EDITORIAL
Had a good summer? I hope you have because you'll need to be sufficiently rested to lift the weighty tome that is this summer edition of REPRISE!
It's been such a busy time since the last edition that I can barely fit everything in, and I've actually had to drop some items which I intended to put in.
So, we've got the results of the Command Championships and the Seniors in this issue, plus the full story of the 2000 Inter-Services ... how did the title holders (US) fare against the hungry opposition? Turn to page 10 to find out ...
We have the all new caption competition where you can win a fabulous star prize, just for coming up with something witty, cutting or damning about someone caught on camera in a compromising position. Not to be missed. And let's not forget THAT interview with the RAFFU's own celebrity star! Also new for this edition is the letters section where you can have your say ...
Unfortunately, we have to say a sad farewell to Dave Jerry, RAFFU Coach. Dave's finally had enough of life in the blue suit and is setting out as a full time coach on the civvy circuit. Best of luck to you Dave and thanks from all at RAFFU who've benefited from your knowledge, experience and dedication to both RAFFU and CSFA.
COMMAND CHAMPIONSHIPS 2000
Cobbled together and based on match reports provided by Fg Off Marcus Forsdyke and Flt Lt Andy Alcock. Thanks guys
The individual Command and Inter-Command Fencing Championships were held from 19-20 Feb 00. As I'm currently serving in PTC since the dissolution of Logistics Command, we'll start with the results of the PTC competition.
PTC
Due to the limited female fencers in attendance the competition was mixed, with the results being offset to compensate for the ladies and men's competitions. This year also heralded the last Command Competition for two of RAFFUs "Old & Bold" fencers with Wg Cdrs Angus Cameron and Mick Meyer leaving this year, which led to some interesting "last" fights.
PTC Foil
Eight fencers entered the foil competition which, due to time constraints, started with 1 seeding round and then into the DE. There were few surprises in the reduction down to the final 4, which was further whittled down when George Liston ended a good run by Phil McNulty 15-8 and Steve Jackman beat Angus Cameron 15-11 in Angus's last ever RAF Cmd foil bout. George Liston won the final bout 15-14 against a spirited performance by Steve Jackman. Jodie Mellowship won the Ladies Foil, being unopposed.
PTC Sabre
Six fencers entered the sabre, and again a single seeding round was used before the DE. In the semi-finals, Angus Cameron defeated George Liston whilst Mark Gumley dispatched Steve Jackman 15-12. In the final, Angus reminded us that his skill with the sabre will be sorely missed as he beat Mark Gumley 15-10, thereby adding his name to the sabre trophy for the 8th and last time.
PTC Epee
Nine fencers entered the epee competition. Competition was extremely strong in the 2nd round bouts and this theme continued into the semi-finals. George Liston defeated Mick Meyer 15-11 whilst Marcus Forsdyke beat Angus Cameron (who was feeling a little under the weather) 15-7. The final bout saw George victorious after an energetic but one-sided fight against Marcus, beating him 15-6.
Master-at-Arms
The competition for the Master-at-Arms was a two horse race with George Liston and Angus Cameron both on equal points going into the epee. However, with the last event being George's preferred weapon the winner was not difficult to predict. In the end George came out on top with weapon victories in foil and epee. With little opposition, Jodie Mellowship took the ladies Master-at-Arms title.
STC
Over in Strike Command, the competition saw an excellent entry of fencers in all 3 weapons and some very competitive and enjoyable fencing. The ladies and men's competitions were combined to ensure a good level of competition for all, with the ladies results being taken from the overall places.
STC Sabre
The sabre drew an entry of 16 fencers who competed in one seeding round followed by DE. The first round of DE saw Ian Wren and Dave Long emerge with the expected field of Newing, Taylor, Lamb and Gibson. The first semi-final was fought between Shaun Taylor and Graham cant, with Taylor winning 15-9. The second semi-final pitted Dave Long against the number 2 seed, Tom Lamb, with the latter running out the winner at 15-9. The final was a very close bout with some excellent fencing from both. Tom proved his ability again winning 15-14 to take the men's sabre title. With a strong performance in the seeding round and a place in the last 8, Flt Lt Ann Gibson took the ladies competition with Sgt Ashley Newing runner-up.
STC Foil
Nineteen fencers entered the foil competition which followed the same format as the sabre. The first semi-final matched Chf Tech Aubrey Ingle against Cpl John Sowerby, fencing in his last Command Competition. John, who had fenced very well in the previous rounds was beaten 15-5, a score which did not reflect accurately the competitive nature of the fencing. The 2nd semi-final paired SAC Sharon Booth with JT Shaun Taylor. This was a very well fought bout with Shaun eventually running out the winner 13-9 after 9 minutes. Aubrey took the final 15-9 to take the men's title while Sharon took the ladies title with Ann Gibson runner-up.
STC Epee
Twenty one fencers entered the epee competition with a DE for the top 16 seeds. Shaun Taylor won the first semi-final, beating Flt Lt Andy Alcock 15-9. The second semi matched an on-form Aubrey Ingle against Graham Cant, with Aubrey reaching the final 15-10. Unfortunately, Aubrey was unable to maintain his form and Shaun retained the men's title. Sgt Ashley Newing won the ladies title with Flt Lt Steph Vaughan runner-up.
Master-at-Arms
The men's Master-at-Arms trophy was convincingly won by JT Shaun Taylor with his 2 second places and victory in the epee. Runner-up was Cpl Graham Cant. Flt Lt Ann Gibson won the ladies Master-at-Arms with a consistently high performance throughout the weekend. SAC Lisa Taylor also fenced well to take the runner-up place.
Inter-Unit 3 Man Team
Three teams entered this competition; Brize Norton, Lyneham and Kinloss. Although the competition was closer than in previous years, Brize Norton proved the stronger team to retain the title.
Inter-Command Competition
This competition proved to be an exciting end to the weekends events, with a full 9 man team representing both STC and PTC. The PTC sabre team of Mark Gumley, Angus Cameron and Steve Jackman were victorious over the STC team of Aubrey Ingle, Dave Long and Graham Cant, taking the match 7-2.
The PTC epeeists, George Liston, Mick Meyer and Marcus Forsdyke, also fought well against the STC team of Andy Alcock, Ashley Newing and Shaun Taylor. With a match victory of 6-3 for the PTC team the foilists only required one victory for a PTC victory. The PTC team of Phil McNulty, Gary Brailsford and Jodie Mellowship put up a sterling effort against the more experienced STC team of Ann Gibson, John Sowerby and Sharon Booth and were beaten 3-6. This was enough though and the Inter-Command Championship title went to PTC with a winning score of 16-11.
The Command Championships proved to be a popular and successful competition. This success would not have been possible without the excellent work of the two Armourers, Cpl John Sowerby and Cpl Phil McNulty, and all those who assisted in the set-up, strip down, presiding and scoring for the event.
CAPTION COMPETITION
In a further effort to put a smile on your faces, whilst also ensuring that you realise that any photographs taken of you could end up in my grubby little paws, I bring you the first in what will hopefully be a regular feature in REPRISE.
This fantastic picture was actually taken in 1999 on the RAFFU trip to Poland. I was going to mention in Sharon's defence that copious quantities of vodka had been consumed, but then I thought about it ... there IS NO DEFENCE for pulling this sort of expression!
Please send your captions to me at the usual address, marked "I'm So Glad I Didn't Get Drunk In Poland". The sender of the winning entry will receive one years free subscription to REPRISE magazine plus the Editor's personal promise that no photographs of them will appear in this column for a year.*%
*Obligatory small print: The Editor's promise is not binding. If any photographs of the winning entrant are found and deemed to be sufficiently stupid or funny, then the Editor reserves the right to go back on his word.
% Gratuitous small print: And if you don't like it, tough! So there!!!
SENIORS 2000
It's amazing just how much high quality fencing can be fitted into a three day period. At the Seniors in May, one day was allocated to each weapon; sabre, foil and epee, and each day brought out the highest standard of fencing in each competitor. As the results from this event always play a big part in team selection for the Inter-Services match in July and competition for places is fierce, it was no surprise to see the expected names coming to the top of the pile.
In the absence of a full match report, and the fact that I was far too tired after a highly enjoyable foil match against George Liston to even notice what went on, this article is limited purely to final results.
Men's Sabre
1st Sqn Ldr S Jackman MOD DIS, Brampton
2nd Cpl M Gumley RAF Halton
3rd Sqn Ldr G Liston RAF Bentley Priory
3rd Sgt T Lamb RAF Brize Norton
Ladies Sabre
1st Flt Lt A Gibson RAF High Wycombe
2nd Sgt A Newing RAF St Mawgan
3rd SAC S Booth RAF Brize Norton
3rd Flt Lt L Bolton MOD Main Bldg
Men's Foil
1st Cpl J Sowerby RAF Brize Norton
2nd Flt Lt J Davy RAF Lossiemouth
3rd Sqn Ldr G Liston RAF Bentley Priory
3rd Flt Lt J Griffiths RAF Honnington
Ladies Foil
1st Flt Lt A Gibson RAF High Wycombe
2nd SAC S Booth RAF Brize Norton
3rd SAC D MacDonald RAF Waddington
3rd Fg Off A MacLaren RAF Lossiemouth
Men's Epee
1st Sqn Ldr G Liston RAF Bentley Priory
2nd Flt Lt A Alcock RAF High Wycombe
3rd Jnr Tech S Taylor RAF Lossiemouth
3rd Flt Lt J Davy RAF Lossiemouth
Ladies Epee
1st SAC S Booth RAF Brize Norton
2nd SAC D MacDonald RAF Waddington
3rd Flt Lt A Gibson RAF High Wycombe
3rd Fg Off A MacLaren RAF Lossiemouth
Inter-Unit 6 Man Teams
1st RAF Brize Norton
2nd RAF Lyneham
In the Master-at-Arms competition, Sqn Ldr George Liston with a weapon victory and 2 third places took the Men's title, while Flt Lt Ann Gibson convincingly took the Ladies title with 2 weapon victories and a third place. Sqn Ldr Steve Jackman and SAC Sharon Booth were the respective runners-up.
As the major event in the RAF fencing calendar, this competition is used to gauge the improvement and performance of Junior fencers, and the following awards were also presented:
Howard Travis Memorial Quaiche Awarded to the highest placed Junior in the epee competition. This year Cpl Dave Long, RAF Odiham received the trophy.
Tindal-Carill-Worsley Brassard Awarded to the most promising male Junior fencer. This year Cpl Phil McNulty, RAF Oakhanger received the award.
Williams Rose Bowl Awarded to the most promising female Junior fencer. This year SAC Sharon Booth, RAF Brize Norton received the award.
RISE ABOVE THE REST
As mentioned previously, a certain well known member of the RAF Fencing community has been doing his thing to promote the Royal Air Force.
Whilst we in RAFFU appreciate and commend this individuals dedication and commitment to the Service, we feel it is our sworn obligation to give him as much grief as is humanly possible! To that end, read here OUR version of the interview Cpl Dave Long gave to MAX Power and Loaded magazines, and Dave, just remember one thing ... when you decide to get violent, I did let you proof read it first!
What exactly do you do?
Generally as little as possible. It's supposed to be like sending a car in for its MOT, but with helicopters instead. Basically it's just an excuse for me to put on a flying suit and look cool for the chicks! We also use computer technology and camera scanning equipment. I've got really good at Solitaire and I've got scanned pictures of all the girls I've ever gone out with. Pretty soon I'll need a bigger hard drive!
Where have you travelled?
I've been posted in Germany, and I've also worked in Italy and Canada. I even spent six weeks in Las Vegas. It doesn't matter where I go though because the chicks always dig me!
What are your favourite bits of the job?
Using your mind and figuring out how to make things work. You've got everyone looking to you to solve the problem and the pressure is always on. I'd never realised that trying to get the brews right would be so demanding! One wrong spoonful of sugar and you're history!
What's the most exciting thing you've done?
I was sent to Las Vegas to provide engineering support for the Fast Jet Squadrons. I ended up bungee jumping 180 ft over Las Vegas at night - an incredible buzz! My boss wasn't too happy because I was supposed to be working, but there were these girls I just had to impress ...
What do you do to relax?
I like clubbing and going out like everyone else - you know, typical single bloke kind of thing. I'm also into fencing, something I learnt in the RAF. That gives me another chance to go clubbing, because that's what I do to people when I've got a sabre in my hand! Oh, by the way, did I mention I'm single? Any ladies out there can usually find me out on a Friday or Saturday night. I'm the one in the corner who's looking good!
Do you think the RAF uniform attracts women?
Yeah, women are definitely attracted to the uniform, but I've no problems with that! Of course, it might not be the uniform, it might just be my natural charm and good looks ...
Is there good team spirit?
Mine's Morgan's Spiced Rum. You don't get many spirits better than that!
What qualities do you need in your job?
Common sense and the ability to keep a cool head, especially in the disco. It also helps if you look really cute in a flying suit.
What qualities has the RAF given you?
I'm definitely more world-wise and I've broadened my horizons by travelling to interesting places. I've also learnt how to chat up women in fifteen different languages, although you only really need one, the language of love!
What advice would you give to anyone considering joining the RAF?
Give it your best shot, if you really try hard the sky's the limit. There's the chicks to consider as well ... with the good wages you can afford to have at least three on the go! You've got to be in it to win it!
Editors Note: This article is intended purely for amusement. Like all good gutter journalists, I took the facts, read them, threw them away and ignored them! Why should the truth get in the way of a good story?
Many thanks though to Dave Long for giving me his permission to publish this article, although when he proof read the initial draft copy the threats of physical violence against my person were almost enough to make me resign my post as Editor. Almost. The only problem now is that Dave has promised to get his own back, putting pen to paper with some dirt on me! However, like all good Editors, I can veto anything about me, so don't expect to see it in print!
INTER SERVICES 2000
The Inter-Services Fencing Championships 2000 were hosted by the Army this year at Aldershot Barracks, with the aid of sponsorship from NAAFI. The Army were fielding one of their strongest teams for some years whilst operational commitments and injury unfortunately eliminated the Royal Navy team from the competition. The RAF team featured 3 new "Blues", awarded their RAF Colours at the competition to replace the "Old Guard", but extensive team training meant that confidence was high for another RAF victory.
In the team events the RAF Ladies gave everyone a scare as they lost the foil 5-4 and were 3-0 down in the epee. Thanks to some inspired fencing though, the Ladies then won the next 6 fights to win the epee 6-3 and the Ladies Inter-Services Title for the 6th consecutive year 10-8.
Over in the Men's event, the RAF foilists came from behind to win 5-4 whilst the RAF sabreurs stormed to a 7-2 victory. The RAF epeeists then followed this up with a 6-3 victory, convincingly giving the Men's Inter-Services Title to the RAF for the 5th consecutive year 18-9.
The next scheduled events were the Master Swordsman and Master Swordswoman. This involves the winners of each Services Master-at-Arms competitions at their individual championships facing each other in all three weapons; foil, sabre and epee. Flt Lt Ann Gibson won 5 of her 6 fights to easily take the Master Swordswoman title, whilst Sqn Ldr George Liston took the more difficult route. Tied on victories with WO2 Paul Kimbley, Royal Marines, a barrage was required to determine the victor, which George won 5-4 to take the Master Swordsman trophy.
With every major title from the first day under their belts, the RAF team were in celebratory mood and hopes were high for the remainder of the weeks' competitions.
The Inter-Services individual events are made up of the top 12 fencers in each weapon from each Service, and always bring out the best fencing in all the competitors. Day two was the Individual Sabre and 6 Person Unit Team competition. In the Ladies Sabre, Flt Lt Ann Gibson ran out as winner, with SAC Sharon Booth 2nd. The Men's competition ended with a nail biting final but Sqn Ldr Steve Jackman eventually took the title 15-14 from Sapper Baldwin, Army. Cpl Phil McNulty, RAF, won the Sabre Plate .
The final event of the day was the 6 Man Team competition. RAF Brize Norton took the title and the RAF continued to look unstoppable.
Day three was the Individual Foil and 3 Person Unit Team competitions. Again the standard of fencing was extremely high, and it was to be yet another weapon victory for Flt Lt Ann Gibson in the Ladies Foil, with Signaller Jane Perry, Army, in 2nd place. In the Men's competition, Sqn Ldr George Liston took the title 15-11 from Lt Col Campbell, Army. In the Plate competition, Cpl Phil McNulty, RAF, managed to take victory despite picking up an injury earlier in the day.
With all the honours of the day so far having gone to the RAF, the pressure was on in the 3 Man Team event for another RAF victory, and once again RAF Brize Norton rose to the challenge to make it another clean sweep.
The fourth and final day meant only one thing, the Individual Epee competition. In the Ladies Epee, Flt Lt Ann Gibson had to take 2nd place for a change as she lost to Fg Off Alex McLaren in the final, but her two earlier weapon victories and this 2nd place guaranteed her the title of Inter-Services Ladies Master-at-Arms. Sqn Ldr George Liston consolidated his foil victory with a win in the epee final against Capt Rob Anderton-Brown, Army. Again two weapon victories were enough to give George the title of Inter-Services Men's Master-at-Arms. Over in the Plate competition, WO2 Paul Kimbley, RN, comfortably took victory in the final.
With team, individual and Plate competitions, there were a total of 22 events up for grabs. All of the major trophies and titles went to the RAF and the fact that the RAF won 20 of these events is a testament to the training, development and team spirit that exists amongst RAF fencers.
RAF Inter-Services Team List
Men's Sabre
Sqn Ldr S Jackman (Capt) MOD DIS
Cpl M Gumley RAF Halton
Cpl D Long RAF Odiham
Reserve: Flt Lt M Deakin RAF Boulmer
Men's Foil
Flt Lt J Davy RAF Lossiemouth
CT A Ingle RAF Brize Norton
Cpl J Sowerby RAF Brize Norton
Reserve: Cpl P McNulty RAF Oakhanger
Men's Epee
Sqn Ldr G Liston RAF Bentley Priory
Flt Lt A Alcock HQ STC
Flt Lt McKenzie-Brown DST Leconfield
Reserve: Sgt T Lamb RAF Brize Norton
Ladies Foil
Flt Lt A Gibson (Capt) HQ STC
Flt Lt L Bolton MOD
SAC S Booth RAF Brize Norton
Ladies Epee
Sqn Ldr C Ackroyd AFPAA Innsworth
Fg Off MacLaren RAF Lossiemouth
SAC D MacDonald RAF Waddington
Reserve: SAC S Cowden RAF Lyneham
Inter-Services Team Competition
Ladies Foil Army 5-4
Ladies Epee RAF 6-3
Ladies Title RAF 10-8
Men's Foil RAF 5-4
Men's Sabre RAF 7-2
Men's Epee RAF 6-3
Men's Title RAF 18-9
Inter-Services Master Swordswoman
Flt Lt Gibson RAF
Inter-Services Master Swordsman
Sqn Ldr Liston RAF
Inter-Services 6 Man Team Event
RAF Brize Norton
Inter-Services 3 Man Team Event
RAF Brize Norton
Inter-Services Individual Sabre
Ladies Sabre
1st Flt Lt Gibson RAF
2nd SAC Booth RAF
3rd Sig Perry Army
Men's Sabre
1st Sqn Ldr Jackman RAF
2nd Sapper Baldwin Army
3rd Cpl Gumley RAF
3rd WO2 Kimbley RN
Men's Sabre Plate
1st Cpl McNulty RAF
Inter-Services Individual Foil
Ladies Foil
1st Flt Lt Gibson RAF
2nd Sig Perry Army
3rd Sgt Greaken Army
3rd SAC Booth RAF
Men's Foil
1st Sqn Ldr Liston RAF
2nd Lt Col Campbell Army
3rd Capt Anderton-Brown Army
3rd Maeop Jerry RAF
Men's Foil Plate
1st Cpl McNulty RAF
Inter-Services Individual Epee
Ladies Epee
1st Fg Off Maclaren RAF
2nd Flt Lt Gibson RAF
3rd WO2 Bowman Army
3rd Sig Perry Army
Men's Epee
1st Sqn Ldr Liston RAF
2nd Capt Anderton-Brown Army
3rd Cpl Sowerby RAF
3rd Flt Lt McKenzie-Brown RAF
Men's Epee Plate
1st WO2 Kimbley RN
Inter-Services Ladies Master-At-Arms
Flt Lt Gibson RAF
Inter-Services Men's Master-At-Arms
Sqn Ldr Liston RAF 
Flt Lt Ann Gibson & Sqn Ldr George Liston with the Inter-Services Master-at-Arms trophies
HAVE YOUR SAY!
Do you want to let off steam? Something in the world of fencing, or indeed, something in REPRISE that's got your goat? Or do you want to congratulate the Editor on the fantastic job he's doing?
If the answer to any of the above questions is "Yes" then this is YOUR forum! Any views, comments, suggestions for REPRISE, write to me and after careful consideration of your view-point I'll come up with a flippant and totally unsatisfactory answer!
To the Editor, REPRISE.
In your recent edition you quite wrongly give the impression that Armourers are not "HORRIBLE MONSTERS". This is quite untrue.
A long succession of Armourers in the 70's and 80's would be quite shocked to hear of your wishy washyness. The Armourer should always have immaculate kit well prepared to be within test specifications, drink copious quantities of ale every night of a competition, bite off the head of the first fencer to arrive, and eat the second one for breakfast. The competitors should offer treats of beer at first, and then curry, in recompense for major services provided.
"Morning, you're late" should be considered as a compliment and is an example of the fine service provided by Armourers. It serves as a double time check. It is morning, and it is + or - 5 minutes of the reporting time.
Continue with your sterling training as Armourer. I will willingly train you in the finer aspects of the art in any pub at any time. The short course lasts from evening opening to closing and the deluxe course includes lunch times.
Yours,
Dave Jerry
The Editor replies:
Dave, many, many thanks for putting me straight. Amazingly, before your letter landed on my desk my attitude as Armourer was already in the process of changing. This was due to the inordinate amount of fencers turning up at the Seniors with mis-adjusted, rusty or just plain broken equipment. As I failed the umpteenth weapon of the morning on the very first day, and then had to either explain or demonstrate how to rectify/repair the problem, patience was a virtue I was rapidly without. In true, old Armourer style, by the end of the third day I had taken on board your comments and was chewing up fencers with relish ... and a little mustard and side salad.
Verbal complaint to the Editor, REPRISE (delivered at the Seniors).
In the last edition of REPRISE, I was insulted twice on the same page. One comment stated that my weapons were always in a poor state of repair and the other stated that pliers and a spanner were necessary to make me buy a round. I'm pointing out to you now that I DID buy a round and I demand an apology.
Steve Jackman
The Editor replies:
Steve, I will of course print a full retraction. No-one can say I am not a fair, and just Editor. Well, they can say it. It just means there will be an article about them in the next edition but that's beside the point!
As I was saying, I will print a full retraction on several conditions. Firstly, that you provide proof of purchase of the aforesaid round, plus at least 3 witnesses to testify that the alleged occurrence did in fact take place. On receipt of this documented and testimonial evidence I will print a retraction.
However, on the subject of poorly maintained weapons my comments still stand. You see, Ashley let slip that the broken weapon which she requested assistance with did not in fact belong to her. Her weapons were all fine. This weapon was actually yours, given to Ashley we can only presume to protect you from the abuse you obviously knew the Armourer would throw at you.
Stop hiding behind the ladies and take your abuse like a man!
CARBO POWER PART 1
Submitted by Carol Ackroyd based on an article written for the Cornish Fencing Team by Alison Avery.
FOOD ENERGY
No matter what type of exercise we do, we will be using Glycogen. In fact, your muscles cannot function without it. The amount of Glycogen in the muscles dictate how long, how fast and how efficient the exercise is:
Low Glycogen = early fatigue
High Glycogen = endurance
Clearly glycogen is a most important fuel for exercise; it is converted from Carbohydrates.
As none of us are professional sports people, a rigorous dietary programme will make little difference to our fencing. However, some simple pieces of information will make a big difference to our stamina and therefore our ability to concentrate and focu, not just at the start of the weekend, but over the whole of it.
KEY WORD - CARBOHYDRATE (Carb)
The Week Before
Week prior to the event eat:
Lots of carbohydrates
Little fat
Maintain protein levels
Try to include a bowl of raw vegetables a day, eg Carrots, Broccoli, cauliflower, Mushrooms etc
Make sure that you are well hydrated by drinking 1.5 - 2 litres of water a day and sports drinks when exercising.
The Day Before
The day before the event do minimal exercise. Eat a substantially high carb dinner to top up muscle glycogen stores. Stick to simple foods such as pasta (no creamy sauce), potatoes (jackets on if possible), and rice dishes. Keep fat to a minimum. Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine (found in tea, coffee and coke). These are all diuretic, and will dehydrate you before your body benefits from their water content.
Competition Day
YOU MUST HAVE SOME FORM OF BREAKFAST!
Some of you will say that you just can't face breakfast. Well tough! Your body needs it to compete even if you don't realise it. A piece of fruit or toast at the very least. Try to avoid fried food.
The Pre-Competition Meal
This ideally should be taken 2 hours before the start of the event. If you are taking it 1 hour before, keep that in mind when looking at quantity. You don't need to be so full that fencing becomes uncomfortable! The aims are to:
Top up liver and muscle glycogen levels
Maintain blood sugar levels
Stave off hunger
Maintain hydration
Suitable choices for breakfast are:
A bowl of cereals
Low fat milk or low fat soya milk
Toast, whote or brown, with jam or honey
Fresh fruit
A glass of warm water
5 - 10 mins before you compete top up again with a small snack and/or sports drink. Keep topping up every 20 - 30 mins throughout the day; little and often. This will keep glycogen levels at their optimum and therefore your performance at its optimum.
FINAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have ANY articles, letters, results, jokes .. .in fact absolutely anything that you think would be of interest to anyone else, then send them to me at the usual address.