Well, I'm happy with the Joplin decathlon: no AR or WR, but unofficial single-age (46) AR, total score of 7308 using 2010 age factors, (5700 on IAAF tables), which is almost 300 points better than the winner from last year's World meet in Lahti, and the best score in my age group in the world since 2002. Additionally, my hurdle time of 15.60 is the fastest ever world FAT time in a decathlon for age 45+. I'm sure that question will find it's way to Jeopardy sooner or later...("what American masters decathlete...) The weather in Joplin was very hot, in the mid 90's with the heat index over 100. This was hotter than any decathlon I did as a kid, and made it a bit challenging. The heat and favorable winds helped my sprint times, but by the end of the first day I was really feeling it. I must not have drunk enough water, because I had muscles cramping in the 400. For a few strides I thought I might have to stop, but I didn't of course, although the time was pretty slow(57.24). I should have run in the low 55s probably, so that cost me around 80 points right there. If I hadn't cramped up there, I would have been able to run fast enough to get the AR, but I'm not complaining. I achieved my objective of completing a decathlon with all ten events and doing a solid score in the 7000's.
What the future holds for me now, I'm not sure. My performance in at least three of the events is below my potential, so on the one hand I'd like to keep training and improve the vault and javelin, but on the other hand I don't want to have to keep fighting these chronic pains in my groin and shoulder. I'll probably spend 2-3 months this fall just working on these issues, and if I feel like I can improve my score next year in the World Champs in Sacramento, then I may go for it. Or not. Or I may just try to improve my WR in the indoor Pentathlon, because I know I can do that with minimal effect to the shoulder.
For now, I'll train for the Nationals in Sacramento July 22, where I'll LJ, HJ, and hurdle. Let's see if I can triple!
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I was going to congratulate you last weekend at the Hayward Classic, but I wasn't able to catch you after you scratched from the long jump. I assume your groin was still giving you problems. It wouldn't have been much of a competition anyway. I only went 4.64. I was looking forward to watching you jump 6m+. Anyway, nice job in Joplin.
ReplyDeleteChris:
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, congratulations on all of your success! As a recent returnee to the T&F circuit, I came across your blog while immersing myself in all things Masters Track. Your name sounded familiar to me and after reading your article about Kamloops on masterstrack.com, I remember why - I competed against you in the Decathlon at the 1983 Junior Nationals at Penn State. I didn't fare quite as well as you did (coming in 8th overall, 3rd high schooler) but have fond memories of the meet. I went on to compete in the Decathlon and PV at Dartmouth. I have recently gotten back into competing as well, thus far focusing only on the PV and LJ. If the training goes well and the body holds up, I'd like to work my way back to multi-events. I will continue to monitor your blog, pick up some training pointers and be inspired by your commitment. Hopefully I will once again be able to line up alongside you at an event in the near future.
Congratulations again and keep up the inspiring work!
Bob Terry