Resident trackies

sprintstar

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just wondering if anyone here besides myself and our friend Madara from Lyon, France participates in track. Would love to hear all about your track adventures......training, track meets etc.....

Cheers
 

mastermulti

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I stopped 8 years ago at 56 (started working too hard with my builder son). I had a slipped disc at 45, recovered and decided to sprint train - which fixed my bad back due to stronger core. Discovered I could jump OK and throw a bit and even played at some pole vault for a year.
50-54 age records
60 - 8.09, 100 - 12.69, 200 - 26.5?, 400 - 61.49 (my only ever run), LJ - 5.29m, HJ - 1.50, PV - 3.00m, SP -11.09, Discus - 36.67m, Jav - 34.20m, member of 4 x 100 state record team, 48.17?
Nothing earth shattering but enough to win the national age pentathlon once and lots of state podium finishes. I always wanted more but after stopping at 16 I was glad to get to those levels after 30+ years away from the sport.
My sprinting improved a lot under Peter Crombie, probably our most renowned masters athlete and World Masters Athlete of the year 2010.

Then I took up dirt motorcycle riding to add to my road riding (I used to ride to various interstate meets). Now a choice of 3 motorcycles depending on what the trip will be. The Track & Field strength and agility gives me an advantage over my less fit and younger friends.
 
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sprintstar

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I stopped 8 years ago at 56 (started working too hard with my builder son). I had a slipped disc at 45, recovered and decided to sprint train - which fixed my bad back due to stronger core. Discovered I could jump OK and throw a bit and even played at some pole vault for a year.
50-54 age records
60 - 8.09, 100 - 12.69, 200 - 26.5?, 400 - 61.49 (my only ever run), LJ - 5.29m, HJ - 1.50, PV - 3.00m, SP -11.09, Discus - 36.67m, Jav - 34.20m, member of 4 x 100 state record team, 48.17?
Nothing earth shattering but enough to win the national age pentathlon once and lots of state podium finishes. I always wanted more but after stopping at 16 I was glad to get to those levels after 30+ years away from the sport.
My sprinting improved a lot under Peter Crombie, probably our most renowned masters athlete and World Masters Athlete of the year 2010.

Then I took up dirt motorcycle riding to add to my road riding (I used to ride to various interstate meets). Now a choice of 3 motorcycles depending on what the trip will be. The Track & Field strength and agility gives me an advantage over my less fit and younger friends.
Those are some really good stats especially taking it up to help your back! I would guess by your throws you are over 6' tall? One of the people who inspired me to train again was a man I saw run way back in 2005, he was running as a 50-55 and beat the 20-35 year olds, he is still sprinting today as a 64 year old running low 12's
 

mastermulti

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Thanks. I'm the twin 180s - i.e 180 cms (tad under 5'11") and 180 lbs which seemed a great compromise weight to do all the events reasonably. Happy to say that back has never hurt since and neither do I suffer from any other aches or pains - I feel very blessed.
Would be great to hear of your successes as they come along.
I won't sprint anymore but I'm ever ready to medal in 2 of the throws should I return to the sport. As I age I refuse to become a weak old man.
 

sprintstar

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You are lucky, I am 5'9" and 215lbs at present. I having been struggling with hamstrings last 5-6 years and struggle with my weight. Finding a balanced diet that works for me has been difficult, even admit my fault in that. When I run fast I am usually between 185-190. Threw the javelin last year for first time no training and managed 28m with 2 faults at over 35m. Hopefully with practice I will hit that 35m. My best sp is 9.45m and my form is non existent lol don't long jump because of hamstring issues. I was going to compete in Lyon France last year but was too injured to go. I think something I could benefit from would be a Masters coach but I am only one in my area and as we all know it is difficult to coach ones self objectively
 

mastermulti

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Javelin was never my strong suit. I got over 30m regularly but using round arm because of an old injury throwing a tennis ball 25 years ago so I was often given a "no-throw".
Luckily my age group drops to a 5 kgs shot so I practise occasionally to stay around 11m with 12+ metres after a few months intensive training . Discus drops to 1 kg at 60 so I'm keeping to just over 35m (again, practising just once or twice a month) with 40+m after 3 months intensive training for a big event.
The good thing about these 2 throws is that the power release is in some ways like a sprint start - speed and force - that I find very satisfying. And it hasn't lead to any injuries as my sprinting did.
I ran once or twice against your Kerry Smith and Thomas Dickson 12-15 years ago but they were too fast (they couldn't do all the other stuff though LOL)
 

sprintstar

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In the town where I live there is only 2 other masters aged sprinters I am hoping to bring us together to train. One of the guys does javelin and shot put so that would help us both I believe. I think this year I will start weight training as I have never done any in the past, hoping it will help leg strength and my hamstrings. Do you or any other trackless reading this have any advice on specific weight training for sprints for old guys lol

I have never seen Peter run but I know about him, have seen Tom run and he is too fast for me lol
 

sprintstar

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Thanks MM much appreciated. The site has some very good information.

I find it hard to believe that you, me and Madara are the only three here with track background or are currently participating in track and field.

Cheers
 

sprintstar

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hey fellow track nuts, just checking in to see how everyone's training and race results have gone. Personally I am training but specifically for 1 track meet for sprints, I have been competing in other track meets in the SP, Javelin and discus. With my goal of losing 25-30lbs from my 218lb body (at 5'9") it has been slow and difficult. Training with this heavy weight on my body has to go slow or I will end up with shin splints or pulled hamstrings or both. The track meet I am focusing on is in mid September and I will be contesting the 50m, 100m, sp, javelin and discus, then looking forward to the indoor season.

Here's hoping everyone's training and season is going well!

Cheers...
 

elispeedster

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Never ran track, played mostly football and a lot of strength/ power training, managed to run a 4.6 40, plus a 30 inch vertical leap from standstill, at my peak
 

sprintstar

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4.6 is very fast, I ran track but never did vertical jump for measurement. Track for people over 35(Masters) is a great way to stay in shape, meet new people and travel a bit... I know quite a few people doing Masters track who never competed in Track & Field in HS or College. Beats the crap out of lawn bowling or Bingo lol
 

mastermulti

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4.6 is very fast, I ran track but never did vertical jump for measurement. Track for people over 35(Masters) is a great way to stay in shape, meet new people and travel a bit... I know quite a few people doing Masters track who never competed in Track & Field in HS or College. Beats the crap out of lawn bowling or Bingo lol

my soon to be son-in-law is south African and has a 10.79 to his credit. Now 33, I have 2 years to knock him into shape for Masters.
Shouldn't be too difficult, especially since we both want my little granddaughter to be the first Australian women under 11 secs.
 

sprintstar

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how long ago was his 10.79? If recent then he has a great base to build on...maybe father in law will train with him? hehe
 
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