Autumn Open 2009, Rathdrum

This match, as was hoped, was slightly better than last weekend. With a final score of 577 and a disappointing final of 99.4, it wasn't my best match ever, but it's getting back there. This week will see the arrival of a much anticipated and needed new jacket. One that will actually fit, as opposed to being more similar to a bin liner with some suede attached...

The prep before the match was grand as always, all it set up and good to go with no hastle. Getting down into position took a while, I couldn't get comfortable at all. There are some issues with my left elbow which need to be resolved and also some hand comfort issues. This is something that is difficult to resolve and there seems to be little information available on how to go about it. The general attitude seems to be HTFU and ignore it.

The final was possibly the most painful 10 shots I've ever taken, my hand was in bits, everything was tender, my thumb lost feeling... I struggled through it, pushing for good shots, which somehow came through. Until the last shot, which wound up as an 8.2, my only 8 of the day, it was going well. It looked good as well, which left me more confused. But how and ever.

The next step is training. I haven't worked out the specifics of what I'm doing as regards a PhD next year, but as soon as that comes in, sessions for prone, standing and kneeling will be penciled in, as well as the cycle, run and swim sessions for fitness. They'll probably be in the morning before work, and the shooting in the evenings. I'm thinking 5 a week for shooting, 2 each prone and standing, 1 kneeling. Session one of the grand plan will kick off this Thursday with the new jacket :) More on that later in the week!