How Cold Should A Person Go?

there are two different situations in the above thread: 1. big shoulders = 5k 2. la jolla = 1 mile La Jolla Gatorman = 3 mile The pulmonary aspiration (gasping) has affected me in both long and short races. I've yet to find a good fix for it. I now know to expect it and that helps. It usually subsides after 200-300 meters. These threads are related: Cold Water problem...how to solve? - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums How cold without a wetsuit? - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums "The gasping is caused by the vagus nerve in the nose..." Also related: "The Diving Reflex and Long-Distance Swimming" www.suite101.com/.../the-diving-reflex-and-longdistance-swimming-a114304 (snip) "How a Swimmer Can Prevent or Minimize the Effects of Immersion in Cold Water... Pre-race cooling of the face is helpful for many swimmers: immersing the face in cold water, applying an ice pack to the face, or spending some leisurely time in the water prior to the event will initiate – and hopefully ameliorate – the reflex before strenuous competition begins."

I recently did a 2-miler in 62 degree water in a regular bathing suit and a double cap (silicone under, latex over) and I wasn't cold at all - BUT I'm 5'5" and about 150 - I imagine the more slim swimmers out there would have a different experience! I can't wait to start hearing how everybody's swims went this weekend!

Not yet a race report, but here's my pre-race test-the-water swim reactions in La Jolla today -- forums.usms.org/blog.php. Bottom-line: neoprene cap under regular cap with ear plugs worked wonders in 62-65 degree water for a warmup swim. Granted, we only did 0.5 miles and were in the water around 25 minutes (floated around a lot just to spend time in the water), but both my middle daughter (like 5'7" and '4" and 185 lbs) did well. I'll post back again tomorrow with any additional thoughts

...but on race day temps had dropped back to 62 and it. was. cold.

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.

...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.For sure, my experience was different -- fine for 1 mile in 62-65, but 3 miles was too long: forums.usms.org/blog.php.

I did the LaJolla Gatorman on Sunday. I was surprised at the time differences from last year to this year. Last year was a "rough" year but water temps were 70-72F (if I remember correctly). This year wasn't as rough but water temps were reported at 62-65F. The race times seemed to be down across the board. Random comparison of 50th place: 2009 1:11:17 2010 1:18:19 Personally, I was 8 minutes slower than last year but finished in about the same over-all position. Does cold water slow us down that much? Other factors?I last did it in 2008 when the water was definitely warmer, but I was also not in great shape. I was about 4 minutes faster then versus this year, as were a couple of other guys I know who beat me both years. I would think that times on this race year-to-year should be pretty comparable since we swim to a fixed point and aren't therefore subject to buoy missplacement / course marking. What I don't know is how much influence both temperature and tides/waves make? This race felt rough out in the open water even though the shore seemed milder than last year.

I did the LaJolla Gatorman on Sunday. I was surprised at the time differences from last year to this year. Last year was a "rough" year but water temps were 70-72F (if I remember correctly). This year wasn't as rough but water temps were reported at 62-65F. The race times seemed to be down across the board. Random comparison of 50th place: 2009 1:11:17 2010 1:18:19 Personally, I was 8 minutes slower than last year but finished in about the same over-all position. Does cold water slow us down that much? Other factors?

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!

I'm curious if anyone knows how to properly gauge how safe one is in the water. I hopped in the Hudson River this morning (56 degrees) in my regular suit and two caps. It was cold, but I could move, with some tingling in my extremities. But after about 200 yards, I started to feel really hot in my chest. I know that extremes of temperature can feel like each other, and I don't know where the line is of strange sensations and hypothermia risk, so I got out and let the wetsuit guys finish the swim while I was in the shower. We're going to try again next week, any advice out there of what I should do to stay safe and what warning signs to look out for and what's just a weird feeling because it's really cold?