your swims, how does temperature acclimatization figure in?

I LOVE swimming in cold water, so this is the time of year that I really begin to enjoy open-water swimming. The air and water here in Long Island Sound are just beginning to cool off. My method of acclimatization is just to go swimming every day as it gets colder. Occasionally lately I will turn the shower to cold while I'm in there with the half-hearted intention of getting my body used to the colder temps, but mainly it's just getting into the water to swim that acclimates me. My goal is to swim as long as possible outdoors without a wetsuit. In 2008 I made it until November 29th, with water temps in the high-ish 40s and air temps below 40. Generally I swim for between a half hour and an hour. This year, I would like to swim until the middle of November before putting on a wetsuit (a gift last year) and then continuing through the end of December. I wll consider going without the suit if it still feels acceptable. As I get into the cold water, I always have a feeling that my body has undergone some long-term acclimatization so that it knows from experience hw to react when I get in. As my body gets wet, I find myself relaxing and breathing evenly rather than tensing up. After the face has gotten used to the pain, I can swim easily for a little bit and then feel what I imagine is a golden light spreading out from my core and keeping me warm for the rest of the swim. The best part is how great you feel for the rest of the day once you have gotten out and warmed up again! Enjoy the :chillpill:!

I LOVE swimming in cold water, so this is the time of year that I really begin to enjoy open-water swimming. The air and water here in Long Island Sound are just beginning to cool off. My method of acclimatization is just to go swimming every day as it gets colder. Occasionally lately I will turn the shower to cold while I'm in there with the half-hearted intention of getting my body used to the colder temps, but mainly it's just getting into the water to swim that acclimates me. My goal is to swim as long as possible outdoors without a wetsuit. In 2008 I made it until November 29th, with water temps in the high-ish 40s and air temps below 40. Generally I swim for between a half hour and an hour. This year, I would like to swim until the middle of November before putting on a wetsuit (a gift last year) and then continuing through the end of December. I wll consider going without the suit if it still feels acceptable. As I get into the cold water, I always have a feeling that my body has undergone some long-term acclimatization so that it knows from experience hw to react when I get in. As my body gets wet, I find myself relaxing and breathing evenly rather than tensing up. After the face has gotten used to the pain, I can swim easily for a little bit and then feel what I imagine is a golden light spreading out from my core and keeping me warm for the rest of the swim. The best part is how great you feel for the rest of the day once you have gotten out and warmed up again! Enjoy the :chillpill:!