Open to Interpretation

I will preface this by saying that I don't want to be one of those people, but I can't help it, this issue bugs me most Friday mornings.

One of what people?

One of those people who complain about 'other people' daring to swim in 'their' lane at the pool.

So stepping back a bit. I swim in a squad and so we have a number of lanes booked just for us etc and that all works very well. But usually on a Friday, after the squad I jump across to the public lanes and do a bit more. This is where the problems begin.

Now like most pools, at Claremont the public lanes are designated as slow, medium and fast. I consider my self a fast swimmer and so jump in the fast lane. I think that is probably fair enough. But the problem is those words 'I consider'. The problem with the slow, medium, fast lane thing is that it all comes down to what somebody considers themselves to be.

I get that a lane has to cater for a cross section of ability. I am not expecting the fast lane to be barred to anyone who can't swim a sub 1:30 100m. But at the same time if you are a lady swimming along in a long sleeved rash vest with your long hair not in a cap (not thinking of anyone in particular here...) then chances are you aren't fast lane material.

I try and be pretty relaxed about this whole thing. I mean after all I don't want to be one of those people. But when you are having to get around the same person every 150m or so it starts to wear thin.

It just requires people to have a bit of an honest think about their ability and have a look at the people who are swimming in a particular lane. If you are pretty sure you are going to be getting in the way, perhaps stepping down a lane might not be a bad idea.

Anyway rant over.

Other than that, the rest of the swim went well. Interesting mixed intensity set, made up of cruisy 300s and fast 50s. Good race practice, starting hard and fast and then having to settle. The 300s felt reassuringly within my comfort zone.

Riding last night went okay as well. It was another warm day in the saddle, but not too long, so I could soldier on.

Nothing on the program for tonight and I am looking forward to the rest. Head home early and have a nice afternoon with the gremlins (and wife). Pizza on the cards for dinner I think. All up it sounds like it should be a loverly time. Just need to get through the 7 hours or so between now and then.