Meadering Thoughs on September Crown

Heading to Crown solo was both a beautiful and terrible experience for me.

The veil was pulled back for me this event, and the weight of what a peerage is, does, and represents struck home more than it ever had previously.  I saw the expectations.  In a single moment it felt like the world turned its eye to focus on me, and said "Yes, continue."
For the first time ever I fought for someone else besides my significant other and I felt much more self conscience about my fights and actions because of it.  I had a wonderful time, but it had a distinctively different feel to it.  I see why some fighters opt out of fighting in larger tournaments when their partners are not present.  When the heart strives hard to achieve greatness and pride, it's difficult to muster the drive for another person when your love is tucked so neatly against your bosom.

The intensity and frequency of fighting was high, as can be expected at Crown level events.  I took greater lengths to take care of myself over the course of the weekend, since no one else was going to, and discovered that lovely balance between food/hydration I needed to keep myself going.  I forced myself to slow down and pace, as well as managed my mind set better to handle fighting that spanned the course of a day.  


Fighting Notes from the event:

Better and more active returns that combine a sweeping defense with movement to prevent my sword from getting tangled up.

How to create space when on my knees.

Stepping into blows to cut the striking distance. Choosing the correct direction.

Better gear checks before events:  helmet strap broke, the leather was weak. Fixed on site with much thanks to Sir Davin.

Field Presence, turn it on sooner.