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 suspect it is easier for sprinters to warm up in those conditions.
This is funny. I felt sorry for you sprinters in those conditions as it seemed hard to really do bursts and good turns. I just swam slowly for about 30 minutes and was happy as a clam.
5. No trolley/shuttle from Renaissance
4. Bulkhead issues
3. Water quality issues, sooo many bubbles.
2. Timing issues on even course
1. No massage. :badday:
If attendance continues to climb then it would be time to think about changes, but for now I think the current format is good (with the caveat that I wasn't at Atlanta).
I can see it now:
2013 SCY Evil Stroke Nationals, Atlanta, GA
2013 SCY Other Evil Stroke Nationals, Mission Viejo, CA
2013 SCY Third Evil Stroke Nationals, Mesa AZ
2013 SCY Freestyle Nationals, Portland, OR
2013 SCY Relay Nationals, Denver, CO
:)
This is funny. I felt sorry for you sprinters in those conditions as it seemed hard to really do bursts and good turns. I just swam slowly for about 30 minutes and was happy as a clam.
I swam slowly for about 20 minutes, loosened up, did a few well timed fast bursts and was happy as a clam. Then sometimes a hot shower after.
Have to agree about the desirability of massage over chiros. I did try them out and they helped loosen my wrenched neck somewhat. But they didn't really work on the spots where I felt I needed help. But I had The Stick and some friends to work out knots.
I actually did pretty well in the main pool for warmups, but I was there before the distance events due to sleeping issues. Most mornings I only shared the lane with 3 or 4 other folks. Not too bad at all, and I talked to those who were doing pace work on the clock so as to stay out of their way. The dive pool struck me as being better than Austin - it was crowded, but I expected it to be and picked my lane and spot as best I could.
My gripes -
1) starter who could not be heard and didn't stand the swimmers back up when it was needed. I saw some heats of 100 free with swimmers in their 80's that had me fuming. No one should be subjected to random mumbling when trying to start a race. Especially those that might be at a higher risk for hearing issues. Really painful to watch.
2) fried chicken in hospitality. Yes, I know it's the south where they apparently bread and fry lettuce, but that was just over the top. I had a bagel and PB and fruit for lunch that day. And was seriously cranky by dinner as I was so hungry.
3) hospitality running out of fruit and water and other food by the last day. I ended up buying food at the cafe just to be able to get a healthy snack.
4) Staircase at the far end was awful to get through.
2) fried chicken in hospitality. Yes, I know it's the south where they apparently bread and fry lettuce, but that was just over the top. I had a bagel and PB and fruit for lunch that day. And was seriously cranky by dinner as I was so hungry.
3) hospitality running out of fruit and water and other food by the last day. I ended up buying food at the cafe just to be able to get a healthy snack.
I had to steer clear of hospitality during the fried chicken stint. It made me seriously nauseous. I was likewise bummed about the fruit situation. I didn't get one darn banana the whole meet. Couldn't eat much else there b/c of my gluten free diet.
I never got my ass out of bed early, but then I didn't whine about the diving well either. hehe
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.
Maybe we should ask them to have the smell of moonshine running through the air as well.
