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:
I did the Big Shoulders after a year of training in water that never went below 80.
My post-swim observation: This is indeed a highly personalized decision. Many chose to exit the water early. Many donned wetsuites, and some chose not to get in at all. I pressed on through some trepidation, and found that I was fine. I had a harder time with the rougher water conditions than I did the water temp. I got out, and an Irish coffee was all it took. I was good to go.
On the other hand I saw a number of people including much better swimmers than I shaking and shivering. We all have different metabolisms and body types So while I now believe I could swim in water temps inthe 50's with some prep, others may find sub 70 a challenge.
I did the Big Shoulders after a year of training in water that never went below 80.
My post-swim observation: This is indeed a highly personalized decision. Many chose to exit the water early. Many donned wetsuites, and some chose not to get in at all. I pressed on through some trepidation, and found that I was fine. I had a harder time with the rougher water conditions than I did the water temp. I got out, and an Irish coffee was all it took. I was good to go.
On the other hand I saw a number of people including much better swimmers than I shaking and shivering. We all have different metabolisms and body types So while I now believe I could swim in water temps inthe 50's with some prep, others may find sub 70 a challenge.
