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:
Former Member
"Gerry Rodrigues on Warming Up"
www.thewaterisopen.com/.../gerry_rodrigues_on_warming_up
Q2. Do you do anything different when the water is cold?
Yes, I spend less time in the water and more time on land for my warm-up. For me, water temperatures below 65°F (18°C) are not enjoyable, especially when it gets down below 62°F (16°C). The colder the water was, the less in-the-water warm-up I do, unless I had a wetsuit.
My routine is straightforward with water temperatures between 60-64°F (15-17°C): I stretch, go for a 15-25 minute run to get my core temperature up, enter the water slowly to waist height and then splash water on my face and head to get rid of ice-cream headache from the cold. Once I get rid of the headache, then I do a warm-up swim whose length depends on if I have a wetsuit or not. At times, I bring a wetsuit so I can stay in for a longer swim warm-up if I know ahead of time that the setting does not lend itself to an opportunity for much running. I never stay in too long to get cold. Then I exit the water and go for another short run with a sweat shirt on to get my core temperature really warm......then I'm ready to race.
For the roughwater, I've had a thermometer out in the basin (La Jolla) for the week and have had temps from 54 to 65. I've had some very cold swimmers out with me (I'm used to cold temps). Body fat, previous acclimation, enough sleep, mental attitude, hydration all play major roles. I do find the older fatter folks like me do better than the younger slimmer ones. If I had a group of teens out I would get on a kayak or a board and observe/escort them. THe rough water is big with a lot of folks out there the guards do a great job in general but you could watch for your kids and be very observant. It should at least help them and you with the mental aspect. I'd bring spare life jackets so if one did start to experience issues you coudl get them in the jacket then get help. Just the confidence that they are bieng watched may be enough for them to feel warm "enough"
Are neoprene caps allowed? If so, that could help somewhat. Ear plugs, too. Personally I wouldn't think about using a wetsuit unless the water temp is below 60, but everyone is different.
The NOAA web site claims 64, but they usually measure a good distance off shore. The San Diego Lifeguards claim 63. I'm sticking with my chilly 62.
SD Lifeguards have a recorded message of water temp, they are usually accurate by a degree.
SD Lifeguards recorded message, (619) 221-8824.
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.
