Does anyone else ever have the perception that each pool has one direction that is "faster" than the other? I swear that this is true, but can't really imagine the physics of why it would be so. In particular, it seems to me that going from the deep end to the shallow end almost always seems "faster" than going from the shallow end into the deep end. I speak specifically of 25 yard pools with one end about 12 feet deep and the other end about 3-4 feet deep since I have little experience with anything else. In all cases, the water jets are symmetrical in placement and seem to be pushing out the same amount of water (roughly). These are also indoor pools, so there are no wind effects and we aren't talking about when the water buffalo...err... water aerobics people are creating tsunami in the shallow end.
Or am I crazy? (No cheap shots on that one.)
-LBJ
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Former Member
In reality, and partly based on the other thread going strong on this discussion forum, I believe pools are faster due to the VO2 Max phenomenon. I.e.:…As I previously posted, when swimmers use VO2 Shampoo during swims, it has much the same effect as dimples on a golf ball in flight. However, special care must be taken when VO2 Max is used during swims because swimmers can actually end the race before they begin if they use to much VO2 Max shampoo. Of course, my theory regarding VO2 Max is just that, it is theory, and much of my theory is as valid as some of the thought process posted regarding blood vessels in arms and all of that type stuff.
Tom - seriously, I haven't noticed a much of a difference when I use VO2 shampoo. But, I didn't start training seriously until later in life so the VO2 doesn't have much as an effect on me. I really believe that the swimmers who used the shampoo during their peak formative years are much more susceptible to it's effects.
Now, a more serious question arises about swimmers who use VO2 shampoo before their swims. If a swimmer uses shampoo before a top 10 time, should it be allowed? Maybe we should keep two lists, one for those who shampoo and one for those that don't.
Just a thought,
Michael
In reality, and partly based on the other thread going strong on this discussion forum, I believe pools are faster due to the VO2 Max phenomenon. I.e.:…As I previously posted, when swimmers use VO2 Shampoo during swims, it has much the same effect as dimples on a golf ball in flight. However, special care must be taken when VO2 Max is used during swims because swimmers can actually end the race before they begin if they use to much VO2 Max shampoo. Of course, my theory regarding VO2 Max is just that, it is theory, and much of my theory is as valid as some of the thought process posted regarding blood vessels in arms and all of that type stuff.
Tom - seriously, I haven't noticed a much of a difference when I use VO2 shampoo. But, I didn't start training seriously until later in life so the VO2 doesn't have much as an effect on me. I really believe that the swimmers who used the shampoo during their peak formative years are much more susceptible to it's effects.
Now, a more serious question arises about swimmers who use VO2 shampoo before their swims. If a swimmer uses shampoo before a top 10 time, should it be allowed? Maybe we should keep two lists, one for those who shampoo and one for those that don't.
Just a thought,
Michael
