Hi, I apologize for the newbie question. I'm new to swimming (kind of) but wanted to get started doing open water swimming once the weather in Chicago starts to behave. I'm currently swimming 2000-2500 pool yards 2-3x a week (in addition to running 20 miles a week.) I did sign up for the Big Shoulders 5k outdoor swim mid September as a outdoor goal. I'm not swimming for time - I'm swimming just to compete and finish.
So a few questions:
1) Suggestions on wetsuits? I don't want to say "money is no object" but I'd rather pay to do it right the first time.
2) Did I bite off more than I can chew? I can do little over 1000 yards without stopping but 5 months to 5k - bad idea?
3) Any other advice?
My input:
I think you can do a 5K by Big Shoulders if you keep at it. I'd be concerned less about wetsuit and more about getting in the Lake to practice open water swimming prior to Big Shoulders. There are no lane lines to follow so sighting is key. Also cross waves affect breathing etc. First time in can be disorienting.
The Ohio Street Beach is protected by the jetties and can be tamer than other beaches in Chicago so if you can make a go of it close to where you live, you'll see if your ready for Big Shoulders conditions (though those can vary widely).
And wetsuits: I've swum Big Shoulders five times since 2008 in conditions ranging from smooth water at 74F water temp to 2 1/2 to 3 foot waves and water at 62F. I've never needed a wetsuit. Prior to last year's canceled swim, we were notified that if the water persisted at below 60F, we would be required to wear a wetsuit. I used one of the on-line rental sites. I received my wetsuit rental and practiced in it the day before the swim was scheduled. Would have worked fine, though the water was near 70F and I was planning on not using it at all.
Different people have different internal thermometers. I'm good to go in skin at less than 60F, but will tire out and get a headache in water above 78F. Others, I know can't take a tick below 75F but love 82F. I'd test yours before deciding whether or not you want a wetsuit.
My input:
I think you can do a 5K by Big Shoulders if you keep at it. I'd be concerned less about wetsuit and more about getting in the Lake to practice open water swimming prior to Big Shoulders. There are no lane lines to follow so sighting is key. Also cross waves affect breathing etc. First time in can be disorienting.
The Ohio Street Beach is protected by the jetties and can be tamer than other beaches in Chicago so if you can make a go of it close to where you live, you'll see if your ready for Big Shoulders conditions (though those can vary widely).
And wetsuits: I've swum Big Shoulders five times since 2008 in conditions ranging from smooth water at 74F water temp to 2 1/2 to 3 foot waves and water at 62F. I've never needed a wetsuit. Prior to last year's canceled swim, we were notified that if the water persisted at below 60F, we would be required to wear a wetsuit. I used one of the on-line rental sites. I received my wetsuit rental and practiced in it the day before the swim was scheduled. Would have worked fine, though the water was near 70F and I was planning on not using it at all.
Different people have different internal thermometers. I'm good to go in skin at less than 60F, but will tire out and get a headache in water above 78F. Others, I know can't take a tick below 75F but love 82F. I'd test yours before deciding whether or not you want a wetsuit.
