PoleVaultPower.com

As a high school senior in 1975 I jumped 13'10". In late May 2002, I had a dream about pole vaulting and decided to try it again (after a 27-year lay-off). After a bad New England Winter and a parade of old-age injuries, I finally competed this weekend at the National Masters Meet in Boston. I vaulted 9'0. This leaves a lot of room for inprovement. I feel like I'm at about the level that I was at in 10th grade.

The exhilaration of actually clearing a crossbar again was fabulous.

Thanks to everyone on this board who has been encouraging over the past several months. Bryan, thanks for the series of poles - I actually used 3 different poles between the warm-up and the competition. It's all experimental at this stage - pole, handgrip, run, technique, old habits, new habits.

The other vaulters in my division (none of whom were threatened by my jumping, I might add) were very helpful (as were the meet officials) and had a good sense of humor about me being the "new kid on the block".

Hey Russ - it was a pleasure seeing you jump this weekend and I hope to see you jump more this spring and summer. I'll try and keep you posted about the series of summer meets in New England (Gilford NH Old Home Day, York Beach Vault + several meets at Holy Cross & Westborough HS)

Well done my friend

Hey gus, Tell us more about Babits almost breaking EB's record!

Russ,

Congrats on coming back. My experience is similar but I had to stop vaulting as a HS Soph. at 10'0" (grad. in '79) I happen to live near Jerry Cash, a master vaulter who was very encouraging and provided a pit and poles for vaulting. I have cleared 11'6" now in two seasons and intend to keep knocking at 12'0" and above. This third season will bring the Masters Nationals to Eugene, and I would encourage anyone I can beat and anyone who wants to beat me to come this year!

Injuries are by far my biggest problem, but I have never felt better, stronger, or had more self pride than since I got back into vaulting. I strarted teaching gymnastics and now swing high bar weekly as well. The people I meet in vaulting are the most supportive I have found. After all, as we all jump against ourselves and those last three misses.

Keep Jumping!

I plan on making my first vault appearance at Eugene - want to jump with Dan West at the mecca of the sport - just enjoy the place and hopefully clear something good - maybe a PR???

Decamouse wrote:I plan on making my first vault appearance at Eugene - want to jump with Dan West at the mecca of the sport - just enjoy the place and hopefully clear something good - maybe a PR???

When are you doing that?

Nat masters Championships.........Aug 7th - 10th

I plan on going also.

As for injuries, I've discovered that I have to supplement my training with a stationary bike 2-3 times a week. I think that the bike uses a lot of the same muscles that sprinting does, but without the severe impact to the rest of my body (e.g., joints). I've found that 1-2 days a week is all I can really handle either vaulting or even just doing pop-like drills. My right shoulder (I'm right-handed) just can't take more - I get too sore.

In addition, the Ben Franklin quote applies: "Experience is a hard school but fools will learn in no other." Everytime that I try to push too much, some injury reminds me that I'm not just a fool, but an old fool! [/list][/code][/quote][/u][/i][/b]

PVJunkie wrote:Nat masters Championships.........Aug 7th - 10th

I plan on going also.

you jumping masters now? you ARE old........

35 yrs old on june 6th.........................funny, i dont feel old.

His vaulting does not look old - now physically, the hair, all those other things - well that is another sad story

What age are you officially "masters" vaulter. I'm 30 and still get stuck in open/college when I enter meets.