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

[rampling.livejournal.com]

You'll think I'm a freak -- I enjoy swimming laps. But I had too hard a time with all the setup/washup time involved with swimming, so I didn't stick with it. That's why I switched to the exerbike pedalling idea (which I'm about to restart... but that's a post for later)

Anyway, I liked to kinda relax and zone out while I was "lapping", but one thing harshed my mellow: lap counting! I just couldn't keep track. And then I'd feel like I had to only claim the lowest possible number for what I might have swam! Bummed me out.

So this might amuse you or you'll think it's silly, but I bought myself a little Digital Swimming Lap Counter Ring (http://www.swim-shop.com/product_info.php?products_id=33839). It's so cool! You just give the button on the ring a little push when you hit each wall and it counts for you. It'll give you times too, but I was never there for speed. If there's a chance it'll amuse you or cheer you up or in any way lessen the chore-ish nature of your swimming, I recommend it to you!

I wish you continued success and progress with the swimming. Some people also find that it gets more fun the better you get at it. Are there any stroke classes or the like? I know as my stroke improved, the sensation of gliding took over and it was way more fun for me.

But, of course, it could just be that swimming never be your kink, or even your it's-ok-ness. I know running will never be mine. People are so different!

[rampling.livejournal.com]

P.S. A "lap" is every time you hit a wall, like everyone else is saying. Which is good for me, 'cause if I'm zoning out, I won't even really be paying attention to which wall I'm hitting this time! But, yeah, I agree that if you tell other swimmers how many laps you did, they'll expect it to be "lengths", usually of a 25 yard pool.