Raschker on latest honor: ‘totally surprised and very honored’
Phil Raschker, deep into tax season, graciously took time out from her accounting chores to answer my query about her latest honor: USATF Athlete of the Week. On her fourth win, Phil wrote: “I was totally surprised and very honored, especially considering the great performances and records set by other athletes in Kamloops.” But as impressive as her 10-medal effort was, I was more curious about how she keeps her 63-year-old body going day after day at worlds. She replied: “Keeping my aging body together is indeed a challenge at a competition like this. It certainly is much more difficult to do indoors as the events are crowded into a few days.”
Phil continued:
At the track, I devote proper time to warm up for each event. Sometimes that is difficult when events are scheduled close to one another, but the preparation is very important. As are massages and chiropractic adjustments.
After the competition is done for the day, I enjoy relaxing with good friends. My modus operandi at the last several World Championships is to acquire living quarters where I am able to eat and not have to go out to restaurants.
Preparing meals and eating with friends enables me to relax and select the foods and preparation methods I want. In Kamloops, we had three adjacent rooms with kitchenettes. Our party comprised of Sid Howard and his wife Asteria, Bill Collins, Michael DeJesus, and my long time competitor/friend from Switzerland, Margaritha Daehler.
After our events I would go straight “home” and soak in the tub while Asteria made very healthy, incredible, tasty meals. We relaxed for two to three hours, retired to our rooms, and made sure we got enough sleep. For me, the most difficult times are always the early morning competitions, getting up at 6 AM or earlier is a challenge, but I often do that so that I can arrive at the track with plenty of time to prepare.
I asked her: How many massages did U get? How much sleep did U get?
I had as many massages as I could fit in. Both Dr. William Elliott and Dr. Greg Summers where excellent, and reflecting back, I should have taking advantage of their services more often. It is difficult to split your time to get everything in. Warming up, competing, getting a massage or adjustment, and watching/supporting friends run and jump — there are not enough hours in the day to do as much as I would like at a meet. Sleep is extremely important. I average between 6 and 8 hours a night.
4 Responses
Congrats (again) Phil! You rock! See you on the pole vault runway in Atlanta this spring.
Eric
You are just the best at everything and now everyone knows!
Kisses,
Charlotte and Leon
SHE IS SIMPLY ONE OF THE GREATEST FEMALE TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES OF ALL TIME!! Congratulations Phil..it is a well deserved Award.
@Phil Raschker:
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zu all Ihren Erfolgen!
Ich bewundere Ihre überragenden Leistungen, Ihre erstaunliche Vielseitigkeit und Ihren vorbildhaften Einsatz.
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