US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

2008-05-15 7:51 PM

Master

1993

Riverside, IL

Subject: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

Hi all...I know it's still about 6 weeks away, but frankly...with the lack of a warm spring here, I'm a little concerned with what the water temp might be for this race. This will be my first ever triathlon, so with that being said...I'm on somewhat of a "budget" and did not account for needing a wetsuit. I figured the water would be warm enough...but now I'm beginning to think that it might not warm up enough by race day. According to the website, the rules state that the water must be 78 degrees or lower to be wetsuit legal. Does anyone that did this race last year recall what the water temp was on race day? Was it warm enough to swim without one? Did the majority of ladies wear one or go without? I'm kinda freaking out over this and don't know what to do. I'm hoping that somebody can calm my nerves down, and tell me that the water will be fine and I won't need a wetsuit. Otherwise, I'm gonna be spazzing out for the next few weeks trying to figure out a plan!

Linda

chirunner134

2008-05-15 8:07 PM

in reply to: #1405828

Champion

6993

Chicago, Illinois

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

From what I understand the water is shallow enough you can walk it if you need to. That being said some friends of mine done it and they did not complain about it being too cold to swim.

amygo

2008-05-15 10:14 PM

in reply to: #1405828

New user

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

I've done this race many times - never used a wetsuit. The majority of people do not use one - you will see some, but really, most do not. You will be fine. Don't let it worry you!!

StartingToTri

2008-05-16 6:41 AM

in reply to: #1405828

Master

1478

Southwest Chicago 'burbs

Bronze member

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

Ditto. I've done this race the last 3 years, and the water was always warm enough. In fact, at least two of the years, the water felt absolutely WONDERFUL because it was warmer than the air temp (which is saying it was COLD out rather than the water being really warm...).

There were a few people in wetsuits, but probably 95% aren't wearing them. Some parts of the swim are in 3ft. water and you can (and some do) walk the turn around the buoys at that point.

All in all, easy swim. If you have a chance, you can get out there to swim the venue -- it's a couple of bucks after 5pm for non-residents and I believe they usually open on Memorial Day weekend.

2008-05-16 10:41 AM

in reply to: #1405828

Master

1993

Riverside, IL

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

Thank you all for settling my nerves down over this. I feel much better knowing that I won't need to scramble to find a wetsuit. I'm nervous enough with it being my first tri and all...certainly don't need one more thing to worry about.

Linda

2008-05-21 9:48 PM

in reply to: #1406794

Extreme Veteran

642

Chicagoland

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

nscrbug - 2008-05-16 10:41 AM

Thank you all for settling my nerves down over this. I feel much better knowing that I won't need to scramble to find a wetsuit. I'm nervous enough with it being my first tri and all...certainly don't need one more thing to worry about.

Linda

It's my first tri as well. Anyone interested in meeting up at the race? I'd like to meet some other people in the area who tri.

2008-05-22 5:50 PM

in reply to: #1418171

Master

1993

Riverside, IL

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

I would love to meet you and anyone else from the area that will be doing the race. As it gets closer to race weekend, we can try to figure out a meet-up plan.

Linda

PradaPrincess

2008-05-25 3:44 PM

in reply to: #1405828

Member

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

I'm glad to see others have chosen this as their first race. I can't wait, I finally got the nerve to sign up today!! Less then 4 weeks to go!

newattri

2008-05-30 3:25 PM

in reply to: #1405828

Member

Lake in the Hills, IL

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

Hi ladies!
I'm considering racing this one for the first time as well, and you just answered a few of my questions. Thank you!! I do not own a wet suit either and would rather avoid another expense if I can :-)

2008-05-30 3:30 PM

in reply to: #1434151

Extreme Veteran

642

Chicagoland

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

newattri - 2008-05-30 3:25 PM

Hi ladies!
I'm considering racing this one for the first time as well, and you just answered a few of my questions. Thank you!! I do not own a wet suit either and would rather avoid another expense if I can :-)

I've heard that the 'lake' is considerably warm. I think I've decided to get the Dolfin Aquatard for the swim. It seems like I would be able to use it for all three legs of the race. It is quite reasonable compared to having a swimsuit, shorts and a shirt. And it's one of the only things that I could get that would remotely fit my Athena body

Here's the link...

http://www.lane4swim.com/dochun.html

Mary_B

2008-06-02 7:48 AM

in reply to: #1405828

Member

Chicagoland

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

Hi ladies! This is going to be my first ever tri as well! I'm getting pretty nervous about it now, even though all I really want to do is finish. I don't own a wet suit, so I'm just gonna shiver through the swim if need be.

I'm also trying to decide what the best outfit combo will be for the race. I'm thinking that I'll have to wear my sportsbra under my swimsuit if I want to have it on for the run, but the idea of having a wet sports bra on for the bike portion doesn't sound so great. I know that this race has a lot of first timers in it. What do people usually wear for this tri?

Edited by Mary_B 2008-06-02 7:49 AM

2008-06-03 9:11 PM

in reply to: #1437652

Master

1993

Riverside, IL

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

Mary_B - 2008-06-02 7:48 AM

Hi Mary,

This will be my first attempt at a tri, too...so you're in good company!

I bought a DeSoto Forza Trisuit - http://www.trisports.com/desowofotr.html to wear during the race. I like the fit...it's very comfortable (compared to other trisuits that I tried on), but it doesn't have a built-in bra so I too, will be resorting to wearing some type of sports bra underneath it. I'm probably just going to go with a cheapo Target C9 seamless bra. There are bra tops that are specifically designed for triathlon use, like this one - http://www.trisports.com/desowocabrat.html
but I didn't want to spend the extra $$ on a tri-specific bra top. Yeah, it will probably stay wet the whole time, but I'm a heavy sweater so it most likely won't be much different than being wet from my regular workout. I chose a trisuit over a swimsuit, because running in a swimsuit does not sound like fun to me. Every swimsuit that I've ever owned and worn, has always ridden up even just from walking...so I can't imagine running in one. I'd be pulling that thing outta my butt constantly throughout the race...NOT a pretty picture.

Linda

Edited by nscrbug 2008-06-03 9:12 PM

My Training Log My Race Log

Whizzzzz

2008-06-04 7:24 AM

in reply to: #1405828

Champion

5495

Whizzzzzlandia

Silver member

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

This, my friends, is an awesome race.

Lots of camaraderie, support, well wishes, and even HUGS before the thing starts. It was my first triathlon and I've don e it 4x. I'd be out there doing it this year, but I'm going to be out of town.

It is not necessary to have a wetsuit for the race. I have some photos in my albums, you can see the swim start, and not many of the competitors are wearing wetsuits.

Album here

Some things to know... there is a longish run from the swim exit to the transition area. Not horrifyingly long, but it's long enough. The bike course can be crowded. If you are passing, stay to the left. And call it out. This is a very popular race for first timers... as we all know, and bike handling skills may not be fully developed yet. To avoid spooking anyone as you pass, just shout "on your left" a bit before you go by.

The run is flat. The food afterwards has always been plentiful.

You will see all different shapes and sizes of women out there. It's a truly inspiring race.

jtcats

2008-06-05 9:53 PM

in reply to: #1405828

New user

Naperville, IL

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

Hi All,

This will be my first triathlon also. I am glad to hear the water will not that bad. I am getting excited about it but also a bit nervous. I am not a swimmer and focused so much time on swimming, I was not running as much as I once had been. I figure I could walk to run but not sure how else to get through the water other then swimming. So there you have it.

2008-06-07 8:37 PM

in reply to: #1448843

Master

1993

Riverside, IL

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

jtcats - 2008-06-05 9:53 PM

Hi All,

This will be my first triathlon also. I am glad to hear the water will not that bad. I am getting excited about it but also a bit nervous. I am not a swimmer and focused so much time on swimming, I was not running as much as I once had been. I figure I could walk to run but not sure how else to get through the water other then swimming. So there you have it.

Hi jtcats,

I wouldn't worry too much (yeah, I know...easier said than done!). I was a swimmer in HS, but I'm actually pretty nervous about the swim, myself. I'm not a fast swimmer (never was, really), I'm just focusing on trying to finish the swim as "fresh" as possible so that I don't blow out all of my energy and endurance before the bike and run. Running is my weakness for sure. I haven't done much running outside (been doing most on a treadmill) due to foot injuries and a chronic back condition...so, I may very well end up walking some of the run portion too. Oh well...I'll do what I have to do to cross the finish line.

2008-06-13 11:09 AM

in reply to: #1405828

Extreme Veteran

642

Chicagoland

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

So, it's getting down to the wire now. I got my tri suit in the mail yesterday and was wondering where the rest of it was. I'll have to take it home tonight and figure out if I'm going to be able to fit into it and still breathe

I was thinking that we could all meet up either on Saturday or after the race some time. Any takers?

2008-06-13 12:02 PM

in reply to: #1405828

Master

1993

Riverside, IL

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

I would definitely be in for meeting up with some of you fine ladies either on Saturday or after the race! Please PM me and I'll give you my cellphone so that we can connect and plan something.

Linda

PradaPrincess

2008-06-15 2:43 PM

in reply to: #1405828

Member

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

Are any other newbies going to the Triathlon 101 and Training Clinic at Glen Ellyn bike shop on Thursday night?

Edited by PradaPrincess 2008-06-15 3:10 PM

2008-06-15 2:57 PM

in reply to: #1467654

Extreme Veteran

642

Chicagoland

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

PradaPrincess - 2008-06-15 2:43 PM

Are any other newbies going to the Triathlon 101 and Training Clinic at Glen Ellyn biek shop on Thursday night?

I was thinking about it but wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it.

2008-06-16 1:27 PM

in reply to: #1405828

Extreme Veteran

642

Chicagoland

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

What AG is everyone racing in? I'm not sure of the breakdown, but they've got me listed as 36 (even though I won't be 36 until the 30th). I was hoping to have someone I could meet up with as we're waiting for our wave to go

Gilly89

2008-06-16 3:54 PM

in reply to: #1405828

Member

Vancouver

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

Hi All, this is going to be my second tri, but it's the first one with an open water swim. I did one in April that was in a pool, so I'm a little nervous to transition to the open water swim. I also wasn't sure that I'd like the tri as much as I did so I haven't yet invested in a road bike and will be rocking my trusty mountain bike.
I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that we'll get a nice day- the weather has been so crazy lately.
As for what people were thinking about wearing, I'm planning on putting my sports bra under my bathing suit and then pulling on shorts and a shirt for the bike/run. For my first tri I didn't put the sports bra on until T1 and it was one of those misadventures where it got all rolled up and just didn't want to go on. So, this time it'll be on from the start.

2008-06-16 4:16 PM

in reply to: #1467654

Master

1993

Riverside, IL

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

PradaPrincess - 2008-06-15 2:43 PM

Are any other newbies going to the Triathlon 101 and Training Clinic at Glen Ellyn bike shop on Thursday night?

I actually RSVP'd to it and hope to make it over there, but I'm not sure if that will happen. I work on Thursday, and it all depends on what time I can get out of there. If I can sneak out a little early, by 6pm...I might be able to make it, but will probably be a tad bit late...as I'm coming from Cicero. Otherwise, if I'm unable to get out of work by 6, then I probably won't make it.

2008-06-16 4:19 PM

in reply to: #1469424

Master

1993

Riverside, IL

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

kappie72 - 2008-06-16 1:27 PM

What AG is everyone racing in? I'm not sure of the breakdown, but they've got me listed as 36 (even though I won't be 36 until the 30th). I was hoping to have someone I could meet up with as we're waiting for our wave to go

I'm in the 40-44 group. Are they letting off the waves by age group? If so, then I'll be 2 waves behind you.

2008-06-16 4:29 PM

in reply to: #1469928

Master

1993

Riverside, IL

Subject: RE: US Women's Tri - Naperville, June 22

Gilly89 - 2008-06-16 3:54 PM

Hi All, this is going to be my second tri, but it's the first one with an open water swim. I did one in April that was in a pool, so I'm a little nervous to transition to the open water swim. I also wasn't sure that I'd like the tri as much as I did so I haven't yet invested in a road bike and will be rocking my trusty mountain bike.
I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that we'll get a nice day- the weather has been so crazy lately.
As for what people were thinking about wearing, I'm planning on putting my sports bra under my bathing suit and then pulling on shorts and a shirt for the bike/run. For my first tri I didn't put the sports bra on until T1 and it was one of those misadventures where it got all rolled up and just didn't want to go on. So, this time it'll be on from the start.

What's interesting is that they do consider this to be a "pool swim"...at least that's how it is described on the website. I wouldn't technically call it an OWS, since it's really just a quarry filled with water, on a beach-setting.

I'll be wearing a tri-suit...I didn't want to bother with having to throw clothes on and such. Plus, I didn't want to wear my swimsuit throughout the entire race because I would find it to be uncomfortable on the bike and run. Don't know about others, but my swimsuit constantly rides up on me...I'd be yanking that thing outta my buttcrack every 2 seconds.

I've also rented a wetsuit for the weekend. Don't know if I'll actually need or use it...but wanted to have one on hand, just in case I do. I tend to get cold very quickly. I've been monitoring the weather forecast for the coming weekend, and it looks like it's going to be in the 70's...which probably means 60's for the swim. I also called and checked on the water temp...as of today it's 72 degrees.