I miss you all - hoping to get back in shape as soon as I can!

SAVE SOME TARGETS FOR ME!!!!!!!!

DECEMBER 5TH, 2009 HAMILTON GUN CLUB.

After the same amount of time it takes to create a baby... I delivered my own miracle... and it went something like this:

Ok Dan (talking to myself), last shell... I know you haven't missed one so, forget about the last 24 and focus on ONE. Deep breath in and exhale, mount the gun, ready you got this, call the target, "UUUUPPP!", see the target, smooth to the target.... and... SMOKE!

Well, what do you know... it is possible for me to get 25 Straight. Infact, the round before that was a 24! I'm happy with 49 out of 50. I'm now curious if I can repeat this momentous event in competition. I'm told that once its out of the way the 25's come more frequently. Lord knows that I have worked hard for this one. Technically I was due. If I look back at my average consistently getting higher coupled with the focus and the passion I had for this day it was bound to happen. Just took me 9 months of Purpose Driven training, practice, and a lot of missed targets to get there. From here on in, targets are not going to have much of a chance to get away.

The only bad news about this acheivement is that I was wearing my son's Little League Finalist Baseball hat at the time. When I told him about the tradition to shoot the hat, he smiled real big and said after a long pause, "I don't know dad." We'll have to see about that.

For now, I'm going to savour the moment.

All of my life I have been involved with some type of physical workout program. Starting from way back in elementry school with Track and Feild competitions, hockey, soccer, volley ball, and as soon as I was old enough to join a gym... I did. Even when I wasn't working out I was working out. If I wanted to go to the store, I would run. If I was going to visit a friend that lived 20kms away, I would  ride my bike... most of the time I would chase the buses to see if I could keep up. Going up a flight of stairs I would try to see how many of them I could skip. Even up untill about 3 years ago I was in the gym training. Then the enevidable happens and you make some changes in your life that makes you use those famous 4 words everyone uses that gets you out of almost anything, "I have no time."

The "I have no time" excuse must be used more than any other excuse known in the history of the human race. Of course there are many translations of "I have no time" like:

• I'm really not interested.
• I'm too lazy.
• I'm too lazy to find the time.
• I have to watch my shows and don't want to give them up.

We all know very well that we can manage our time so that we spend some valuble time "Sharpening the Saw." I'm a fan of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and in the book it is stressed that keeping yourself in top condition is just one part of leading a ballanced life. Steven Covey (the author) uses the common analogy of a woodcutter who is sawing for several days straight and is becoming less and less productive. The process of cutting dulls the blade. So the solution is to periodically sharpen the saw.

The most common mistake that people make is when they are overworked they think that taking a break (like going on vacation) is the solution, but really it does nothing for the "dull blade." Essentially what they are doing is putting the blade down. When they pick it up again they are just picking up a dull blade.

Today, I learned a good lesson why Sharpening the Saw is essential.

I just happend to be outside (it was beautiful this evening) when my daughter and her friend (both 7 years) were having running races to the end of the street and back. I would say the total distance was close to 100m. My son's friend who is very competitive wanted to race the girls, but he is 3 years older so I gave the girls a generous head start. Of course the girls won the race as I intended and my son's friend came back complaining that it was not fair. So, I explained to him because of the age difference it was fair and sometimes its nice to let the younger ones win. Then (for some reason) I said to him, "Not fair would be like you and I have a race but we start on the same starting line." Well, I forgot who I was talking to because this boy likes a challenge... he enthusiastically says, "OK, LETS RACE!!!... 1, 2, 3, GO!"

Now, I know in my mind that I could definately beat this 10 year old in a sprinting contest. After all, its what I did all those years ago... I have awards and blue ribbins to show. Well, I didn't make it past my neighbours drive way before I feel a burning sensation and then a POP in both (not just one) of my hamstrings. Seems I tried using the "Dull Saw" expecting it to perform with out sharpening it.

Anyway, I didn't let the kids know what happend, but I did think to myself that I need to start "Sharpening the Saw" again!

Here are some ideas on how to Sharpen the Saw. Its not just about working out. Enjoy...

1. Exercise
2. Improve your diet
3. Educate yourself (read, take a course...)
4. Learn a new skill (like Trapshooting )
5. Join a club
6. Meditate
7. Write in your journal
8. Have a deep conversation with someone
9. Set some new goals or review/update your old goals
10. Organize your home or office
11. Go out on a date
12. Clear out a bunch of little tasks that you’ve been putting off

 Group session: 

Weather was fantastic - Sunny with slight head wind. Few clowds.

• Training at 21 yard
• Shot two rounds with group and coach
• Timing seems to be off - caused by forcing myself to smoth out  my movement to the target.
• Adjusted stance. Feels normal again.
• Shot 4 more rounds of practice - 2 at 21 and 2 at 16. Notice nice difference going to 16 after practicing at 21.
• Lostening grip on gun - especially triger hand.
• Need to lay out goals - Form goals not performance. Performance will come.

Off to a good start for my first shoot of the 2009-2010 season.

I headed out to Tor'Int not knowing if I would see anyone from the LTS family as there had been no correspondance about shooting ATA targets this weekend. On the way there I thought, "OH MAAANNN, I'm going to have to classify and squad myself?" and, "What was I to do with out my Capitan looking after all this for me?"  Oh well, I guess I'll have to take the leap with out my security blanket sometime.

When I arrived, I took one lap around the parking lot to see if I recognized anyone's car, but didn't. I guess I'll be shooting alone I thought. I parked the Smart where the gold Suburban (Florin's Truck) usually parks and started walking toward the club house. Just as I was about 20 feet from the club doors, I saw a gold flash out of the corner of my eye. I looked over and there were three yellow LTS hats.... Frank, Alex, Sacha, and Sacha's sister. I was happy to see them. Andy was there too... and me that made 5 shooters - perfect! LTS colours flying high and representing.

PROGRESSING SLOW AND STEADY - CONFIRMED

This shoot confirmed for me that I am getting better everytime. I tied my best score from last season in 16 yard singles, broke my record for Handy Cap by 4 targets, and was short of my best through the 50 Pair Doubles by 2 targets. It wasn't until I recorded my scores on my trusty excel sheet that I really realized my progress. Since I became a LTS athlete I have on average improved my rounds by 10 targets accross all of the disciplines.

I keep saying that my progress is slow and steady, but looking back, its only been 5 months since my first sessions with the "Best Coach in Canada."

SOME EXCITING NEWS:

A couple of months ago, I was looking in to place an order for the popular Randolph Ranger Target Glasses. To my surprize the only place you can order these glasses is from the US. This is not a real big problem, but I thought it would be handy to have an Optical company with a Full Optics Lab that was local. This way, those that require perscription lenses would have a place to go that could do all the customization required in a one stop shop. No more purchasing Target Glasses cross boarder and then taking them to someone that knows nothing about Trapshooting to fit them with the proper lendses so they can see the targets.

Well, I approched my friends at Next Optical and proposed to them the idea of putting a line of eye wear that would give them a nich market. After some research and many phone calls later, Bo and Roy informed me today that they have placed their first order for inventory. So, very soon, the Trapshooters in the Ontario Market and potentially Canada will have a local distributer of these glasses that will know a thing or two about Trapshooting. If you have read the blog below this one, Roy is the guy I introduced to Trapshooting just recent. Looks like he maybe coming to the LTS BBQ on August 29th. Looking forward to having him there.

As well, this is not completely confirmed, but I think Next Optical will be on board as a new sponsor for LTS. Exciting news!

More information to follow...

RESPECT THE "GOLDEN T"

The 2009 Ontario Provincial Championships was everything I expected it to be and more. Thanks to the better than usual weather, the three days were fantastic. The sun was in the sky baking the shooters exposed skin, smiles were on peoples faces, the scent of bbq was in the air, and over 120 competitors were doing their best to smoke all of the thousands of targets that were being thrown for a chance to come out on top as a Champion. 

There's a feeling of pride that comes over me as I walked down the gavel roadway along side my team mates. With our guns slung over our shoulders, orange/amber glasses protecting our precious target seeking eyes, and our LTS team colours a glow as they reflect the suns rays. Out of the corner of my eyes I could see spectators and shooters alike, turn to look at us as we pass them on the way to our events. I think to my self, "Where is the sound track to Top Gun when you need it?" ; ] 

Wearing the LTS colours is an honour because there is no oganization like it. I feel there is a responsibility to perform with edicate and be an example to other shooters and delegates because... other shooters and delegates are watching. When I put on the "Golden T-Shirt" I feel an obligation to be an ambasator of LTS out of respect for our Founders/Coaches who work tirelessly at making sure our team has the advice, support, training, sponsors, squading, prefered discounts, and the list goes on. Its my way of making sure that I do whatever I can so LTS gets noticed as a pristine organization. This way, where ever LTS goes, people can only say good things about Florin and Alicia's group. 

As I think about it, there is no way you could not notice LTS. Not just because Alicia picked the "loudest" uniform there is out there (you could probably spot our team at HGC from the Observation Deck on the CN Tower), but becuase of the accomplishments of the athletes. People who just got in to the sport not long ago are accomplishing feats that some shooters take decades and thousands of targets to achieve. I agree, a large part of the accompishments is attributed to our Coach... thanks Florin. When I look at the results I am so proud to see the names of LTS athletes.

My sincerest congrats go out to:

• My buddy Phil - Winning Doubles in Class. Man I shoot good when we're squadded together!
• Chloe - Lady's Champ In Handy. I can't wait to see the buckle become part of the attire. You are going to be a great leader.
• Garret - Baggin a couple of flats in the Winchester Shoot! I proud of you for being strong.
• Anthony - your consistancy is amazing.
• Matthew - beating your all-time highs eh!
• Last but not least - Alicia - Repeat on Doubles!
• ... and to Florin - Congrats on producing all of the above.

STEADY CLIMB

I though for sure over the 500 singles I shot I would pull off my first 25 straight and be able to join the others on the "Shoot your hat - Class of 2009," but instead, I was able to pull off a couple of 24's (a first) amongst some of my highest scores. Every time I recorded my results in to the trusty excel sheet on my Black Berry my overall percentage went up. Singles and doubles were where the biggest jumps were. Up 5% in Singles, and almost 3% in Doubles. Hey, I guess I have excepted that my jouney to success is a slow but escalating climb. Not like some guys who come into the sport and 2 months later are recording in the 90's... right Alex! ; ] You know I'm happy for you... well done keep it up!

How many times do we hear our coaches say, "Don't think" and "Enjoy the Targets."

For me, over the last several months in paticular, have been filled with some of the biggest challenges I have ever faced in my life outside the gun range. I have realized something when people who I work with, customers, lenders, friends, family, and people who don't even know me see me in a crisis situation they say, "I don't know how you can be soo calm!" For a while I wondered myself. This is not to say that I never broke down and released my emotions. Lets face it, there are times were I just couldn't deal with the overwelming pressure.

Then this last shoot at Toronto International, (I have decided to name the club, "Tor'Int" out of respect for our female supporters and competitors) I realized that when I step up to the firing line I am really training my mind to focus. By controlling my emotions to deal with the task at hand... FOCUSING ON ONE. I have proven it to myself a few times now that if I concentrate on clearing all of the cobwebs and thoughts out of my mind, I can raise my scores... even if I start with a terrible one I can come back. For me its just by repeating to myself this one line over and over with passionate conviction, "I love smoking targets!"

Have I smoked 25 like Frank, Alicia, Florin, Anthony, and most recently Phil, Garret, Chloe ? (Btw congradulations, I'm very proud of you all!) No, no 25's for me... yet. However, with this new realization that Trapshooting is infact training to control my emotions, I will reach this milestone.

Skill and polish technique build self assurance and confidents - Telling myself  "I love smoking targets"  becase I really do, raises my score. It takes time to master this since success is a journey and not a destination I will need to continue on the path of training consistently and shooting as often as I can. Also as I'm told, "The sooner I let go of the desire to break 25 when I step up to the line, the sooner it will happen. At the end of the day, I'm happy that I have become more consistent and am learning that I can control my emotions. As well, I love to see my LTS family.

What else have I learned:

• The finest techniques are always the most difficult to master.
• When I try a new concept or method, don't prejuge the techinque based on the number of targets broken. If it makes sence stick with it.
• Smoke only targets and not people on the squad standing down wind from your smoking barrels... sorry Coach Alicia and Frank.
• The road to enlightenment is long and difficult.
• Post 5 is just like post one

The invitation to shoot with the Greek Community at the HGC was a good time. The kebabs and the salad were a splendid way to end the 100 singles turnament. I can't fail to mention, the only things better than the kebabs, was that Jacob and Juila were there, the LTS family was there, and the weather was perfect. Few clouds in the sky, slight breeze and WARM for a change!

I didn't get to stay to see how the LTS youth squad did, but I'm sure they left an impression - as the LTS team does everywhere they go.

For me, Side Blinder works great... shooter not so good. <-- I know I'm going to get a slap for that comment, but hey... At least I am passionate about improving. Here's my commitment to myself: FOCUS ON ONE!

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits they become character;
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

To all that are attending PA - CLICK, BOOM, SMOKE, and have FUN! I wish I could be there, but its not looking good this time around. I'll be thinking about you.

"An outgoing attitude is the key to your efforts." (Jones Soda - The Bottle Cap Oracle)

So far, for the second time in LTS history the message in the bottle, or under the cap in this case, seems to be in sync with our registered shoots. Unfortunately I didn't get the message until the shoot was over and I was on the drive home enjoying a cool Jones Cream Soda. The message witten above was very accurate for me on this shoot, but my first event my attitude was far from outgoing. The proof was in my scores.

Regardless of whether I read the message before the shoot, I just could not shake the attitude that was so affecting my fun. Eventually I did get some satisfaction in doubles as I improved from my last go round. I think it might be the chemistry between my gun's receiver and Coach Florin's barrel... too bad his barrel is not for sale. ; P

Mental clarity is the way smoking targets. This is becoming more evident each time I go out and train. I think the diffence between smoking targets and chipping (or not hitting at all)  is largely dictated by what "is" or "is not" on your mind at the very moment you call, "PULL!" So, purging you mind from all thoughts other than the S.O.P. (Standard Operating Proceedure) to S.S.S (See Smooth Smoke) is paramount.

Shot mostly right angles today by locking the trap. Still sort of puzzled why I would hit one, then try another the same way and miss. Worked on post 5 with locking my gun hold and only tracing the target using my waist. Its tricky because not only am I twisting to the right, but also have to raise the gun to the target, all with out unlocking the head, arms, shoulders, feet... just moving the waist.

Coach says technique looks good and if he is happy I should be happy.

REGISTERED SHOOT

The Learn Trap Shooting family accended upon the Hamilton Gun Club once again for the May 24th registed shoot, painting the trap feilds with Gold shirts and fogging the air above with a lot of target smoke. New friendships were formed and old ones became more colourfull with high-fives, fist tapping, laughter, support, and I believe a few people and guns were tagged with nicknames. Betsey, Zesty, Bruiser,... and a gun named... well, its the technical term for female dog. ; ]

I was humbled by my talented team mates, some of which more than half my age became my inspiration. Not just by the scores they posted, but also by the sportsmanship, patients, exicution, and courage... Here some examples of true athletes in the making:

• Anthony who wrestled with a gun with mechanical issues and still looking like the Zenn Master of Trap by breaking the 90's mark... He still manages to pull off 25 straight. Keep listening to your Coaches , you'll be cracking that 100 marker soon. You're solid bud. Your execution of the "See, Smooth, Smoke" to paraphrase Coach Alicia is amazing. I learned a lot watching him shoot... even learned that he actually has a smile.

• Chloe who's face looked like she WAS in a wrestling match with what I call a case of "Kick-Cheek"... its a bruise on your cheek caused by sometimes lifting your head at the very instant you pull the trigger resulting in a bump from your gun's stock over, and over, until you learn your lesson. Right "Bruiser?" I know your pain.... suggestion: give it a week to heal. Did she complain? Nope. She still smiled and scored consistently - shooting targets one at a time , target after target... the ground behind the traphouse... oops! Sorry Bruiser, had to put it in there, but you know, you showed true courage, by shaking it off, reloading your gun and still hitting the next target! Now you have a story to tell to the next person that strips some paint off the traphouse.

• Garret, a quiet guy who I watched shake off some frustration, then focus and execute what his Coach instructed him to do. I like listening to him call for the target - sounds confident. Just seemed to be able to forget about the frustration and focus on the next target... gettting better as the day went on. I could tell by watching the coaches knod of approval after each target you smoked. Well done.

• Then there is Matthew and the subjuniors. Although I didn't get to see them shoot because they were situated at the other side of the street by the club house... well, I could make out the Gold T's  from 4a (good call on choosing the team colours Coach Alicia) ... I did observe their patience as they seemed to wait an eternity until they were called for their turn to shoot. From what I witnessed at the LTS Youth Day... these guys mean business.

As for me... well, when I grow up I want to shoot like the people I mentioned above. I had a good day for my first time out. I found that I had to get used to the Scorer calling, "Loss.... Loss.... LOSSSS..." Its been a long time since I actually heard a scorer call "Loss" and "End" and "ALL OUT."  I had forgoten about those distractions. Not like shooting alone with Coach on a trap all to yourself. Nope. To be honest, I wanted to turn around a few times and tell the poor person scoring to Shut it with telling me "Loss." I know I didn't hit the target! I let it get to me... and I'm hard on myself.

Oh well, I guess its back to training.

"Trapshooting is an easy sport to learn, but it takes hard work to master."

150 SHELLS AND LOTS OF SMOKE

What a day to kick off the unofficial day of summer and LTS team season with the first taste of almost summer like weather! I was soo impressed with the talent of our young athelets. There is no doubt in my mind that this group of young talent can and if they want to, will represent their country one day in competitions around the world.

Congradulations to all of the LTS family on being a part of a community that will grow the awareness of this wonderful sport - especially our "Embasators of Smoking Targets" Coach Florin and Coach Alicia. You're tireless efforts and unwaivering positive attitude is inspiring. Thank you, thank you.

Now, I am looking forward to the day my children are ready to share in the experience. Hopefully very soon ; ] 

P.S. I can't wait to see all the pictures and video of the day!!!

You don't realize the luxury of training when you have a trap all to yourself with your coach critiquing every shot. Well, I didn't have a training session today - and the weather was too nice to stay at home and do chores. So, I decided to venture out to the other side of the street - where the men and women gather at the club house and tell stories about the old days in between shooting a round or two.

It didn't take long before some of the guys who have been shooting since before the Ten Commandments (wink, wink, nudge, nudge), smelled this "green-horn" out and welcomed me into their clique. It was funny, listening to the wisdom of ages and then all of a sudden, right in the middle of the conversation, they would be getting up to shoot a round. 

No matter how much I know better, I still found myself trying to keep the pace of the squad. You know, "Pull.. Bang, Pull...bang, Pull...bang, Pull... etc, etc..." There was barely enough time to reload and I was my turn again. After missing a bunch of targets I realized it was ok to take it at my own pace. Yeah, I slowed the squad down, but by the end of the round, I was close to 25 straight. Lesson learned... I pay for the targets, I go at my own pace. No harm in wanting to hit ALL of the targets I paid for.

Another thing happend while hanging out with the good ol'boys. They invited me over to the Skeet field. As if I wasn't addicted enough to trap - now I'm going to be thinking about Skeet. Now instead of needing a barrel for doubles, now I also need a barrel for Skeet. Thanks boys! Sincerly, the nicest guys I met today. Lots of fun.

After being away from the sport for over 10 years, I though it might be a wise idea to seek out some training to refreash the memory.I figure the cost of instruction was justifiable when you compare to the amount of shells I would go through learning again on my own. 

My first session with Coach Florin was excellent... especially the feeling of hitting the very first target in so many years. Of course targets were missed, but missed for good as I listend to Coach Florin's instruction and advice on how to kick the "old habits" like lifting my head after pulling the trigger and moving before I see the target. Funny how when you execute a few simple instructions it takes you to a level you never thought you'd achieve. Proves that even though you might have years of shooting experience - doesn't mean you do it right. With the right Coach and an open mind you can always juggle for improvement.

Soon, like the age old saying, "it was like riding a bike," except this time with Coach Florin's instruction I'll do it like a pro.

Was happy to see my 9 year son Jacob had a good level of interest and understood that Florin was the Coach. He mounted the gun but was not willing to shoot. He said that he would when he is ready. Not going to push him. He seemed comfortable with the noise and being in close proximity to me shooting. He had fun standing behind me tring to catch empty shells as the flew over my shoulder when ejected from the gun.

Got to shoot with Anthony. This young man has a lot of hidden talent. Congrats to his father who is a great shot himself!

Also got a chance to shoot with Phil and Chloe... Lots of fun. Was even more fun because I received my new vest from "P. Mac Fashion Desiner"  (there you go, I came up with a name for her) and I'm soo impressed with the craftmanship. I want to order another one!

5 Rounds Shot Today... swollen cheek again. Could be because I shot a couple of boxes of Challenger Target loads.. little more kick and probably lifted my head. Will have to do some more dry mounting and visuallization in the basement.

Feel like I am entering the "Zone" more ofter. Now I'm curious to put some Percentages on paper to see where I actually am in my progression. 85 - 90%? How close am I to 25 straight? Don't know.

Met and shot with the infamous Chloe. Was a pleasure to shoot with such a talented young lady. Congrats to her parents - Bravo! Looking forward to the day when we see her shoot in the Olympics and I can say, "Hey, I once shot with her."

Went 5 rounds today. Sunny with tail wind which did not stop the whole time.

Feeling more confident with the development of my style. Smoother, controlled, and cheek is not getting a beating anymore. Really happy about this because I really wanted to keep shooting with Dad's gun. I thought that I was going to have to go buy a fitted gun, but turns out the gun fit all along... well, maybe I'll look for an over and under anyway.

 Did finally realize that I was focusing too hard on the site before calling for the target.

Slight head wind. Over cast with sleet and cold about 10 degrees. Brought the video camera but didn't want to expose it to the wet weather.

Shot 2 rounds. Looks like the skipping last session did good for the sore cheek. Did some visualization in the basement with a target. Then practiced mounting the gun, visualizing, and trigger pull with snapcap.

The practicing in the basement paid off. Did very well on the firing line considering my eye protection needed windsheild wipers because of the sleet.

Need to continue to practice mounting the gun. Want it to become like a salute... not mounting and adjusting.

CRAZY HEAD WIND.

Had fun with the wind making the targets bounce through the turbulance. Shot four boxes.

FRUSTRATED ABOUT THE CHEEK!!!!

• Still having problems with cheek soreness. Pretty sure not lifting head anymore.
• Next morning my right cheek looked as though I just came out of the dentist chair.
• Litte brusing as well.
• Think I will have to let it recover. Frustrated because I have to give it a break when I want to shoot.
• Bringing my video camera next time so I can see what I am doing.

Tried fitting the 682 Gold E Trap on my 680 stock. FIT PERFECT!! Ejector timing was perfect as well. Shot doubles with it and the sights were perfect. didn't seem to have to press to hard on the stock to line them up.

I think I shot better on doubles than singles this session! Even with the big head wind.

My wife shot for her first time. She looked really comfortable. She said that she just wanted to keep shooting even though she wasn't hitting alot of targets. Would be cool if she picked the sport up.

Verry good weather this evening. Bright clear sky and slight wind that seemed to die down.

Starting to feel stronger when mounting the gun... feels lighter, and getting more familiar with it, like  an old friend. Shot 4 rounds this session and didn't feel sore anywhere except for the cheek a little.

• Head lifting 98% cured and eyes wide open
• follow through getting better
• Waiting for target  and then tracing - almost a habbit
• Need to focus harder on the target while tracing - try to see it turning
• Station 5 stance improving 
• Opening action with the right hand not the left anymore - that habit is gone
• Shot competition last round - liked it alot - think I did well, but don't know because "I don't count targets"

To DO

• Order Vest
• Try finding Over and Under barrel
• Form 6
• Register ATA

Cold and lots of wind this session. Was surprised to hit lots of targets.

I think Coach Florin cured my head lifting habit with the old money incentive. The technique was to use a ten dollar bill out of my wallet (asked for a twenty but didn't have) and place it in between my cheek and the stock. Being so windy, if I lifted my head after taking the shot the money would blow away. Naturally, I didn't want to be chasing ten bucks down the street so I held my position after firing. Great way to kick a habit.

Took an extra lesson, so Florin challenged me to try doubles. I did great for my first time! I love doubles! Only problem is my Beretta 680 Trap is a single shot, @#&* now I want an over and under! Damn, I have to figure a way to break the idea to the wife... thanks Coach.