{"id":6244,"date":"2010-10-03T12:29:35","date_gmt":"2010-10-03T17:29:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/?p=6244"},"modified":"2010-10-03T12:29:35","modified_gmt":"2010-10-03T17:29:35","slug":"road-to-the-nationals-ask-the-champs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/road-to-the-nationals-ask-the-champs\/6244\/","title":{"rendered":"Road To The Nationals: Ask The Champs"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

We are continuing our celebration of Women of USPSA\u2019s one year anniversary with our Road to the Handgun Nationals coverage.\u00a0 For our second and\u00a0final post of the series, we asked a few questions of the mighty women who won our Area and National Championships in 2010.\u00a0 We were very entertained with so many of their responses that we wanted to share them with all you. Their answers are randomly arranged, as it was after 8:00 p.m. when this was compiled!\u00a0 Enjoy!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>ASK THE CHAMPS*<\/strong><\/p>\n

Women of USPSA:<\/strong> What\u2019s your favorite meal before a major match?
\nRhonda –<\/strong> Medium rare ribeye with a baked sweet potato and a salad w\/blue cheese dressing.\u00a0 And an ice cold beer.\u00a0 : )
\nJennifer<\/strong> \u2013 Waffles, fruit, nuts and apple juice.
\nSharon<\/strong> \u2013 I like to eat protein, and coffee for a little kick.
\nCarrie<\/strong> \u2013 Cereal and a bagel with peanut butter.
\nAthena<\/strong> –\u00a0Steak (nicely marbled rib-eye, if possible), \u00a0lots of veggies and avocado =)
\nMaggie<\/strong> \u2013 A sausage McMuffin from McDonald\u2019s.\u00a0 I\u2019m not really a breakfast person, so we just grab something quick on the way to the range.
\nMegan<\/strong>–\u00a0I don\u2019t really have a favorite, but we often wind up at a steakhouse\u2026steak is always good!
\nCarina<\/strong> \u2013 Seeing as how no match I\u2019ve attended this year has been under 100 degrees, I\u2019d have to say,\u201cSomething salty!\u201d \u00a0I have no real favorite meal per se. \u00a0Generally for dinner the night before, I eat some sort of meat flavored food, veggies, and drink lots of water. \u00a0The last meal before a match is breakfast and I\u2019m not a breakfast person, especially if the day starts early. \u00a0I will almost always pack my mini blender, a can of coconut milk, and a container of protein powder. \u00a0I add what ever fresh fruit I can find, make it into a shake, and then I\u2019m ready for the range.
\nRebecca<\/strong> –\u00a0Nothing favorite\u00a0in particular, but I always try to eat something light and healthy and make sure I\u2019m well hydrated.
\nDebbie<\/strong> \u2013 My favorite breakfast before the match would be peanut butter on an english muffin.\u00a0 If you meant dinner, anything from Outback or Italian!
\nJulie<\/strong> \u2013 My rule when I travel is that I have to eat something that is green or swims. \u00a0If I am lucky, I have both!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Women of USPSA:<\/strong> Do you have a good luck charm you take to the range with you?
\nMaggie<\/strong> \u2013 Yes!\u00a0 My boyfriend, Mike!\u00a0 He knows everything about everything about everything when it comes to shooting, helps me get ready, always has the best advice, and is super supportive.
\nCarrie<\/strong> \u2013 Not really \u2026 surprisingly.
\nSharon<\/strong> \u2013 I won a Smith & Wesson hat that I have worn for every match.
\nRhonda<\/strong> \u2013 I am in serious need of a new good luck charm \u2013 until I find a new one, I can\u2019t help but keep wearing a really distressed-looking (PC for \u201cdisgusting\u201d), used-to-be-black hat that just fits me perfectly!
\nJulie<\/strong> \u2013 I wear a locket with a picture of my husband and daughter.
\nAthena<\/strong> \u2013 No good luck charm.
\nMegan<\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s not really a good luck charm, but I do like to wear my \u201cphiten\u201d Hello Kitty necklace.
\nJennifer<\/strong> \u2013 My husband!
\nDebbie<\/strong> \u2013 Used to have a good luck charm, now I figure the best thing to have is AMMO!
\nRebecca<\/strong> –\u00a0My boyfriend is always somewhere close by on the range.\u00a0 : )
\nCarina<\/strong> \u2013 Does my gun count as a good luck charm?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Women of USPSA:<\/strong> What do you like most about competing?
\nSharon<\/strong> \u2013 The shooting is my favorite part, but I enjoy spending time with all the other shooters. \u00a0I have never in my life met another group of people that encourage you in one breath, and then make fun of you in the next!
\nJennifer<\/strong> \u2013 Competing forces me to keep getting better \u2013 besides, it\u2019s just fun!
\nRhonda<\/strong> \u2013 Even though we are all competing against each other, I just love the camaraderie that I find on the range \u2013 even your biggest \u201crival\u201d will bend over backwards to help you!\u00a0 Other than that, I get a rush from competing and doing well that I can\u2019t find anywhere else.
\nMaggie<\/strong> \u2013 The feeling of accomplishment I get when things go right.
\nCarina<\/strong> \u2013 I like the mental stillness that happens when the buzzer goes off. \u00a0My conscious mind is only observing, along for the ride if you will. \u00a0It\u2019s like meditation \u2013 except louder, and with firearms.
\nAthena<\/strong> –\u00a0What I love most about competing is the thrill of knowing you are shooting against people within similar skill levels as yourself and that you have to be at the top of your game to win it. The rush is incomparable to anything.
\nMegan<\/strong> –\u00a0I like the people and the sense of accomplishment you get from successfully shooting a stage \u2013 or better yet, the whole match! \u00a0It is pretty cool to look back and see the improvements that have been made over the years.
\nDebbie<\/strong> \u2013 The best part about competing, besides the socializing, is that feeling when everything comes together on a run and it feels effortless!
\nJulie<\/strong> \u2013 I love the thrill of facing a challenge and giving 100%. \u00a0Tackling a stage and performing my best is such a rush!
\nRebecca<\/strong> –\u00a0I like that I can learn something new at every match about my shooting abilities.\u00a0 I also always enjoy the camaraderie.
\nCarrie<\/strong> \u2013 Feeling good about running a stage smoothly and the way I wanted, and yet still knowing I could have done better.
\n
\n<\/strong>\"\"<\/a>Women of USPSA<\/strong>:\u00a0 Other than the obvious shooting gear, what\u2019s the one thing you make sure you have in your shooting bag when you go to a major match?
\nRebecca<\/strong> –\u00a0I try to stuff my bag full of positive energy before every match! : )
\nJulie<\/strong> \u2013 Band-aids! \u00a0Oh, and I always try to have a camera of some sort with me.
\nDebbie<\/strong> \u2013 Pro Grip!
\nJennifer<\/strong> \u2013 Wet wipes and kleenex.
\nSharon<\/strong> \u2013 Protein and water. \u00a0I have crashed at a couple matches. \u00a0Keeping the blood sugar level helps for the best match.
\nCarrie<\/strong> –\u00a0A hand towel\u2026.usually \u201cborrowed\u201d from the hotel.
\nRhonda<\/strong> \u2013 Sugar free gum!
\nCarina<\/strong> \u2013 Fitted spare parts\u2026almost everything else another shooter would be happy to loan you.
\nAthena<\/strong> –\u00a0Food and water and pro-grip (not mixed together, of course).
\nMegan<\/strong> –\u00a0My i-pod\u2026.I never go to a major match without it. It keeps me sane. : )
\nMaggie<\/strong> \u2013 Sunscreen and chapstick!\u00a0 It\u2019s usually hot and dry at the range.\u00a0 Oops\u2026that was two\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Women of USPSA:<\/strong> Do you have a pre-stage ritual that you go through?
\nSharon <\/strong>– I close my eyes, and visualize me shooting the whole stage. \u00a0Feet placement and everything. Last thing I think is all A\u2019s or all 0\u2032s, and let my body take over what I have programed it to do.
\nCarina<\/strong> \u2013 After my last walk thru, I visualize the stage again.\u00a0 I\u2019ll always take a deep breath and consciously relax.
\nMegan<\/strong> –\u00a0I always go through the stage in my head, making sure I know where the targets are. If I mess it up while doing it in my head, I do it again until I get it right.
\nJulie<\/strong> \u2013 I check all my mags to makes sure they are loaded. \u00a0When I walk through the stage I pay close attention to tough shots or position work. \u00a0I never run through the stage at full speed. For me, my walk through is my chance to program myself. \u00a0\u00a0I commit to the plan then I go through it one or two times in my head before I load and make ready.
\nDebbie<\/strong> \u2013 I do my mental run through including plan A and B \u2026 Mentally I say \u201cfront sight, left hand \u2013\u00a0 front sight, left hand\u201d.
\nCarrie<\/strong> –\u00a0When I get to the line I just like to load up and go. \u00a0I\u2019ll walk through the stage in my head as the shooter before me goes.
\nJennifer<\/strong> \u2013 My husband and I always tell the one who is up to shoot \u201crun fast, shoot well, don\u2019t miss\u201d.
\nMaggie<\/strong> \u2013 I like to walk off by myself when I\u2019m the on-deck shooter, collect my thoughts and focus.
\nRebecca<\/strong> –\u00a0I walk through and evaluate each stage and look for any areas in the stage that I may need to pay special attention to.\u00a0 I always go through my plan\u00a0in my head one more time just before \u201cshooter ready\u201d.
\nRhonda<\/strong> \u2013 Depending on the complexity, I\u2019ll run through the stage in my head several times, even counting steps and working on foot placement as I\u2019m going
\ndownrange to tape\/reset \u2013 then I just try to relax.
\nAthena<\/strong> –\u00a0I walk through the stage in my head one last time. Dot on, holster unlocked.\u00a0 About 10x (Can you say OCD?)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Women of USPSA:<\/strong> What are you thinking when the RO says \u201cshooter ready?\u201d?
\nCarina<\/strong> \u2013 I\u2019m not thinking at that point\u2026or at least I shouldn\u2019t be. \u00a0As a friend of mine says, \u201cIf I\u2019m thinking, I\u2019m stinking!\u201d \u00a0I do my best when auto-pilot is engaged.
\nMaggie<\/strong> \u2013 I try to clear my mind of all the nervous and negative energy and think of something positive before the buzzer goes off.
\nSharon<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cBe like Julie\u201d.
\nRebecca<\/strong> \u2013 I concentrate on breathing.
\nCarrie<\/strong> –\u00a0 \u201cFront sight, front sight\u201d
\nJennifer<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cPlease don\u2019t let me hit the no-shoot\u201d.
\nRhonda<\/strong> \u2013 Breathe, drop shoulders, relax\u2026
\nJulie<\/strong> \u2013 I clear everything out of my mind and focus on listening to the first tone of the start signal.
\nAthena<\/strong> –\u00a0\u201dJust focus on the dot\u201d.
\nMegan<\/strong> –\u00a0Relax, just shoot my game plan \u2013 I always try to remind myself that.
\nDebbie<\/strong> –\u00a0\u201dI wonder if there\u2019s Pro Grip on my butt?\u201d\u00a0 Just kidding, I\u2019m thinking \u201cleft hand\u201d.<\/p>\n

Women of USPSA:<\/strong> Are you competing at this year\u2019s handgun nationals? If so, what division(s)?
\nMegan<\/strong> \u2013 Open
\nRebecca<\/strong> \u2013 Open
\nAthena<\/strong> \u2013 Open
\nMaggie<\/strong> \u2013 Open & Limited
\nDebbie<\/strong> \u2013 Limited
\nCarina<\/strong> \u2013 Limited
\nJulie<\/strong> \u2013 Revolver<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Women of USPSA:<\/strong> If you are attending, what are your expectations for this year\u2019s match?
\nMaggie<\/strong> \u2013 I expect to be challenged!\u00a0 I go to every match to compete against myself.\u00a0 My goal is always to shoot to my fullest potential and find areas for improvement.
\nRebecca<\/strong> \u2013 Just to shoot to the best of my ability.
\nMegan<\/strong>– I expect to remain focused, execute the stages as I planned, and have fun. If I am able to do this, then I have been successful!
\nAthena<\/strong> –\u00a0Stars aligning, lots of A\u2019s, executing planned choreography! In a nutshell, I know that if I make very few errors, I know I can finish decently overall.<\/p>\n

Women of USPSA:<\/strong> If attending, what are you most looking forward to at Nationals?
\nJulie<\/strong> \u2013 I love seeing friends, meeting new people and the intensity of competition that the USPSA Nationals always brings. \u00a0Most of all though, I am really excited to tackle a new division and doing LOTS of reloads!
\nDebbie<\/strong> –\u00a0I am most looking forward to shooting my new gun under my new sponsorship!!\u00a0 Cameron\u2019s Custom Guns\/STI !!
\nCarina<\/strong> \u2013 I\u2019m looking forward to catching up with all the other lady shooters. \u00a0We always have big fun together. \u00a0Also, my husband will fly out at the end of the match and we\u2019ll be celebrating our 12th anniversary in Vegas. \u00a0Then I\u2019ll be aiming to misbehave!<\/p>\n

In closing our Second Annual Edition of Road to the Nationals coverage, we want to thank our fellow \/ sister Women of USPSA and friends for their support.\u00a0 We are extremely\u00a0pleased with what we\u2019ve been able to accomplish in the last 12 months and\u00a0 are also very grateful for the assistance that we have received from contributors, both male and female.\u00a0 We couldn\u2019t honor the Women of USPSA without your help!<\/p>\n

The USPSA back-to-back Handgun Nationals begin in less than a week. We know this is an extremely busy time of the year, so we want to especially thank the women who were able to respond to our \u201cRoad to the Nationals\u201d questionnaire.\u00a0 Best of luck to our current Area and National Champions, as well as to ALL other shooters headed to\u00a0Vegas next week!\u00a0 DVC!<\/p>\n

*Ask The Champs Contributors: \u00a0 Sharon Burwell, Carrie Carlson, Megan Francisco, Julie Golob, Rebecca Jones, Debbie Keehart, Athena Lee, Jennifer Messerschmidt, Carina Randolph, Maggie Reese and Rhonda Stonacker<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We are continuing our celebration of Women of USPSA\u2019s one year anniversary with our Road to the Handgun Nationals coverage.\u00a0 For our second and\u00a0final post of the series, we asked a few questions of the mighty women who won our Area and National Championships in 2010.\u00a0 We were very entertained with so many of their […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1,9,6],"tags":[1116,843],"class_list":["post-6244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-paul-erhardt","category-uspsa","tag-2010-uspsa-nationals","tag-women-of-uspsa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6244"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6244\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6253"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}