OK, it’s really almost February, which in most years is worse for cold weather. For a fencing club in Michigan, winter is rough on the heating bill. Generally the fencers are fine, it’s the parents/siblings/friends that sit shivering along the sidelines waiting for their fencer to finish that suffer. Every year we have the tea table laid out, and hot water readily available. We’ve also added some fleece throws for people to borrow. But the club is still a warehouse space with sixteen foot ceilings, it’s just not going to be balmy in there until July.
Fencers, once they get moving are happy in cooler temps, the amount of gear we wear to participate in the sport is pretty heavy, throw on a lame that doesn’t breathe and you are breaking into a sweat. Just be careful about getting too cold, blankets or warm-ups are good for between bouts.
Parents, keep you coats on. Or better yet, take up the sport yourself. Otherwise, sit back, drink a hot cup of tea, borrow a fleece. I’d say chat with me, but I’m the one hiding in the break room with the door closed so it stays warm.