PoleVaultPower.com

Here's an e-mail I sent to Bubba Sparks tonight 'cause I was pretty proud of my night. It was titled "A Good Night Tonight".
Tonight was the last USATF summer Track & Field League meet that I am going to go to. I made them start at 8'6" (which they are growing tired of because everybody else can start at 9'). Anyway I made that on my first jump. YAY! New come back PR. Well it went up to 9'. I missed my first jump but YIPPEE! I made my second! Another comeback PR.....and in the same night! The guys told me it was a good jump too. I made 2 attempts at 9'6" and only came marginally close on the second and I withdrew cause everything from just below my belly button to just above the knees (not including the knees) hurt like hell! So plan of attack is, (I think) I AIN"T DOIN' NUTHIN' for at least a week and try to heal up. I really have to figure out a way to get my legs back. I am facing it, I have a lot of stuff on my body that I have to get strong again. But hey, that's what the time between the last meet and Reno is for. Right? Anyway, for now that's all I've got. I know, 9' ain't sh*t, but seein' that 3 months ago I could hardly get into the pit I guess I'm ok with it. Besides, that was what my goal for this little track season was. 10' by Reno is on my mind now. Later...................Mike

Way to go! Now don't rest too long because Reno is not that far off. It took me several years to get to the point that I could go down the runway 8 times without a pulled muscle. It sounds like 10' is a very realistic next goal for you if you can get those legs built up in the offseason.

Congratulations Chris
Glad to hear that you reached your goal for this year and I look forward to seeing you at the summit. I have two meets left this summer I am hoping to also clear my goal height. I think lifting is one of the most important parts for us old farts to focus on to not only keep our strength which is obviously importantfor running fast and doing the gymnastics required t vault but also to keep tendons and ligaments strong so we can stay away form injuries as uch as possible. So get on a good consistant lifting schedule with a good stretching program and your legs will feel better by the summit
Vault On

souleman wrote: I know, 9' ain't sh*t, but seein' that 3 months ago I could hardly get into the pit I guess I'm ok with it. Besides, that was what my goal for this little track season was.

Hey, 9' is great start for your comeback. Congratulations. If you keep your workouts up with your enthusiasm, you will likely make 10' at Reno. Besides, the meets may be over for you, but the pit in your back yard doesn't have lock on it, or if it does, you got a key for it! Way to go!

congrats!!

Don't apologize for 9'.

You've got me beat by 9' right now.

Way to go! I've enjoyed and sympathized with your trials
along the way-- a piece of success is just what one needs
to keep pushing forward.

What do you think about some moderate distance running off season
to build a strong foundation for the legs?

I came back to pole vaulting from many years of road racing-- and
my legs mostly don't give me as much trouble as my back and
upper body. -- just a thought-- others may have other
reasons why this isn't a good idea

vaultingprof

Congrats, Mike! Your enthusiasm is infectuous. Looks like I may have to give it a go!! If I could get all of me going the same direction down the run way I could probably get my *ss of the ground!!