Comments for Megan Kalmoe

Comment on Olympians’ Romance -OR- My Life As a Single Person by katelin

katelin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:37:49 +0000

huskies

Comment on Olympians’ Romance -OR- My Life As a Single Person by Alex

Alex — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:52:06 +0000

Every time (usually towards the end) during a 24k erg or another multi-hour training adventure I live thoughts much similar to yours on romance, Megan.. Just keep swimming! There are elite guys out there with six pack abs, a Ph.D. and a sense of humor:-) I am certain one will come your way one day.

Your blog is a great place, keep it going and give us a shout (maybe) when you are next at Henley!

Comment on The Lies We Tell Ourselves by Caitln

Caitln — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:24:46 +0000

I like to tell myself that I only have 100 meters left after each 100 is done. I find some beat and play it over in my head. Closing your eyes for a few strokes also works. Once I get to 500 meters left it’s a sprint to the finish. More beats and mantras to help me out. I also like to visualize what the 500 would look like on the water. I Imagine the other boats next to me and I see our boat pulling ahead of them and racing towards the finish line. It’s exhilarating!

Comment on Olympians’ Romance -OR- My Life As a Single Person by LWWBs

LWWBs — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:02:18 +0000

@nodders: I agree with Meg here. As another Ellte athlete struggling with the exact same problem, you missed the point.
When you tend to be a “perfectionist” you have high expectations of yourself across all domains which means not only wanting to be the best athlete you can be but the best lover too. But at the end of the day, a jack of all trades is a master of none so I think her point was even if she found that person willing to cater to & accept all the selfishness this low-profile sport demands, it may not still be satisfying for someone who doesn’t innately want to be selfish (but is rather forced to be because of this sport) because DUH…love is about the other person and you don’t want to feel like you’re taking advantage. Just my .02.
Moreover, from an “evolutionary” perspective…it’s about “survival of the fittest” so while I agree I’ve lost count of the # of blockheads I’ve met, most athletes are more “evolved” physically for longevity if they know how to take care of themselves even if the intelligence is not always up to snuff.

Comment on Olympians’ Romance -OR- My Life As a Single Person by LWWBs

LWWBs — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:51:07 +0000

@nodders: I agree with Meg here. As another Ellte athlete struggling with the exact same problem, you missed the point.
When you tend to be a “perfectionist” you have high expectations of yourself across all domains which means not only wanting to be the best athlete you can be but the best lover too. But at the end of the day, a jack of all trades is a master of none so I think her point was even if she found that person willing to cater to & accept all the selfishness this low-profile sport demands, it may not still be satisfying for someone who doesn’t innately want to be selfish (but is rather forced to be because of this sport) because DUH…love is about the other person and you don’t want to feel like you’re taking advantage. Just my .02.
Moreover, from an “evolutionary” perspective…it’s about “survival of the fittest” so while I agree I’ve lost count of the # of blockheads I’ve met, most athletes are more “evolved” physically for longevity if they know how to take care of themselved even if the intelligence is not always up to snuff.

Comment on Olympians’ Romance -OR- My Life As a Single Person by Megan Kalmoe

Megan Kalmoe — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:22:10 +0000

I am sorry that you found the post offensive, but I think you may have misread some of it. I wasn’t at any point trying to make people feel sorry for me, just offering a point of view (mine) from the perspective of one elite athlete. Obviously not all elite athletes struggle with finding the time or resources to have relationships, as is evidenced by the success of most of my teammates, and MANY others in international federations who manage to have spouses and families.
I have always tried to make my writing about me, personally, and my experience with sport. I don’t in any way “blame” sport for what I write about here–rather I realize that my lifestyle is a choice and with it comes a certain level of sacrifice, and that a certain amount of that sacrifice is likely not something that most people understand. Also that I, personally, don’t believe that I have what it takes right now to maintain a fair and healthy relationship (hence the bit about compromise).
I didn’t write the post as a means to scrounge a relationship up off of the internet on Valentine’s Day. I was being honest when I wrote that I’m ok being single and am happy to focus on my training.

Thank you so very much for reading and for your very kind comment, much appreciated.

Comment on Olympians’ Romance -OR- My Life As a Single Person by nodders

nodders — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:26:24 +0000

I have to say, this “Superior genetics” comment did grind a bit.
Just because some of you, elite athletes, do have some exceptional physiologies, it does not make you attractive from the evolutionary point of view.
In fact, in my time, I’ve met enough top (male) rowers to know that good looks and high intelligence are not qualities possessed aplenty by individuals with ripping six packs. Nevermind good humour, caring attitude and interesting personalities.

Rather than blame the sport and the life-style, how about a good hard look in the mirror?
Love is never about yourself, is always about the other person.

PS I am also on my own on St Valentines, and attending a conference away from home in a foreign country. No need for anyone to feel sorry for me.

Comment on Olympians’ Romance -OR- My Life As a Single Person by Melodie

Melodie — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:03:51 +0000

I love you Megan. Your flirting with Conlin on twitter always makes me happy, just for what it’s worth.

And I mean… let’s be serious, I find dating impossible even in college, so you’re not alone. It doesn’t seem to make a difference whether the boy is on the same campus or across whatever stretch of miles… I have no time, period, the end, and find a long distance relationship preferable because it means we’re both focused and driven on our own stuff, and you know, most sane people do not see life that way nor have any desire for a relationship as such, so… problem.

Your post is very cathartic. Thank-you and have a most happy training day tomorrow.

Comment on Olympians’ Romance -OR- My Life As a Single Person by LWWBs

LWWBs — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:08:12 +0000

Great post Meg!
Very touching!
Thank you so much for sharing!

Comment on Olympians’ Romance -OR- My Life As a Single Person by Chris S

Chris S — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:50:27 +0000

I’m sold!