Last weekend I was offered a chance to try my hand at archery and in the spirit of the commonwealth games I jumped at the chance to give a go. The only archery I had ever seen was either in cartoons or when watching Robin Hood so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had the impression that maybe there would be a nice round target in a very, very big field, after all would you want to stand anywhere near a complete beginner 🙂
We arrived at a secluded wooded area and there were no colourful targets in sight! Instead there were large plastic bottles on sticks which we were to try and hit. But having watched my friends have a go the competitor in me took over and I was determined to give it my very best.
I shot the first arrow, it was not as easy as I had imagined but I was not going to let it get the better of me. I listened to the advice and my shots were getting closer to hitting the bottle. I just could not find the strength to pull the bow back far enough to match my more experienced friends, but I was improving.
Then finally I hit the bottle, the bottle moved on the stick and the arrow hit the ground behind it 🙂 I was over the moon and really pleased with my efforts, it was such good fun to try a new sport and though all you field archers out there won’t have any serious competition from me any time soon it is something that I would love to try again.
So though I wont be in Glasgow for the start of the 2014 Commonwealth Games today I will be there in spirit. I believe that the opening ceremony at 2100 BST is expected to be fabulous so I will have to catch it on the BBC website when I get home. I hope that the games are a great success and that the competitors enjoy the experience and my new home City. Good luck to everyone involved 🙂
Here is a link to a little test that the BBC have put on their website to see what Commonwealth Games sport may suit you 🙂 Why not give it a go and let me know what it suggests. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28062001
Great, the archery is great for concentration and relaxation …. I made a few years ….. Good luck holiday.
Archery was great fun. I’d like to take it up properly.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congrats and welcome to the ranks of archers. I’ve been shooting since I was seven years old. It is a great past time. I hope you continue with it. 🙂
I’d like to continue with it Dennis, do you practise indoors or outdoors?
Best wishes
Charlotte
Both indoors and outdoors. I shoot at 3D hunting targets mostly.
Ooh that sounds good fun.
I’m impressed. I can’t even pull the bow back. Good job!
Pulling back the string was difficult 🙂 I got a real sense of achievement when I got better.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I tried the test. Guess I need to try hockey! Thanks for the link and the inspiration.
I used to love hockey at school, I played in attack either Centre or left wing great sport.
Best wishes
Charlotte
You inspire me to take my bow to the beach and shoot a few arrows at one of the poor unsuspecting dunes again – I haven’t done it for ages. I just have to take care that none of the pooches crosses my field of shooting. If one has the facilities nearby it can be an addictive pastime..
It’s cool that you have your own bow, my Dad used to do archery I’m going to persuade him to take it up again my Mum would love it.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Great! How was Llangollen?
The first day I didn’t get into the final, when I watched the finalists on the main stage I knew I had one more chance the following day, so I gave it a good shot. The staging was fabulous and I was so pleased to come third amidst such great singers. I know Eirlys from the RCS and she is amazing.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’ve always wanted to visit but I’m usually working. Good luck for the future.
Dale
The entertainment was outstanding this year and the weather so lovely. I met people who go to watch every year :). I had one little boy who heard me sing as he walked past and he made his Mummy wait so he could meet me, so cute it made my day.
I am excited for you! Not that I have ever attempted this however I am living vicariously though this adventure and appreciate that you shared. Enjoy!
Glad to share it with you Annette, it’s well worth trying great fun. Love your inspiring messages on twitter.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Apparently I’m more suited to netball, but archery sounds more fun!
I used to play Centre or Goal Attack in netball but I had to give it up through time constraints.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That was a fun test. 🙂 Thank you. My results: No.1 Squash (I don’t know what that is) No.2 Judo (Yay!) No.3 Wrestling (like Stone Cold Steve Austin or The Rock or Hulk Hogan kind of wrestling?) I am less suited for Shooting, Weightlifting, and Lawn Bowls. Hmm, I can leave with that. I hope you had a Happy Wednesday.
Squash is like indoor tennis with a wall instead of an opponent on the opposite side of the net, very fast paced, great exercise, usually played against an opponent at the side of you but you can practise alone. Judo sounds like a good sport for you too 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
Amusingly, my sports are either tri-athlon, judo or wrestling! I am glad you enjoyed the archery. Were your arms achy the next day?
My arms weren’t too bad Clare but I do a lot of swimming so I guess that might help. Tri-Athlon sounds challenging, I would need to sort out my technique for jogging, sprints are fine but long distance running :/
Best wishes
Charlotte
That is so good. I have been wanting to try this for real. Hunger game came to mind.
You must try it 🙂 I love the Hunger Games films and the Catniss character, I’d love a flame dress like hers.
Best wishes
Charlotte
A young woman of many talents, Charlotte, you are incredible. Pulling that bow back is extremely difficult. I couldn’t even begin to do it. Good for you.
I love to try new things Janice, I was so excited when I finally hit that bottle.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Do enjoy the fun to do new sports 🙂
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I do enjoy learning new things, I like challenges. Thanks Yoshiko.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Even me too
Best wishes to you too
This is such a terrific blog, and always so interesting. Thanks!
Thanks Marcus, I’m really glad you enjoy reading it, I enjoy writing it and keeping up with everyone.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Cool! Always nice to try something new
I loved your new look blog/website, I love new things.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thanks! It needed an update. 🙂
I’m very impressed at your desires and willingness to try new things! Don’t ever stop:)
Candi in CA
I’m always looking for new things to do, I like to be busy 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
I tried archery once ages ago, at the summer camp I used to work at. It was a lot of fun, though not as much as riding. 😉
One day I’ll try riding again, I had two keen horse riding friends In Primary school, they would have parties at the stables great fun.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Oh, you should. 😀
Congratulations on hitting our target!
Thank you 🙂
All the best
Charlotte
Great vocals and improving archery skills make for a unique “double-threat” business card, Charlotte.
Ha ha Yeah, you never know when that skill could be useful lol.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Absolutely brilliant post 🙂 The first shot is fantastic, and you seem to be a natural “Maid Marian”. Cheers!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, I was so excited to share the experience, great fun. I got so annoyed with myself when I couldn’t hit the target at first :).
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’ve always wanted to try that it looks so fun! Great content btw! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
Good job, Charlotte! When I picture myself shooting a bow, I see the arrow just flopping straight down at my feet. haha 🙂
Hi Noon, it was great fun to give it a go. I am sure that you would get the hang of it really quickly 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
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