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.
Parents
Former Member
You west coast swimmers are well used to outdoor pools. And you can have them! They're not that many backstrokers on the east coast who like to compete outdoors.
Besides, I try to stave off divorce by only attending one Nats per year tops.
One other tiny little factor that favors Auburn: I'll be 50, not 49.
For me it's the fresh air. I don't care if it's 40 degrees or 100 degrees outside (as long as it's not pouring rain) - I'll take that over a claustrophobic, stinky indoor pool any day.
And no more East Coast meets for me - at least not ones that count...
You west coast swimmers are well used to outdoor pools. And you can have them! They're not that many backstrokers on the east coast who like to compete outdoors.
Besides, I try to stave off divorce by only attending one Nats per year tops.
One other tiny little factor that favors Auburn: I'll be 50, not 49.
For me it's the fresh air. I don't care if it's 40 degrees or 100 degrees outside (as long as it's not pouring rain) - I'll take that over a claustrophobic, stinky indoor pool any day.
And no more East Coast meets for me - at least not ones that count...
