
My last competition before Nationals, chosen specifically because it was a tough crowd in which I had no chance of success.
Well.. not NO chance. I did manage to hit a couple of B rated fencers a couple of times - the simple fact that I made them work is enough :) Due to the unusual number of participants, my first DE was fairly matched - I seeded 16th to his 17th and won by a touch, allowing me to do a 2nd DE... against the guy seeded 1st, a tall, leggy, and speedy teenage boy.
But, I got 2 touches on him too, so it wasn't total annihilation.
I was so wiped that I ended up sticking around to timekeep for a couple of bouts and watch the finals (2 tall, leggy teenage boys, natch) and I crashed very hard once I got home - 2 hour nap and I still have a headache that makes me feel like I've hit my head on something.
This would be less embarrassing if I didn't see one of the 60+ year old foil fencers finish his DEs and turn right around and suit up for the saber competition immediately following. Sure, this guy has 40+ years of experience on me and likely knows better how to pace himself but jeez... I am such a lightweight.