White Lake Half (Page 2)

Forecast for Saturday 91 .  I totally could not put in a decent run last night in 85 degree weather.  Put in an easy 3.25 mile at my slowest speed ever. Phew.  I hope putting in a few more easy workouts in these temps will get me acclimated enough.  I usually love the heat, but that just came a little quick.

Good luck everyone on Saturday!

Question about family members.  Is there anything for them to do wait I'm racing?  Also is there food there they can purchase or do we need to pack a lunch?

thanks

Phillip

Family activities:  About the only thing would be if you brought a float or other pool toy and they could splash around in the lake near the finish area.

Food:  Papa Bear Catering will be there.  I **think** they have burgers and hot dogs for sale.  I'm glad they will be there because racers eat free (limited menu).

FYI...According to the following site, the latest water temp was 69 on 4/28.

http://www.whitelakewatersports.com/

This race is a big deal!!  The electricity on race morning is something to behold.  All IOS NCTS races are exciting but White Lake is just a couple of steps above.

Last year when there was the swim/no swim situation going on and Benji was running around trying to find the lifeguards and people were chanting "Swim! Swim! Swim!" I had goosebumps.

As everyone probably knows, we didn't get to swim, but Benji is a class act (as is the entire Set Up organization) and I've never seen him/them not looking out for the racers.

This race rivals Ironman events in regards to the excitement of race morning.

Just my 2 cents.

You guys are getting me pumped!

I agree....I am getting pumped as well.  Looking forward to this as it will be my first HIM!

I agree....I am getting pumped as well.  Looking forward to this as it will be my first HIM!

From NCTS on facebook: Current water temp at White Lake is 78 degrees. If we make it will be by the skin of our teeth! So bring your wetsuits just in case; looks like a wetsuit legal event may happen. Also, we are here, and it is HOT. Please be prepared for the heat and drink lots of fluids. Keep the heat in mind as you pack you nutrition/hydration.

 USAT rule:  Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards.

I'd be down with no wetsuits.  First time in about 5 years or so I think.

Caynne - I thought the same, but then I read in the Event Details at Setup events that you will show up in the results as DQ'd if you wear a wetsuit above 79. 

I think they will check the water temp one last time on race morning. 

Good luck!

Good luck White Lakers Bakers!  Y'all be safe and have fun.  Will be rootin' for you (as I sit here in Apex eating postride pancakes Saturday morning)

I'd be a bit careful with this decision.  Last evening I did an open water swim workout at Jordan Lake in Apex and did my first 600 in my wetsuit.  Jordan Lake is much bigger and deeper than White Lake and was probably mid to high 60s.  I got very very hot in the wetsuit and took it off for the rest of the workout and was much happier. 

It's obviously a personal decision, but on Sunday for the sprint I'm almost certain I'm not wearing my wetsuit. 

Either way, have a great race!

I agree with UBear.  If you're doing the half, I'd definitely rethink using a wetsuit.  Did my first Half last April in Charleston in 75 degree water.  I was a bit too warm during the second lap.  For the sprint it might not be that bad, but it really made a difference for the longer swim (in a bad way).

For last year's White Lake II Half, the water was only 70 and I was still a bit warm by the end.  Of course I spend 40 minutes in the water for that length -- you may be quicker than me.

Whatever you do, stay safe.  It's going to be a scorcher!  Last year it got to 81 near the end of the run and the water stations couldn't come quick enough for me....

They could do  two diffrent timing chip mates ,one with the people who want to swim in there wetsuit and the second one for those who do not want to wear a wetsuit. They do it at Ironman events when water temps are iffy.

White Lake can go up a lot in 24 hrs...it is shallow. One year I did it, it was wetsuit legal on Friday, NOT on saturday and was legal again the next day for the sprint because it was a cold night. If it was 78 yesterday and only went down to 65 at night, with another 90 degree sunny day, it might well be 80+ by the end of the day today. Depending on how cold it is tonight it might still be 78+. 

I can't imagine swimming in those temps with a wetsuit and swim cap.  I get hot easily so I know I would totally over heat in the water for the swim.  It may not be a bad idea to compromise floatation for more comfy temperatures if the temperature creeps up over 78 degrees.

Good luck to everyone and be careful!  Be mindful of the heat- make sure to hydrate and wear good sunblock!