Subject: RE: Nathan Tempe Triathlon - Olympic Course : Official Thread foyth - 2012-04-20 10:07 AM I am concerned about swimming an Open Water Race without a wetsuit. I have swum without a wetsuit for maybe 1200 yards but with easy access to beach and kayak support but I doubt if they will let us wear wetsuits in an AZ race in Sept. The water temp is likely to be 80 degrees. I plan to practice OWS swims without a wetsuit this summer so I just have to keep increasing my range I guess. I am a weak swimmer but hopefully my Masters swims on Tues and Thursdays will improve me over the summer. Dude - you have like 5 whole months before Nathan's is even a consideration! Unless AZ goes into a deep freeze, Nathan's will once again be non-wetsuit legal. If you can do 1200 yds now without a wetsuit, you will be fine come September. Just remember a few things: 1. Trust your training (you have 5 months to extend your endurance, even in the pool) 2. The swim is the shortest and quickest part of a triathlon 3. Everyone else will be without a wetsuit, so we are all dealing with the same challenges You will be fine - just build up your swim endurance (even in the pool) over the summer. Swimming in TTL at 80 degrees is like swimming in a dirty bathtub - there is no cold to bother you. Plus, there are tons of volunteers (kayaks and boats), so you can always stop and gather yourself mid-swim. Have confidence! |