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2005-01-19 11:42 AM

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Chicago, IL
Subject: A new way of counting laps in the pool

I had a really nice experience this morning on a swim.

I count laps by two's (2,4,6...every time I get back to the shallow end), and sometimes I lose track, I'm sure it happens to most of us every now and then.

So on lap 22, I start thinking about when I was 22 years old. I mean really thinking, and remembering. Where was I, my apartment, my friends, how I looked, etc. Then when I was 24 and how my life changed in those two years, then 26, you get the idea. I'm 32 now, so this took me on a great and vivid ride of my last 10 years, but also on my projection for how my life will unfold until the time I'm 44 (then I was done for the day).

Of course I did not lose count of the laps, but more than that it was a very relaxing, enjoyable slideshow of how my life has turned out (getting married, my first kid, my second kid, etc.), and where it will take me in the future.

Next workout I'm going to start from the beginning, 2 years old, and take the time to really think through it all up into my 60s-70s. Of course, the projections into the future are harder, less vivid, but it's fun and it allows you to think about priorities, objectives, things like that.

Anyway, sounds kind of new agey mumbo jumbo, but more than anything it was fun, and different. Better than the disjointed static-like stream of consciousness that is normally running through my mind.

Cheers,
Martin


2005-01-19 11:49 AM
in reply to: #105725

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Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
As long as it works for you and have fun, you keep it up. Me, I'm still trying to stay afloat to think about getting bored or loosing count.
2005-01-19 3:37 PM
in reply to: #105725

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Ames, Iowa
Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
Jeez. I'm 54 and can't remember what happened when I was in my 20s, which is kind of a hazy period in my mind.
2005-01-19 3:45 PM
in reply to: #105725

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montreal
Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
I use the same method but for running , when the pain gets in and all the requestionning of why I am doing this ,I start thinking about fun stuff , good movies, anything but the running , it has nothing to do with lap counting but more with getting this training done and enjoyable,training does fly by.
2005-01-19 3:49 PM
in reply to: #105725

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Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
Oh geez...you're far more focused than I. I gave up and got a lap counter.
2005-01-19 6:23 PM
in reply to: #105725

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Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
I don't seem to have a problem counting laps. I've gone as high as 80 lengths without loosing track.

Where I have problems is counting repeats. Like 10 x 100m free. When I get to about 7 or 8, I lose track of where I am in the set.

-Chris



2005-01-19 6:29 PM
in reply to: #105725

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Louisiana
Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
I use the ole poker chips to keep track. I lay out my work out in different stacks and when the stack is gone I know it is time to switch..... Those of us that are slow (in more way than one) need all the help we can get.
2005-01-19 7:18 PM
in reply to: #105725

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Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool

Anyone ever tried thinking in terms of distance rather than number of laps?  If I had to count individual laps I'd go nuts.

When I touch the starting wall, I count the distance.  So first time after starting is 50, then 100, etc.  If I lose track I know generally what my pace is and can get back on track by checking splits.  If I were counting laps, I'd have to multiply laps x distance while swimming, and there ain't no way I can do any kind of mental function in the pool

Just a thought.

Chris

2005-01-20 4:12 PM
in reply to: #105725

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Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
Last year there was a thread suggesting using the alphabet..that way you can put pictures in your mind like "A, apple, Alaska, Annie etc". This works pretty well for me though I've still messed it up sometimes.
2005-01-20 5:02 PM
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Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
I'm a CPA, so I do all sorts of math in my head - like "I'm 40% done with this set" or "I've completed 375 yards - only 425 more to go". (Audience walking away muttering "what a geek")
2005-01-20 5:11 PM
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Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
I'm 51 and have CRS disease so it won't work. Many years are a blur!!


2005-01-20 5:13 PM
in reply to: #105961

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New York, NY
Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
You swim in a 50 M pool? You are so so lucky. That's my dream. But in NYC its hard enough to find a 25 M pool....

ChrisM - 2005-01-19 7:18 PM

When I touch the starting wall, I count the distance.  So first time after starting is 50, then 100, etc. 



2005-01-20 5:38 PM
in reply to: #105725

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Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool

Well, no.... I "think" in terms of 50s, since that is usually the shortest interval (occasional 25s, but not often)., so when I say finish one, I mean one lap (as opposed to length) added side benefit is it's half the counting

2005-01-21 2:42 AM
in reply to: #105961

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Subject: RE: A new way of counting laps in the pool
ChrisM - 2005-01-19 4:18 PM

Anyone ever tried thinking in terms of distance rather than number of laps?  If I had to count individual laps I'd go nuts.

When I touch the starting wall, I count the distance.  So first time after starting is 50, then 100, etc.  If I lose track I know generally what my pace is and can get back on track by checking splits.  If I were counting laps, I'd have to multiply laps x distance while swimming, and there ain't no way I can do any kind of mental function in the pool

Just a thought.

Chris



I do. I count 25, 50, 75, 100. Repeat with some sort of running tally (usually) in my head. The problem is when my coach gives us a bunch of different steps in the workout, with things like 4 x 75 IM, and I start thinking about "this lap is breast", "now this lap is back", etc. But I can just add that up at the end of class.
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