What's a "lap" anyway?

[cjsmith]

If a "lap" is out and back, then I did ten laps this morning. My arms are pathetic. I hope to ramp up slowly.

Before 8AM, there are three swim lanes: slow, medium, and fast. This morning I learned I am solidly medium. I held my place with the guys in that lane just fine.

Comments

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! You don't swim at all? (I didn't for many years -- could, technically, but didn't. Driving and showering twice and changing clothes twice, blech!)

[shoutingboy.livejournal.com]

I've been meaning to swim, too. It's a hassle for me, since I'm phenomenally nearsighted--but, then, I think prescription goggles have gotten really cheap. Maybe if I have flex-care money left over I'll see about getting a pair.

If I pull off a couple of marathons, I might well be interested in trying a shorter-length tri--and if I'm going to do that, I'll need to swim, sooner or later.

(Oh, and m-w.com is singularly unhelpful on the question of "what is a lap": "the act or an instance of traversing a course (as a racing track or swimming pool); also : the distance covered" So what is the "course"? Out, or out-and-back? With a track it's easy to tell because it's a loop. I'd be inclined to say a lap is "out and back", but it's vague. Probably safest to say either "length" or "loop", and avoid ambiguity...)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Heck, swimming is a hassle for me, and I do okay without glasses temporarily! It's true that if you want to do triathlons, though, you'll have to bite the bullet. Good luck on those prescription goggles. I hope they'll work out well.