Masters Double Decathlete
USA National Masters Pentathlon Champion

Faster at 50

In my Ironman days of the late 80’s, I never tried any dietary supplements. I am not a "scientific" type athlete, so I never took the time to try and decipher all the buzz words surrounding supplements. I had my diet of energy bars & electrolyte drinks and I drank plenty of water. I thought recovery was rest and sleep, and I guess it can be at age 35.

When I decided last summer to attempt the twenty event "Double Decathlon", as an aging guy, the hardest part of training (as most of us realize) was recovering each day. With running events ranging from 100 meters to 10,000 meters (including hurdles and steeplechase) and so many different field events such as pole vault, javelin, discus and high jump, I was putting my body through all sorts of gyrations and finding new sore spots almost every day. My old recipe of energy bars & electrolyte drinks and water was fine for the daily training, but I was spending 3 days a week "recovering".

Then last year, three weeks before the USA National Double Decathlon competition I read triathlete Jim Woodman’s article about Advantig that described the company as a low-key, no hype group that made a great line of products designed for endurance athletes. What attracted me was the "word of mouth" philosphy, the no-gimmick approach and clean products.

As I said, I am not a scientific type. I go by feel. Despite having only a matter of two weeks to try the ProSport System prior to the USA National Double Decathlon, I was feeling more "recovered" as my training program progressed. I didn’t have the typical residual soreness the day or two after a hard workout. That was the key. I can remember limping the day after some of my meets from soreness and tight muscles. I used the ProSport System during the two day long Double Decathlon competition and believe it helped me immensely with endurance and recovery. I did much better than expected.

Now, on the eve of the World Double Decathlon Championships, I’m reflecting on the past year and realize that despite a low back injury in January that at one point had me thinking that I may never run again, I am now running stronger, throwing farther and jumping higher at 50 than when I started masters competitions four years ago. I have been truly blessed with God-given ability and the love and support of my family. And I'm feeling great too with my Advantig.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

In the past year, Rob has set a national age group record (45-49) in the Double Decathlon and world records in three events of the double decathlon: 800 M, 1500 M & 3000 M. Rob’s personal bests continue to improve. Since turning 50 in June, Rob has achieved Masters All American standards in 8 different track and field events all while recovering from an injured disc. Rob recently won the silver medal in the five event pentathlon at the World Masters Games in Canada. Only five days later, he took GOLD and broke the meet age group record at the USATF National Masters Pentathlon Championship in Hawaii. We all wish Rob the very best this month as he travels to seek the gold at the World Double Decathlon Championships!