What Now?!

[Vaulting prof]

Bubba,

Just reading this chain of responses is uplifting--(and if there is
anything a pole vaulter needs it is a little uplifting)

But, seriously, we all need to keep in mind that we are doing
something truly exceptional by comparison to the "average 40-50-60
year old. So, take on this new task of "relearning" the techniques
one little step at a time. Two years ago I was telling people
I just need to learn how to bend the pole and then control that bend.
With the intent that it would be happening in a few weeks or at least
a month or two. In those two years I have gradually moved my
personal best up about 20 inches (again, not nearly as much as I
thought I "should") but I'm still telling people I have a lot of
relearning to do -- and I'm still not bending the pole as I should
and can see I'm a long ways from "controling the rebound I do get.
So, I guess being patient as well as dedicated is especially
true as we push our bodies to play an exceptional game--
that of pole vaulting.

You are the "on line " coach for many of us with both your inspiration
and very professional advice. You and this forum are major
contributors to bringing us "older" vaulters together electronically and and, also, periodically reminding us we can't be crazy because there are so many others like us scattered across the country.

Hang in there and we'll see you in Boston

Howard aka vaulting prof