Need a quick answer

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Last post: Aug 24, 2009 1:17 PM by Joe_h1

omabikeryder

289 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

Aug 21, 2009 7:19 AM

I should have rented a wetsuit, but didn't. Olympic triathlon is tomorrow, wetsuits allowed, but August in the midwest, water temp is the least of your worries. Except tonight they are predicting near record low, in the freaking 50's, warming up to the high 70's. Should be great temps for the run, the swim is going to be a little chilly. So I"m not sure what to do.

1. Swim in just the tri shorts as usual, putting on a shirt in transition, with a jacket handy in case I need it.

2. Swim with a polyproplene top or something like that? Will it even help, or be more of a hindarance?

The water temp should not be that bad and will be warmer than the air temp. Don't own a wet suit and don't know anyone I could borrow one from who wouldn't be doing the race themselves.

Joe_h1

1,646 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

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1. Aug 21, 2009 7:21 AM

in response to: omabikeryder

Re: Need a quick answer

my .02 nothing new on raceday. maybe the jacket for the ride. putting it on will be a lot easier than a dry shirt on a wet body in a hurry. think warm thoughts and have fun

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craig0812

53 posts since
Apr 16, 2009

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2. Aug 21, 2009 7:44 AM

in response to: Joe_h1

Re: Need a quick answer

Yeah, what he said. You will be in race mode so you won't feel the cold as much as you think (easy for me to say, I live in Florida). Don't try anything new on race day. Think warm thoughts and go!

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Rob_in_PBG

6 posts since
Jun 28, 2009

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3. Aug 21, 2009 1:20 PM

in response to: omabikeryder

Re: Need a quick answer

Ditto on NNORD, however if you have a tri suit that will help somewhat and won't matte rmuch if you've never worn one. I don't know where you're swimming, but I assume it's a lake. If so, it's probably in the 70's as long as it's not Lake Superior or Michigan and will probably feel warmer than the air at race time anyway. May be chilly getting out though...

Race Hard!

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tripolson

58 posts since
Oct 15, 2007

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4. Aug 21, 2009 2:41 PM

in response to: omabikeryder

Re: Need a quick answer

The swim probably won't be the problem so much as the bike leg. A tri suit has worked for me in the past in 50 degree temps - it's a little cool until you dry off but not bad afterwards. If you don't have a tri suit, you might try putting on a windproof vest in T1. It will be easier to get on than a regular shirt and should keep your core warm. Just make sure it fits tightly enough that it's not catching air and acting as a drag chute.

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omabikeryder

289 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

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5. Aug 24, 2009 9:42 AM

in response to: tripolson

Re: Need a quick answer

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The tri was the Black Squirrel Triathlon in Council Bluffs, IA. Swim in Lake Manawa, biked around the lake three times, and run was an out and back on trails. I think this was their third year and it keeps getting more participants.

The water was kind of chilly, the air temps were cold, for August, low 50's near a record. We have had a weird summer, not too hot and not too humid, cool evenings. The start was at 7:00, the beach was still in the shade. The sand was really cold, spectators were all bundled up with hoodies and blankets, in AUGUST! I tried to think warm thoughts, but not sure it helped. I am not a very fast swimmer, but I can do the distance at my pace (slow). Took it easy the first quarter of the out leg, picked it up coming back in. They pulled three people out of the water. Two got too chilled or something and cramped up, one got a face full of water and started choking so she called it quits. A young guy part of a team came out of the water same time as me and was literally staggering. I'm guessing he was a good pool sprinter but had no idea what a long distance lake swim was all about. Lots of people wearing wetsuits.

Threw a long sleeved thermal top on for the bike portion and was warm enough. The air temp did warm up pretty quick after the sun came up.

The rest of the day was beautiful. Hardly any wind which is a rarity around here, low humidity, blue skies, high temp was mid 70's. If they had just started the thing at 9:00 instead of 7:00 it would have been perfect!

Again, thanks for the suggestions.