OK, I admit that I'm not that tough when it comes to cold water, but would love some advice. I'm doing a splash 'n dash this weekend in Tempe -- 1500M swim and a 3KM run. The current water temp is 71 and the air temp during the time of the swim will likely be around 65. Most of the people in the race will be triathletes, so I'm assuming they'll be wearing wetsuits. I'm mainly doing the race as a warmup for a 2.4 mile swim in the same lake the following week.
It seems a waste of time to put on a wetsuit only to have to strip it off for a 3KM run ... especially as I'm not a triathlete and therefore not experienced in transitions. Two questions:
Am I being a wimp to think that 71 degrees is too cold to swim without one?
Am I putting myself at a significant disadvantage vs. the wetsuit-clad triathletes to not wear one?
Lose the wetsuit for the spash n' dash; possibly put it on for the 2.4 mile swim.
I used to think I was a minute faster with a wetsuit for a mile, but I have done the triathlon in Show Low (about 68 degree water) the last 4-5 years with and without and my swim times have all been within 10 seconds of each other (plus I look like I'm having a seizure when I'm taking it off--for me it is a lot of work and time getting them off).
The 2.4 mile will be significantly colder and there will be a crap-load of people there which means they will pile everybody in early. This means you will be sitting there freezing your a$$ off, waiting to swim. I like a wet suit in that situation to not expend energy as I can just float there and stay warm. They are starting at 11, I believe, which might make it warmer.
Good luck, sorry I can't join you--I'm working. Show those triathletes the meaning of the word respect.:)
P.S. No experience: but doubt Blue seventy provides any meaningful warmth.
Lose the wetsuit for the spash n' dash; possibly put it on for the 2.4 mile swim.
I used to think I was a minute faster with a wetsuit for a mile, but I have done the triathlon in Show Low (about 68 degree water) the last 4-5 years with and without and my swim times have all been within 10 seconds of each other (plus I look like I'm having a seizure when I'm taking it off--for me it is a lot of work and time getting them off).
The 2.4 mile will be significantly colder and there will be a crap-load of people there which means they will pile everybody in early. This means you will be sitting there freezing your a$$ off, waiting to swim. I like a wet suit in that situation to not expend energy as I can just float there and stay warm. They are starting at 11, I believe, which might make it warmer.
Good luck, sorry I can't join you--I'm working. Show those triathletes the meaning of the word respect.:)
P.S. No experience: but doubt Blue seventy provides any meaningful warmth.
