Swim at Adam Peaty's 'home' pool.
Finally! I make it over to the Loughborough University 50m Pool, home of the British Swimming Legend that is Adam Peaty!
Such is the popularity of this place I’ve had to book two weeks in advance via the Loughborough University sports app just to get a spot in a 50m fast lane pool session.
It’s a sunny Friday morning, and Apple Maps has me arriving at the pool on time, just 45 minutes from home. I’ve tried to check my session time in my bookings on the app, but it seems to be having some issues - I really hope it’s just the app and not me! I also hope my memory is right in thinking it’s a 10:45 start time!
Arrive at a reception half full of people and a receptionist trying to figure out how to check them in with a system rejecting everyone’s bookings! She’s failed to find anyone in the queue; I’m now concerned this hour swim slot might not happen! But in a moment of relief and annoyance to everyone ahead of me, I’m on the list!
Head to the changing rooms, then to the fantastic bright pool deck. Find my allocated fast lane and wait for the three occupants to push off before jumping in. Admire the 5m high posters of Loughborough Universities’ finest swim stars, then make a start.
Slot in 600 metres between my three lane companions as they run through 50m drills. Stop to chat and check what they’re going next - keen not to get caught mid-lane and in their way. I politely decline an invite to join their 20x 100’s on 1:40; at my current 1:20-ish pace, I don’t think I’d make more than three on my 20-second rests before my lungs give out!
Switch to 50s so as not to interrupt their sub 1:12 pace 100s, then when the adjacent lane empties, slide over to complete a 2km swim a more leisurely pace!
I noticed the Subway on the corner of the student union as I arrived earlier, so stick the drone in the air to take some aerial shots whilst I sit on the car boot and devour a post-swim turkey sub.
Swim Stats
- 2000 meters total swim
- 1:25 pace / 100m
- Garmin Swim 2 Watch
Review
(100/100)
Spectacular 50m pool with everything expected at a high-performance swim hub. The friendliest people you'll meet in a pool! Very reasonable PAYG entrance fee and plenty of public swim sessions on the timetable (check for the 50m set-up if that's what you're after). This one is definitely going on the favourites list!
Pool Details
- Length 50 meters
- 8-lane pool
- Indoor
Loughborough University Swimming Pool
Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK