Madison-area pools will be pretty well packed through the foreseeable future. Even though the weather is getting warmer it’s going to be a while before the lakes have thawed enough for regular swim workouts. So the pools are going to busy. With a growing number of triathletes carving out time to train, everyone has to share. Now is a good time to learn how to circle swim.
Many of us are used to having a lane all to ourselves. Typically when most pools have a person in each slot all you have to do is wait a few minutes and one will open up. But during hours of peak use two or three people might have to turn laps in a single lane at once. Those who swam in high school or college know that’s not at all unusual. Unfortunately, many new athletes, who took up swimming later in life, have no idea how to circle swim properly.
“I never swam competitively,” said Matt Anderson a triathlete and co-owner of Fleet Feet Sports. “I don’t know what to do when I’m sharing a lane. I wouldn’t even know how to start.”
The best way to begin is to simply declare your intentions. Most pools require circle swimming when three or more people are sharing a lane. The swimmers who got their first may not like it, but they should be prepared to accommodate any newcomers. Let them know you’re coming in.
Next pick a direction. It’s easiest to keep the lane lines to the right swimming counter clock-wise. Swim as far to outside of the lane as possible to avoid colliding in the middle.
Swimmers should give each other about a half pool-length’s distance. But swimming directly behind someone is a good opportunity to practice drafting, which is a good skill to have in triathlon. Just try not to crowd the swimmer in front of you. And if you want to pass, give the lead swimmer a light tap on the foot and pass at that wall, never in the middle of the pool! Slower swimmers should allow faster ones to take the lead.
With practice you can settle into a comfortable rhythm and circle swim with ease. It won’t detract from your workout in the least and you might get the push you need to swim a bit faster. Overall your swimming skills will improve.
This past week Harbor & Prairie Athletic Clubs and Pinnacle Health Fitness Centers announced a reciprocal membership agreement. That means there will be a big up-tick in the number of people who may use the pools at each facility. Don’t let having to share a lane upset your training schedule. Learn to share. Circle swim and you’ll find there’s plenty of room for everyone.
James Edward Mills is a freelance writer and independent media producer based in Madison, Wisconsin. Check out his blog The Joy Trip Project at www.joytripproject.com
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