How Do you Geezer Jock? Patti Baker

Patti ranked third in the Hammer and fourth in the Javelin and second in the Throws Pentathlon outdoors in the U.S. in 2022 for W70-74, according to www.mastersrankings.com.

What is unusual about where you came from to get to where you are in Masters track & field?

“My career was in dance and I continue to dance in musicals. I taught dance for decades, as well and continue to work as a choreographer when a project interests me. So my exercise routine has always included dance. When I'm in rehearsal for a musical that can be 3 hours a night, a few times per week.

“I notice that the 20-year old’s in the cast have a much harder time recovering their breath at the end of a dance. That worries me. To be that out of shape that young is troublesome. Those performers are always surprised to hear my age.”

How did you get to be a thrower in track & field?

“Because I've always been physically active, not only in dance but basketball and soccer, the transition to training for throwing was easy. I love weight work in the gym and have a personal trainer to push me. My trainer makes me work much harder than I would on my own. Same with my throwing coaches.”

Have you ever surprised younger people with your athleticism?

“One of my favorite stories is about a time when I was with my teen grandsons on a cenotes tour in the Yucatan. We were doing drops from a zip line into the water and then climbing out and doing it again. Another teen said to my boys, " That's your grandmother?’ "

“Another time I overheard one of their friends asking what they did on Thanksgiving and they replied that they had walked to the park with their grandma to throw her javelins. 'You're grandmother throws the javelin? What?’ "

What is your favorite exercise or workout?

“My favorite exercise when practicing javelin is either doing sprints or throwing arrows. We throw arrows to work on hand and release speed. When the weather is bad I meet my hammer coach in the fitness room at the gym and we work on turns. I use a 3k Bulgarian bag. That's fun.

"I started out my track experience at age 67 with the javelin, then the throwing coach said he wanted me to try the hammer. He said since I was a dancer turning shouldn't be hard. I said ‘That thing scares the hell out of me’." But I love the hammer. It's my favorite.”

Quote to think on from Patti:

          "My trainer makes me work much harder than I would on my own."