Summer in the City

I have written previously about how I strangely enjoy swimming in the 20-yard pool. For some reason I just feel like the time passes faster in this pool.

I also like this pool because it is quite close to my work, and if I slip out early enough, I can usually get through a work-out without having to share a lane. Sharing a lane in a 20 yard pool...not so much fun. Even when the pool is 'crowded' the normal lifeguard won't let more than 2 people per lane, so you can split the lane and not worrying about circle swimming (and lapping people every 4 lengths)....

Last night? Not so much. It has been HOT in the city, and I guess this translates into more people taking their work-outs indoors. I got to the pool at 4:15pm last night, had to wait for a spot in the pool, but was able to split a lane for about half my work out. In the middle of 4x500 descend, the following occurs:

1. The (deceptively) cute old lady in the lane next to me, complete with the flowered cap with a chin-strap, stops me and asks if I can 'stop splashing so much', b/c I am getting her face wet.
...I just politely smile, bite my lip, and push off.

2. The girl I am sharing the lane with gets out, and two people get ready to jump in. I have just finished my 2nd 500, feel GREAT, and am excited to start really pushing the effort. I look at the lifeguard, HOPING she won't let them both get in. She just shrugs. I look up, and as NICELY as possible, tell the two getting in that I am in the middle of a set...The guy responds, "yeah, we know what circle swimming is, thanks."
...I think, "this isn't going to be good" and push off.

3. The guy proceeds to 'circle swim' never stopping to let me pass. He will stop at the wall, see me coming, and push off right in front of me. When I speed up to pass him (mind you, I only have 20 yards), he starts SPRINTING so I can't get fully around him. I end up basically doing my flip turns on him, but continue to complete my 500. I pass him 3 times in this 500.

4. He stops while I'm at the wall (first time he has stopped), and SCREAMS, being totally serious, "Why are you swimming so fast? Can you just swim at my pace so you don't ruin MY work-out??"

really?
REALLY?

...I just laugh out loud and push off for my last 500.


Luckily I was swimming hard and felt great, and was able to get the frustration out in the water.