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Discussion: counting laps (swimming)
Subject: counting laps (swimming) By: Scott Patrick Written on: 2005-03-21 15:26:48 Message: Just starting my swim and I was wondering is there a way to count laps (other than the obvious)? Do most of you where your HRM in the water? Lastly, any do's or don'ts for beginner swimmers? As you can see I'm not to the tri world. Thanks for all hlep and I look forward to meeting some of you soon! ScottP
Subject: RE: counting laps (swimming) By: Jon F Written on: 2005-03-21 17:42:25 Message: I find the HRM doesn't always work well in the pool so I usually just count the old fashioned way when swimming. There maybe some that are better than others in water but I'm not sure As for counting...I use the clock if I am doing a long swim that way I don;t have to count. I know my lap time and so if I put my head down and do 30 laps I can use the clock. If I am doing drills then I will do them in groups 2s, 4s, 8s...easier to count. My suggestion is not to worry about it too much and just swim for a period of time rather than a number of laps and then estimate. Hope this helps -Jon
Subject: RE: counting laps (swimming) By: bob gracey Written on: 2005-03-21 20:52:51 Message: Just swimming 30 or so laps can get rather boring. You might try breaking things up. Try a warm up of 8 lengths (200 yds) You can do interval work with a pace clock, ladders (1 length hard, one easy, 2 hard, two easy up to 4 and then back down) You can do strike drills to get your breathing and stroke smooth out and more efficient. Mix in some longer swims of 400-500 yards.(16-20 lengths) By breaking up the practice allows you to put in significantly more yardage, allowing the heartrate to stabilize and avoiding numbing your brain with strictly just doing long 30-40 minute swims
Subject: RE: counting laps (swimming) By: S Patrick Written on: 2005-03-22 07:41:57 Message: Thanks for the advice! I'll try breaking it up until I get my "swim" down. Thanks again.
Subject: RE: counting laps (swimming) By: Danna Tanner Written on: 2005-03-22 10:51:55 Message: i use a great lap watch that fits on your index finger. I swim anywhere from 125-150 laps per work out and it really helps me keep track of distance as I change things up in my swim (routines). It's been MORE than worth the $30. Here's a link: http://www.metroswimshop.com/product.The_Original_SportCount.htm Good luck!
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