Let me first say that I had a blast in Atlanta and enjoyed every minute of it (even the last minute of the 1000), so this list is somewhat tongue in cheek:
10. No Starbucks within walking distance of the Hampton Inn.
9. The taste of an Italian soda called "Beverly" at the Coca Cola Museum; it reminded me of viscous lidocaine--what is with that?
8. The stairway access to the pool deck from the stands.
7. Missing out on a medal in the 200 free relay because eight of the teams finishing ahead of us were from "regional" clubs representing entire states.
6. Two swimmers from TXLA trying to recruit my 87 year old father to join their team instead of swimming for Nitro.
5. No Starbucks within walkiing distance of the pool.
4. Turning at the bulkhead, although I nailed all of mine.
3. That one starter who shall remain nameless.
2. Not getting to meet Rich Abrahams, among others.
1. It ended.
I promise this is the last I'll say. I am NOT a slow swimmer in my age group - multiple top tens to be exact. I AM extremely careful and give way at the end of every 25. I do not even do flip turns in the warm up pool after being flipped ON in Austin. I am small, I am female, and unfortunately older than most everyone else. And lastly I will NOT stay home because there are a few inconsiderate people out there. I understand that everyone has to give a little in the crowded warm up pool, but it seems that a few are unwilling to compromise.
I think a speed lane would be good. For those who want to do fast 50's with hard turns, much like the one way sprint lane. In the dive well scenario, you have people revving up, and people cooling down in the same space, and it just doesn't mix.
I also think that the on deck coaches could supervise the limited warmup space and conk the offenders over the head with a noodle when they start forgetting their manners. It is a safety issue and someone has liability for our safety.
OK, enuf said. I'm going to wrap my fingers in duct tape so I won't be tempted to say anymore!
Now, I'm going to
I promise this is the last I'll say. I am NOT a slow swimmer in my age group - multiple top tens to be exact. I AM extremely careful and give way at the end of every 25. I do not even do flip turns in the warm up pool after being flipped ON in Austin. I am small, I am female, and unfortunately older than most everyone else. And lastly I will NOT stay home because there are a few inconsiderate people out there. I understand that everyone has to give a little in the crowded warm up pool, but it seems that a few are unwilling to compromise.
I think a speed lane would be good. For those who want to do fast 50's with hard turns, much like the one way sprint lane. In the dive well scenario, you have people revving up, and people cooling down in the same space, and it just doesn't mix.
I also think that the on deck coaches could supervise the limited warmup space and conk the offenders over the head with a noodle when they start forgetting their manners. It is a safety issue and someone has liability for our safety.
OK, enuf said. I'm going to wrap my fingers in duct tape so I won't be tempted to say anymore!
Now, I'm going to
