I've seen write up's about the book in the sports section of USA Today and the Arizona Republic.
Some folks say that there is no "bad" press....and granted he's getting some attention on not just swimming but on masters swimming...I just don't know.
Then again its all a joke....its sad because the reality is that the accomplishments of some of the swimmers in masters is truly worthy of recognition..you know the same one(s) that Swimming World didn't think was all that impressive in the last year.
Part of the problem of being in an organization (USMS) that can't/won't promote or define itself is that others (like Hodding) end up doing it for you. The vast majority of people who know about swimming (either from age group, high school, college or fitness) think that A) swimming is for old ladies with flowered caps (yeah I know that describes Geek) or B) Fitness swimmers who think masters implies to fast for me to work out with ((S)he).
But what the heck...sell some books make some $$$
Actually Geek if the book is supposed to be about me it'll be titled something like.....
"Your Average John Smith" by John Smith
"Lost in a World of Mediocrity" by John Smith
"The Most Irritating Man in the Pool" by John Smith
"Don't Train, Just Swim the 50" by John Smith
"Caffeine and Albuterol, A Masters Guide to Success" by John Smith
Actually Geek if the book is supposed to be about me it'll be titled something like.....
"Your Average John Smith" by John Smith
"Lost in a World of Mediocrity" by John Smith
"The Most Irritating Man in the Pool" by John Smith
"Don't Train, Just Swim the 50" by John Smith
"Caffeine and Albuterol, A Masters Guide to Success" by John Smith
The last two are quite comical, but that first one...it might actually be a title worth pursuing.
This weekend is the last chance for a 46 year old who can(hopefully) make trials cuts-GO DENNIS:cheerleader::cheerleader::cheerleader
Carter has no chance,but his book is about the best we've got on Masters Swimming so far(eagerly awaiting one of geeks books.)
Carter has no chance,but his book is about the best we've got on Masters Swimming so far(eagerly awaiting one of geeks books.)
Have you read Staying With It by John Jerome? It's a good one about Masters swimming.
So where can I get copies of their books?
Exactly. This is a tough crowd here. Obviously Hodding Carter even making Trials was a lofty goal, but can you fault the guy for trying? Maybe I'm misreading some people here, but I get the feeling some of you are sort of like "how dare he!" Well, the bottom line is he's the one who wrote a book about it and that's why he's getting the attention right now rather than other swimmers in their 40s with admittedly more accolades.
I went to see his appearance tonight and he's a nice guy. He says he'll try to post here more. I'm not sure if he's ready for Geek or the Smiths :)
He also mentioned he's heading to Austin soon to swim at Barton Springs with Keith Bell. I think Ande should try to swim with him while he's in town.
So, this guy drinks a lot, doesn't train hard, and swims slow. Why is this interesting?
See post #30 above. He wrote a lighthearted book about being an older swimmer, like many masters swimmers who have to be creative in how they work their training around their life. I'll probably pick up his book because I like to read and I think that it'll be entertaining and at least somewhat relevant to my life.
It's not like Hemingway was ever a bullfighter, but nobody really faults him for his writing on the subject without his even being a matador.
So, this guy drinks a lot, doesn't train hard, and swims slow. Why is this interesting?
In the 2007 FINA SCM rankings he's 2nd in the 50 fly, 3rd in the 100 free and 4th in the 40 free with a 24.50 (Paul Smith is first with a 24.29). You consider that slow, huh?
If Susan von der Lippe, Paul Smith or Erik Hochstein wrote a book about their swimming experiences I'm sure I'd read it, too. The thing is they haven't...
