 | ||||
| "Remote Parking" – My parking spot … no where near the test |
-an amateur competitor’s perspective
By: Jamie Woodson #45
Holy Cow! That was exciting. I got off line from the third
series blind an hour ago and my heart rate is still not back to normal. Whew!!
So, here’s what went down this morning for me and my canine
companion, "Keeper" #45:
Even earlier to rise than normal, I drank my morning coffee
in peace and finished up my last blog post on Game Day strategy linked here.
Since there were 24 dogs left to run at seven minutes a dog, I decided to ease
my way over to the trial ground, take a few business calls on site (important ones
for my day job), and wait on call backs. I finished my calls (great ones, by
the way) and heard via text from a friend that Keeper #45 was called back to
the Third Series!
Whooohoooo! Very exciting!!!
I was on site but about a half mile away to minimize the
barking dog or gun sounds during my calls. Just taking my sweet little time.
As I’m fiddling around my truck “enjoying the moment” – I
hear whistles and thought, WAIT - WHAT?!?!? I had an almost pavlovian response
including blood pressure spike and thought “Holy Cow… they’re running test
dog!!!!!” I grabbed my binoculars, my number, and tried not to completely
sprint on my way to try to view the test. Argh!!!
This rotation, I ran early the top 15 dogs so this was my
only time to see the line on what turned out to be another challenging test
from the judges. I barely caught the second test dog, viewed the test from the
line, received quick coaching from Ray Voigt, and hustled to over to get my
gear on and grab my dog. Needless to say, I mainly focused on breathing in the holding
blinds to ensure I didn’t pass out on line. To my knowledge, they don’t keep an
oxygen tank on line. Now that I think about it, that would be a great idea! Anyway…
My nerves settled (ish) as I sensed positive karma from
Mitch and Linda Patterson who were tending the holding blinds. Keeper worked
with me and we completed the blind. I hope it will be to the satisfaction of
the judges. Fingers still crossed! We will know this afternoon so stay tuned. I
love that dog (says captain obvious)!
All that to say, I have a new game day rule to add to my
list:
ALWAYS be present
for callbacks if a test is scheduled to end and transition on the same day.
Be IN SIGHT of the line and the marshals. And, if you don’t know if it will
continue to an immediate next test or not… BE ON SITE and PAY ATTENTION. Learn
the lesson the easy way – from me. Get over to the concluding
test!! J
This is an awfully fun sport! I think I have about 100 MORE
grey hairs, but I sure do love it.
Until callbacks, may the wind be in your favor and your
flyers be friendly!
-Jamie Woodson #45
