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.
Parents
Former Member
Ion does raise some valid points, but his style tends to alienate people. Perhaps it's cultural or maybe it's the language. The fact remains that obesity is a significant problem in this country--it's an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and has been shown to shorten life expectancy. While USMS encourages participation, shouldn't the organization also encourage a healthy lifestyle? While I applaud Rita's commitment to a regular exercise program, she does need to lose weight and modify her diet; ice cream and chocolate covered cookies are not going to get the job done. This has nothing to do with political correctness; what would be our response if Rita were smoking a pack a day?
Regarding SWIM, it's difficult to appeal to all 40,000 USMS members. I think it's harsh to say that nothing in the magazine is of interest, although Ion is entitled to his opinion. I thought the editorial alone was worth the price; it's unfortunate that most of us don't gain this perspective until confronted with a serious illness of our own.
Finally, it is true that there does not exist a magazine devoted to serious (I didn't say elite) Masters swimmers. There is information out there, but it's widely scattered. There are many issues unique to us as older swimmers because we attempt to train and compete at an age where most of the population won't even walk 30 minutes daily.
Reply
Former Member
Ion does raise some valid points, but his style tends to alienate people. Perhaps it's cultural or maybe it's the language. The fact remains that obesity is a significant problem in this country--it's an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and has been shown to shorten life expectancy. While USMS encourages participation, shouldn't the organization also encourage a healthy lifestyle? While I applaud Rita's commitment to a regular exercise program, she does need to lose weight and modify her diet; ice cream and chocolate covered cookies are not going to get the job done. This has nothing to do with political correctness; what would be our response if Rita were smoking a pack a day?
Regarding SWIM, it's difficult to appeal to all 40,000 USMS members. I think it's harsh to say that nothing in the magazine is of interest, although Ion is entitled to his opinion. I thought the editorial alone was worth the price; it's unfortunate that most of us don't gain this perspective until confronted with a serious illness of our own.
Finally, it is true that there does not exist a magazine devoted to serious (I didn't say elite) Masters swimmers. There is information out there, but it's widely scattered. There are many issues unique to us as older swimmers because we attempt to train and compete at an age where most of the population won't even walk 30 minutes daily.
