General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How do you NOT freeze? Rss Feed  
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2009-07-17 3:40 PM

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Member
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Chaska, MN
Subject: How do you NOT freeze?
I've got a sprint triathlon tomorrow and the weather continues to think it should be as cold as it can get in July, which in Minnesota looks like it's going for 57 degrees. Blech! I'm afraid I don't have a wetsuit due to $$$ and it's a little late to be jumping into one. So what can a guy do to not freeze? This is actually my 2nd tri of the year where the temps dropped race day and in the last race I was shivering so bad before the start I couldn't form words due to getting in and out of the water because of a late start. Who would of thought it would get freakin' cold again! So I'll guess that a swim warm up is out of the question? Do I just stand on the side of the lake in my winter coat till they call my heat then jump in? Once I get going will I be ok on the bike with my sleeveless tri shirt or am I in trouble on that part too! Yikes!!!

Stupid weather. Tongue out


2009-07-17 3:43 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Elite
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Fishers, Indiana
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
Wow, and I was happy that we were getting a "cool" front and tomorrow's high is only 94 vs. 101, meaning it will feel like 100 and not 108...can't say I know what you mean by this freezing thing. On the other side of thing, those of us in TX try to figure out how not to melt!
2009-07-17 3:45 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
Can you borrow a wetsuit?  Even one made for jetskiing or something?  If not.... welllll  you'
re gonna be COLD!  The only thing I can suggest is get in the water and get used to it about five minutes before the start, including getting your face in the water.  The hardest part of a cold swim is the face freeze knock the wind out of you thing.

Oh, and pee in your pants if you're standing in the water waiting to start.  Sounds gross, but you'll have a nice warm little buffer area around you while you're standing there.
2009-07-17 3:55 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
When it is that cold getting out of the water I would suggest taking a second to towell off so you are not dripping at least...less chance of getting so cold you have trouble at the start of the bike that way.

Good Luck otherwise. and is 57 the air temp and water temp or just water temp? who knows the water might feel warmer than the air you wont WANT to get out.
2009-07-17 4:01 PM
in reply to: #2292521

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Champion
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Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
if thats the air temp,. dude man up, thats not cold. if its the water, would not want to be in your shoes.......


i have raced sprints down to 40 or so without anything but my tri suit on and been a bit cold but fine.
2009-07-17 4:08 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Pro
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Libertyville, IL
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?

Someone might have to confirm, but I guess in the old days, they used to apply gobs of vaseline as primative insulation.  I would not recommend starting out from the warmth.  Its best to get the crappy acclimation to the cold out of the way before the race starts as the HR will go through the roof once you get the chest, face and naughty bits in the drink.  Double up the swim caps too if you dont have ear plugs.  You should be fine cuz of the shorter distance, but cold water in the ear canal can cause some dizziness on the way out.



2009-07-17 4:08 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Master
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Houston, TX
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
Sounds fine to me. If it's over 50 there is no reason to change clothing.

If water is in the 50s.. that's a bit cold.
2009-07-17 4:14 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Master
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Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?

The big question is what is the water temp?

57 air temp is ideal for running, really. Could be a little chilly at the start of bike, and really a wetsuit isnt going to help that aspect. You'll be wet, period.

Being a sprint I would not skip a warm up in the water.

 

2009-07-17 4:17 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Expert
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SF Bay Area
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
A wetsuit will keep you warmer in the water but you're talking about air temps, so it's not going to make much difference as you're going to be wet anyway. You might enjoy the cooler temps, especially for a sprint, it will be over before you know it.
2009-07-17 4:17 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Veteran
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Des Moines, IA
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
spend a minnesota winter commuting to work on bike and your definition of cold is severely changed for life.
2009-07-17 4:27 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Champion
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?

Get a decent warmup in before you start swimming (your call whether you want to swim a little, get out and wait for your wave to start, or do a jogging warmup only).  A cup of hot liquid (you could even heat gatorade and put it in a thermos) in the hour before the race can help too.  Even if you're standing on the shore in your swimsuit, keep a pair of socks on until the last minute and wear water shoes or flip-flops rather than stand barefoot on the cold sand/grass. 

Plan to dry completely in T1.  Then you can choose to dry or not when you actually get there.  If you've gotten out of the water and are shivering, a minute or two to dry off and put on a dry jersey and socks will make the ride a whole lot better.  It isn't fun blasting down the road in 52F weather when you're wet.  If you get out and you really aren't that cold, then you have the option to ride wet. 



2009-07-17 4:49 PM
in reply to: #2292497

Expert
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Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
Double swim caps
2009-07-17 5:35 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Member
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Chaska, MN
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
Looks like the water temp is 83!!! I'm feeling better already! Must be a lot of pee in that water.
2009-07-17 6:08 PM
in reply to: #2292497

Master
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Montgomery, Tx
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
This time of year I would not expect the water temp to fall fast.  it takes days at a low temp for the water to start cooling to the point of being uncomfortable.
2009-07-17 7:25 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Expert
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Dodge County, MN (out in the corn)
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
I'm planning to take a jacket for the bike for my race on Sunday.  With the temps dropping into the low 50's Sat. night, I'm betting the air will be chilly.  Probably going to be warmer in the water than out of the water.  That means fog on the water.  Could be tough to find the bouys if the fog is too thick. 
2009-07-17 8:35 PM
in reply to: #2292637

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Master
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Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?

benracin - 2009-07-17 3:35 PM Looks like the water temp is 83!!! I'm feeling better already! Must be a lot of pee in that water.

83 degree water and 57? Sounds like a recipe for a fast race to me!



2009-07-18 12:21 PM
in reply to: #2292497

Member
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Leawood, Kansas
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
That weather is a GIFT! Warm water, cool air temps. Dreamy.
2009-07-18 7:34 PM
in reply to: #2292497

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Pro
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Twin Cities
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
Actually, the water will probably be pretty warm--not as warm as it could be, as we've had a cold spring, but it will be much, much warmer than the air. I'd say do your warm-up, then, if you can stay in the water until your wave, if it isn't a super long wait.

You will be fine on the bike.
2009-07-19 11:29 AM
in reply to: #2292497

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Elite
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Alturas, California
Subject: RE: How do you NOT freeze?
Stay in the water... but seriously, you should warm up fine on the bike.  I did a marathon this year, temps started at low 30's and warmed up to 60.  It was perfect.  I wore a trashbag, waiting for the race to start, tossed it at the 5 minute warning before the start, but ran the race just in shorts and a technical shirt, no biggie.  If you get chillled way easy (I have a brother in law who does) just throw on a long sleve jersey for the bike and make a decision for the run to keep it or toss it.  A jersey shouldn't overheat you too much on the bike if you get warmed up, you can unzip it. 

At 80+ F you wouldn't be allowed to wear a wetsuit anyway.. 8.

Edited by Baowolf 2009-07-19 11:31 AM
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