USPSA Handgun Nationals – Getting To Know Your Medalists – Carina Randolph, 3rd Place Limited

Courtesy of our friends at the Women of USPSA blog.

WoUSPSA: Carina, congratulations on your Top 3 finish at the Limited Nationals!  What did you think of the stages at this year’s Nationals?  Did you have a favorite?

Carina: I thought the stages were well designed and a definite test of accuracy.  The props were fun and the stages all ran smoothly.  My favorite course of fire was Stage 17: Crossed Up and Out.  You needed to bring everything to that stage; the ability to switch gears between wide open and partial targets while moving between multiple positions and making a smoking-fast reload.

WoUSPSA: That was a fast & furious stage!  What do you think of the range/match location?

Carina: I like visiting Las Vegas since there is so much to do.  The range layout is nice in that you’re never really very far from your car should you need something.  Walking on the gravel while resetting the stages was more tiring than I anticipated.

WoUSPSA: We seem to remember seeing your name on a few more match results this year.  When did you start training for the Nationals, and how much was range time compared to dry firing?

Carina: This year I practiced more than in recent years. I have a group of local shooters I introduced to USPSA and as a result, I shot a lot more local matches since I was coaching them.  On my own I did a solid six weeks of practice before nationals.  I would live fire once a week, shoot a local match on the weekend, and dryfire nearly daily.

WoUSPSA: Sounds like a good regimen!  Do you lift weights or do grip strengthening exercises to specifically build your muscles used in shooting?  What other kinds of physical training do you do?

Carina: Like a lot of other shooters, I do CrossFit as a conditioning program.  Pull ups and Olympic weight lifts accomplish nearly all the grip strengthening I need.  To balance it out I also do Bikram yoga.  I have some previous hip and back injuries and the yoga keeps me in form for CrossFit, which in turn keeps me fit enough to be shooting at a competitive level.

WoUSPSA: What a perfect cycle!  Now, you only shot the second match of the Back to Back.  Do you think there was any disadvantage compared to those who shot the first match?

Carina: The only disadvantage I can think of is that I wasn’t as familiar with the timing on the props (swingers, clam shells, etc) as those who shot both matches.  But then again, since the stages were changed around somewhat, it was probably only a small disadvantage.

WoUSPSA: Based on your awesome 3rd place finish, we would have to agree with you! Your husband arrived for the last portion of the match.  Was it good to have him there, and did your performance change at all once he arrived?

Carina: Our anniversary is in October and this year marked our 12th. It was nice having him along.  He carried my gear, which was great!

My performance did change somewhat.  My husband isn’t a shooter, so sometimes I became distracted discussing other things when we were at the range and since I wasn’t following my usual routines, I sometimes got out of sync.

WoUSPSA: Were you happy with your match performance?

Carina: I’m happy with my performance overall, but it wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say I could have done better.

WoUSPSA: Seems like many of us are saying the same … : ) Did you learn anything about yourself as a competitor at the match?

Carina: I learned that I still get a bit spooked when equipment issues arise.  I found a problem with my pistol early on the last day long before our range time. I got lucky and got it fixed (thanks Gunner!).  I even got to function fire the gun.  But, it took at least two or three stages before I could shoot without any doubt.

WoUSPSA: Equipment problems can certainly be distracting. To stay energized, what is your snack and beverage of choice on the range?

Carina: I like the Emergen-C drink packets to mix with my water and Lara bars to snack on.  Sports goo is pretty awesome stuff too.  Oh, and I now have an addiction to wasabi roasted almonds – thanks to Athena Lee.

WoUSPSA: That Athena is always causing trouble!  : ) Why do you think the participation is low for women in the iron sight divisions and what can we do to change that?

Carina: I’m not sure why the ladies aren’t shooting iron sights as much as open.  Perhaps there’s a misguided perception about needed size and strength to run them.  However, there are plenty of women who are small in stature that are exceptional shooters with iron sights. The only suggestion I could make to alter the situation is to encourage existing shooters to bring their women friends to the range and introduce them to the sport.

WoUSPSA: Great suggestion! In other sports, top contenders compete together.  Do you feel that USPSA should require that established shooters and national champions shoot together or do you feel that competitors should always have the option to choose? What are the pros and cons of shooting with the ladies?

Carina: I think competitors should have a choice.  If the goal is to encourage the best performance, then the shooter should be able to make that decision as to what conditions suit her best.  The pros and cons depend on your point of view I suppose.  It can be an advantage to see what your main competition is doing so you know what you need to accomplish.  Or, it could a disadvantage if that type of pressure affects you.  I like being on the ladies squad – we share ideas and discuss strategies.  It’s a supportive environment to me.

WoUSPSA: Was this your last major match of the year or do you still have more competitions on your schedule?

Carina: This was my last major pistol match for the season.  Although, I’m dipping my toe into the 3 gun pool and attending a couple of 3 gun matches thru December.

WoUSPSA: We wish you the best with your multi-gun endeavors! With the match season rather lengthy, how do you typically unwind at the end of the season?

Carina: I catch up on all the projects that need doing around the house…although I hesitate to call that unwinding!

WoUSPSA: Totally understand that! What are your long-term competitive shooting goals?

Carina: In all truth, my only long term goal is to remain competitive for as long as I can.  I am chasing shooters with serious skills that are more then just a few years my junior.

WoUSPSA: If you weren’t a competitive shooter, what do you think you would be doing?

Carina: My husband is somewhat of a gear head and we’ve taken a number of high speed driving classes together with his corvette.  I could see me doing drag races or gymkhana courses or something similar.  That and I would probably devote more time to martial arts.  But for the record, I’ll always be a shooter with a day job.

WoUSPSA: We’re so glad you are … Do you have any special talents or skills that you would like to share with us?

Carina: I don’t know I’m particularly skilled at it, but I like to cook.  When I roll out the range snacks I’ve been told I’m the “bomb diggity.”  I’m also a closet handy[wo]man. So those tools better go back where you found them, dagnabit!

WoUSPSA: When you aren’t on the road or at the range, what’s one of your favorite activities to do when at home?

Carina: Absolutely nothing – and then I rest afterwards!  My down time is limited.  I work part time and have a nine year old daughter with a huge variety of interests, so when I get the chance, I decompress with a book.

WoUSPSA: What advice would you give to any new shooters who are just starting out in our sport?

Carina: Learn your fundamentals because there really aren’t any “advanced” techniques – only advanced applications of basic techniques.  My favorite advice came from my coach, “It’s all sight alignment and trigger press.  The rest is just there to challenge you.”

WoUSPSA: Can’t go wrong with fundamentals … In closing, we want to wish you a Happy [belated] 12th Anniversary!  How did you and your hubby celebrate your awesome finish at the USPSA Limited Nationals / Anniversary? (Remember, we’re a G-rated web site) : )

Carina: Thank you!  We went to one of the Cirque shows and since I love to dance, we went clubbing till the wee hours of the morning.  I was so tired that I feel asleep as the flight prepared for take off!

WoUSPSA: Sounds like a great way to celebrate a bronze medal finish!  Thanks for interviewing with us, Carina and congratulations once again!

Let’s watch Carina as she smoothly and aggressively runs through a few stages at Nationals.