Chez Salle Auriol

Back to Salle Auriol after watching the Winter Open fencing events. Boy do I have a long way to go. I missed the footwork portion of the night, but had the chance to fence a few more epeeists. I learned a few things from watching others at the winter open, and did a little better against some people that I had fenced before, but I still seem to be having the same weaknesses that I had before. As always, George gave me some pointers, and fencing with Anne Telles is always a pleasure - both are left handed by the way. George and I actually did some pentathlon bouts to try out the one touch thing. For a old guy, he sure has a lot of tricks...he ended up winning again. But at least I know where my opportunities are.

What a week!

Wow...I've had quite a busy week. So busy I didn't even have time to make any entries into this journal! I was housesitting for the Robbins through Thursday, so it took a little more planning to get everything done. Had the usual schedule, fencing at Salle Ariol on Monday, riding on Wednesday and Wallingford Fencing on Thursday. I took Tuesday and Friday off, just to catch up with myself a little. Tuesday was especially nice as I was able to enjoy the Robbins' house which is situated along Lake Washington. Nothing spectacularly different about my training during the week. I had some fun doing obstacles with Pet on Wednesday...he got a little excited several times and was ready to go up to gallop rather than a mere canter after going over the obstacles.

I did attend the Western Washington Division Winter Open fencing tournament here in Seattle. I got close to competing, but since this was my first time attending a fencing tournament of any kind, I decided not to compete so that I could learn about how the whole thing proceeds, watch how others warm up, learn about scoring...just soak it all in basically so that next time I can focus on my fencing. I scored for the mixed epee event, which was a great opportunity to watch others fence, including my coach, Greg. On Sunday, I scored a little for the women's epee event and also learned a lot.

To run or to ride...that is the question

Tonight I went to watch some competitive runners, including some Olympic contenders, train at Greenlake with Wendy. I did get some pointers on form from Wendy on a few of the runners, but most of the group had decided to run around the lake rather than the track so I didn't get to see a whole lot of styles. BUT...I did run into Mike Jones, a fellow that Allen at Salle Auriol had suggested I get in contact with regarding pentathlon since Mike had competed in the event in the past, is in the area and might be willing to be a resource/mentor. What a great surprise to run into Mike here. I plan on getting together with him to get some his wisdom about the event and hopefully a little coaching here and there. Since the runners meet on Wednesday, I may look into changing my riding schedule around a bit to accommodate doing some training with the group...and Mike.

An eye for epee

Back to Salle Auriol. Weren't too many people around as most are still off at a competition over the weekend in South Bend. So I watched Allen, one of the maitres at Salle Auriol, teach an epee lesson. I learn a lot from doing this and was able to get some good visuals and new attack sequences. I then fenced George for a while. For an older gentleman, he sure does fence pretty good and he has a lot of great advice. Next I fenced John who definitely had some new moves and a lot of experience. I also watched Johns epee lesson with Allen and learned quite a bit more. I think this will help me get an eye for watching other fencers, as well as material to improve my own fencing.

Wise Wendy at Salle Auriol

I officially joined Salle Auriol tonight. For now I'll fence there one night a week and one night a week at Wallingford. Salle Auriol has an epee group that meets on Sundays, so I'll try to start attending that session as well. I fenced several new people tonight...well at least new for me. The first was an "A" fencer that's been fencing for over 10 years. I got several touches, but more importantly got some good advice and he commented on my good footwork after we were done. Wendy (my running and swimming coach) came to watch me fence and had some really good advice regarding balance and made some comments on what she saw as 'my strategy' and how I could improve upon it. For not having a fencing background, her comments were right on target; she noticed many of the issues I had been working on with Garik the previous Thursday. She also echoed some comments that Dr. Goodwin made about the psychology of competition. The second fellow was also a well seasoned epeeist. I put Wendy's comments, and a few from Garik, into action and actually did quite well with several well placed touches, while staying relaxed but responsive. I can tell Wendy is going to be great for all around cross-coaching. I'm scheduled to start some running, swimming and shooting coaching with Wendy next week.