{"id":7603,"date":"2010-12-15T08:57:21","date_gmt":"2010-12-15T14:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/?p=7603"},"modified":"2010-12-15T08:57:21","modified_gmt":"2010-12-15T14:57:21","slug":"uspsa-handgun-nationals-%e2%80%93-getting-to-know-your-medalists-%e2%80%93-carina-randolph-3rd-place-limited","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/uspsa-handgun-nationals-%e2%80%93-getting-to-know-your-medalists-%e2%80%93-carina-randolph-3rd-place-limited\/7603\/","title":{"rendered":"USPSA Handgun Nationals \u2013 Getting To Know Your Medalists \u2013 Carina Randolph, 3rd Place Limited"},"content":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of our friends at the Women of USPSA blog<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>WoUSPSA:<\/strong> Carina, congratulations on your Top 3 finish at the Limited Nationals!\u00a0 What did you think of the stages at this year\u2019s Nationals? \u00a0Did you have a favorite?<\/p>\n

Carina:<\/strong> I thought the stages were well designed and a definite test of accuracy. \u00a0The props were fun and the stages all ran smoothly. \u00a0My favorite course of fire was Stage 17: Crossed Up and Out. \u00a0You needed to bring everything to that stage; the ability to switch gears between wide open and partial targets while moving between multiple positions and making a smoking-fast reload.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>That was a fast & furious stage! \u00a0What do you think of the range\/match location?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>I like visiting Las Vegas since there is so much to do. \u00a0The range layout is nice in that you\u2019re never really very far from your car should you need something. \u00a0Walking on the gravel while resetting the stages was more tiring than I anticipated.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>We seem to remember seeing your name on a few more match results this year. \u00a0When did you start training for the Nationals, and how much was range time compared to dry firing?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>This year I practiced more than in recent years. I have a group of local shooters I introduced to USPSA and as a result, I shot a lot more local matches since I was coaching them. \u00a0On my own I did a solid six weeks<\/strong> of practice before nationals. \u00a0I would live fire once a week, shoot a local match on the weekend, and dryfire nearly daily.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>Sounds like a good regimen! \u00a0Do you lift weights or do grip strengthening exercises to specifically build your muscles used in shooting? \u00a0What other kinds of physical training do you do?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>Like a lot of other shooters, I do CrossFit <\/strong>as a conditioning program. \u00a0Pull ups and Olympic weight lifts accomplish nearly all the grip strengthening I need. \u00a0To balance it out I also do Bikram yoga<\/strong>. \u00a0I have some previous hip and back injuries and the yoga keeps me in form for CrossFit, which in turn keeps me fit enough to be shooting at a competitive level.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>What a perfect cycle! \u00a0Now, you only shot the second match of the Back to Back. \u00a0Do you think there was any disadvantage compared to those who shot the first match?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>The only disadvantage I can think of is that I wasn\u2019t as familiar with the timing on the props (swingers, clam shells, etc) as those who shot both matches. \u00a0But then again, since the stages were changed around somewhat, it was probably only a small disadvantage.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>WoUSPSA: <\/strong>Based on your awesome 3rd place finish, we would have to agree with you! <\/strong>Your husband arrived for the last portion of the match. \u00a0Was it good to have him there, and did your performance change at all once he arrived?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>Our anniversary<\/strong> is in October and this year marked our 12th. It was nice having him along. \u00a0He carried my gear, which was great!<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>My performance did change somewhat. \u00a0My husband isn\u2019t a shooter, so sometimes I became distracted discussing other things when we were at the range and since I wasn\u2019t following my usual routines, I sometimes got out of sync.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA:<\/strong> Were you happy with your match performance?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>I\u2019m happy with my performance overall, but it wouldn\u2019t be honest if I didn\u2019t say I could have done better.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>Seems like many of us are saying the same \u2026 : ) <\/strong>Did you learn anything about yourself as a competitor at the match?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>I learned that I still get a bit spooked<\/strong> when equipment issues arise. \u00a0I found a problem with my pistol early on the last day long before our range time. I got lucky and got it fixed (thanks Gunner!). \u00a0I even got to function fire the gun. \u00a0But, it took at least two or three stages before I could shoot without any doubt.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>Equipment problems can certainly be distracting. <\/strong>To stay energized, what is your snack and beverage of choice on the range?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>I like the Emergen-C<\/strong> drink packets to mix with my water and Lara bars to snack on. \u00a0Sports goo is pretty awesome stuff too. \u00a0Oh, and I now have an addiction to wasabi roasted almonds <\/strong>– thanks to Athena Lee.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>That Athena is always causing trouble! \u00a0: ) <\/strong>Why do you think the participation is low for women in the iron sight divisions and what can we do to change that?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>I\u2019m not sure why the ladies aren\u2019t shooting iron sights as much as open. \u00a0Perhaps there\u2019s a misguided perception about needed size and strength to run them. \u00a0However, there are plenty of women who are small in stature that are exceptional shooters with iron sights. The only suggestion I could make to alter the situation is to encourage existing shooters to bring their women friends to the range and introduce them to the sport.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>Great suggestion! <\/strong>In other sports, top contenders compete together. \u00a0Do you feel that USPSA should require that established shooters and national champions shoot together or do you feel that competitors should always have the option to choose? What are the pros and cons of shooting with the ladies?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>I think competitors should have a choice. \u00a0If the goal is to encourage the best performance, then the shooter should be able to make that decision as to what conditions suit her best. \u00a0The pros and cons depend on your point of view I suppose. \u00a0It can be an advantage to see what your main competition is doing so you know what you need to accomplish. \u00a0Or, it could a disadvantage if that type of pressure affects you. \u00a0I like being on the ladies squad \u2013 we share ideas and discuss strategies. \u00a0It\u2019s a supportive environment to me.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>Was this your last major match of the year or do you still have more competitions on your schedule?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>This was my last major pistol match for the season. \u00a0Although, I\u2019m dipping my toe into the 3 gun pool and attending a couple of 3 gun matches thru December.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>WoUSPSA: <\/strong>We wish you the best with your multi-gun endeavors! <\/strong>With the match season rather lengthy, how do you typically unwind at the end of the season?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>I catch up on all the projects that need doing around the house\u2026although I hesitate to call that unwinding!<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>Totally understand that! <\/strong>What are your long-term competitive shooting goals?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>In all truth, my only long term goal is to remain competitive for as long as I can. \u00a0I am chasing shooters with serious skills that are more then just a few years my junior.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>If you weren\u2019t a competitive shooter, what do you think you would be doing?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>My husband is somewhat of a gear head and we\u2019ve taken a number of high speed driving classes <\/strong>together with his corvette. \u00a0I could see me doing drag races or gymkhana courses or something similar. \u00a0That and I would probably devote more time to martial arts. \u00a0But for the record, I\u2019ll always be a shooter with a day job.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>WoUSPSA: <\/strong>We\u2019re so glad you are \u2026\u00a0Do you have any special talents or skills that you would like to share with us?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>I don\u2019t know I\u2019m particularly skilled at it, but I like to cook. \u00a0When I roll out the range snacks I\u2019ve been told I\u2019m the \u201cbomb diggity.\u201d \u00a0I\u2019m also a closet handy[wo]man. So those tools better go back where you found them, dagnabit!<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>When you aren\u2019t on the road or at the range, what\u2019s one of your favorite activities to do when at home?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>Absolutely nothing \u2013 and then I rest afterwards! \u00a0My down time is limited. \u00a0I work part time and have a nine year old daughter with a huge variety of interests, so when I get the chance, I decompress with a book.<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>What advice would you give to any new shooters who are just starting out in our sport?<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>Learn your fundamentals<\/strong> because there really aren\u2019t any \u201cadvanced\u201d techniques \u2013 only advanced applications of basic techniques. \u00a0My favorite advice came from my coach, \u201cIt\u2019s all sight alignment and trigger press. \u00a0The rest is just there to challenge you.\u201d<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA: <\/strong>Can\u2019t go wrong with fundamentals \u2026 In closing, we want to wish you a\u00a0Happy [belated] 12th Anniversary! \u00a0How did you and your hubby celebrate your awesome finish at the USPSA Limited Nationals \/ Anniversary? (Remember, we\u2019re a G-rated web site) : )<\/p>\n

Carina: <\/strong>Thank you! \u00a0We went to one of the Cirque shows and since I love to dance, we went clubbing till the wee hours of the morning. \u00a0I was so tired that I feel asleep as the flight prepared for take off!<\/p>\n

WoUSPSA:<\/strong> Sounds like a great way to celebrate a bronze medal finish! \u00a0Thanks for interviewing with us, Carina and congratulations once again!<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s watch Carina as she smoothly and aggressively runs through a few stages at Nationals.<\/p>\n