A concept I've seen in several post on this thread is one I take issue with to some extent. That's the "I compete to win" statement.
We don't all compete to win the contest. I did this competition in the 70's and 80's with some sucess at the local level as I made my way up through the classes at the time. Then took a 15-20 year leave. I don't have the skills, desire, energy, or need be in first place any more. Been there, done that years ago!
But there are always two contest going on at a pattern event.

First is the contest with all the other contestants and how we stack up. I don't have any hope of winning a Masters event any more. Most of us "middle" and "back" packers don't. But we can still enjoy seeing how we stack up against the winners. It's still a competition "fix".

Second is the best competition of all. That's the competition with ourselves. How well can I fly this maneuver or sequence compared to how it should be flown? This is the competition we can all win at times. When I fly a good maneuver or sequence really well compared to my "usual" then that's a victory and I can enjoy that victory just as the first place flyer does.



Dave Burton