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.
We have to ask why are we doing this: Are we here to kick everyone's in our agegroup's ass? Show the world how great we are as we age? Are we here to enjoy the swimming as a healthy lifestyle choice? Are we here to promote swimming as an inclusive and accessible sport to all, including physically challenged people? Enjoy the triumphs and console the misfortunes of all who attend whether they are awesome swimmers or just awesome people to be around? Ask yourself why you swim? If you want hardcore competition, USA is still an option...if you can't cut it with the 18 year olds...then you belong with masters...but masters belongs to all of us...equally.
Stud, you rock ! I'm with you 100% on this!!! :applaud:
We have to ask why are we doing this: Are we here to kick everyone's in our agegroup's ass? Show the world how great we are as we age? Are we here to enjoy the swimming as a healthy lifestyle choice? Are we here to promote swimming as an inclusive and accessible sport to all, including physically challenged people? Enjoy the triumphs and console the misfortunes of all who attend whether they are awesome swimmers or just awesome people to be around? Ask yourself why you swim? If you want hardcore competition, USA is still an option...if you can't cut it with the 18 year olds...then you belong with masters...but masters belongs to all of us...equally.
Stud, you rock ! I'm with you 100% on this!!! :applaud:
