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.
Whining about the warm up pool goes no where with me. It was crowded, extremely crowded, but what options did the meet people have? Here's all I can come up with:
1. Limit the number of swimmers in the pool. Negative, then a lot of us wouldn't get to warm up.
2. Put multiple 30 minute breaks in the meet or use only one pool for competition periodically so people could warm up. Negative, would still be insanely crowded and add a ton of time to the meet, which already took a long time.
3. Force slow, medium and fast lanes. Negative, would still be terribly crowded with the same predictable issues.
4. Have the meet elsewhere. This is the only option I can come up with.
Courtesy and common sense goes a long way in that situation. I always yelled "entering" as I jumped in.
When I did Tempe in 2003 the warm up pools were just as bad, maybe worse. What do you expect in a meet this size? It's a mess, just make do. Or, take up distance events cause it was not as crowded on Thursday.
I agree! Think I'll send word to the Auburn LC Nats planners to add ribs and BBQ chicken to the hospitality fare.
When I go to France, I expect to be served croissants. When I go to Germany, I expect to be served pork. If you come to the South, be prepared to be served fried chicken and barbecue.
Just make sure it's gluten free barbecue sauce! And surely the South doesn't object to fruit?
Fruit? No objections. Gluten free bbq sauce??? Ain't no way in hell we're gonna have that crap
Actually there are tons of barbecue sauces that are gluten free. Not rare at all. Almost as common as, say, bananas. :-P
Maybe we should ask them to have the smell of moonshine running through the air as well.
:rofl:
Well, it's a thought, but it sure doesn't smell as good as barbecue! Some folks might be looking for some moonshine on Sunday as I'm not sure that alcohol is even served in restaurants on Sunday down that way. It's not in my county.
Edit: Just checked and alcohol can be purchased in Auburn on Sundays.
Point out to me in this thread where I've ribbed someone? :blah: :blah: :blah:
Who said it was in the thread? You rib people all the time but get pissy when the tables are turned.
It was a great facility and well run meet generally. I'd go again even if there were fried chicken! What I won't do is go to a Nats in an outdoor pool. hahaha :bolt:
Auburn nationals will be in the indoor pool with the outdoor pool used for warm-up/warm down.
It doesn't get any better than swimming to the sweet smell of fried chicken, my two favorite things.
Ahem.... BACON! When ever there is an age group meet on the weekends at our pool we swim to the smell of sizzling bacon during our masters work outs. Talk about distracting! :drool:
Also, I know its the wrong thread, but I loved the daily USMS video wrap ups for the meet.
Exactly why I'm planning to head there instead of Mesa next year. Well, and that minor little time zone thing.
That's what makes San Juan so appealing too. Don't have to change time zones.
