An odd quirk of having Meduseld Meadery as one's axe house is how they aren't open Monday or Tuesday. That means one can't practice at said axe house until Wednesday (which is, you know, one of two league nights). So if one happens to be in Wednesday league, one can't really get a few throws in until the league itself.
Now, I'm certainly one to quibble and quabble, but this is alright by me. Honestly it kind of keeps me in money, and it makes league night feel more honest (does that make any sense?). Most of us are going into league night having not practiced for at least 2 days. It's a reset, in my mind.
Like I said, it doesn't bother me very much, EXCEPT for when tourney time rolls around, as it is tomorrow. Now, I have to rely on my ability to astrally project myself throwing at the Meadery to get some board time in. To have a board meeting. To get board. Axing questions as a board hearing.
all a board the...nah I lost it.
So instead of doing the one thing that could really save my turkey bacon tomorrow (practice), I'm trying out a few things to prepare myself for tourney without really preparing the way I want.
I REVIEWED MY PERFORMANCE THIS SEASON ON AXESCORES, AND REMINDED MYSELF THAT I'M NOT THE WORST THROWER IN THE WORLD.
Just to make it clear, I'm not talking to you ultra-elite, fully-sponsored by Niike or Cuke throwers. But for an average, roly-poly thrower, a 21-7 record isn't too shabby. It's better than I've done in other leagues, surely (MUUUUUCH better than I've done in Premier leagues, absolutely), and sits me at 3rd place, overall, heading into this tourney.
And why do that, you ask? Why remind myself that I'm pretty alright at throwing in this league? Well, friend, because it's good to be in your own corner, sometimes. Especially when you're throwing in a tiny little league (just 8 throwers!) and you have 2 people who went to worlds last year in the mix [NOTE: Bob B pointed out to me that Scott qualified but, in fact, did not attend worlds. He's still a gottamn GOAT when it comes to throwing, so the point stands].
I made a very conscious choice a while back: don't get frustrated with something that's supposed to be fun, and is certainly pointless. While I don't always follow that understanding to the letter, I do want to have fun at this tourney, come what may. And, for me, a big part of keeping the right mindset is gonna come from recognizing that I did well this league, and the results of the tourney don't change that.
I'M IMAGINING MY THROW
Okay - so I've written about this in the past and find it still helps now: imagining your movement and overall throw can help prepare you for the real deal. You can do all that in your brain! Just wherever you are!
For me, imagining my throw, especially when a tourney is near (Geez that makes it sound like I'm being hunted by a tournament), helps me calm down my nerves, makes me excited about the tourney itself, and helps me feel less underprepared.
TONIGHT, I'M SHARPENING MY AXES AND CHECKING FOR BURRS OR CHIPS OR SPLINTERS
I want to establish something right off the bat (off the axe?) about this: I know my axes are likely sharp enough. I also know that the chances of a surprise chip or splinter on the handle are really, really low.
BUT!
There is something to be said for checking your equipment (easy, now) before a tourney. For one thing, you're removing an unwanted element of surprise. But for the more esoteric thing: you're creating an opportunity to remind yourself of how much you like axe throwing/allowing yourself to get into that competitor mindset. Lemme explain another way:
You all remember how, after Gandalf released Théoden from Saruman's control and he was all weak-kneed and wobbly? Gandalf was all "hey dawg, you'll remember how badass you are if you pick up the tools of your trade," and Théoden drew his sword and, blamm-o, he DID remember? Dude was non-stop from that point until getting turned into marmite at the battle of Pellenor Fields.
Now, I'm not trying to draw the comparison between The king of Rohan drawing his blade, defending Helm's Deep, and then leading six thousand Rohirrim to a final conflict against the forces of Sauron and me sharpening my axe before a tourney.
I'm not trying to, because I did.
Through a mix of reminders, reviews, imagination and prep via deep, nerdish escapism, I'm hoping I can prep myself for tomorrow (both in achievement and in funtimes).
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