Originally posted by LindsayNB
I think one key point is illustrated by comparing the popularity of the 100m, 200m, 400m track events versus road races. I suspect that the difference is fundamental and based on what type of exercise most people enjoy and get a sense of well being and accomplishment from. If the running world is any indication most people prefer distance to sprinting. I suspect that most fitness swimmers also think in terms of distance not sprint speed.
Picture a group of 100m and 200m track sprinters on a discussion forum discussing how to get the masses to get involved in track meets and being mystified by why all those masses of fitness runners don't want to join in.
Anyone can get out and train and run for a road race. While there is a big time differences, it does not seem to matter because of the amount of people doing them. Plus, you get there, run the race, and you are done. I have run and walked races, where I am home by 9-10 in the morning and have the rest of the day. And they are local. And walkers can join in.
Now take a swim meet, I have to drive 2 hours to get to the closest one, spend 4-5 hours to swim 4 events, and drive 2 hours home. Pretty much the whole day shot. And this discussion goes on and on about age group meets, because they are in the same boat. Having spent my weekends at 3 day age group meets, having two kids swim different sessions....not much fun.
Originally posted by LindsayNB
I think one key point is illustrated by comparing the popularity of the 100m, 200m, 400m track events versus road races. I suspect that the difference is fundamental and based on what type of exercise most people enjoy and get a sense of well being and accomplishment from. If the running world is any indication most people prefer distance to sprinting. I suspect that most fitness swimmers also think in terms of distance not sprint speed.
Picture a group of 100m and 200m track sprinters on a discussion forum discussing how to get the masses to get involved in track meets and being mystified by why all those masses of fitness runners don't want to join in.
Anyone can get out and train and run for a road race. While there is a big time differences, it does not seem to matter because of the amount of people doing them. Plus, you get there, run the race, and you are done. I have run and walked races, where I am home by 9-10 in the morning and have the rest of the day. And they are local. And walkers can join in.
Now take a swim meet, I have to drive 2 hours to get to the closest one, spend 4-5 hours to swim 4 events, and drive 2 hours home. Pretty much the whole day shot. And this discussion goes on and on about age group meets, because they are in the same boat. Having spent my weekends at 3 day age group meets, having two kids swim different sessions....not much fun.
