As an "outsider" to the world of "hardcore" swimming ...
Former Member
I swim a lot and really enjoy it. It's something I've done all of my life, growing up in Southern California, and it's my main form of exercise. I'm good at it, but I do it primarily for health and enjoyment.
I've noticed from lurking around this board for several years that there seems to be a very self-congratulatory, cliquish tone to many threads and posts. It seems like it's often a small group of people who post relentlessly, as if they are engaged in some sort of private conversation where they're trying to outdo each other.
Maybe I'm the only one who feels that way. Maybe that's part and parcel of the world of "hardcore" competitive swimmers. Or maybe it's because there wouldn't be anything else to talk about, unless there weren't a constant focus on who's the "best" at this or that.
A race is something that happens once in a while, whereas a lifetime of swimming lasts, well, a lifetime. Yes, it's great to break a certain time in a certain race, but it's also great to have the self-discpline to keep at a daily swimming program and work on improving one's technique and endurance. Both are valid, and, to my mind, neither is more worthy of praise than the other.
Jim Thornton, if I recall correctly, noted a while ago that there were a lot of people lurking around the board and not really participating. If that is the case, I would propose that may be due to the general off-putting tone of things on here. (I won't give examples at this point, although I could.)
Former Member
Yummmm. . . My parents served me liver and onions once a week when I was younger. I learned to love it.
I'll have what she's having....
You must denounce your abilities and desires to be a "hardcore" swimmer.
Continue to poke fun at fellow forumites both old and new.
And have the keen ability to derail threads from their original subject matter.
Oh good. I qualify.
I'll have what she's having....
Anyone remember when KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) used to have fried chicken livers on their menu? I actually ate them as a kid. . .
I wish all you people would stop talking about all the crazy delicious food I love so much. It's discussing things like this that may lead me back to my ATFness.
I don't believe your ATF was ever fat. Can you post a pic?
No one needs to see that. I have a foto of me coming out of the water at an OW event a few years back and it more resembles some sort of gasping blubbery aquatic blob.
*IF* that's the case, I vote for your being the new poster boy of "hardcore" swimming for that major transformation from blubbery blob to buff Bill.
That would be too clique-y and might offend people. I can't agree to such off-putting behavior. After all, we now have to pretend we don't like each other.
So we need to NOT like eachother; cut out jokes, banter, and inside references while sticking to discussing only the topic at hand. I get it. Wondertwin powers. Activate! Form of. . . A Grumpy Old Man!
Fine. I'm off to my hardcore swimming practice with National team today. Coincidentally, their continual yuckstering, baiting, flame throwing and histrionics throughout practice have lead to multiple Senior National, OT cuts and Olympians. I just hope to successfully swim around the SR Nat qualifying 15 yr old's game of patty cake during warm up. Yesterday, I accidentally broke it up with my SDK.
I think it's just the nature of a message board. You have core regulars, lurkers, occasional posters, those who post a lot then disappear and then come back. It's just part of life on the web.
I am a swimmer who recently came back to the sport about 21 years after I stopped. I have felt welcome and encouraged by everyone here. I have received great advice as well.
I know I'm not the "inner circle" and that's fine. Everyone here is very nice. I like to read up on people here shaving seconds off their times or getting ranked and winning races. It's great.
Everyone here has been very welcoming and supportive. Give it a shot.
