Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

iloveh2o — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:20:18 GMT

I have never had that much fun at a swim meet -- it was awesome! Here are my top 10: 1) Seeing my GAJA teammates that I already knew. 2) Getting to know other GAJA teammates. 3) Cheering my teammates on. 4) Conquering the starting pads on my backstroke starts -- the last two were good! 5) Swimming faster than I ever thought I would at the meet. Very pleasantly surprised. Good feeling to know that hard work is starting to pay off. 6) Relays!! After being an IMer and distance swimmer in college, it is nice to be on relays again. 7) Running into someone from my old age group days up in Virginia. 8) Being inspired by the 60+year old swimmers, WOW! I hope I am still swimming at that age. 9) The chiropractors. 10) Knowing that I don't have to put that speedo suit on again for a while.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

swimshark — Wed, 26 May 2010 07:09:55 GMT

1. Hitting the pool deck upon arrival and hearing, "Elaine-iaK!!!" coming from a booming voice behind me. It was Ande. :cool: Getting to meet Ande was #1 on my list of forumites to meet! 2. Allen Stark, the other helpful and generous forumite who I owe a big "thanks" to, for sure. Allen actually took the time to watch all three of my breaststroke events (Well, make that two, because he watched the wrong person on the 50 breaststroke and sent me a PM that I was pausing between my outsweep and insweep. I didn't know he watched the wrong gal until the next day, so my night was filled with weird dreams trying to figure out what the heck he was seeing. I sure didn't see it on the videotape my husband shot! :confused:) But, seriously, he DID watch my other two events and gave me fabulous constructive criticism. Allen, you're a gem! :D 3. Meeting Alison and Anna Lea who have been so supportive and nice to me as a newbie! :agree: 5. Finishing a lap in the warm-up lane, hitting the wall, and seeing Cullen Jones in the lane next to me. I wished him good luck in his 50 free, he flashed me that warm :D and graciously thanked me. Then, after he won, he graciously posed for a photo with me before going for his warm-down. Tiger Woods, take note: Cullen should be YOUR role model! 6. Having the opportunity to even compete at Nationals, given my newbie and slow (at the moment!) status. :cane: Just wait and see! One of these days, I'll be strong enough to finish the 200 breaststroke FASTER than I started it! 7. Just being able to swim again, for that matter. I didn't think it would be possible, after having serious shoulder surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. 8. The generosity of all of you! And, the encouragement I received from my fellow forumites! :bighug: 10. MY HUSBAND BEING THERE TO SEE ME SWIM COMPETITIVELY FOR THE FIRST TIME! He not only sat there patiently for three days straight; he filmed my races and put up with me abandoning him for hours at a time, so I could meet forumites. :bighug: & :kiss1: Elaine touched on so much of what this is all about :)

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Former Member — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:18:53 GMT

3. Meeting MANY forumites, usually on accident :) I spent a lot of time with forumites over the weekend, so I don't remember who this conversation was actually between, but it was quite funny. A: Have you met Karen Duggan? B: No, I have no idea what she looks like. I know what her kids look like, but no idea what she looks like.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Former Member — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:12:41 GMT

I hope you're getting a royalty for this; if not, I'm sure there are some ambitious lawyers amongst the forumites who could help you extract your fair share of the profits, maybe a modeling / sponsorship contract for the new line, future input to design, etc. Milk it, Q, milk it. I don't think me modeling the suit would help sales much, so I will stick with pursuing those royalties.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

swimmj — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:59:37 GMT

1) I told Mark Gill that I would have paid the entry fee to listen to him clear the pool after warmup. He cracks me up. I adore his announcing. 2) Meeting some (not nearly enough) of the forumites - Leslie, Alison, Wolf and seeing others that I already knew like Chris and Ahelee. 3) Watching amazing swims by amazing swimmers - from the elites to the races of my teammates, just so fun to see so much good swimming. 4) The friendliness of the everybody I met in Atlanta - so helpful and kind to lost travelers. 5) hanging out with my swimming buddies - what could be better? 6) Ribs, Blues and Beer on Sunday with some good friends. Perfect end to a fun meet. 7) Inspiring swimmers, often not the stars who are out there competing. All of them are my heroes and I hope I am as gritty and determined as they are. 8) PB's in the sprints? Who would have thunk it? My meet was not great but my 50's were really fun. 9) Teammate Colette having all PB's since her *** cancer treatment and hanging on to win the 200 fly. I had tears in my eyes, I was so happy for her. 10) Last SCY nats in the 45-49 age group. I know the next one is fast too, but OMG. These chicks are smoking fast. And there are so many of them.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

The Fortress — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:57:18 GMT

I spent a lot of time with forumites over the weekend, so I don't remember who this conversation was actually between, but it was quite funny. A: Have you met Karen Duggan? B: No, I have no idea what she looks like. I know what her kids look like, but no idea what she looks like. I heard that comment! Can't remember who made it either. Fortunately, I was able to spot Karen right away and get a few chats in! :) (Sorry about your finger. Ouch.) And I did get to meet Gull finally, however briefly.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Karen Duggan — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:45:55 GMT

Actually, I do have 3 heads, just like in the picture! I wanted to change the pic before nats but our laptop died and I couldn't upload any pictures. I'm on FB, if you want to friend me :D I'm sorry I missed you and Gull.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

pwolf66 — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:16:32 GMT

Ed for doing a great job. Watching sooo many astounding swims. Seeing Qbrain swim a very nice 200 Free but luckily not quite fast enough. Mark Gill announcing - 'nough said. Lots of room on deck to get around. Hospitality!!!! 'Nough said.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Allen Stark — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:14:08 GMT

The donuts The Trolley The elevator The friendly people Ed The elite USA-S swimmers The crowd enthusiasm Relays Seeing Rich Abrahams swim Racing against Bob Strand and Jim Clemmons

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Elaine Krugman — Tue, 25 May 2010 10:09:54 GMT

1. Hitting the pool deck upon arrival and hearing, "Elaine-iaK!!!" coming from a booming voice behind me. It was Ande. :cool: Getting to meet Ande was #1 on my list of forumites to meet! 2. Allen Stark, the other helpful and generous forumite who I owe a big "thanks" to, for sure. Allen actually took the time to watch all three of my breaststroke events (Well, make that two, because he watched the wrong person on the 50 breaststroke and sent me a PM that I was pausing between my outsweep and insweep. I didn't know he watched the wrong gal until the next day, so my night was filled with weird dreams trying to figure out what the heck he was seeing. I sure didn't see it on the videotape my husband shot! :confused:) But, seriously, he DID watch my other two events and gave me fabulous constructive criticism. Allen, you're a gem! :D 3. Meeting Alison and Anna Lea who have been so supportive and nice to me as a newbie! :agree: 4. The tons of hours, blood, sweat, and tears that Ed and the other volunteers must have put in to make this meet a success. THANKS!! :applaud: And, Mark, you cracked me up!!! The best announcing ever!!! 5. Finishing a lap in the warm-up lane, hitting the wall, and seeing Cullen Jones in the lane next to me. I wished him good luck in his 50 free, he flashed me that warm :D and graciously thanked me. Then, after he won, he graciously posed for a photo with me before going for his warm-down. Tiger Woods, take note: Cullen should be YOUR role model! 6. Having the opportunity to even compete at Nationals, given my newbie and slow (at the moment!) status. :cane: Just wait and see! One of these days, I'll be strong enough to finish the 200 breaststroke FASTER than I started it! 7. Just being able to swim again, for that matter. I didn't think it would be possible, after having serious shoulder surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. 8. The generosity of all of you! And, the encouragement I received from my fellow forumites! :bighug: 9. Nationals being in Atlanta, just a 45 minute drive away, so I could afford to go! 10. MY HUSBAND BEING THERE TO SEE ME SWIM COMPETITIVELY FOR THE FIRST TIME! He not only sat there patiently for three days straight; he filmed my races and put up with me abandoning him for hours at a time, so I could meet forumites. :bighug: & :kiss1:

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Former Member — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:44:15 GMT

1. I gotta echo what's already been said about Mark Gill's announcing. I saw Jerry Seinfeld live in Nashville the week before, and Mark made me laugh more than Jerry did. 2. Seeing friends I had not seen in 20 years. 3. Meeting new friends 4. Enjoying the moment of my races - getting psyched behind the blocks, the feel of my strokes, patting myself on the back for really giving it my all - instead of obsessing over my time like I did back in the day. 5. Lots of great advice from experienced friends on how to get rid of AWFUL leg cramps from Day 1 6. The fact each event's first heat (90-years-old +) always got as much attention and applause as the last heat featuring 2008 (and hopefully 2012) Olympians 7. The fact that it was the last time I had to squeeze into a full body tech suit to be competitive.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Karen Duggan — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:31:25 GMT

1. Fast pool (although my swims were horrendous). 2. Mark as announcer again. Pat's parents from CT thought he was the best. 3. Meeting MANY forumites, usually on accident :) 4. The trolley and MARTA were awesome (met many forumites there!) 5. 52. 100 ***. WOW. 6. Genadijus was there. 7. Lots of food choices. 8. I learned that 5 days is too long to stay away from my kids. Was already missing them by Friday night. 9. The people of Atlanta were SO friendly, wherever we went. 10. My hubby putting on a tech suit, finally, for his last race, and winning it. :applaud:

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

swimshark — Tue, 25 May 2010 07:51:20 GMT

1. Easy check-in 2. Location of the All sessions parking lot 3. Tri Swim in the showers (I'm going to buy some now!) 4. The nice stadium seats with good view of both pools 5. Meeting Bumpy Jones (1952), Rowdy, Roque and Cullen. 6. Loved the blocks at this pool 7. The concession stand had great food and the GT Student Center one wasn't too far away and had good food as well. 8. Friendly, hard working volunteers (including my dad who timed Thurs, Fri and Sun) 9. Great times with forumites and FB friends 10. Best of all, my parents and sister who got to see me compete for the first time since 2004. Can't beat that. :cheerleader:

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

swimshark — Tue, 25 May 2010 07:45:41 GMT

6. The fact each event's first heat (90-years-old +) always got as much attention and applause as the last heat featuring 2008 (and hopefully 2012) Olympians . I'll 2nd that. A little fact about Dr. John Taylor, 89, he was one of two 89 year olds. He still does triathlons at his age. How inspirational is that?! I talked to he and Anne Dunivin, the 93 year old. They were born on the same day, May 9th, just a few years apart.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

swoomer — Tue, 25 May 2010 06:21:51 GMT

Just in case some of you think I only know how to whine, I want to go on record that there were numerous things that made Atlanta a wonderful experience. 1. The shuttle was fabulous! It was convenient, fast, and friendly. 2. All of the volunteers were exceptionally friendly and helpful. 3. The organizational structure worked like clockwork. 4. Swimmers are quality people. It's nice to spend time with them. 5. It was such a treat to witness so many amazingly fast swims. 6. It was inspirational to view those racing through pain and disability. 7. Mark Gill did it again! 8. The facility was beautiful. It makes me want to be a Tech swimmer in my next life. 9. The Tech students treated us like guests. 10. I had such a positive experience in spite of average swims, I look forward to the next Nats. Compliments to all who were a part of this enormous undertaking!!!

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Former Member — Mon, 24 May 2010 13:05:04 GMT

1. Ed for hosting 2. GT for the venue 3. The billion volunteers needed to run the meet 4. The fourmites 5. The lurkers 6. Paul Wolf for a gridge that got me to show up to Nationals 7. The SWIMS database sign up sheet 8. Speedo showing me where this secret sign up sheet was 9. Several impressive swims by friends that will motivate me to work on things that I don't enjoy working on 10. Roque for naming his new swim line after me

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

elise526 — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:59:41 GMT

1. The efficient registration process. 2. The location of the gold parking lot. 3. The free shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the locker rooms. 4. The awards - nice ribbon and design. 5. The blocks. 6. Plenty of deck space to sit and move around. 7. Too many positive and encouraging people to count! 8. Easy to go back and forth between the hotel and the pool. 9. The hard work by the volunteers. 10. The level of competition. A few have complained about the fried chicken, but I LIKED the fried chicken in the hospitality room. No worse than donuts or pizza. I'd rather eat fried chicken than some frou-frou salad with tofu. Kudos to somebody for thinking to put at least one traditional southern dish in the hospitality room.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Patrick W. Brundage — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:12:09 GMT

10. Roque for naming his new swim line after meI hope you're getting a royalty for this; if not, I'm sure there are some ambitious lawyers amongst the forumites who could help you extract your fair share of the profits, maybe a modeling / sponsorship contract for the new line, future input to design, etc. Milk it, Q, milk it.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Speedo — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:30:56 GMT

Yes. When things run well they are taken for granted. Well done, Georgia Masters and USMS for putting on a fantastic meet.

RE: Top Ten Things I DID Like About Atlanta

Betsy — Mon, 24 May 2010 09:29:48 GMT

Patrick, Your Dad had a great meet. Improving times in many events, placing well, 1st on a relay! I'm sure it's great to have family at an event like this.