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.
Anyone going to a Nationals expecting an uncrowded warmup pool should stop smoking whatever they're smoking. Even Clovis' extra 50 meter pool was crowded with like 25 or 30 extra 25 yard lanes. If you want an uncrowded warmup pool, go to a small meet.
Seriously, the only times I ever remember uncrowded warmup pools in my entire competitive swimming career were either:
very small, in-season meets,
college dual meets, or
first night sessions for distance events
I'm not saying I like the warmup scene anymore than the next guy or gal, but part of the price of admission for getting all that great competition and seeing all those inspiring swims is a whole whack of people in the warmup pool. It's a level playing field, though, as we all deal with it.
Anyone going to a Nationals expecting an uncrowded warmup pool should stop smoking whatever they're smoking. Even Clovis' extra 50 meter pool was crowded with like 25 or 30 extra 25 yard lanes. If you want an uncrowded warmup pool, go to a small meet.
Seriously, the only times I ever remember uncrowded warmup pools in my entire competitive swimming career were either:
very small, in-season meets,
college dual meets, or
first night sessions for distance events
I'm not saying I like the warmup scene anymore than the next guy or gal, but part of the price of admission for getting all that great competition and seeing all those inspiring swims is a whole whack of people in the warmup pool. It's a level playing field, though, as we all deal with it.
