How much does your training partner affect your performance?

[smokinvaulter1]

I recently realized how much of an impact a subpar training partner or situation can impact your overall performance. Back when i was at KU I trained with a solid teammate and we were both fairly solid when we were healthy. But as of the last couple years my training and performance has been on a lower level, till i separated myself and started training with other ppl and other methods. I think as of now I had a turn around and I am looking towards jumping high again. Has anyone else ever had this occur if so, how did you change things and did it all turn out in the end?

[vault3rb0y]

I think that every individual jumper will compete to the best of their ability, and if you have a poor training partner, it should be your responsibility to either bring that partner to your level, or find a new partner. On the contrary, if your training partner is a more hard working, better athlete than you are, you will be picked up to his/her level. If someone is bringing you down as an athlete, you are better off on your own.

[theczar]

I think that every individual jumper will compete to the best of their ability, and if you have a poor training partner, it should be your responsibility to either bring that partner to your level, or find a new partner. On the contrary, if your training partner is a more hard working, better athlete than you are, you will be picked up to his/her level. If someone is bringing you down as an athlete, you are better off on your own.

yeah, don't let anyone bring you down. Personally I find that I train better by myself for the most part, but it's good to have a training partner that is a better athlete, runs workouts faster, and has the same or better attitude toward the event. Attitude is extremely important, too. Usually, if someone is extremely enthusiastic about training and the sport in general, then that person would be a good training partner. On the other hand, there are people who train hard but don't particularly like the event or training either (rare, but I've seen it). Also, for an event like pole vault, a good training partner dosen't necessaraly have to be at the same level you are. As long as they understand the basics, and are extremely entusiastic and love the sport, and who pushes you to acchieve more and someone that you push to be better is a good training partner. Don't get me wrong, I know that better athletes train better with others in the same boat, but if needed, someone who is not as good but still trains hard is a good substitute.

[vault3rb0y]

Now that you reminded me, i thought id add something. If one training partner is good, why not a few? Being on a club team is awesome, because you see attitudes and styles of vaulting from tons of other athletes who you learn from and who push you to get better. And with clubs, everyone gets to know each other and i think it makes vaulting that much more fun. Vaulting alone is definitely cool, but i also think that having some guys you jump with consistently helps as well.

[smokinvaulter1]

you guys are both right but the vault is kinda run down in this area a a huge lack of talent here. I am in the process of transfering to another region with a better training situation.
But also what I 'm getting at is that my old training partner need a tap to jump every time he never had positive feedback and really and truly didn't know what he was talking about when it came to jumping high I jumped 18'+ training by myself with just a video camera to help me. My old situation was terrible, I have been coached by some awesome coaches and would to be in the situation where there are several vaulters to train with but when you work 50 hrs a week, and support a family and stuck somewhere where pole vaulting is down right stagnet then you got to make changes. A positve attitude is always key!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[vault3rb0y]

Thats rough jeremy, im sorry to hear that. I hope things work out for you. You are always welcome down here if you dont mind jumping with a buncha high schoolers! haha. Are you going to the street vault?

[smokinvaulter1]

No not going to the street vault my wife is due to have a baby that next week so I got to stay close. I been traveling other places to train the last couple weeks. but soon as this baby is born we are moving to OKC. So that will be a better situation for me.