[1Topodope]

<p>Hi Kicksters!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Are there any good lap counters for swimming out there?  The pool I train in is only 20 yards. Sucks, I know!  <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/roll_eyes.gif" style="width:15px;height:15px;" title="">  By the time I get to 25 or 30 laps I start to lose track.  I am driving myself crazy trying not to lose count! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have looked on some of the tri websites, but don't really know what works and what doesn't.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!</p>

 

[KitKat]

<p>A friend of mine (and 8x Ironman) sells these at this website:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.pool-mate-canada.com/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.pool-mate-canada.com/index.html</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>She is the Canadian distributor.  I don't know if there is one in the US but if you email her I'm sure she'll either sell you one or let you know how to get one south of the border.</p>

 

[MBannon]

<p>It helps a lot to count by letters instead of numbers (Lap A, Lap B, and so on).  I often use themes to keep it somewhat more interesting.  Food is a common one.  The Apple lap, the Banana lap, you get the idea.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As far as actual lap counters, there are several options if you search swimming gear websites.  Some you can wear as a ring, others drape over the pool side, etc.  I've not used any of them personally.</p>

 

[4boysmom]

<p>I do sets of 10.  Usually I can keep track of that.  Now, keeping track of which set I'm on is another story! </p>

 

[MBannon]

<p><br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>4boysmom</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69912/swimming-lap-counter#post_1942052"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>I do sets of 10.  Usually I can keep track of that. </p>
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<p><br><br>
Oof, not me.  Anything beyond 3 is impossible.  I've even found myself trying to remember if I was on lap #2 or lap #3.  :embarrassed:</p>

 

[1Topodope]

<p>Thanks!  If nothing else, it is good to know that I am not the only one with this problem....<img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/rolleyes.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;" title=""></p>

 

[4boysmom]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>MBannon</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69912/swimming-lap-counter#post_1942055"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p><br><br>
 </p>
<p><br><br>
Oof, not me.  Anything beyond 3 is impossible.  I've even found myself trying to remember if I was on lap #2 or lap #3.  :embarrassed:</p>
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</div>
<p><br><br>
Hey--not saying I never screw up counting!  I'm forever advancing a number at the wrong end of the pool or forgetting to advance a number at the right end of the pool.  For a long steady swim, does it really matter if I do 3000m, or is 2900 or 3100 close enough?  I mean lets face it--unless you are racing in the fishbowl, OW swim courses are not accurate!  If I have a really good swim, but my time sucks, I figure I just miscounted and note it in my log.</p>

 

[regiolanthe]

<p>Just a FYI (and no offense to KK's friend) - but you can order the pool-mate internationally for quite a bit less ($82.50 shipped from Wiggle in the UK). It sort of looks intriguing if I were a serious swimmer...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Reg.</p>

 

[Yo Sake]

<p>First of all, from what I understand and look at our resident expert Kyle's workouts, it is probably more beneficial to do shorter sets, than 1000, or 2000 straight.  For those long straight ones, I agree with 4bm, it wouldn't matter too much if you miss a few laps.  I rarely do longer than 500's.  When I do 500's, I focus on a certain thing per 100.  For example, this 100 I breathe only to R.  Next 100 only to L.  Next 100 high elbow.  etc.  If you are doing 10x200m, then I lay out 5 swim toys (i.e. fins, paddles, extra cap, whatever in your swimming bag) on side of the lane.  Every time I finish 200, I move the toy to the other side and continue until all 5toys move back where it started.  Or if I have only one toy, I move it along the tile on the deck.  Time flies when you swim sets like this.</p>

 

[slow_n_steady]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>4boysmom</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69912/swimming-lap-counter#post_1942052"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>I do sets of 10.  Usually I can keep track of that.  Now, keeping track of which set I'm on is another story! </p>
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<p><br>
I do sets of 10 and then hit the lap button on my watch after each set to keep track of them. I also know pretty closely how long 10 should take me, so a quick look at the watch when I press the button tells me if I counted right.</p>

 

[RunningForT3]

<p>I also use letters to count. Of course, during the swim, I forget to at letter I'm supposed to stop.....</p>