If I have to wear a wetsuit in order to do an event ...
Former Member
...would you rather I just don't show up?
I've found my tolerance to cold water is just not that great - I think around 68 degrees is my breaking point. I've done a few 500M swims in triathlons at around 65 degrees and my experiences were completely miserable to the point that I won't do it again - especially over much longer distances. I don't even feel safe doing it.
I have my eye on a few races in Lake Michigan which is what I have been really looking forward to having grown up swimming in this lake all my life. This feels like the real deal and something that I would have thought was right in my element until I realized my tolerance is not what it used to be. But it looks like the chances of the lake being over 70 will be slim unless I catch a sudden heat wave.
I have absolutely no desire to wear it if the water is warm enough. And I have no interest in the bouyancy/speed factor from it. In other races on inland lakes I have overheard some derogatory comments towards wetsuit wearers, although these were more justified because the temps were in the low 70s. It does seem like cheating. I recently swam a 1500M in 26 minutes so I doubt I will be stealing any awards (some of them I think have seperate divisions anyway). But I feel like I would be cheating myself and it wouldn't make me feel better if all the real open water swimmers were ripping on me.
Parents
Former Member
Don't know if this will help but. . .
I've NEVER regretted showing up and doing a swim of any kind whether it be OW or pool swimming. Even my *failures* helped me grow. I've only regretted NOT showing up for a swim.
A little off topic, but my hubby and I will most likely be living in a third world country next year in which there will be NO SWIMMING available to me. With our upcoming move, I found it crazy to think that I just won't be able to go across the street to the local pool or lake for a swim! Boy am I quickly realizing how ez I have it here in the states. So. . . I say GO. We never know what will happen tomorrow. And if you need the wetsuit (b/c hypothermia is no laughing matter). . . WEAR IT. That's what I'd do.
So Herb, I would rather you GO!
Don't know if this will help but. . .
I've NEVER regretted showing up and doing a swim of any kind whether it be OW or pool swimming. Even my *failures* helped me grow. I've only regretted NOT showing up for a swim.
A little off topic, but my hubby and I will most likely be living in a third world country next year in which there will be NO SWIMMING available to me. With our upcoming move, I found it crazy to think that I just won't be able to go across the street to the local pool or lake for a swim! Boy am I quickly realizing how ez I have it here in the states. So. . . I say GO. We never know what will happen tomorrow. And if you need the wetsuit (b/c hypothermia is no laughing matter). . . WEAR IT. That's what I'd do.
So Herb, I would rather you GO!
