I, too, have been to 3 of the 5 cited “top” pools (University of Minnesota, Fort Lauderdale, and UT-Austin) and I also visited one of your favorites — namely, the super-famous Long Beach Belmont Pool! When I went to Belmont Plaza, I was amazed by the decor (by the way, the pic you have of the indoor pool from the Rome site looks a LOT like the Long Beach pool — are they sister venues?). I asked the front desk clerk whether they held any major events there — it seemed to me, based on the signage, that the pool must have hosted the 1984 Olympics, but that seemed unlikely. They of course had no idea.

When I left the pool, I found my rental car ticketed because I fed the wrong meter — so to all of you out there who plan to visit this pool, pay close attention to the spot number markings and make sure you match that up with your parking meter!

A miracle happened several weeks later. I called the Los Angeles County Meter Enforcement division to explain that I fed the wrong meter. Not only did they answer the phone, but the attendant provided me the best customer service I have received over the phone in years! She was cordial, and fair. A week later I got confirmation that the County was letting me off the hook for the $40 parking fine that I would have otherwise had to pay! This is incredible, especially in light of the fact that the State of California, and its major jurisdictions, can use every penny they can get!

I travel a LOT for work and as a Master’s swimmer I feel a need to keep the training going. I feel so fortunate to have terrific on-line resources coupled by a network of phenomenal people volunteering their time as coaches and responding to my emails asking if I can drop by for a swim. I’d like to cite of few of my North American favorites (or, favourites) as well — places that may or may not offer the best competition venues, but are well maintained, inspiring paces to swim.

Here’s my “other” top five:

5. Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, NM — terrific, well lit, spacious facility. If you’re a Masters swimmer, and you are visiting Albuquerque, this is absolutely the place to go — the coach, Reed Barnitz, and team are phenomenal.

http://www.chargeraquatics.aa.edu/aboutUs/Facilities.htm

4. Brock University, St. Catherine’s, ON, Canada — first of all, the University, set in a countrified-suburban area off the beaten path of nearby Niagara Falls, is beautiful, elegant and inviting. The University, which is one of the fastest-growing institutions of higher learning in Canada, is host to an impressive recreational facility. When being used for lap swimming, the pool is furnished with few if any lane lines, in the tradition of pools outside of the United States. The pool has a moveable bulkhead and is often configured for long course swimming. Most importantly, if you’re ever stuck in the tourist trap town of Niagara Falls, ON, you have a set of wheels and you simply need to get away, this venue is located only 20 minutes away. Trust me when I tell you that you’re much better off swimming in a pool than taking a plunge into the Falls!

http://brocku.ca/recreation-services/aquatics/public-swimming

3. The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA — The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is a superb facility in a landmark location. For the other 51 weeks of the year when the Rose Bowl Parade and football championship are not in play, the Rose Bowl complex is a great place to visit. If you’re into walking or running, biking, kite flying, or just laying in the grass, this place is for you. And while you’re there, throw on a pair of jams and treat yourself to a swim at the pool!

http://www.rosebowlaquatics.com/

2. Keating Natatorium, St. Xavier High School, Cincinnati, OH — for several decades — 1970’s and 1980’s in particular, if you asked most geographically-aware age-groupers where you’d find the Midwest’s swimming capitol, I think more often than not your answer would have been “Cincinnati” — and the team? Why, the Pepsi Marlins, of course!!! Since then, the team has dropped “Pepsi” from the name (soda no longer sponsoring swimming?), but the Marlins carry on, with excellent coaches, parents and swimmers who are able to bask in the glory of a program that boasts 60 National Champions, 23 Olympic Medals, and a 50m pool that has been in operation since 1969!! If you go there, don’t expect to find your ideal of a world class facility, but get a good workout in and reserve a little time to read through the Keating “Wall of Fame” — a veritable museum of U.S. Swimming legend. But most importantly, when you visit the website you’ll recognize the philosophy of a great program and coaching staff — one that you hear all the time in Coach David’s messages!

http://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=oscm

1. AQUA CREST, Delray, FL — need I say more? Thanks Aqua Crest, David and team for providing me a home away from home, when I’m in Florida for the Holidays!! See you in April!

Best Regards,

Dan Blitz

I think the last time I rode a bike was about fifteen years ago! I considered it, but had a dog when I began running, so this was my best option. I’m now rather addicted to it… not experiencing any of the physical detriments to the high-impact exercise anymore either, as I’ve now been running for almost three years.

This isn’t to say that I’m not going to come across problems in the future, at which point I’ll likely look to something like cycling again! Cheers for the comment :)

Jane