Swim Clock Help

Doing sets on 1:50 or 1:40 requires some math. Doing sets on 1:45 requires knowing your colors.

It takes some getting use to trying to figure when to leave. If just doing  X x 100's its easier than doing a ladder 100, 200, 300. 

When I swim by myself I tend to use my watch. I set the Chono on lap and hit the button then leave the wall.  If I get distracted and run alittle longer I can easly get back on track.

When I swim in master usually the first guy keep track of the time and the second guy counts the number 50's or 100's etc.

When doing sets on 1:50. I pick a color (usually red) and leave at the 60 ( top) then take 10 seconds for the next start time.  ie leave at the 50 then 40 then 30 etc.

In the case of doing a mountain  on 1:50 per 100 you will have to do the math to get your push off time.  If it's a set that you do often it you will figue it out in no time.

I too have analog clocks at both ends of my pool.  These things are fantastic for pacing in longer swims becuase you can clearly see the clock off each turn.  But it did take a l little while to "do the math" and work out the intervals.  On a regular round clock at a pool it's just much easier to visually see the times.  You will get use to it. 

I might make things easier if you print out your workout and wet a kickboard, and stick it to the wet board.   Put the workout with the intervals for each distance within the sets on there.  That way you can at least do a quick visual reference to the intervals and then just work out the math when you get to the wall or close to the wall. 

Nice work on utilizing the clock.  A very good approach to getting faster in the pool.

Also if you are getting too much rest adjust the rest interval based on experience so that you only get what you need as per the type of workout you are doing.  

running2far - 2009-03-09 4:40 PM You do get used to the send off and quick math.... 1:50 send off. Just worry about the secs (50's) Don't even think about the minutes. You won't overshoot an interval by a mintue unless you've lost count of your laps or really boogered your pace. 4 X 100 on the 1:50 would be leaving at the top (Big number 12) # 2 Add 50 seconds to the minute - Leaving on the Big number 10 # 3 Add 50secs to the BIG number 10 - leaving on the Big number 8 # 4 Add 50 secs to the Big number 8 - leaving on the 6 See the pattern? You just subtract 10 secs from your last send off.... Leaving on the 10, 8, 6 , 4, etc etc If you start dealing with minutes, you'll lost track for sure especially if you're sucking wind at the end of the pool

Great advice...  Using the seconds is the easiest way....  Jezzz you take this stuff for granted some times.  Good observation.

Or do them on fixed rest intervals, instead of fixed sendoffs.  That makes more sense for things like ladders where the distance is changing.

IE, finish, wait 10 seconds, and start the next one.

If you are already using the clock correctly and working with swim pacing fixed sendoffs is a step in backwards.  Using proper pacing and fixed rest intervals holds you accountable for your 100 pacing.  You need to "make" each interval as set prior to the workout.  

It's far to easy to slack off or slow down with fixed sendoff approach.