General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 57 degrees, first race Rss Feed  
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2006-03-09 8:50 AM

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Subject: 57 degrees, first race
Never expected to be racing this time of year, and the water is coldcoldcold. I have a sleeveless wetsuit ... don't want to buy a new one for one race. What's best -- borrow and deal with something new on race day, go with familiar and just swim fast (it's 400m swim), buy some sort of crazy arm warmers? Any thoughts welcome!


2006-03-09 8:52 AM
in reply to: #364950

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Elite
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Subject: RE: 57 degrees, first race

I've heard that Vaseline has insulating properties to it.

Might also make you quicker in the water.  

2006-03-09 8:53 AM
in reply to: #364950

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Expert
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Subject: RE: 57 degrees, first race
It's 400 meters? Suck it up. Cold is a good motivator to swim faster.
2006-03-09 10:20 AM
in reply to: #364950

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: 57 degrees, first race

I agree, 400m is not that long.  You should be fine.  Last year, my first race was in April and the air temp was around 40 and the water was 60.  It was a 750m swim and the hard part was getting out of the water.  Did I mention the wind was gusting up to 25mph?  I swam in a sleeveless.  My transitions were a little longer because I took time to dry off. 

 It is your first, you'll never do another first.  Your heart will be puming so hard, you won't feel the water.  Go for it and have fun. 

 BTW, I would suggest right before the race, get in the water and acclimate a little. 

2006-03-09 11:14 AM
in reply to: #364950

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Pro
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Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow
Subject: RE: 57 degrees, first race
Just 400 m you'll be fine. If it was longer, I'd suggest (and don't do this, please) Crisco. The problem with crisco and tris is...well, you'll have shortening all over yourself for the bike and run...and that'd be a disaster in the aerobars. Swimmers who swim in cold water for long distances grease themselves up with crisco to insulate a bit.

Oh, and pee in your wetsuit.
2006-03-09 11:17 AM
in reply to: #364950

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Champion
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Subject: RE: 57 degrees, first race

Mooseman was 58 degree water and 1/4 IM and 1/2 IM last June. I was in the water 42 minutes..it was cold. Your swim will be much shorter. There were people there in sleeveless suits.

My suggestion...try to get used to the water before your wave starts. Often putting your face in the first time makes you breath in..not good in the water.

You'll be motivated to swim fast



2006-03-09 12:40 PM
in reply to: #364950

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Expert
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Spokane, Washington
Subject: RE: 57 degrees, first race
Don't forget something to put on before you get on the bike. If the air temp is cold or cool after that swim, you will get...to loosely quote one of my favorite tri books, "rather more evaporative cooling than you want." My first tri was swum in an 80degree pool, but I froze for the 12 bike miles and my upper body was pretty stiff and sore starting the run... If it's the same this year I'll pull on some arm warmers or a light jacket before the bike.
Hijack (sort of) What would y'all use in this case?
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