The other day I was walking to my car when I noticed the car parked next to me had a vanity license plate "SWIMFLY". I walked up to the man driving the car and we started talking about swimming and competing.
He said he swam at Nationals in 2001 and he was waiting until he turned 60 to swim at another meet. I told him that he should go to more meets because they are really fun. This guy is a really great swimmer. He still holds the State record in all of the butterfly events and he won the majority of his races at nationals.
This got me thinking - what is it that is keeping swimmers from entering races? I realize there are a ton of fitness swimmers who don't want to compete and I understand that. But beyond that what is the reason?
For me personally, I waited to enter my first meet because I didn't think I was fast enough and I didn't want to be embarrassed. I am so sorry it took me so long to go to a race - I think they are really fun.
Parents
Former Member
:fish2: Thanks to all who are really encouraging me to "jump in, the water's fine"!
Kirk -- I had thought of entering the Pentathalon but my other activity passion (cycling) has me tied up for that weekend. I am planning to do the Columbia River swim (it is non competitive) over Labor Day weekend, and am thinking about doing the lake swim on Orcas Island the following weekend. I'lll be gone all of July and August so will not be around to join OW swims in our area during that time. I welcome any and all info about other swims happening.
Concho -- your idea of checking into some help from the schools may work for my diving phobia. and Fort -- I am chuckling about your mishaps early on now that I read how much you swim and how successful you are. And InnerFish, I am very interested in Senior Games -- the first one I am able to think about joining is also in September! Looks like I am going to have a busy month. I like your "glacially slow" description and will probably be using it!
Thanks everyone.
:fish2: Thanks to all who are really encouraging me to "jump in, the water's fine"!
Kirk -- I had thought of entering the Pentathalon but my other activity passion (cycling) has me tied up for that weekend. I am planning to do the Columbia River swim (it is non competitive) over Labor Day weekend, and am thinking about doing the lake swim on Orcas Island the following weekend. I'lll be gone all of July and August so will not be around to join OW swims in our area during that time. I welcome any and all info about other swims happening.
Concho -- your idea of checking into some help from the schools may work for my diving phobia. and Fort -- I am chuckling about your mishaps early on now that I read how much you swim and how successful you are. And InnerFish, I am very interested in Senior Games -- the first one I am able to think about joining is also in September! Looks like I am going to have a busy month. I like your "glacially slow" description and will probably be using it!
Thanks everyone.
