Keuka Lake Triathlon : Official Thread (Page 2)

About the cold water.  Last year, before the race, I tried out a few things.  Longsleeve wetsuit is a definite plus.  

I tried the socks in practice swims.  I decided against them in the race for a couple of reasons.  First, they fill up with water.  So your feet get cold anyway.  Second, they also get heavy when full of water.  That impacts your body balance and slows you down.  Then, they are a pain to run in, especially when full of water.  Bottom line is they slow you down and don't really help keep your feet much warmer.

What I did like and used in the race is a neoprene cap.  It looks a bit like an aviator cap from WW2.  It has ear flaps and ties around your chin.  You put your colored swim cap over top of it.  I found the neoprene cap to be a nice addition.  Definitely kept the head and ears warmer.   I'll wear it again this year.  I bought it from a scuba shop here in town.  Maybe $20.

I agree don't get too worried about it - it will be what it will be!  I was worried last year (not as worried as ridgelake the big wuss!   - joking Ridgelake - English humour) as it was my first time at Keuka and had heard horror stories - and it was so cold leading up to it and I am a complete wuss about getting into pool water let alone lakes.

But the adrenaline kicked in, it wasn't too bad at all.  I should say that I have a long sleeved wetsuit though!

So if it doubt, just swim faster to keep warm!

It is cold but once you get going you warm right up. I wore my sleeveless wetsuit last year and will again this year.

Thanks so much for all of the great tips and info!!

Marathon walker, right!  Impressive.  Lots to learn here from BT so keep looking around, reading, and asking questions.

There are some things to help deal with cold water. 

First, try to get in a nearby lake before Keuka so that you can get exposed to cold water.  Knowing what you're going to face definitely helps and your body won't be so shocked come raceday. 

Second, do get in the water before the race.  Try to swim 100-200 yards or more before your race.  Your body will get shocked with the cold water.  If this happens as you're starting the race, it is not likely to be a good outcome.  If you're adapted to the water before your wave, you'll be in much better shape.

Exactly 2 months from today!!!

I would be interested in riding the course anytime anyone else is headed that way.  My mom's place is only 1/2 mile off the bike course and she has a guest apartment where I can stay for the weekend, so it is a pretty easy trip for me.  (If you want to get in some extra hill work and enjoy some great views turn off of 54A onto Esperanza Road, which is right across form the scenic overlook.  I can’t say what kind of condition the road is in but it’s a nice climb with a great view.)

I will ask about where to stay tonight and get back to you. What type of accommodations are you looking for? B&B, cheep hotel, camping? 

I don't know for sure, but you could try Geneva Bike Shop in Geneva NY as well as RV&E Bike and Skate in Canandaigua.  Those would be the closest bike shops that I can think of.  Some other people might know of something better.

That is the elevation for the Olympic Distance race (24.95 Miles).  The link to the Sprint bike course does not work, but in the bike description it states:

“The one loop bike course takes place on fairly smooth roads.  The bike course is mainly flat with a mix of some rolling hills.  There is one 0.5 mile moderate climb that might give you a little trouble but overall you can move on this course!”