A small change in direction...

It has been a little while since I last posted in my blog. There has been a lot of fencing since then. As always I have been coaching, I have taken lessons from my wonderful coach and I have also been competing. 


Although my results at competitions have improved considerably since I was last competing I am finding myself getting more and more frustrated each time I get knocked out at a competition. There has been a definite shift in my mentality from "Well at least I fenced well and got knocked out by a good fencer" to "I should have beat her or I should have done better in the poules to get a better draw" etc. My ambition cannot be satisfied by doing my best anymore unless my best gets me a medal. This frustration has pushed me to finally do something to improve. 


I have been taking lessons for just over 3 years now and of course I have seen improvement. According to my coach I am technically very proficient but knowing I should be able to beat someone tactically and not actually managing to win every fight is not any less annoying.  

Stamina, speed and strength are now the attributes I have to acquire. I am not sure exactly what eventually gave me the kick up the backside I needed but I am making an effort to train every day and complete a daily workout routine. The difference in my fencing and even in my appearance is noticeable. 

This increased level of fitness poses a new question for me if I continue to work on the physical aspect of fencing. How far do I want to take my own fencing? 

For now lets just see what I can achieve and I guess time will tell. Look out for me on the competition leaderboards. Signing off for now.

Laura