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
How cold you can go simply depends on what you're used to and how well you adapt!
I've swum in 45 degree water before... It wasn't fun, but I survived a hundred yards or so. I recently did 1.15 miles in 55 degree water. I didn't get overly cold until I got out of the water in the mid-60s air!
My comfort level goes into the upper 50s. Much cooler and it becomes more of a sufferfest. I can tolerate salt water colder than fresh water, and I'm not sure why!
How cold you can go simply depends on what you're used to and how well you adapt!
I've swum in 45 degree water before... It wasn't fun, but I survived a hundred yards or so. I recently did 1.15 miles in 55 degree water. I didn't get overly cold until I got out of the water in the mid-60s air!
My comfort level goes into the upper 50s. Much cooler and it becomes more of a sufferfest. I can tolerate salt water colder than fresh water, and I'm not sure why!
