Ironman 70.3 Kansas : Official Thread (Page 11)

what sources are you guys using for watching water temps?  I found the Army Corps of Engineers site, but I'm not sure how accurate it is:

http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/cl/daily.cfm

Water Surface Temperature:    73 (1 June, 2012)

Wetsuit gives you lesser advantage than it gives mediocre swimmer, actually you would prefer a non wetsuit swim as it will give you more separation from non swimmers, so if you are racing for placement that would do you more and I understand you would like Vegas slot, than hope for none wetsuit swim.

Anything over 72-73 degrees and westuit, you will grossly overheat, will not realize right a way unless you have a powermeter on the bike, it would tell you instantly.

You are a strong swimmer, you make a dent into competition during the swim.

Good luck on Sunday.

That is a good point.  Then the question is, if non-wetsuit, do I go without the tri top for the swim?  It has pockets on the back.  It will be a wrestling match to get it on in T1, but no more than it would probably drag on me in the water.

That is a good one too. I never really bothered about pockets on the suit. Never could really quantify the loss in time. Now racing in Kiwami Konami suit with pockets and will do so on Sunday with no swim skin over. I think the loss is minimal and better to take than either of the two options, overheating in the wetsuit or trying to put a tri suit on wet body risking muscle pulls or cramps.

Tribal knowledge and anecdotal evidence from personal experience, 2010 Branson, was a hot one, knew it would be a long hot day, decided to non wetsuit swim even though RD made it wetsuit legal, knowing that body core temp control takes priority over a 1-2min loss on the swim. Proved to be a correct decision. Came out normal body temp, went on to race to expended podium, ran down the 4th in the last mi in 95 degree heat and lost 3rd M40-44 by 26sec, lost 28sec to 2nd M40-44, did drop the chain on a climb out......different story. Important to start with cool body temp on a hot day.

Are the pockets loose or fit tight against the suit? I think, swim with your top on if it is a non wetsuit swim, you will not regret.

They are decently tight, but do not have the small flap like some tri suit pockets to prevent the parachute effect.

This is going to be my first HIM, and I'm feeling nervous. I do not have a tri suit. I have tri shorts that I will be wearing throughout the race, but for the swim, I just have a racing swim suit top and was going to throw a sleeveless bike jersey over that for the bike and run. I'm sure this is fine, but could someone put my mind at ease and let me know if that's ok?

Race in what is comfortable for you and what you have been training in all along. Since it is your first HIM your only goal is to finish (you are already guaranteed a PR right?) so don't worry about taking a little extra time in transition to change.

Hope everyone is enjoying the taper.  As far as the wetsuit issue.  I'm going to bring both a full and sleeveless.  I get cold very easily.  I did a tri a couple of years ago where the water was 76 degrees.  I wore just my trisuit and I was shivering the whole time.  Call me a wimp.      Even if it's barely wetsuit legal, I'm wearing one.  

I'm leaving on Friday.  The family and I are staying at a hotel just outside of Topeka.  The kids and DH are planning on coming to the race later in the morning on race day.  Are there any playgrounds at the campsite for the kiddos to be entertained while I'm racing (participating)?

Just saw this posted on Clinton State Park's facebook page:

We still have 15 non-utility sites open to reserve in Campground #3 for this weekend's 70.3 Kansas Ironman! 5 of those are on the run route. (Sorry no shade, but you're welcome to bring in a shade tent!) 3 Tents and 2 Vehicles are allowed at each site! Call Sherri at the Park Office - 785-842-8562 (8 am - 4 pm)

Might even be worth while just to get good parking. lol

One of the campgrounds (the one before you get to the racers' campground) has a couple nice playgrounds. There is also a picnic area which might have a few things, but I don't remember as much with that one; except, if they bring their fishing poles, there is a kids' fishing pond. My 4 year caught (and released) 5 or 6 (small) fish in that pond last year.

The visitors' center has a few things the kids could look at -- it would kill only 30 minutes or so, but it's something and my kids thought it was mildly cool.

I spectated last year, and I'm sorry I'm going to miss it this year. If things go well, maybe I'll be racing next year (or, more conservatively, the year after).

Good luck everyone! I'll be thinking about you for sure.

This is exactly what I wore for both of my full Ironmans. It worked GREAT - but I had a volunteer helping me in T1. You might have to spend some time with the top, as dry tops on wet bodies usually don't cooperate, but hopefully it will go smooth. Might want to practice it this week?

I'm wearing the wetsuit if possible. I had no issues with overheating two years ago (water was 78-81 degrees) in my full-sleeved - but that's me, your results may vary.

With that said, when I have swam in just my tri top, sans wetsuit, I safety pinned my back pockets closed. There is some small parachuting effect, but not as great. Mind you I've only done this on shorter distance races, not a 70.3, so if you need those pockets for later in the race you may have to figure out how to undo those pins while reaching behind your back during the race.

I wonder if velcro would work?
My top does not have a pocket, but thinking out loud for the rest of you. 

I bet you could make velcro work. I doubt the adhesive backing would stay, but sew or safety pin the two velcro pieces to the pockets and you could be in business. Something I might try out myself - at least later in the season. Thanks.