It seems the rules for qualify for DIA, DII, and DIII have changed since last year and I'll need to go to the division qualifier if I want to fence DII and/or III so if I fenced Sunday, I'd be -- in Coach's words -- taking a risk for nothing.

So I decided to test my legs tonight instead and at the end of 10 minutes of fencing, my left knee felt sore. However, it was no more sore than it usually is during weight training and it didn't swell (thus far) so I'm cautiously optomistic.

Tonight was my first lesson -- actually a half lesson due to time -- in three months. [In addition to the knee problem, I slilghtly injured my right thumb ligament while fencing at Richmond and I was supposed to rest it for 6 weeks.]

I've completely forgotten how to do a circular parry 3 or 4. I'm gripping the sabre like a hammer. I'm also letting my right arm drift to the left and leave my right side unprotected.

And I couldn't do a parry 2 for anything.

I've got three months to prepare for SN. The most difficult thing I've got to remember to do in training is to NOT work hard.

The bladework will come back with practice and lessons. The footwork will have to come back at the pace of my knee's recovery and pushing hard will just make it take longer.