Saturday 5 December 2009

NAC - Day 1

I am in Pittsburgh this weekend for two fencing competitions.

This afternoon was the NAC (North American Cup) for Veteran Sabre for those 50-59 years old. Finally after a month full of tournaments against fast university types, I get to play with kids my own age.

The day started with my lame (metallic jacket) failed the equipment check so off I went to get a new one. Usually they run $200 or more. I got lucky, though, as the first vendor I checked had their jackets marked down from $150 to just $100. Gabby, who fences foil at my club Bladeworks and is in Pittsburgh for the 60-69 foil event, happened by with his wife, Rifka. Seems they know the owners. Not surprising as Gabby knows everyone.

Rifka helped my with the sizing and I came away with a shiny new lame ... oh, and a new sabre. Couldn't turn it down as it was so light and well-balanced. It was only $50 too so I saved big on it. Gabby, Rifka and I had our picture taken (below) and off I went to have it tested and get my name stenciled on.

The lettering takes about an hour so I grabbed a bite to eat, went back to pick up the lame and there it was:

Jones
USA

Huh!!!

Sorry, that should be CAN for Canada. He was good about it and bought me another lame. Thank goodness they still had one left my size and put a rush on the lettering. It was ready about 10 minutes before the start.

I did not have a great day on the piste. Teena says I am too hard on myself but today I felt I should have done much better than placing 17th place out of 24 fencers. I did not feel aggressive but that will change tomorrow. My friend, Vince, was watching me and said that I am thinking too much instead of acting.

He is quite right. I am trying to figure out my opponent's game and not playing my own. Tomorrow morning that will change. A new and improved Gord will be hitting the piste for the 40 and over event.

I'm looking for that good day that has been avoiding me since the Commonwealths. Tomorrow I hope will be it.

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