Heather Fell: Hey Mark? What kind of swimmer do you reckon I am?
Mark Threlfall: Now don't take this the wrong way, I'll probably say you're the procrastinator,
or maybe even the end of lane gossiper. Heather: [laughs] Okay fair one. Yes, I'd agree
with that. I reckon you're pretty Zen, but you're also just like come and get it done, no faffing.
Mark: Yes, I can't really argue with that one. You may be wondering what on earth we're on about.
Heather and myself have spent long enough in and around swimming pools, we've observed
all sorts of different habits and styles. Today, we thought we'd take a bit of a light-hearted
look at those different types of swimmers, and you never know, you might spot yourself in this list.
[music] Heather:
First up, we've got the procrastinator. They will do everything they can
to avoid actually getting in the water. There'll be several bathroom visits, any kit adjustments,
going back to the locker room to get the water bottle, going back to fill up the water bottle,
and when you think there's nothing else left to do, they'll suddenly realize you need to write out
the swim session. Obviously, have a quick chat to the lifeguard, test the water temperature,
and then it really is time to get in, at this point they will do everything they can to get
in as slowly as possible. [music]
Mark: Then there's some people who are just super chilled. Nothing is going to ruffle
their feathers. Cold water, a busy swim lane, others trying to distract them. The Zen swimmer
just takes everything in their stride. Heather: Oh my goodness, I just had the
best coffee and cake. This cafe, you really must go to, and it's just so-- Okay, do you ever wonder
why there's a lot of people at the end of the lane? They might be having a rest but more
likely than not, they're going to be the end of lane chatter. Where they think any time spent in
the water, counts as swimming. If you can tick off exercise whilst having a good old gossip,
why not? [music]
Mark: Then on the other end of the spectrum, we've got the swimmer
that means business. Nothing is going to get in their way. They arrive at the pool early,
probably already in their swim kit. Drop their kit off in the locker room, hat and goggles on,
and they're off. No stopping until the session is complete. They're done, they're off, they're
on their way home before the procrastinator has probably even dipped their toe in water.
[music] Heather: Swimming doesn't
have to be strenuous or even a fitness activity. You can simply come along to just bob. Are you
someone who comes to the pool for water therapy? Maybe you simply lie back and float with a woggle,
or you don't even get past a jacuzzi. A bobber is certainly someone who doesn't get their hair wet.
[music] Mark: Nobody loves the chemical chlorine, but
unfortunately it does kind of come part and parcel with most swimming pools. There's some folk out
there that take this dislike of the odor chemical to a whole other level. Understandably there are
some people that are allergic to this stuff. These folk, well they take the protection from chlorine
to a whole other level, they're dousing their hair in pre-swim protective stuff, they put various
caps on to protect their hair, and then post swim, they rinse their hair until there's not an
ounce of chlorine left in it. Then, they start the skin recovery with various layers of moisturizer.
[music] Heather:
You might have got out of the pool alongside a friend you've been training with, had your shower,
washed, dried, packed up your kit, and heading out of the building, only to see them still pressing
that shower button one more time, chatting to anyone who will listen. This person is quite
likely to have been the procrastinator as well. Mark: You'll spot this one coming a mile off as
they're lugging all their kit along the pool deck, pool boy balance on top of their fins,
snorkel held together maybe buy a kickboard and band paddles, drinks bottle under their arm,
maybe a recovery drink for post-session. Perhaps even a spare cap and goggles just
in case. If they make it to the end of the pool without any spillages, that's one thing,
but even if they do make it there, no one else is going to have any room to get in once they've laid
all their kit across the wall. [music]
Mark: I still got it. Heather: I don't think this
is a natural you Mark, but I like the acting there. I don't know if it's really bad but
I associate with quite a lot of those, and my biggest bug bear with swimming is just how long
it takes me to get changed. I will come out of the shower and rush as quickly as I can,
and my clothes are still sticking to me. I think I'm first out the pool and there's still like
everybody else has left and I've had enough practice and I still can't do it, but anyway,
do you associate with any of those? Mark: I think I'm the get in and go,
not because I'm super serious and - Heather: That's a good one to have.
Mark: - I want to nail the session, it's simply because I just want to
get out of the pool and get on with the day. Heather: Very constructive. I just chat along.
Mark: I do enjoy swimming but I hope you guys have enjoyed today's video and had fun watching
it. If so, please do give it a like. Don't forget to give us a follow-up over on social media and
hit the subscribe just down below. [00:05:16] [END OF AUDIO]