Alright is... just alright

The 2009 track season is well under way. I've done a handful of open meets and just recently completed my second decathlon in a two week stint. That's a little close for comfort on recovery, but both meets were quality events worth showing up for.

So far I have walked away from each meet with an "ehh, that was alright, but I'm not impressing myself yet..." type of analysis. Coming off of last year's massive personal bests every time I stepped on the track, it's a little difficult (but fair) to see the progress slow this year. However, I have still managed to get at least one p.r. at each meet (minus one). I've also posted my two best decathlon scores ever (barely... 7,023 and 7,055), seeing as I never actually finished any of my "good ones" from last year.

(Random factoid update: 281 athletes competed nationwide in decathlon this week. Only four broke 7,000 points. Those four athletes are in lanes 5-8 below...)(400m: Dru Hall in 8, Mike Marsh in 7, Desi Burt in 6, Jonathan Collins in 5, Canada in 4, David Pichler in 3)

I've been fairly healthy most of the year, but lately have had some serious low back pain that came out of nowhere. It almost shut me down for day two this weekend, and 30 mins. before the hurdles I was convinced I couldn't race... I could barely bend down to tie my shoes, let alone sprint and leap. I eventually decided to get my spikes on and at least start the race, letting the chips (or athletes) fall where they may. I went on to match my p.r. and had the cleanest race of my life. Go figure. The rest of the day was a battle, as a tight low back creates some funky stride patterns and positioning, not to mention... PAIN. I also matched my best vault height in a dec.

Speaking of pole vault, I can't remember the last competition I had where I cleared the crossbar without hitting it... hard, lol. But hey, a clearance is a clearance.

(I love how the cover frame in this vid mocks my inadequate top-end form)

I also stuck a personal best in shot put this weekend, which has been on my to do list for, like, a decade? Nah, but it is nice to finally see the thing fly a healthy distance... No use being a meat-head if you're gonna throw the shot like a little schoolgirl. This toss is just shy of 44':

And just for fun, here's a piece of decathlon that few get to see and is a major part of why I do what I do... the people. Decathletes are well known for their comradery with the competition. In the top pictures of this post, you see good friends battling against and with each other. Below is footage of the moments just after a two day struggle of more than 12 hours on the track...

And a BIG congratulations to Mike Marsh (in all black) for scoring a lifetime best after ten years of hard work. Way to get yourself to USA Nationals (and beyond :). I'm pumped for you!

Thanks for tuning in. If all goes according to plan, my next decathlon will be in Dallas in a month.