Not too late to start pole vaulting again!

[Mike Ritter]

After a 38 year lay off I tried pole vaulting again today, thanks to Bob Meeker and his Monument Hill Vault Club in Monument, CO. I'm 56 and last vaulted in high school in 1974, but had a real "blast from the past" feeling today. Started with some drills and kept it pretty simple for my first day. Didn't use a real bar so no actual height was cleared, but Bob said I was way over the 6'6" bungee line during drills. I felt I got off to a decent start, but it was only a start. The session was with some high school vaulters, so there definitely was some inspiration on hand also. Have a few very minor aches and pains - legs mostly - but overall I feel great and look forward to the next training session. So, if you have had a long lay off or just want to try vaulting later in life - go for it - you won't regret it!

[rainbowgirl28]

Congratulations!

[Mcleodjw]

Congrats and welcome to the fever.
I started back this year too. I'm going to be 50 in December. I started coaching at the local high school this spring. Next thing you know, I had a pole in my hand and I was running down the runway. I never looked back.
One word of advice, get into shape. I jumped 6'-0", then I wanted more.
The old saying rings true. "The mind is willing, but the body has another thing in mind."
Needless to say, I received an Ab strain while trying to clear 8'-6". The injury lasted for three months.
I now have a new plan. Condition, condition, condition. I run, exercise three to four times a week.
Welcome back and good luck.

John

[Mike Ritter]

John - Sounds like excellent advice. It is now Wednesday morning (the day after) and I feel pretty good and have no injuries. I'll definitely take it slow when it comes to actual vaulting heights vs. drills recommended by the coach. M.

[fishman4god]

Spend your time in the early months of your comeback regaining strength, endurance, flexibility (really important) and some speed work and drills. I am now about 1.5 years into my comeback (I am 54) and I had alot of nagging injuries early on from a simple lack of conditioning. I cant emphasize enough how being patient and of course having fun is. Welcome back and best wishes.......we have been waiting for you!

[Mike Ritter]

Thanks fishman - good advice. I have a good coach so I'm sure that will help a lot too. M.

[master]

Welcome back Mike. You might be surprised to see just how many of us there are that fit your description. Every one of us will sing the same songs; gradually get your body back in condition to take the stresses of the vault, and, listen to your body. When it gives you a slight little warning, don't "man up", instead back away and you'll be ready to vault another day.

[Mike Ritter]

I hear you Master - I'll try to stay healthy and always live to vault another day. M.

[fishman4god]

Yes master is wise!

[Bubba PV]

I was at Pat Manson's / John Carmony's place near Boulder yesterday with Rory Quiller. How far are you from there? I stay near Highland Ranch twice per month and need a closer vault place.

[Mike Ritter]

PM sent. M.

[larry d]

Hey Mike,
Good to hear there's someone kind of "old' ,like I am, just starting out also. I just heard about the"Masters" program when researching the Olympic vault results. Wow!! ...What a pleasant surprise to know we graybeards can continue to jump,run ,and so on.
I just took my first jumps this week without a bar or anything after working hard for 7-8 weeks to get back in good shape .
Are you sitting down ? ... It's been 46yrs, in my senior yr. of high school(1966), since I vaulted . I know,"crazy" right ??

But just like you said, what a rush! It felt so good to jump again. Even the drills were fun because of the anticipation.It made me feel like a kid again!

I have to thank Walt Cramer at Olivet U. for getting me started. He's a highly regarded vault coach here in north central Illinois.
Oh, I jumped 12ft. 3in. with a steel pole.(no glass was even available to us then) L.