Getting back to swimming. Use to do Masters, no longer available. Didn't need to count laps before, now I do and can't seem to keep track. Thought of taking flat sidded marbles, then thought wouldn't be able to remember which pile was which. Any suggestions?
Former Member
I thought I was an idiot too, actually I think I am but I went to using a watch, I got a NIKE watch for $25 with lap counter and it keeps track of splits too. Now I can think lovely thoughts instead of going 1,1,1,1,1,1...2,2,2,2,2,2,2,2 ummm what lap am I on.
I know how long it will take me to swim a lap or 50 yards or 100...
if I'm swimming a 1000, and a quick peek at the clock says 6:40 elapsed, I know I'm around the 500 yd mark 'cause I know I'll be holding
~ 1:20/100 yds. It is the only way I can keep track past 200 yds.
Trick is to know your pace and the goal for the distance.
I have trouble keeping track over 200 yards too. I start daydreaming. Then I forget where I am - was that 350 or 400. I always "penalize" myself and go back to the lower number so if anything I am swimming further.
Some say the reason to do intervals is the release of human growth hormone. I think its because us swimmers can't consistently keep track of anything over 200 yards (or meters).:D
i have seen a watch type thing somewhere on line that has a big button one pushes and the gizmo counts for you.
cannot member wot site at the mo tho.
will try and find it for you.
Here's a suggestion: change the side you breath on every 50 yards.
Lap 1: breath to the right
Laps 2-3: breath left
Laps 4-5: breath right
etc.
Depending on which side you are breathing, and whether you are on an even or odd numbered lap, you will know where you are within a 100. Even when I am in O2 debt and confused, I can remember which 100 I am on for a 400 or less.
Matt
The kiefer website has a little counter that fits right on your finger. Bigger than a large ring. They have 2 types. One will count laps only, and the other will count laps and do splits. Oh that thing is awesome. I bought the split and lap on for around 30 bucks, and the other is about 15-20 I think. They work great though.
I lose track all the time, so I either just give up and swim by the clock, unless it's a short 100 this and 100 that.
Otherwise I pattern my sets to count ... 75 free, 25 back ... somehow I count 100s better than 13,14,15,16 etc.
good luck!
I have always been pretty good at counting. I think its because I am a long distance swimmer and I have come up with my own weird method. What that method is I am not sure. I use a stop watch and I think that helps a lot. Since I know what my times are it helps me to know what lap I am on. Other then that it helps to brake everything down into 100's.
Thank you all for your support and ideas. I like the idea of the watch lap counter, thanks. Getting a better swim program together sounds like it will help as well.
Those are all very good ideas:) I especially liked the idea about switching sides you breath on.
For me doing a 200yd or less just comes naturally. I hardly even count on those any more. But, when I do 200+ I count by 50's usually. I always keep my mind on what is coming up, not on what I'm on. Although, doing this I can't reallythink of anything else except swimming, but that doesn't bug me :p
