I'm am just getting back in the pool to get into shape and to hopefully compete once again, but I find that I am missing my good old friend, the pace clock. I have been working out for close to two months now and want to start using a pace clock for intervals instead of taking "guess" rests of :10, :20, :30 or whatever the workout requires. The pool where I swim does not have a regular clock, and when there is a clock, I have serious doubts as to the precision of the time since the needle usually will get stuck right in the middle of a goal set. Does anyone face this problem and is the only solution to wear a wrist watch with a stop clock built in? It's a darn shame that the pool is world class (ASU rec center), but they cannot even have a functioning pace clock.
Thanks!
I had a similar situation when I started back a few years ago. I purchased a small "wall" clock (about 10" in diameter for about 10 buckeroos), pulled off the hour hand, had a piece of PVC which I got a slot cut out of to place the clock in, and then when I went to the pool I could place the clock on the deck where I could see it but away from the "splash zone" since I didn't waterproof it. All told, $15 will get you a pace clock.
Go to any drug store and buy a cheap battery powered clock with a second hand. Then put it in a plastic cookbook holder (I got mine from the Goodwill) and place it at the end of your lane. This works.
I'll take it one step further. My pool finally got a pace clock. I've been guessing rest intervals for over a year. Problem with the pace clock is it is mounted too far away for me to see! Never had that problem as an age grouper or in college! I will start wearing contacts in the pool next week.
Another alternative is to buy an inexpensive, waterproof digital watch. I wear a Timex Ironman as my normal wristwatch. It has a stopwatch function; it causes me no problems wearing it during a workout. Just start the watch at the beginning of the workout, and use it like a normal pace clock.
It also works during a normal workout with teammates. I am very nearsighted, and overdue for a comfortable pair of contacts. I simply start the stopwatch at the top of the pace clock, and I am in synch with the rest of my lane, even on 25's and 75's, despite the fact I cannot see the pace clock.
Matt
