Help me plan for racing in cooler/wet weather ... please

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Help me plan for racing in cooler/wet weather ... please Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2008-09-09 8:04 AM

User image

Master
2356
20001001001002525
Fenton, MI
Subject: Help me plan for racing in cooler/wet weather ... please

I've got my first HIM this weekend, and the forecast is calling for temps that are cooler than what we've had lately, and a chance of showers.  The low the night before the race is 53, the high on race day is 69.  So far, is only a 30% chance of showers, but its been increasing as the race comes closer.

Typically, I'd just wear tri shorts and a tri tank top jersey.  Its all very lightweight zoot stuff.

When I have ridden in the rain in the past, I didn't wear anything special.  I've never ridden in the rain that long.

I'll keep my shoes and socks in plastic bags in the T-area.  Probably a spare too.  I'm really not sure what to wear or bring for extra warmth.  Jacket or arm warmers?  I don't own the warmers.  Gloves? 

A little insight would be greatly appreciated. 

2008-09-09 8:20 AM
in reply to: #1660661

User image

Champion
16151
50005000500010001002525
Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: Help me plan for racing in cooler/wet weather ... please
I used a big rubbermaid box for T stuff this weekend. Worked out great. I took out whatever I needed, then stood in the box to change shoes. Kept my socks from getting soaked in wet, muddy grass. You could put things like jackets in a second box (or bag) and think of them as optional. A jacket would be far faster to deal with than arm warmers unless you merely started them in Transition and then finished pulling them on during the ride. A jacket also keeps your chest warm. Mid 50's to 60's for racing would be just a good jacket for the ride. Run would be no changes for me.
2008-09-09 12:58 PM
in reply to: #1660661

User image

Extreme Veteran
607
500100
Rochester, MN
Subject: RE: Help me plan for racing in cooler/wet weather ... please

I had my first HIM last weekend with similar temps and forecast, low 50s at start, mid 50s by end of bike, 60ish at end of run.  Light winds were forecast 4-8 mph for the bike leg portion.  I normally go sockless on the bike.  I got some toe warmers for my bike shoes and put on wool socks in T1.  I debated arm warmers vs a jacket due to possible rain.  I was checking others out as they were leaving T1 and most were not wearing anything special.  I had left my arm warmers at home and was planning to wear a jacket but ended up going without.  I did have some lightweight gloves I tucked in my tri top.  I never put them on.  It sprinkled some for me a couple of times on the bike but never enough to even get the road fully wet.  I was ok without just my tri suit.  The arm warmers would have been helpful if you can get them on OK in T1.  If it would have been windier with the cool temps and chance of rain I probably would have wore my jacket.  I do feel the toe warmers and wool socks were beneficial.  At an early season race (mid-May) with a 19.8 mile bike my feet were numb after the bike.  That run felt like I had no feet for quite awhile.

I took off the wool socks in T2 and put on ankle socks for the run.  Normally for sprints and Olys I go sockless.  I wore my typical running hat.  It rained for maybe 30 minutes on the run but I was fine body temp wise, actually missed the rain when it quit.   

Good luck with your race!  

 

  

2008-09-09 4:12 PM
in reply to: #1660661

User image

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Help me plan for racing in cooler/wet weather ... please

I did an Oly in the 40's and overcast. I put on a tight fitting bike jacket that is wind proof. My toes were freezing and took about 25' to warm up into the run. I put socks on in T1 which I normally don't. I wish I had my toe covers on which I can leave on my shoes and pull them on and off. I do think I did some damage to my feet.

Being wet and cold is worse than just wet or just cold.

I would be slower in T1 just to make sure you are warmer enough.

The tupperware type container I use in the rain for tris too. Works great...keeps stuff dry.

2008-09-09 6:05 PM
in reply to: #1660661

User image

New user
28
25
Subject: RE: Help me plan for racing in cooler/wet weather ... please
I tried to use arm warmers once in transition. I got one side to my elbow & instantly knew it would take forever to get them all the way up (i was still slightly damp from the swim). I'd recommend a jacket or vest with some light gloves. Also, if your gonna be wet, go with wool wherever you can. Wool insulates even when wet, unlike cotton.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Help me plan for racing in cooler/wet weather ... please Rss Feed