Morning all! Sitting here, dreading the cold day ahead, but excited and nervous about the classic.

I am not shooting at the level I wanted at this time, but also realizing I may not get there, so I will enjoy the ride and the process.

2 years ago I was signed up and shooting well, and the pinched nerve happened.

I was unable to support my bow with my left arm while drawing back. Those who know me well, know that i handle pain extremely well. Often to my detriment. This pain would take me to my knees, and it happened overnight.

This was November '22.

I had to withdrawal from the classic and was in personal hell due to the fact of the Dr. Believing it was cancer.

I wont rehash the whole story, cause many know it. But it was misdiagnosed. Or a miracle. But here is am.

I spent a season shooting left handed with some mild success, but was able to, through traction at home and pain management, able to get back to shooting right handed.

I was determined to make my appearance at this shoot and my goal was a podium in Virginia at nationals.

Now.... i am not in any way giving up.

But i am also allowing myself to understand it may not be possible.

Dr.s and PT told me to find another hobby/sport. Not in the cards.

I will do this thing I love, no matter what, until I cannot. Even though I am not scoring what I know i can/should be scoring at this point.

I pushed too hard and aggravated my injury, I changed some form aspects that also hurt a bit until I got used to it.

And then slipped at work on the slow and hurt my lower back (not bad) enough to make my shot process not "feel" right.

But i tell my students. If you want it, go for it, everything you have to the best of your ability!

You may not win the day.

But you will have won. You can't truly loose if you give a thing your all, and still love it.

You only loose if you quit.

Monday night basement practice felt great. Just blank bale. But shots felt clean and back felt great.

Kept it to 30 arrows just for the sake of not angering my personal mess....lol

Last night I made up a league score and came out of the gate with 3 x

45 arrows later ended on 3 x

First 7 rounds were great but for one bad shot. I sincerely don't even know why but I bumped my trigger and I just barely caught the 7

Second half started out just awful.

Fatigue and then the dull pain.

But pushed through and gathered things back together to finish strong.

The 4 8s in the second half prevented my score from breaking above my best.

But... there was positives.

Highest x count this season.

I say all this just hoping that if even 1 person, who gave up archery due to injury, picks up there bow to try again. It is worth rambling on for me.

So we will shoot the Cassic noon Friday, and we will see where the chips fall.

When I am done I will switch geats back to Parent/coach mode and watch My sidekick coach Kaitlyn shoot her qualifying round.

We will be down there most of the weekend, i am looking forward to that.

This post ended up way longer than I anticipated, so I'll say good bye for now.

Stay warm out there!