Thinking back on your swimming history what were some of the milestones that you aimed for along the way? As examples, last year I set out to swim the 100 fly and this year the 200 fly. At the time just completing those events was a significant challenge. Now I'm working on getting under 30s for the 50m free, which for some reason seems to have more significance than going under 32, or under 31. Probably any round number seems significant, like under 1:00 for the 100m. What other goals or milestones do people see as having special significance? I'm interested in milestones at all levels. I'm hoping to construct a list that will give people goals to work towards beyond just improving their current times, probably with an emphasis on goals for beginners. Thanks!
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Originally posted by dorothyrde
.... I can swim them in practice, but not sure anyone would have patience to wait for me to swim it in a meet!
I say let 'em wait. They'll get over it. Just be sure you do it legal. Getting DQ'd would probably take some of the air out of that balloon.
I especially like to hear from folks who are "non-career" swimmers. I think what you are doing is pretty impressive. Most people (that even bother to show up at the pool) would not consider a 400IM, let alone a 200 fly. Heck, I hear a lot of folks complain about backstroke. Consequently the 200 back is one of my best point getters.
I get the distinct feeling that a lot of folks don't do certain events (or even show up at meets) because they feel like they "can't do them well enough". Like there is some sort of unwritten standard of excellence out there that you have to measure up to before you can participate. It kind of makes me wonder if that attitude is what keeps folks from returning (or even showing up) to meets... especially the smaller local events.
I reckon I should probably keep my yap shut, not give anyone any ideas. After all, every event I'm in that someone from my age bracket does not show up to just means that many more points for me and my team. :-D But it would be a lot less boring for me at meets if I had more folks near my ability to compete against.
At my last 400IM I was milling about behind the blocks with all the "old-guys" waiting for heat one when another "old-guy" (who is somewhat of an icon in swimming around here) walked through the crowd and said, "Ah! So these are all the tough guys." I looked around and thought, "Boy... You can say that again!" :">
"Time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted time."
-- T. S. Elliot
Originally posted by dorothyrde
.... I can swim them in practice, but not sure anyone would have patience to wait for me to swim it in a meet!
I say let 'em wait. They'll get over it. Just be sure you do it legal. Getting DQ'd would probably take some of the air out of that balloon.
I especially like to hear from folks who are "non-career" swimmers. I think what you are doing is pretty impressive. Most people (that even bother to show up at the pool) would not consider a 400IM, let alone a 200 fly. Heck, I hear a lot of folks complain about backstroke. Consequently the 200 back is one of my best point getters.
I get the distinct feeling that a lot of folks don't do certain events (or even show up at meets) because they feel like they "can't do them well enough". Like there is some sort of unwritten standard of excellence out there that you have to measure up to before you can participate. It kind of makes me wonder if that attitude is what keeps folks from returning (or even showing up) to meets... especially the smaller local events.
I reckon I should probably keep my yap shut, not give anyone any ideas. After all, every event I'm in that someone from my age bracket does not show up to just means that many more points for me and my team. :-D But it would be a lot less boring for me at meets if I had more folks near my ability to compete against.
At my last 400IM I was milling about behind the blocks with all the "old-guys" waiting for heat one when another "old-guy" (who is somewhat of an icon in swimming around here) walked through the crowd and said, "Ah! So these are all the tough guys." I looked around and thought, "Boy... You can say that again!" :">
"Time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted time."
-- T. S. Elliot
