Anyone tried an OWS yet?

bahahahaha (said as I watch the snow fall outside my window)

I'm getting worried about this, too. We may have to buy neoprene booties and caps for the Island Lake swim if it doesn't warm up soon.

I am also sad because I have yet to take my new-to-me tri bike on the road with this uncooperative weather. Let's go, Mother Nature -- we have training to do.

And yes, it's rain/snowing in Dearborn.

If you're going to buy one for a June 2nd race, buy now.  The last thing you want to do is wait until the last minute and have no time to train in it or practice getting out of it in T1.  At this rate, the water might still be in the mid-60's by June and that will make racing without one very tough.

Everyone is different but for a tri newbie, I think it's even more important to make sure you're comfortable with the swim leg of the race.  It's the part that's hardest for most new competitors, even in perfect conditions.

An example: I was a competitive swimmer in HS, very mentally confident in the open water.  My first race, swim was fine, no suit, no issues so I signed up for another 3 weeks later.  I didn't foresee how much the air and water temps would drop in those 3 weeks, H20 was now 60's.  I figured it would be fine but as soon as the gun went off and my head/chest hit the water, I couldn't catch my breath and started hyperventilating.  It was scary, even for a confident swimmer.  I ALMOST paddled to the volunteer on a surfboard nearby and withdrew.  I did make it through the race but wouldn't recommend the experience.

Then again, two months...it could be 70's with no issue....

Holy (*^$%, that's warm!!!  You sure that thermometer works?  We don't normally see 60's until May.  If 63 is a solid number, I'd swim that for sure.

My experience with water thermometers is admittedly not much.  I dunked into about three feet of water and waited 5 minutes.  I can tell you there were probably 20 fisherman waist deep in their waders so it must be somwhat tolerable.

Make sure you get a warm-up (so to speak). Get in the cold water and do at least 300m beforehand - you should be able to breathe out normally underwater (not holding your breath, gasping) - then you know you're ready. 

Awesome!  Let us know if you go for a swim!