Hey all,
I'm going to be in Austin, TX March 9-13 for SXSW (some small shindig I guess :p).
Anyway, I'm trying to find a place to swim while I'm in town. I guess I could give masters ago, but then my schedule's going to be wonky :).
So ultimately, two questions:
1) Are the master's options nearby cool with drop in folk like me? If so, what are practice times?
2) I'm going to be staying near Lake Park. Anyone know of any pools decent enough for lap swim near there?
OH: and I'm posting this in the big thread just in case there are other folks headed to SXSW :).
That's all, and thanks!
No time for posting web links, but 3 great Masters programs:
Longhorn Masters @ UT
Nitro Masters -- north of town
Rollingwood -- where Lance is rumored to lurk with other fast, ex-UT guys
Below is Longhorn Masters March schedule
Visitors must email Whitney for approval
$10 drop in fee
Seriously? Wow, you guys must be extra special elite. Are there qualifying times required before being accepted to workout?
I've showed up at masters workouts all over the country without requesting prior approval. Every single time I was warmly welcomed by the coach and other swimmers*. Only one time was I charged for visiting.
* At Stanford everyone is nice, but they don't greet you as a visitor. There are so many workouts and participants, they assume you're just another member who normally does another workout.
Below is Longhorn Masters March schedule
Visitors must email Whitney for approval
$10 drop in fee
last time i was in austin, longhorns weren't taking drop-ins at their morning sessions.
i did have a nice visit with Nitro.
Also, be careful where you park. I got a 35 dollar ticket a few months ago in a completely empty parking lot at about 8pm on campus...UT wants to extract every cent from you to park on their hallowed burnt orange fire ant infested earth.:)
Parking at UT can be a challenge. You gotta read the signs and follow the rules. While most areas of government are bureaucratic and inefficient. UT meter maids get their job done! If you get a UT parking ticket, you can attempt to protest it and you might get it waived, reduced or at least delayed.
I suggest visitors park on Red River in front of the Erwin Center. It's city of Austin parking.
I believe it's FREE:
M - F between 5:00 pm & 8:30 am, Sat & Sun, & Holidays.
But read the meter boxes & follow the rules.
There's more street parking on San Jacinto & Trinity between 15th & MLK.
also You might find spaces across from the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Also there's 3 UT parking garages close to the swim center but they aren't a bargain unless you have a monthly pass.
A cab could be a good way to get to & from.
Plus here's my offer:
If you want to train with Longhorn Masters & you're staying at a downtown Austin hotel which is East of Lamar, West of IH 35, North of the River & South of MLK. Get Whitney's approval, bring your USMS card & drop in fee & if I'm attending that practice & have time, I'm happy pick you up at your hotel before and take you back after. Just ask. Maybe it might work. I did this for Gull when he first came to Austin & happy to help when I can. Just email AndeRasmussen (at) aol (dot) com, Put "Longhorn Swim" in the Subject field.
BTW SXSW can be extra trafficky. Especially along Cesar Chavez & the convention center when hoards are coming or going.
maybe leave 20 min early for noon practice instead of 10 or 15 or walk away from the crowds. But early a.m. is usually empty & easy.
Seriously? Wow, you guys must be extra special elite... I've showed up at masters workouts all over the country without requesting prior approval. Keith, this might be a facility issue. I have dropped in many places and always email the coach in advance as a courtesy. At some facilities, though, there are reasons (often unknown to me) why the coaches need to pre-approve guests.
As far as costs, I've done lots of free drop-ins, but $10 is not unheard of and I've paid more (e.g, $15 recently in San Francisco @ USF).
At some facilities, though, there are reasons (often unknown to me) why the coaches need to pre-approve guests.
Yes, one reason might be to get the visitor into a secured-access facility, such as a university gym or a private club. Another might be that the workout is normally full, and that even regular members of that team can't just drop in at it. At least one team in this area used to have to assign members to workouts because of limited pool space and time.
I always email the coach first just to check on access, parking, lane space, schedule changes, etc.
In Austin, many of the outdoor municipal pools are not open in winter. Deep Eddy and Barton Springs are open year-round. They are outdoor, and cool both temperature- and style-wise. Big Stacy pool is open year-round too and it is warmer. City web site has schedules.
