San Joaquin Shootist

The match was 7 stages on Friday and 5 on Saturday, Cowboy Action style. 2 sixguns, a lever gun and a scatter gun. 4 guns used on each stage, with a per stage round count of 24 to 28. I put in a lot of time dry firing at home and live firing at the range. The water and nutrition helped me to maintain my performance at the match. I do not eat Balance bars every day:) Shoot straight, SJS

Hi, Just a quick note to thank everyone who offered advice on the "maintaining energy thread". I shot a 2 day match over the 4th of July weekend with temps in the 100's. By drinking 100+ ozs of water each day and eating half a balance bar between each stage I felt as good after shooting each day as when I started. I also ate good meals, got plenty of rest and kept to a 2 beers an evening limit:) I finished 10th overall with 125 total competitors, first in my class. I was prepared and shot to my current skill level. Plenty of water and adequate nutrition works! Your pard, SJS

Hello again folks, Sam/Bonedaddy made this point in the thread on maintaining energy during a match. I think it deserves its own thread: Sam said: All of this dietary information is important. I like to go the high protien, low carb route. But, that's pretty much how I eat everyday, so it's easy. And I agree that hydration is an absolute must. But, here is something unrelated to nutrition that I've noticed about my own energy level. Earlier this month I got up at 2:00 am and drove 5 hours to shoot one of my favorite matches. I shot 8 stages between 8:00am and 4:00 pm. Then drove 5 hours back home. My legs were starting to get a little weary by the last stage, but my shooting was still spot-on. When I used to get all keyed up emotionally before and during a match, I would feel exhausted by mid-afternoon. I still get a little of the "first stage jitters", but nothing like I used to feel. For the last year or so, I just don't get all that concerned about trying to win. Winners are determined months in advance by their level of preparation. If you are fully prepared, you know exactly what you're capable of doing, and you just do it. No stress. No exhaustion. And it's way more fun! We are shooters of all ages and levels of physical condition. The one common denominator that could make even the most well nourished and well rested of us feel tired, is the adreanaline crash. I used to be a real adreanaline junkie. (My wife says I've reached 44 without having a mid-life crisis because I didn't stop doing crazy s#!t till after I was 40.) There aren't too many things that make your limbs feel as heavy and slow as the "crash" that follows the adreanaline shakes. I'm betting that this is the energy drain that alot of competitors have to deal with later on in a match. If you think this description fits you, then you might want to give some thought to when you care about winning. What I'm saying is this: If you care enough to prepare, and understand how prepared you are, you won't need to fret about anything come match day. And without the adreanaline stirring around in your system, you shouldn't feel any more tired than after a day out plinking in the gravel pit with your buddies. I think he has nailed it. By "trying to win" excess energy is used up. As opposed to being prepared to do your best and then "just doing it". Any how my annual match is Thur/Fri. I have dry fired almost every morning for 6 months, with live firing once a week, (all my schedule allows). My ammo is loaded. The guns are cleaned and oiled. So with hydration and proper nutrition I am prepared to do my best and enjoy it to the fullest:) Muchas gracias amigos, San Joaquin Shootist

Thank you folks, I appreciate your input:) All the suggestions sound good. I will definately increase my water and try some Balance bars. While reading all the posts, it has occured to me I have a fast metabolism. Probaly I am starving my body due to the increased exertion shooting stages and such. I shot IPSC/IDPA with local clubs before starting cowboy action. There are generaly more stages in cowboy, the stages take longer to complete and the posse's (squad's) move from stage to stage at a faster rate. I am probaly exerting myself just beyond what I am conditioned to. I bring water but seldom much to eat. food may be part of the answer. I will try the balance bars along with trail mix, jerky and perhaps some fresh fruit. I have a gun cart with a built in seat and umbrella (shade) so that part is covered. Thanks again, shoot staight and often, SJS

Howdy all, This is my first post since I started shooting SASS matches. I have been at SASS for a year or so and here is what I have noticed. Most of the matches have 5 or 6 stages and the pace is very fast, (no need to go down range to score and tape). Anyhow along about the 4th or 5th stage I begin to lose my focus. Also the adrenilane rush feels stronger after I have shot a stage. This is causing less than optimum performance on these stages. I am staying hydrated and as cool as possible. I suspect modifying my diet the day before and the morning of the match might help. What about supplements, would calcium and/or potasium possibly help? I know this is sort of specialized info but figured the folks here would or could help if anyone could:) By the way I am 45 years old, not over weight and in reasonably good shape. I live and compete in the San Joaquin Valley where it gets hot in the Summer. But the loss of energy seems to happen all year around. I have a 2 day match on the 3-4 of July so all help is appreciated. Your pard, SJS