A Winning Strategy

    At first glance, the strategy for winning the Total Outdoorsman Challenge is obvious: do extremely well in every event. And, when it comes to the actual competition, yeah, that works. When practicing, though, forming a strategy is a bit harder. Do you spend time filling holes in their weaker disciplines? Or do you add to your strengths to ensure high placement in those events?
    (For the uninitiated, the TOC scoring is like golf, the lowest score wins. Win an event and get one point, two for second place, and so on. Win all seven disciplines, and you end up with seven points.)
    Before setting a practice schedule competitors must weigh a few factors: (A) there are seven disciplines to prepare for, all equally weighted, and with all seven designed to be as equally difficult. (B) A score of sixteen (dead last) in any one discipline will end any title hopes. (C) Some disciplines, like fly fishing and archery, historically have several really strong competitors. Other disciplines, such as ATV and endurance, historically have lacked dominant competitors.
    So, which path should you take? Amp up your strengths to try to dominate those challenges? Spend equal amount of practice time on each event, gambling that you can stay near the top in every discipline? Dedicate a majority of practice time to become adequate in your weaker events, while your strengths get rusty? Glad I only design the courses, stuff like this would keep me awake at night.
    Adding some recon work for the fishing disciplines, planning travel, and rigging up gear to that practice strategy, and the 65 days until the official practice session of the 2008 TOC finals seems a little shorter. Happy sleeping. --John Davis, Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge competition manager

Comments

[Coop]

When you guy's are putting together your practice stratigy make sure you do it in a way that keeps it fun. Get the kids involved if you have them, this is the perfect time to get them ready for hunting season that's just around the corner.
You guy's need to keep your goals realistic as well. If you are going to try to start getting into shape now make sure you start slow and don't hurt yourself. Don't try to run 4 miles your first day or lift the heavyest weight in the gym.
Like John said the WINNER will be the guy that makes the fewest mistakes, you need to be comfortable with all the tasks and catch a break or two.
John you sleep??? I thought Eric plugs you into the charger at the end of the day...

[John]

Coop, lovin' getting the kids involved. Elizabeth, my oldest, is my test subject for practice runs in a few of the disciplines. Makes it fun for me to test the courses and she loves it because she gets to shoot and cast.
And yeah, I do sleep...not as tough as I once was.

[Cory]

Hey John,
How do we practice if we don't know what to practice? Can't really practice bass fishing table rock as I live way up here and I don't know what baits and rod/reel set-ups you guys are going to give me. LOL
I am going to start with some computer recon of the lake and from there practice my flycasting for the flyfishing event. Already have an ATV and course lined up for practice and gonna start working out more. I am just waiting for my bow to get on that as I have been shooting my own bow, but that only helps a little.
I am going to concentrate on all aspects with a slightly higher practice on my weaknesses. Slow and steady and straight! I am in this to have fun and I can't let that get out of my sight.

[Redneck Fred]

JOHN DAVIS SLEEPS??????

I'm amazed, he is such a stud muffin, he man, sasquatch kickin' BA

[Coop]

Hey John any word on the wildcard drawing???
Cory untill the official list is published you are going to have to use your imagination. Set up a course at your house and compete with your Buddies or Kids. I have twin 14 year olds that push me pretty good. We have an archery range set up in the backyard, we go from that to the pellet gun targets then to the front yard for the pitching and flyrod targets. If you do that with some good range time shooting some sporting clays and some rifle time you will be fine.

[Cory]

Thanks Coop
Gonna do my best. It's tough when you live in an area that frowns on shooting in city ares. LOL. I do what I can and have plans set up for 5-stand and quads as well as the rest. I may have to give the champ a run for his money.