I like the article in swim Magazine about Rita Egan and Sylvia powell. These women are not your typical slim young swimmers that are elite swimmers but like the rest of us ordinary. Actually, given my previous background in swimming I'm also won of these average jills. As a youth I swam the 100 meter *** at 1:30 and as a 46 at 1:43.31. So, many of us do it for enjoyment and some exercise knowing that we will never be at the top of the pack. I think we should have more of these stories?. And Ion believe me you are not that bad. You did a 2:31 200 meter freestyle. I recently swam a 3:15. So don't feel bad and their is alot more competition in the men than in the women in 45 to 49. Not saying that their are not good swimmers in the women.
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Former Member
Ion,
Your personal story might have made a good piece in the SWIM magazine except for a few things. First off almost everyone now knows your personal story (so nothing new there - would just be a rehash of old news). Secondly your demeanor has probably alienated a lot of readers (my opinion - could be wrong) - it appears most people like to read about someone who has overcome adversity with some humility (once again my opinion). Tom has given some very sound advice - and true it is easier to tear down than build up. Instead of critizing the content of SWIM magazine (paraphrasing : nothing useful in the content for someone who wants to be competitive) why not try and critique more (suggesting a Q/A section and have guest coaches answer questions - How much yardage should I be doing ? How long should I taper for ? How much recovery time should I have between hard/big meets ? How many meets should I swim in a year ? or even more specific profiles about swimmers, the 'fluff is okay but more in depth of what are your favorite sets, what's your favorite pre-race meal, what type of music do you like, best race, proudest achievement, etc - ). Both send the same message (Would like to see some different content in the magazine), the only difference is one is negative and destructive while the other is somewhat positive and constructive and has less of a chance of making people defensive.
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Former Member
Ion,
Your personal story might have made a good piece in the SWIM magazine except for a few things. First off almost everyone now knows your personal story (so nothing new there - would just be a rehash of old news). Secondly your demeanor has probably alienated a lot of readers (my opinion - could be wrong) - it appears most people like to read about someone who has overcome adversity with some humility (once again my opinion). Tom has given some very sound advice - and true it is easier to tear down than build up. Instead of critizing the content of SWIM magazine (paraphrasing : nothing useful in the content for someone who wants to be competitive) why not try and critique more (suggesting a Q/A section and have guest coaches answer questions - How much yardage should I be doing ? How long should I taper for ? How much recovery time should I have between hard/big meets ? How many meets should I swim in a year ? or even more specific profiles about swimmers, the 'fluff is okay but more in depth of what are your favorite sets, what's your favorite pre-race meal, what type of music do you like, best race, proudest achievement, etc - ). Both send the same message (Would like to see some different content in the magazine), the only difference is one is negative and destructive while the other is somewhat positive and constructive and has less of a chance of making people defensive.
