Friday, July 6, 2012

Going Underground!!

I've made a decision that I'm going underground with my blog as of Monday.  I have two major championships next year and more than a few people have told me I need to stop posting the details of my training, progress and/or lack of.  I'm not clear on the details yet except that it will be up by Sunday night and this one will stop.  I have a lot of new things that are underway and my insights on what's going on need to be kept private.

Invitation Only!!
If you are a reader or follower of this blog and would like to continue on this journey with me, please email me at polevaulter@msn.com and I will give you the new link.  I can't think of anyone I would refuse, especially my vaulting buddies, Kirk, Dan, etc.  I'll explain my reasoning on the new blog.  Have a great day and thanks for your support!  Bubba

Jeff Beck's, "I'm Going Down" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zmzv5xJ4wE4

Thursday, July 5, 2012

New Box!!


Coach Craig Dunn at Dana Hills High School called today to say that the new plant box has been installed. We have two but he had a new one installed so that the pit would not hang over onto the football field and therefore can stay out all year long!! YES!! Thanks Coach!!

Coach Dunn was an outstanding distance runner at DHHS when he decided he wanted to try the pole vault. He jumped 10' 6" (3.20m) his first day and 13' 6" (4.12m) by the end of the year. In college he jumped 15' 1" (4.60m). Pretty special considering he is maybe 5' 6" tall.

NOW, as an often recognized and awarded coach at the high school where he competed, he has left a mark in another way. If you Google Earth Dana Hills High School you will see that he has two PV runways in the end zone curve of the track. What makes this special is that they are not in the crappy wind direction, but rather run diagonally so we always have a tailwind. He told the district when they balked that it took up the same amount of room and they would still have room for the high jump. As the head coach he would quit if they said no.

Long story short, I'm thrilled and honored to be allowed to help out in a program with a rich history and three great vault coaches already! Thank you!! Bubba

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Making Progress Little by Little!!

Today was another "jump day" where the kids were coming out. I meant to get there a little earlier but decided that if I jumped with the kids, I would jump less and probably not make my leg any worse. If you remember, I'm going on the assumption that I can very slowly ramp up vaulting activity. So far that seems to be working. Since my birthday 10 days ago, this was my 4th day to vault. I took the same three vaults, on the same pole from the same run, BUT, today was the first day that I felt like I could have safely taken a few more jumps before stopping. Next time I will start a bit earlier and try to get five jumps.

The two biggest differences right now are that I'm not as sore from jumping as I was after the first couple of days, and I am also doing my most of other training components along with vaulting. That said, I'm out of town Thursday and Friday so that means my next practice will also be a vault day.

If I can get past the next two weeks getting in a few more jumps in, then I can start thinking about moving up poles a bit or moving my run back. IF I can get through July on all of my 4m/13' 1", poles then August I should be able to start in on my 4.30m/14' 1" poles.  The difference then will be obvious as my practice start height will be 12’ (3.66m) instead of 10’ (3.05m).

Not massive improvement but it's some momentum I can build off of. Jumping four times in 10 days is what I'm looking for. Have a great holiday and thanks for your support. Bubba

I Can See For Miles, by The Who - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hje28F-IhLo&feature=related

Monday, July 2, 2012

Mission Impossible

Next year is a big year for me so now is when I try to learn to hold my body together. Yesterday my leg was very sore and today it's barely noticeable. I don't know what I consider to be the "Mission Impossible; being healthy continuously or getting a medal in my two World Championship competitions. I need them all to happen. Message to self - practice what you preach.

Down to 173.4 this morning. Need to be no higher than 171. Getting closer. That certainly helps. For every 1 lb (1/2kg) you have your body has 40 lbs. more impact just walking and up to 400 lbs. running.

Got up at 4 AM to take my niece to the airport. Lifted when I got home at 6. Now off to watch the kids practice. Nap needed. Have a great day! Bubba

Limp Bizkit's theme from the Mission Impossible 2 soundtrack - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq9R65fXDKQ 
My Mission Impossible 2 is Italy/Brazil.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Touch Too Much!!


Always looking for this!

Hard double leg lift this morning with my garage squats and then my gym machines with high and low bars. My leg is pretty sore but doesn't feel injured. I DID jump three days out of seven (YEAH!!) with last Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday. Probably a touch too much. I'm happy.

I'll stay after it and hope to keep getting two jump sessions a week and try not to get hurt. Even if I only get 3-5 jumps before I stop that will be progress. I'm excited at that prospect; probably a touch too much!! ;-)

Have a great day and thanks for being here! Bubba

AC/DC's, "Touch Too Much" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5soFkGX250&feature=related