So Tell Me, How seriously DO we take ourselves?

[Lt Don]

I've got a couple of cents to throw at this fountain.

Probably because we have trained off and on together for 40 years, Bubba and I train as hard as most "serious" athletes...including a large number of world class guys. My definition of serious training is a relative scale of what your body can physically take without breaking down. This training level is different for each athlete and is dependant upon several things including their God given abilities. The ultimate question is how hard are you willing to push yourself? How close to the line are you willing to go to maximize your "current" potential?

My main problem is that I take my training and jumping very seriously! I am constantly reminding myself to focus more on the experience and less on the results...but it is hard. My Type "A" personality keeps getting in the way.

Every meet is a competition with myself. I use it to measure my progress, then I go back to the drawing board and re-evaluate. This is what serious athletes do, no matter their level of ability or performance! Pole Vaulting at this age requires a ton of dedication to sacrifice the time, the energy and the money...not to mention overcoming the injuries. Face it guys none of us has much time left, much money left or much energy left to waste it!

I am a competing athlete...I am serious about what I do...Therefore, I am a serious athlete. I just don't have near the talent of those around me!

[Bubba PV]

I just don't have near the talent of those around me!

Well it should read WE don't have the talent - HENCE - our hard training -

Bubba

PS - several years ago I had a fellow elite athlete’s coach suggest to me that I need to accept that my best competition days are well behind me and that I should focus on the success I was having coaching and leave the vaulting to "the athletes". The truth hurts!! My response was I don't get paid to coach and I don’t get paid to vault so let me enjoy my misery in peace. I'm sure we can ALL relate!

[master]

Hey. Both you guys got a lot of talent and you bring great energy to masters vaulting. Just don't work yourself so hard you get burnt out. I need you at the competitons!

- master

[charlie]

Would like to share a story, about a non athlete!! He has been vaulting for 50 years. From 1975 to 1985 he was ranked #1 in the world in the sub masters and masters div. Won 25 indoor and outdoor national championships. Setting at that time 8 indoor and outdoor world records. in 83 and 85 won back to back world championships ,setting the world games record of 15" 3 " ,that still stands. He is also supposedly the slowest vaulter in the world. In 83 CBS did a nation wide special of his attemt to qualify for the olympic trials at age 40. Diring that time he signed a 6 figure endorsement contract with a pr co. in St Louis!! During that 10 yr. period he also was a NIKE product endorsement athlete. Is he proud of his acomplishments. That is a profound YES ( even if he doesn't make the hall of fame)

[Bubba PV]

Legends like you are very special and extrememly rare Charlie. I remain in awe! Thanks for sharing the story!! Bubba

[lonestar]

Legends like you are very special and extrememly rare Charlie. I remain in awe! Thanks for sharing the story!! Bubba

I disagree that Charlie is the slowest vaulter in the world - that title belongs to Pete Kovacs.