Well the day has come – a year in the making. I feel prepared for my competition. There are 14 of us entered in the Men’s 50-54 Pentathlon. The event will begin with the long jump at 10:45 a.m. We drove up to Sacramento today, directly to the track so that I could get my Registration Packet (which had very little in the way of slag in it) and turn over my discus and javelin for weigh in. I was given number 687 which has a good ring to it – not perfect but not bad. Strong and fast, this number. I wonder if it is a prime number…
I got a peek of the track at Sacramento State University. Beautiful! I’m really looking forward to doing this. I’ve even resigned myself to suffer the pain of the 1500m which I have had so much anxiety over. Fuck it. Just finish.
Just hold up, Achilles of mine…
I don’t expect to win this competition or even place in the medals. I’d be thrilled with 4th or 5th. Mainly I’m focused on reaching the marks I set so long ago, some of which have been adjusted for reality. It would also be great to hit the All-American Standard for overall points in the event for my age group. That magic number is 2600. It would mean averaging 520 points per event. 520 points in the 1500m is 5:50. This will not be achieved tomorrow. I will have to pick up points elsewhere. I feel very confident in the long jump and the 200m. Also the discus should be good for me, so 2600 isn’t out of reach. But my achilles will need to hold up…
THE EVENTS, MY STRATEGY AND TARGET MARKS
LONG JUMP
I jumped over 16 feet the other day with Tiffany (she had me at 16’7″ about 5 meters, but I think she was generous!) Because of my tendon I hope to make my mark on my first jump and pass on the remaining jumps. I will go for it the first jump big time. I’d love to get 16 but 15 has been my goal year long.
Goal: 4.58m (15 ft)
JAVELIN
The javelin has been a struggle for me lately and I don’t know what to expect. I’m having real problems with my approach, mostly because the approach, crossover and plant aggravates my tendon. Also I can easily come out of the strict form that is required to get off a good throw, especially with a longer approach.
I don’t have a strong plan going into this but think I can do a 7-step approach with the javelin in position. Hopefully I’ll make my mark on the first throw and pass the remainder.
My original goal was 40 meters which was based on nothing other than thinking I could probably throw it that far. I adjusted this down over the past few days and believe 37 meters to be more realistic. 37 will still get the 520 points.
Goal: 37 meters (121 ft)
200 METER DASH
This is a worrisome event because of the tendon especially with the two explosive events that proceed it. I could actually rupture it and that would be a disaster landing me on crutches for 6 months and tons of rehab. I’m afraid it may not even be fit enough to run on by race time. But assuming it is, this is my plan: good start, accelerate into the curve, work the curve hard, accelerate coming out, relax and hold form for the remaining 80 meters.
The only time I’ve raced the 200 there were just 4 of us in the race. Two guys burned me on the curve, the other I never saw so I ended up “racing” alone and was able to concentrate through the finish. I want to concentrate. We’ll see. I’m hoping just to survive and finish in a decent time. There’s a lot of points to pick up in this event.
Goal: 28.0 seconds
DISCUS
I’m feeling good about the discus. I’ve received good coaching from Randy Wilson, throws coach at Alhambra High School and head of Nor-Cal Throwers. I’ve also been coached by David Masgay who was one of the nation’s top decathletes in the late 70’s/early 80’s, and by the throws coach at Miramonte High School in Orinda, CA. It’s an event that comes a bit easier for me than say, javelin, and, importantly, it’s not an event that lends itself to injury so I’ve had good practice time. I also just flat out like doing it. Discus is cool.
My main objectives are to stay slow, low and solid in the back of the ring, block out with my left leg into the sprint, stay on the ball of my right foot in the middle, keep the disc up, block out, chin up, let fly. Basically, technique. If I’m relaxed, strong, and rhythmic, I will be fine. Also, I’ve already hit my goal of 35 meters a couple weeks ago.
Goal: 35 meters (115 ft)
1500 METER RUN
I think I’ve said enough about this. Hope I can start it, gut it out, forget about the time and just finish.
Goal: Finish, hopefully under 7:30
Living with Pentathlon Madness 