Did anybody else happen to catch the PBS show, Independent Lens, this week? There was an hour long documentary entitled Men Who Swim, and I must say it was one of the best things I have seen on TV in years, and the best documentary since Sherman's March. Funny, poignant, and beautifully filmed, especially the underwater stuff.
I almost didn't watch it because the topic seemed self-consciously whacky: a group of Swedish guys approaching 40 who decide to start what they believe is the first (and only) male synchronized swimming team.
You can see some clips that the director posted here: www.directorsnotes.com/.../
I suspect it might be available, too, for watching in its entirety on the pbs website.
Anyhow, I think it really captures what so many of us forumites seem to love about the swimming community in general--the friendships we make, the laughs we get to share, and a reassuring sense of camaraderie as we all approach the aging process together.
Two erect thumbs straight up!
I spent big chunks of time as a runner on the treadmill at the YMCA during the winter months; hardly ever talked to anyone (or was talked to), though I would see the same people over and over again. I've met more people there in the last year of swimming than I did the previous decade of running. Ironically, since you can't really hold a conversation underwater. Maybe it is the attire (or lack thereof)!?
I think it's the interval training. You can't talk during the swimming phase, but you pretty much can't avoid talking in between sets. You are all gathered together in close proximity.
Rookies are arguing about who gets to go first on the next set.
Veterans are arguing about who gets to go last!
You also have the built in simultaneous scheduling--everyone shows up at roughly the same time, swims the practice, and heads to the lockerroom afterwards.
At our Y, there is a steam bath and Jacuzzi, and a decent chunk of our team head to this before getting dressed. Another opportunity for regular, relaxed, endorphin-fueled conversation and conviviality.
I think the social component of masters swimming may actually be more important for most of us that the physical shape component, though we tell ourselves it's the latter that motivates us to keep coming, year after year.
I love masters swimming!
I spent big chunks of time as a runner on the treadmill at the YMCA during the winter months; hardly ever talked to anyone (or was talked to), though I would see the same people over and over again. I've met more people there in the last year of swimming than I did the previous decade of running. Ironically, since you can't really hold a conversation underwater. Maybe it is the attire (or lack thereof)!?
I think it's the interval training. You can't talk during the swimming phase, but you pretty much can't avoid talking in between sets. You are all gathered together in close proximity.
Rookies are arguing about who gets to go first on the next set.
Veterans are arguing about who gets to go last!
You also have the built in simultaneous scheduling--everyone shows up at roughly the same time, swims the practice, and heads to the lockerroom afterwards.
At our Y, there is a steam bath and Jacuzzi, and a decent chunk of our team head to this before getting dressed. Another opportunity for regular, relaxed, endorphin-fueled conversation and conviviality.
I think the social component of masters swimming may actually be more important for most of us that the physical shape component, though we tell ourselves it's the latter that motivates us to keep coming, year after year.
I love masters swimming!
