You jest, but times around the Earth is the actual origin of the Meter. Kinda.

The history is quite interesting and well worth checking out.

I can't recommend a book on the subject, but I do heartily recommend "Longitude", which is about the challenges of inventing the first maritime chronometers for the purpose of accurately measuring longitude.

For smaller lengths and radiation bananas are also acceptable.

Don't forget packs of cigarettes as a more convenient unit for measuring volumes significantly smaller than Olympic-sized pools.

There is, of course, no more need to standardize on a specific brand or style of cigarette than on a specific depth of Olympic-sized pool.

Don’t forget cheetahs for velocity and elephants for weight.