‘Second Wind’ is a first-rate entry in masters track library

Lee Bergquist stays in shape himself at 55.

Lee Bergquist, a runner and reporter, was given two leaves of absence at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel to write a book about masters sports. It’s been years in the making, and last month it was published by Human Kinetics. I’m awaiting my copy to review. But from what I’ve seen, “Second Wind: The Rise of the Ageless Athlete” contains some wonderful yarns, including revealing looks at Hall of Famer Phil Raschker (on the book’s cover) and thrower Gerald Vaughn. I also saw references to hurdler Stan Druckrey and sprinter Patricia Peterson. “For those of you who may not be familiar with my project, I intended the book to be an inspirational tale of aging and athleticism,” Lee wrote some contributors. “The human body is a wonderful engine. And it wants to be pushed.” I gave Lee some advice, and the book mentioned me (and this site) several times. I’m also cited in the acknowledgments, along with the late Payton Jordan and others. Quite an honor.

Another Lee — masters athlete and coach Ron Lee in Orange County, California — has come out with a book as well — on the high jump, his specialty.

Called “The Ultimate High Jump Manual,” Ron says it’s “the first book that completely covers the event. The book’s 156 pages deliver so much useful information It has a ton of useful information in it. . . . Please check out the table of contents at my track club website at http://www.usahighjumpclub.com.”

Further, Ron says:

The comprehensive technical sections provide expert instruction and explanation from the beginning of the approach to the landing on the high jump pits.

A detailed high jump photo sequence picture provides a technical demonstration and 35 diagrams illustrate the technical discussions.

The high jumping rules, training, competition strategies, science behind high jumping, mental aspects, and tips are also covered in depth.

Finally, problem solving tables describe many of the technical errors that high jumpers make and explain what the causes are and how to correct them.

This is the high jump book that I wish I had while I was in high school and college. The book can be purchased (for $25 plus tax) at www.usahighjumpclub.com

I’ll be reviewing it eventually. Stay tuned.