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

[cassidyrose.livejournal.com]

Competitive swimmers consider a "lap" a single length (in general) and I find the more casual "lap swimmers" (non-competitive) to consider a lap out and back. I do what you do and just call it "lengths" for clarity. However, the word "lapped" in swimming does mean that one passed another a full two lengths.

A 25x50 set-up is standard for the nicer pools as both long and short course meets can be held in them. Kathy's recollection of short and long course is accurate in today's competitions as well. Most all high school events are short course, with United States swimming being a mix, though short course is more common as the 25 yard pool is more common. Olympic swimming is all long course, and master's events (19 years of age plus) is a mix.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Huh: that meaning for "lapped" seems inconsistent with a lap being a single length. Oh well. Y'know what? "Lengths" it is! :-)

Thanks for the info!

[hitchhiker.livejournal.com]

A lap is technically one circuit; i.e. when you complete a lap you're in the same place and moving in the same direction.