I need some help here folks.
Those of you who "know" me know that I am a beginning "serious" swimmer. I've been slowly but steadily working my way up to swimming a mile as my first goal I'm pleased with the progress I've made, feel stronger, dropped some pounds, added some muscle - all good stuff.
Because I am a slower swimmer, I've tried to be careful not to get in the way of stronger swimmers' workouts. I try to enter lanes where I can match the pace and let people pass me if I get overtaken.
Usually, if I share with just one other person, we split the lane down the middle rather than circle swim. This works out great. If we add another swimmer, we circle. I thought this was the norm for two people.
This evening, though, I asked to share a wall lane with a man who was a faster swimmer. All the other lanes had 2 people. No one was circling. I suggested we split the lane, and he said, no - circle swim only. I warned him that I swim slowly, but no dice. Circle swim only.
So we circle swam - no, he circle swam, and I got out of his way every 50-75 yards. I'm mad at myself because I messed my own workout up as I was pushing myself to swim faster and exhausted myself far short of my goal.
So, please help me out here: is it wrong to split a lane with just 2 people? What is the "right" way to handle this situation? As I develop into a stronger swimmer, I feel I have a place at the pool. I'm just not just where that is.
Many thanks - Barb
Parents
Former Member
Thanks for your perspective. This fellow was in the lane first and didn't discouraging from sharing. He insisted on circle swimming, which from what all of you say, is certainly his right. I've circle swam before, but usually with someone whom I'm fairly pace-matched with. This fellow wasn't a quasi-noodler, but a fast and solid swimmer. If he had passed me like Warren was suggesting, I wouldn't have had any problems, but I kept getting my ankle grabbed so I moved aside at turns for him.
I'm not upset at him (now, at least ;)), but was more upset that I didn't know how to handle or resolve the situation. I've read plently here from elite swimmers frustrated with novices who don't know the rules of the road, so I've tried hard to be considerate. Perhaps I won't be so meek (not usually a term applied to me) the next time it's just not working out.
I know what etiquette should be but he should have gone side by side. His right or not, social etiquette would also include being accomadative where possible--it overules pool etiqutte IMHO. I think he was trying to passively "bully" you into another lane so he could be on his own. Was everyone else in the appropriate lane for their speed and ability?
Next time say "OK if you insist on circle but don't be touching my legs I find it offensive..."
If he remonstrates let him know side by side will remedy the situation. If he tries to point you into a slower lane. Politely ask him if he feels it neccessary to make you share a lane with 2 other so he can swim alone. if he replies yes then tell him to get the guard to sort out all the lanes into appropriate speeds.
Thanks for your perspective. This fellow was in the lane first and didn't discouraging from sharing. He insisted on circle swimming, which from what all of you say, is certainly his right. I've circle swam before, but usually with someone whom I'm fairly pace-matched with. This fellow wasn't a quasi-noodler, but a fast and solid swimmer. If he had passed me like Warren was suggesting, I wouldn't have had any problems, but I kept getting my ankle grabbed so I moved aside at turns for him.
I'm not upset at him (now, at least ;)), but was more upset that I didn't know how to handle or resolve the situation. I've read plently here from elite swimmers frustrated with novices who don't know the rules of the road, so I've tried hard to be considerate. Perhaps I won't be so meek (not usually a term applied to me) the next time it's just not working out.
I know what etiquette should be but he should have gone side by side. His right or not, social etiquette would also include being accomadative where possible--it overules pool etiqutte IMHO. I think he was trying to passively "bully" you into another lane so he could be on his own. Was everyone else in the appropriate lane for their speed and ability?
Next time say "OK if you insist on circle but don't be touching my legs I find it offensive..."
If he remonstrates let him know side by side will remedy the situation. If he tries to point you into a slower lane. Politely ask him if he feels it neccessary to make you share a lane with 2 other so he can swim alone. if he replies yes then tell him to get the guard to sort out all the lanes into appropriate speeds.
