I remember, in Indy, I saw swimmers at every resturaunt/bar/club I visted (and I visited many). No, maybe Tempe/Scottsdale/Phoenix area is soooooo large that I am completely wrong here. But I saw almost no other swimmers out enjoying the nightlife the Tempe/Scottsdale area has to offer. Even around the corner, from the pool, the "Library" on 5th was a neat establishment. I don't believe I saw a single swimmer.
Did anyone get to visit Greasewood Flats? How about Dos Gringos in Old Scottsdale. The former was worth the trip to AZ from NY alone.
Just some thoughts.
Joe
Former Member
As a local Phoenician, I have to echo your comments on Greasewood Flats. It is a bit of a trip up there from Tempe, but well worth it. I am glad you took the time to go out there!
Wondering...How can you tell if someone is a swimmer? Well developed latissimus dorsi and skin creases where the goggles strap on?
This reminds me... Back in February, I went to get a golf lesson. My instructor watched a couple of swings and said "You've been working out, haven't you -- Swimming?" What makes this amazing is that I was wearing a jacket, a turtleneck, and a sweater vest. And I don't begin to have an experienced swimmer's musculature. But then, my instructor has an amazingly keen eye.
Sam, every 'local' I talked to down and out there loved Greasewood Flats or atleast had been there. Amazing place! And, yes, I was there for the sunset.
ex-
Your instructor was probably a swimmer too (at least an ex). Personally, I think it's the smell of chlorine that gives you away (not you personally). But, in Arizona, the easiest way to look for swimmers, when there is a major meet going on? Look down, shaven legs. My legs got alot of notice by the ladies. They were an excellent 'starter'.
Anyway, my point is, I did my time, during HS, College, and even a few years after. Eating right, sleeping right, no smoking, no drinking. Nowadays, it's more about enjoying myself, meeting new and interesting people. I'm not trying for the Olympics anymore, just trying to stay in shape. Bad attitude? or just being realistic?.
I never been to that place either and I live in Arizona. But I think we have a little bit sterotyping. When I was a teenager, I was neither tall or had a long back, the usual signs that you workout swimming. I think its harder to find out whether one is a swimmer or not by looking at them. I doubt that anyone of you by looking at me with street clothes would think I'm a swimmer. I'm over weight and only 5'4" in height. Not all of us are built like someone like Paul Smith that fits the sterotype. Many master or lap swimmers look like the non-swimming population.
I think many people were just so worn out after being at the pool in the heat all day long, that they just decided to head back to where they were staying and relax.
I'm also a local here...and I can think of better places to go, especially during the first real 'gust' of warm weather.
Tim Murphy
At 6' 1" I guess I am tall enough to look like a typical swimmer, but not at my weight. :-)
I got to the pool between 6:30 and 6:45 each day of the meet. Two of the days I swam. I worked the deck as a stroke and turn official. By the end of the day, especially Friday and Saturday (when the meet ended after 7 pm) I was baked. It was all I could do to walk the ten minutes to the hotel then walk to downtown Tempe to get something to eat.
I met some swimmers from my LMSC one evening. But after I ate, I just walked back to the hotel. I read my email then dropped off to sleep. Even Saturday, I went to the wonderful social put on by the meet hosts. I talked with a members of my LMSC, ate food and about 9:30, it was all I could do to walk back to the hotel.
If there was general place that people were hanging out, I might have gone there, have a beer (doesnt beer taste great on a hot day) then dinner then return to the hotel.
michael
Hmmm, that makes alot of sense, being worn out from the sun all day. I scheduled my events so that I wouldn't have to spend more than 5 hours at the pool. As I remember, in Indy, the meet was out much earlier (anywheres between 2 and 4pm). It gave swimmers more opportunity to wander out, and see the sights.
So I stand corrected that it was just my imagination. We haven't become obsessed like USS, we're just a little older, a little wiser, and a little tired after a full day 'in de sun'.
Michael, you're right about the beer. Corona tastes especially good in the hot sun. "mmmmm, beer".
Thanks
Joe Bubel
Adirondack Masters Swimming
btw, I don't think I ever looked like a swimmer. Too short 5'10", unless you looked down at my feet, and saw the 'duck walk' common among breastrokers.
