~ Written by Jenny S.

Recently, at our monthly session, fellow Lady Sentinel, Beth, walked us through how to reverse engineer our goals, making them more achievable. Starting with the goal in mind, and working backwards to identify each macro and micro step towards reaching them, we worked together and learned how to create our individual roadmaps to success.  What does that look like in practice? Let’s work it out together:

In late October, a group of Lady Sentinels will be heading to Cross Timbers, MO for the annual Fall Fest competition put on by A Girl and A Gun. The competition is divided into two sections. First, a team pistol challenge, where we are paired with a partner for a handgun competition. Second, a 3-gun challenge, where we are expected to compete using three different platforms: pistol, rifle, and shotgun. While I’m a regular at our Lady Sentinel competitions, I will be the first to admit that I have never done anything like this before in my life. Yet, when my Lady Sentinel friends signed up, I jumped into the rink, too. Putting aside the feeling that maybe I bit off more than I can chew, I set the goal bar low for myself. My goals are simply to show up (as in, don’t chicken out), and complete the competition (as in, don’t quit part way through or get disqualified).

With these goals in mind, here’s what I’ve been doing to prepare for my very first FallFest competition.

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 As Beth suggested in her goal setting workshop, I identified the different categories that would most need my attention. These include:

1. Equipment

2. Training

3. Logistics

Category 1: Equipment

Admittedly, I’ve got a long way to go in terms of equipment, considering I have very limited knowledge about 2 of the 3 guns I’ll need, not to mention that I don’t own them, either. So, step 1 in this category for me is education. I spent considerable time learning as much as I can about how each platform works, as well as how to be safe while using them. I’m getting some practice in with each, just to familiarize myself with the tool. I’m asking all the questions, and testing out as many different types of models as I can get my hands on, so I can develop and identify my preferences, if I ever end up buying something of my own. In the meantime, I’ve arranged to borrow a shotgun and a rifle for the competition.  

Now that the guns have been secured, there’s ammo, and gear to round up. Since I’ve never done anything like this before, I don’t know exactly what I’ll need, but I’ll take my best guess, and ask a lot of questions along the way. I’ll use the event page, as well as previous participants for guidance, and go from there. Also, the staff at The Range has been incredibly supportive in this area, and has even let me borrow some competition setups to practice and learn with. 

My squad leader also recently sent out a suggested packing list, so I’ll refer to that when collecting all my equipment and supplies. 

Category 2: Training 

How does one train for something they’ve never done before? Come up with a plan! Mine includes meeting up with my pistol partner weekly, and drilling a specific skill during these sessions. Some of our sessions have focused on transitioning between targets, drawing quickly from our holsters, tactical reloads, double loading our shotgun, and more.  Most of our sessions have taken place at The Range, but when space or other concerns were an issue, we opted to meet in our basement, a local outdoor range, and even a friend’s farm for distance training. 

Additionally, the day before the event begins, I’ll take part in a walkthrough of all the stages with my squad leader. I’m hoping she’ll offer guidance on how to plan for each stage of the competition, and if all goes well, I will have focused on the right things in my training sessions! 

Category 3: Logistics 

To me, logistics includes lodging, food, scheduling, etc. As cruise director of our house, you’d think this category comes naturally to me, but in reality, it’s often difficult for me to share some of the caretaking responsibilities, and to trust that others can get the job done in my absence.  Being the family chauffeur is no joke, and our kids’ activity shuttle service is intense, so I’ll need to call up the ringers for support. I’ll stock the fridge with easy-to-prepare dishes and meal components, and make sure the pantry has all the staples at the ready. No one is going hungry, even if not on my watch!

As for lodging, the competition organizers provided info on some options, and after talking with my fellow Lady Sentinels, I booked a room at the place everyone else is staying. I also made a mental list of what restaurants and dining options are available nearby, so I wouldn’t have the mental load of figuring that out during the competition. Plus, I’ve been advised to pack lots of snacks for refueling between stages. 

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By doing all of this preparation ahead of time, I hope that I have an easier time achieving my FallFest goals. Maybe I’ll even tack on one additional goal while I’m there… to have fun!

I’ll report back soon! In the meantime, be sure to wish our Lady Sentinel team good luck, if you see us around!