I did worse than I have in years on Saturday. I lost every bout but one in the seeding round, and then got sent straight home in the direct elimination. But trying to be positive about the whole thing, I can say that at least I know what not to do next time. And I was able to work on my overall game. but whatever...
Sunday was a different story. I woke up sore (lunges make the legs and butt hurt!) but not too stiff. Again I made the drive early but I had company this time. My friend decided to go with me. We got to the venue and I noticed the parking lot was empty. So I rush in to check the schedule. Apparently the next day started later than the previous, so I got up at 5am for nothing. We got back in the car and found an IHOP where I proceeded to fill myself with french toast and bacon. When we returned to the site, I was a little full, but not too bad. Having some food in your system helps when preparing for a long day of fencing, which went really well this time. Different weapon and set of rules from the day before. So I made good in the seeding round, then beat my first guy in DE's. Then I had to fence a guy who was on the same skill level as me. We fought it out for almost the enitre 9 minute time limit. The first one to 15 wins the bout and we were tied 14 - 14 with just a few seconds left. I came in, trying to provoke a reaction so I could attack, but instead he charged all out and caught me off-guard. He ended up winning the bout but I have to admit it was the best match of the day for me. Afterwards I congratulated him and thanked him for the great bout. Sometimes it's not about winning but getting your money's worth from the day and I felt good about the loss. I put everything out there and so did he. It's times like that which make me look forward to my next tournament.
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And what the hell is up with January being a month of weddings? I have two friends getting married this month. One has occurred last week and another is going on this weekend, so more travels for me. The good news is that I get free food and booze (oh yeah, and I get to see a good friend celebrate the beginning of his new life). Champagne for everyone!!!
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Wanna join me?
Sorry to hear your tourney didn't go so hot, but you have a very positive perspective on it. It really is about the journey, not the tourney. Sorry, couldn't pass that up. I mean it's often about the experience, not the outcome.