We recently were informed Big Shoulder's 5K OW is likely to be cold this year. (60-63)
Due to a very warm summer in central Indiana most of my training was done in water 85-88 degrees warm. This week-end we got a break and out water has been 72 in the pool. (It feels so good!)
My question is how much lower to what I'm used to can I go and be safe?
I am 5'5" and weigh 117. I have done BS 5K in water as cold as 68 with no problem but I'm just not sure where to draw the line and bail into a wetsuit. I do not want to get hypothermia. I'm planning to be in the water somewhere between 1:20-1:30. :coffee:
Parents
Former Member
there are two different situations in the above thread:
1. big shoulders = 5k
2. la jolla = 1 mile
for the shorter swim, the greatest danger is probably pulmonary aspiration from gasping at the start. i'd recommend a couple of race like practice starts (run right in and start swimming fast) to get used to the shock before doing it surrounded by 100's of other swimmers.
for BS; i believe it is a wave start so i would just focus on the swimmers in front and keep trying to pick out someone to catch and pass.... a little distraction can work wonders to keep one's mind off the discomfort of the cold.
after the swim, your temp will continue to drop, so have all your dry clothes ready (don't just wrap a towel or mylar blanket around your wet suit, remove it) and include a hat and maybe gloves too. a thermos with hot liquids to drink should help you get comfortable quickly as well.
there are two different situations in the above thread:
1. big shoulders = 5k
2. la jolla = 1 mile
for the shorter swim, the greatest danger is probably pulmonary aspiration from gasping at the start. i'd recommend a couple of race like practice starts (run right in and start swimming fast) to get used to the shock before doing it surrounded by 100's of other swimmers.
for BS; i believe it is a wave start so i would just focus on the swimmers in front and keep trying to pick out someone to catch and pass.... a little distraction can work wonders to keep one's mind off the discomfort of the cold.
after the swim, your temp will continue to drop, so have all your dry clothes ready (don't just wrap a towel or mylar blanket around your wet suit, remove it) and include a hat and maybe gloves too. a thermos with hot liquids to drink should help you get comfortable quickly as well.
