tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802973391005919822.post4057626687217762887..comments2023-10-21T05:03:37.760-07:00Comments on A Day in the Life of a Masters Pole Vaulter: Another Brick in the WallBubbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343734954951775043noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802973391005919822.post-36131260817800290742010-09-18T13:30:34.759-07:002010-09-18T13:30:34.759-07:00Thanks Gray. Your response inspires ME. So happy ...Thanks Gray. Your response inspires ME. So happy you found Chip and that you are continuing to enjoy the sport. Very awesome to hear. Thanks for sharing and staying in touch!! BubbaBubbahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06343734954951775043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802973391005919822.post-50784157521290429932010-09-17T18:36:39.056-07:002010-09-17T18:36:39.056-07:00Bubba - You inspired my comeback when we met at th...Bubba - You inspired my comeback when we met at the '07 Games in Louisville. (I use "comeback" generously - I was a very mediocre jumper in high school). <br /><br />I've been very lucky since then - I met Chip Heuser, who I've now been training with regularly for three years. Chip goes 18+ regularly in practice. <br /><br />I totally get your take on injuries. I've been through the exact sequence you warned me about a few years ago, all related to aged connective tissue - achilles, hamstrings, cuffs, and now knee. I consider each one a badge of sorts, as it is the result of a long series of accomplishments. I recover stronger from an injury, then push the next-weakest thing. It's been an indescribable pleasure to confront each one, recover, and move ahead, stronger than I was before. And the bars keep going higher. I'm now going almost as high as I did when I was 18, only now I'm 52.<br /><br />The other benefit of the experience has been the comeraderie and new friendships that follow this wonderful sport - you, the Heuser family, and everyone you meet at the jumps along the way.<br /><br />Thanks for being so generous with your thoughts, expertise and support, to me and so many others.<br /><br />I realize there will be a day when this progress ends, but what a blast until then. No regrets.<br /><br />Gray SmithMary Jo Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13946530044597095298noreply@blogger.com