Back into the fray

[Pinky]

I have had to stop fencing for about 3 months due to work and personal reasons. Now that I have gotten my life back into some semblence of normality, I find I am anxious about re-starting fencing. I had been fencing for 4 years and went to competitions regularly. My last time fencing was at a tournament where I took 5th place and qualified for Nationals in Div 2 and 3 so I was at a reasonable level of skill. I feel anxious about starting over because of time away..what if I have lost it all? I feel anxious about facing my coach...does he think I don't have an appropriate level of committment? I feel...weird. Has anyone had to drop out of the action, say due to injury, etc., and experienced anxiety when they wanted to re-start? I don't mean win-lose anxiety. I just can't put a finger on this feeling. I find myself wanting to put off heading to the salle. I love this sport. I love the thrill of competition. So what is going on? Any takers?

[tinasam]

I cant help you. But Wanted to say Glad that you came back to the sport.

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I fence, therefore I am...


In My World You Can Slay Dragons Before Breakfast

[swordsen]

don't worry about it. It is a normal feeling and you'll get ove it quickly. You'll be surprised at how little you will have lost with that short a layoff.
the coach issue is another thing. There are coaches out there who view it as a personal afront if you stop fencing for some reason and are not very reasonable about it. Hopefully you won't have someone like that.

[Shadow Fencer]

Pinky,
Enjoy fencing at your own pace. 3 months off isn't that bad... well, in my case, I was out of the sport for 22 years, returned to it last October and fenced my first competition this past January and didn't do too badly!

As Foil Girl says, you've lost already if you're not having fun.

Regarding your coach....as Swordsen says, hopefully your coach is reasonable. I had to be out for 6 weeks post surgery this past spring. I couldn't wait to get back into competition. I'd even show up at the club and practice directing.... I was so desperate to be around the sound of clanging epees, even though foil is my weapon!

A few questions for you to ponder.....(these are meant to be pondered by you alone)

What is your expectation for fencing?
How does it fit in your life?
What impact is it having in your life.
Are the significant others in your life supportive or does the word fencing bring up conflict?
Do you need to give yourself permission to only practice intermittently and go to competitions when your schedule permits? I note from your profile that your are a physician. Are you a resident and on call every 3rd-4th night? Are you a new attending and most of the time on-call as the newbie in your group? These are responsibilities that may impact your ability to participate.

Only you can determine how to devote your energy... profession, sport, relationship, etc.

Just questions to help you find answers.
Good luck.


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I live to fence and fence to live!!