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2013-02-10 1:06 AM


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Subject: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events

not sure if anyone is on the usms forums, but take a look here:

http://forums.usms.org/showthread.php?22006-Colonies-Zone-SCY-Championships-Fairfax-VA



2013-02-10 4:20 AM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
Apparently, they're upset about us reading about it, too.  I just tried the URL twice and got, "?The server is too busy at the moment. Please try again later." I call shenanigans!
2013-02-10 7:48 AM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events

Triathletes showing up for swim events and practices is good for everyone.  I got started in triathalons after helping a couple of triathletes to swim better at the pool.  If I had not met those nice people I would still be looking down at the black line exclusively as opposed to enjoying the bike and trying to run better.  No hard feelings here. Thanks everyone

2013-02-10 8:18 AM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
Whenever I've visited the USMS swim forums, I've been struck by the snotty superior tone that some of the regular posters seem to have, sneering at fat people, poor swimmers, triathletes.... basically anyone that isn't or wasn't a top level swimmer with years of club experience and a perfectly fit body. Perhaps they don't represent the majority of masters swimmers - at least, I hope not - but a lot of people stumbling across that site by accident might be given the impression that they weren't welcome in what appears to be a very exclusive club.
2013-02-10 8:25 AM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
I live in a not too big town and know most of the master's swimmers around here and most are into triathlon.  I can't really say if they view swimming or triathlon as their first love but most do both.  At meets I suppose most would sign up for their "A" event (ie, 100 meter free, breast, etc.) and a distance event.  I guess my answer to the other blog is that triathlon is injecting some new blood into their sport and keeping some of the old blood interested.  I see no harm.
2013-02-10 11:25 AM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events

Meh...I sort of get their point of view.  It is rather "elitist", but pool swimming isn't something that can open to huge registration numbers.  You only have so many lanes and so many hours you can reserve the pool for.  It's not like a running race where you can literally have thousands of people do a 5k and only have the course closed for an hour.  The logistics of running events makes it much more open to people of all abilities without impacting those that are very competitive.

I'm guessing they will simply learn they need to register early for distance events.

 



2013-02-10 11:50 AM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events

Maybe they are just concerned someone will freak out over something minor and start swearing at them in the warm-up pool.  Based on the threads about swimming here recently it would be a legitimate concern. (I really can't decide if that qualifies for sarcastic font or not.)

(In many years of swimming through college I never saw the drama I see here over swimming.)

2013-02-10 11:54 AM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
Moonrocket - 2013-02-10 12:50 PM

Maybe they are just concerned someone will freak out over something minor and start swearing at them in the warm-up pool.  Based on the threads about swimming here recently it would be a legitimate concern. (I really can't decide if that qualifies for sarcastic font or not.)

Perfect answer.

2013-02-10 12:21 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
I read it, and while there are some comments directed at triathletes, it seems their bigger beef is with "Team Z" specifically. Sounds like a large number from that group all stayed up and registered in the first minutes after registration opened at midnight.
2013-02-10 2:48 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events

I'm on the USMS forums.

Mostly I've seen complaints that, because triathletes are comprising an ever-larger proportion of the crowd at Masters swimming, workouts are increasingly tailored to distance free, and it can actually be difficult to find a stroke or medley-based regular workout.

I see their point, but dem's de market forces right now. I'm thinking that a good coach and flexible workout can accommodate most swimmers.

I should actually read the thread--but hey, there's always the 200 fly and 400 IM, right? What triathletes are going to sign up for that?!

2013-02-10 3:28 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
If those "snotty" swimmers would make triathletes feel more welcome they may try other events/distances. In fortunate we have nice people here, heck I swim the the 100 I'm just for fun. I suck at fly but will swim the 50 on occasion.Team Z can just tell the swimmers to try and fill up the next triathlon, to, you know, give them a taste of their own medicine (No sarc font due to my iPhone)


2013-02-10 4:34 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
TriAya - 2013-02-10 1:48 PM

I'm on the USMS forums.

Mostly I've seen complaints that, because triathletes are comprising an ever-larger proportion of the crowd at Masters swimming, workouts are increasingly tailored to distance free, and it can actually be difficult to find a stroke or medley-based regular workout.

I see their point, but dem's de market forces right now. I'm thinking that a good coach and flexible workout can accommodate most swimmers.

I should actually read the thread--but hey, there's always the 200 fly and 400 IM, right? What triathletes are going to sign up for that?!

Me lol. Those were my two favorite events when I was a swimmer.

2013-02-10 7:38 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events

Well, the 7th post down said: "I just checked and they all are in fact registered USMS swimmers."

2013-02-10 8:02 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
All I know is that if I'm in the same lane as another triathlete (you know, the one who just HAS to wear their latest race swim cap) I never say a word to them....once you do they never shut up.
2013-02-10 8:07 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events

Left Brain - 2013-02-11 1:02 PM All I know is that if I'm in the same lane as another triathlete (you know, the one who just HAS to wear their latest race swim cap) I never say a word to them....once you do they never shut up.

That is soooo true - oh wait I think I'm wearing an Auckland 70.3!  I am one of those! 

2013-02-10 8:19 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
I do both sports and I usually have wait for a gazillion heats of 800/1500. The issue is showing up and making a clusterfuck of 2 to 3 events. If yo are going to race meets EMBRACE swimming and do other events too. I can play both sides since I'm top 10 in my AG (world rankings) for the 1500, 400 IM & 200 Fly and do well at regional and national level events in triathlon ( usually qualify for ITU worlds, just can't afford to go most of the time).


2013-02-10 8:24 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
How can you spot a triathlete in a swim meet warm up? Look for the guy/gal moaning that someone touched them. One would think triathletes would HTFU based on how they swim in OW, but stick them in a lane with 20 others and their poor situational awareness makes them a hazard to themselves.
2013-02-10 8:25 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
Moonrocket - 2013-02-10 11:50 AM

Maybe they are just concerned someone will freak out over something minor and start swearing at them in the warm-up pool.  Based on the threads about swimming here recently it would be a legitimate concern. (I really can't decide if that qualifies for sarcastic font or not.)

(In many years of swimming through college I never saw the drama I see here over swimming.)

+1 billion
2013-02-10 8:29 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events

I have no swimming background.....but I'm involved in my kid's club team and I watch alot of practices/meets.  The kids are so good to each other that it's absolutely comical to read some of the threads about.....whatever goes wrong at the pool.  I've watched kids run into each other, swim under each other, over each other, many times 6-8 to a lane, smacking arms, and heads....and never a problem.  And from age 10 on they can swim faster than at  least 75% of any "triathlete" I've ever seen. Yeah, if you have never been to a decent kids meet, go watch the 11-12 year olds swim sub 30 50's and sub 1 minute 100's.....then maybe you won't be so quick to get on your high horse while you trudge up and down the pool at your "fast" 1:20 - 1:30 per hundred.  Those kids do their intervals at less than that.

I happen to think, from what I have seen, that triathletes, as a group, are some of the most rude, self-absorbed people to grace a swimming pool.

2013-02-10 8:36 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events

I am new to this sport and a former competetie swimmer.  What's the problem here?  If a swimmer, be it a traihtlete, swimmer or ping pong player can meet the minimum required time to enter an event then they are eligible.  If there are too many entrants then make the qualifying time harder to eliminate any massive over qualifying.  This is not rocket science.

If the complaint is that this is some kind of big national event or qualifying event etc...please read my first paragraph.  If the complaint is some triathletes are faster than some of thier dedicated swimmers...bite me!

While I am too new to have experienced it I have heard that some masters swim club member, cycling clubs and likely running clubs don't think much of triathletes.  That is their problem not mine.  If I can qualify for a swimming event I will enter, same with a cycling event (never happen for me in running unless they take anyone no matter how slow).

I began riding with my local LBS group ride.  I think I am the only thriathlete.  They know I am a triathlete and could not be more welcoming and friendly.  I think this is much ado about nothing.

2013-02-10 8:40 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events

Seabeast - 2013-02-10 8:18 AM Whenever I've visited the USMS swim forums, I've been struck by the snotty superior tone that some of the regular posters seem to have, sneering at fat people, poor swimmers, triathletes....

Have you ever read slowtwitch?  Laughing



2013-02-10 8:59 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
Stuartap - 2013-02-10 9:36 PM

 I think this is much ado about nothing.

yes,

And if I met another triathlete the pool, I'd prolly chat about triathlon too. A shared interest?

Crazy me. 

2013-02-10 9:03 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
The issue is that some meets are being sold first come first serve instead of limiting the field size in a 1500/1650. I have seen meets that state they will only take a certain number of heats for 400/800/1500 and if your seed time isn't fast enough you don't get to swim.
2013-02-10 9:04 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
The issue is that some meets are being sold first come first serve instead of limiting the field size in a 1500/1650. I have seen meets that state they will only take a certain number of heats for 400/800/1500 and if your seed time isn't fast enough you don't get to swim.
2013-02-10 9:05 PM
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Subject: RE: masters swimming complaining about triathletes filling events
Moonrocket - 2013-02-10 12:50 PM

Maybe they are just concerned someone will freak out over something minor and start swearing at them in the warm-up pool.  Based on the threads about swimming here recently it would be a legitimate concern. (I really can't decide if that qualifies for sarcastic font or not.)

(In many years of swimming through college I never saw the drama I see here over swimming.)

meh.. of all the thousands of us BT'rs who swim several times a week, there is only an "occasional" swim crazy thread that gets exaggerated for fun. I wish my workouts had more drama.... sigh...  

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