General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Wetsuit or no wetsuit for HIM swim. Rss Feed  
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2006-08-29 11:01 AM

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Subject: Wetsuit or no wetsuit for HIM swim.

I'm currently having an internal debate on whether to use my wetsuit for my upcoming HIM in 2 weeks.

Here are the details:

1.  OWS in a murky lake that is supposed to be 72 degrees.  That makes it barely wetsuit legal, with no jellyfist or sea nettles to worry about.

2.  My suit is a QR Full suit.

3.  I've done full distance swims w/o the suit and haven't had a problem with the distance besides from being generally tired.

So, here is my dilemma.  I don't really feel the need to wear the wetsuit for the swim and I'm actually more worried about wearing the suit and becoming overheated on the duration of the swim.  I'm not going for any sort of specific time goal (except under 8 hours) and was thinking that it may be better to keep my body cooler on the swim to keep the HR down than risk over heating with a full suit.

On the other hand, the additional bouyancy may help to preserve energy for the rest of the race.

Comments?  Thoughts?



2006-08-29 11:11 AM
in reply to: #525714

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit or no wetsuit for HIM swim.
CubeFarmGopher - 2006-08-29 11:01 AM
On the other hand, the additional bouyancy may help to preserve energy for the rest of the race.


Probably no "may" about it, it will save energy and will likely make your swim split faster. But, that will also depend on your swim ability too I would imagine. I'd go with the suit, glad I did (sleeveless) in my 2 HIMs, and I'll be wearing one at IM WI. Good luck.
2006-08-29 11:26 AM
in reply to: #525714

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit or no wetsuit for HIM swim.
I wouldn't wear one, but then I really hate swimming in a wetsuit. I also don't really like the idea of a wetsuit in that it helps poor swimmers disproportionately. I would actually be very happy if they lowered the wetsuit temp to 70 instead of 78.

But I digress. The swim in a HIM is such a small portion of the overall event that you're really not hurting yourself all that much by not wearing one. I think it's better to work a little harder and avoid cooking yourself. Probably fewer repercussions throughout the rest of the day.
2006-08-29 11:31 AM
in reply to: #525714

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit or no wetsuit for HIM swim.

Wetsuit.  No question. 

At 72 there is little chance that you overheat.  It will save you energy you will need later.  I agree with the previous poster in that it gives weaker swimmers more advantage than stronger ones.  But as long as its legal...

2006-08-29 4:00 PM
in reply to: #525747

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit or no wetsuit for HIM swim.

Spoken like a fast swimmer Johnny Wink

 

At least he got this part right:  Wetsuit. No question. 

 

JohnnyKay - 2006-08-29 12:31 PM

 I agree with the previous poster in that it gives weaker swimmers more advantage than stronger ones.

2006-08-29 4:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit or no wetsuit for HIM swim.
What are you saving the wetsuit for? You don't get bonus points for making the race harder on yourself. (whether that means with or without is up to you).

I'd at least take it and make the decision during your race prep.


2006-08-30 7:30 AM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit or no wetsuit for HIM swim.
So since a guys bike that cost him $5000 and has top of the line everything is going to be faster than an entry level tri bike....does that make it unfair for the guy with the lesser bike. The better bike he would be faster. Isn't that an unfair advantage?
2006-08-30 8:06 AM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit or no wetsuit for HIM swim.

I am doing the same race and I plan on wearing a wetsuit. Swimming in bike shorts is just really slow.

The other factor, though, is that there is a short run (I think they say .4 miles) between the swim and T1. That wetsuit may end up getting in the way.  I am planning on losing the wetsuit in the parking lot next to the boat ramp, putting my extra running shoes on, and running with the wetsuit in my hands.

All this rain the next few days will probably also lower the lake temp.

2006-08-30 9:38 AM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit or no wetsuit for HIM swim.
shelly123 - 2006-08-30 8:06 AM

I am doing the same race and I plan on wearing a wetsuit. Swimming in bike shorts is just really slow.

The other factor, though, is that there is a short run (I think they say .4 miles) between the swim and T1. That wetsuit may end up getting in the way.  I am planning on losing the wetsuit in the parking lot next to the boat ramp, putting my extra running shoes on, and running with the wetsuit in my hands.

All this rain the next few days will probably also lower the lake temp.

I assume you are doing Diamondman?

It's comes down to personal choice, but my advice would be to forget about the extra shoes and run with the wetsuit on your legs (just take your arms down and peel the top down around your waist).  The path you run on is not bad in bare feet and at least last year they had carpeting down on some sections to make it even easier.  Trying to find and put on your shoes in a pile after coming out of the water seems like a waste of time to me.  And it's not like you're going to be sprinting at that point in the race.

Good luck with the race regardless!

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