Equipment Rep
Trains with every piece of equipment available at all times.
The Luddite
Trains with nothing. Only uses a loin cloth and goggles in workout.
The Barnacle
Leaves right on your feet. Couldn't count to five or ten if his life depnded on it.
The Coach
Not an actual coach, but someone who is consumed with technique. Swimming is a precise set of moves that can be broken down, categorized, and scientifically analyzed.
The Jaded
Could care less about technique. Just wants to swim and leave the analysis to the eggheads.
The Swimaholic
Trains at least 10 swimming workouts a week. Anything less is viewed as not trying.
Fast Guy who Never Trains
Shows up once a month and breaks national records in practice.
Hardest Working Man in the Swim Business
Trains like a ferocious animal in workout, but has no speed when it comes to racing.
Lane Guy
Works out in a lane that is far too fast or slow for him.
The Crack Guy
Dude, pull your swimsuit up or get a bigger size.
The Newbie
Shows up to practice in board shorts and a scuba mask.
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As for myself, I would fall into the categories of Luddite and Jaded. Also, I wrote this from a male perspective, but the women are included as well. Any other stereotypes?
Equipment Rep
Trains with every piece of equipment available at all times.
Fast Guy who Never Trains
Shows up once a month and breaks national records in practice.
Hardest Working Man in the Swim Business
Trains like a ferocious animal in workout, but has no speed when it comes to racing.
How, you nailed me (3 times) on the very first posting.:afraid:
The Non-Stop Swimmer:
This person, usually a thin female in my experience, lives in the water and never stops swimming. Never does a set, but swims 15,000 yards without stopping (distance is only a rough estimate because no one has actually stayed long enough to see her start and stop her swim). Usually does a 50 in a consistent 55 second pace, so you will be continually leap-frogging her throughout a set, and eventually will get lapped by her in between your sets.
Have seen her 100s of times but still not exchanged a word. Tried to ask her if you could share the lane once but the closest you got was a slight nod of encouragement in the middle of her flip turn.
The Optimist - places a dry towel at the end of his/her lane. Expects it to be dry when his/her splash-free workout is complete. Is easily confused by those who do butterfly, flip turns, etc.
John Doe - Lap swimmer comes in, and swims for about an hour and leaves. Probably recognized by other regulars but doesn't really know anybody or speak to anyone except for a few guards that take the cash at the door to exchange a few polite words. Probably wants to join a team for support but isn't ready for the commitment or doesn't have the time avail yet. Characterized by boring sets and preferance to freestyle without flip turns because it's too embarrassing to practice it and make a scene. The invisible swimmer, used to swim in board shorts..
Sadly, this is me. :)
There may be only one of these (at least I hope there aren't enough to be a "stereotype"): Women's Swimsuit Guy. There is a guy who is often moving from sauna to spa when I get to the pool (24 Hour Fitness) at 4:30am. He is dressed in a one-piece women's string thong bikini thing. It's very odd. I've never seen him in the pool--not sure his suit would stay on if he tried to swim in it. Probably not safe to enter the spa or the sauna after him though.
:bolt:
I've met her. At the end of her swim, so I could ask her how many miles. I don't find anything offensive in it. And she was faster than :55.
:)
The Non-Stop Swimmer:
This person, usually a thin female in my experience, lives in the water and never stops swimming. Never does a set, but swims 15,000 yards without stopping (distance is only a rough estimate because no one has actually stayed long enough to see her start and stop her swim). Usually does a 50 in a consistent 55 second pace, so you will be continually leap-frogging her throughout a set, and eventually will get lapped by her in between your sets.
Have seen her 100s of times but still not exchanged a word. Tried to ask her if you could share the lane once but the closest you got was a slight nod of encouragement in the middle of her flip turn.
Here's a couple:
1) Rocky Raccoon- A female swimmer who forgets to remove mascara before the workout.
2) The "Blocker"- The person who swims in front of you and never goes all the way to the wall. If there's 4 or 5 in the lane you will be lucky to get to the 15 meter mark before you have to stop.
3) The "Italian"--The person you swim with whose previous meal (and breath) always reeks of GARLIC! :D
