What's your coldest swim and how did it go? (Page 2)

Last year's Keuka Lake tri was the coldest race that I've done.  I recall it was 58 degrees.  I had a full-body wetsuit.  I also got a neoprene "bombers" cap that ties under your chin.  I put the issued race cap over top of it. 

I'm not normally one for cold.  I am usually the first person to start shivering in the pool if we all stop.  I really dislike cold water. 

In the days leading up to the race, I was really, really concerned about the cold.  I did a couple of trial runs in a similar lake.  I think this was a huge benefit come race day, as it was not a complete shock at racetime. 

Also in these practice swims, I tried on some booties.  I found they actually slowed me down and didnt help keep my feet warm.  They quickly filled up with water and just kind of acted like weights.  I did not wear them in the race.

Before my race started, I did get in the water and swam maybe 200 yards.  It was imperative to get my face in the water and let my body adjust to the cold.  This allowed my heart rate to settle back down and avoid the panic that can set in when first hitting the cold water.

I ended up having a PR swim.  I would never have expected it, but I did.  I was definitely chilly, but once I got moving was fine temp wise.  My feet did get a touch numb, but they were fine by the time I was on the bike.

I believe the the key things from my experience were this:  1) get in the water before your race.  Don't have the first time your face is in the water be when the gun sounds.  This will very likely shock your system and elicit a panic response.  2) A full body wetsuit is a big help.  A neoprene cap also was very nice.  Even using 2 of the issued swim caps will help keep your head warm.   3)  I did not find booties to be helpful.  The opposite, actually.  4) The more times you can spend getting acclimated to cold water, the less shocking it will be come race day. 

Coldest I've ever had was in the mid 50's for Escape from Alcatraz and the Oceanside 70.3.  I went with a full wetsuit and a neoprane swim cap.  I had no issues in either and had quick transitions to the bike.  Me feet were a little numb for the first couple of miles on the bike, but I just wiggled them some and they quickly warmed up.  As long as you have a full wetsuit and possibly a neoprane swim cap you should be fine.  Good luck. 

I too am a Spirit of Racine Sprinter...it was absolutely horrible.  I almost started crying in my goggles.  My face never entered the water...I side stroked/tarzan swam the whole thing....everytime I tried to put my face in, I hyperventilated. Not good...but it was incentive to get the hizell out of that water as fast as I could.