How does pole vaulting define you?

[keulpv]

Pole Vault community…
If you don’t know me I am Adam Keul, an elite vaulter living and training in Tallahassee, FL. I am also pursuing my PhD and I need your help. I am writing a paper about pole vault identity and I want some sources. So, if you would like to help me, please write me a response to this question.

How does pole vaulting define you?

For many of you, (as well as myself) PV is more than what you do on Saturdays in the spring. Some of the people in our community are completely immersed in the sport- it is their whole life. If this is you PLEASE respond! For others, it is essentially a hobby. Let me know how it works for you, and feel free to show emotion (if you want).

Your response could be a sentence, a page, it doesn’t really matter how long or how well written it is. If you can, please send me a picture of yourself in action.

Email responses to keulpv@hotmail.com , please use ‘PV Projectâ€

[Bubba PV]

Here's a thing I posted when I first started my website. It seems real similar to what you're looking for. BTW - thanks for making me that AWESOME pole bag!! Bubba

http://www.bubbapv.com/Pages/DoYouLovetoPV.htm
and
http://www.bubbapv.com/Pages/DoYouLovetoPV2.htm

[keulpv]

Thanks Bubba, I have read that before, and it is just the type of expression I am looking for.

[Bubba PV]

No problem. I figured you had seen it but it might help others by way of example. Thanks and good luck with the project!! Bubba

[keulpv]

I need more! I know ya'll are crazy about pole vault! Write it down and send it to me!
AK

[powerplant42]

If you've got BTB2, check out that one appendix...
For me, vaulting is just what I do. I talk about it whenever I get the chance. I think about it when I should be doing math, trying to sleep, breathing... I brag about it. It's just a unique sport, you know? Like, just about everyone can run. But if you hand them a pole and say 'get over that bar' they'll just laugh. So I guess the whole thing is is that it's just different, as well as being really fun/exciting... It's also the challenge! The pent up frustration you get in a practice or meet sometimes can just be released in one glorious jump, however high the bar might be, and it feels like you just conquered the world. And then you think, I didn't just master that bar or jump, I just mastered myself, spirit, mind and body.
Hope that helps!

[PVAlly]

Adam,
I'm just curious, what are you getting your PhD in?