Obsess Over Technique
If you've ever had a coach or a seasoned swimmer look at your stroke, you may have received some advice on things to keep in mind going forward.
An ongoing lap swim is the perfect time to obsess over these details. You have nothing else to do.
Focus on that steadier kick. Or reaching to maximum length. Or making sure you're not shortening your stroke. Perfect practice makes perfect.
Mix Up Breathing
If you're extremely comfortable breathing to the right every other stroke, spend the next two laps breathing to the left. Or even better, try bilateral breathing for 100 yards—you may develop enough comfort to do it indefinitely (which is a good thing).
Being a versatile breather keeps your stroke balanced—and it allows you to mix up your swim.
Count Strokes
The fewer strokes it takes you to get across the pool, the better. As Kevin Koskella wrote, "The world's best swimmers are faster than you because they travel further with each stroke, not because they are moving their arms faster."
Spend the time counting your strokes and working to chip away at that number. It will make you a more efficient swimmer, and do a great job of passing the time.
More: Why Count Strokes?
Get a Lap Counter (Or Not)
A watch is considered a must-have for any level of runner, and swimmers are starting to feel similar love for high-tech gadgets.
While waterproof GPS watches are gaining steam, a less-expensive lap counter does the trick too. SportCount has one that slips on your index finger, and keeps track of your overall time, the number of laps you've done and the time for each lap. All you have to do is remember to press the button with your thumb after each lap.
When you do that, the counter tells you what you finished that lap in before going back to the rolling clock. Having these numbers handy is a great way to keep track of your workout in real time and strategize on the go.
If you don't have any gadgets, keeping track of laps is often as simple as repeating the number over and over to yourself as you swim it. That at least keeps your brain from zoning out too much.
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