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 thought everything was just great with one exception.
Heck, even the bulkhead was fine - you swim a freestyle event the first day with 65 turns and your likelihood of missing turns later in the meet decreases dramatically. I did happen to miss one turn in the 200 free but it was because I lost mental focus for a moment, not because of any wall contrast issues.
Had no problem with the warmup pool because I came down every morning and got my warmup in before everything got too crowded and this was a three hour time zone change from normal. Then it was just a matter of a few moderate, one-at-a-time, laps to re-warm up.
Only challenge I had was with the dorms. Although they had full kitchens, it doesn't do you any good if there aren't any utensils. Couldn't even get a glass of water. Not nearly bad enough though to make me wonder if the trip was worth it or not.
I wouldn't hesitate to return if GT hosts in the future.
:chug:
I thought everything was just great with one exception.
Heck, even the bulkhead was fine - you swim a freestyle event the first day with 65 turns and your likelihood of missing turns later in the meet decreases dramatically. I did happen to miss one turn in the 200 free but it was because I lost mental focus for a moment, not because of any wall contrast issues.
Had no problem with the warmup pool because I came down every morning and got my warmup in before everything got too crowded and this was a three hour time zone change from normal. Then it was just a matter of a few moderate, one-at-a-time, laps to re-warm up.
Only challenge I had was with the dorms. Although they had full kitchens, it doesn't do you any good if there aren't any utensils. Couldn't even get a glass of water. Not nearly bad enough though to make me wonder if the trip was worth it or not.
I wouldn't hesitate to return if GT hosts in the future.
:chug:
