So lads, I started an abbreviated practice season this year an jumped right into my first 2 competitions. My practices had me seeing visions of glory:

Stones were farther than I've ever thrown.

Monster caber no longer attempted without first pre-planning my trip to the emergency room. Picked it cleanly every time.

Hammers relaxed and extended

But then the games came. Each event was nagging me with shorter distances than I'd expected and the litany of old injuries came back screaming before I was more than half way through.

Now I remember what I was taught: "Son you don't compete in Highland Games. You SURVIVE them."

So I'm back to working on basic techniques, looking at 6 more games coming up including the MWC. Looking forward to all of them and remembering that its the little things that count--and that I'm lucky to still be able to kilt up, walk out there and do my best.

Hang tough guys.