To Wetsuit or Not to wetsuit - Triathlon Week

hez78 · 09-07-2006, 06:40 AM

First of all, thanks to everyone who replied to my sandy feet question. Here's my next one: Not to get too personal, but I am a 5'3'' female who weighs 198 lbs. The swim in my first Tri next saturday is 250 yards. I think the lake will be cold, as it will be in northern Ohio. I really don't want to drop ~200 bucks on a wetsuit for such a short distance and I plan on (hopefully) dropping pounds over the winter months and I wouldn't even be able to wear it next year. Finally, I am looking at some online, and it seems they do not make suits for big girls like me. Should I consider buying a man's wetsuit which would be too long in the legs? I have emailed the race director, and asked about this, but I don't expect her to get back to me soon. I see in the race photos of the same race last year, that a lot of folks are in wetsuits.

Advice?

sfricks · 09-07-2006, 10:51 AM

Good question. My initial response is no. Not for a 250 yard, 5-9 minute swim. I'd say if the water is over 65 degrees or so forget it. If it's bone chillingly cold, you may consider looking at a local SCUBA dive shop. Tri wetsuits are specially made for swimming. SCUBA suits are not but are half the price and work just as well. A SCUBA suit would limit mobility but again for a 5-9 minute swim, it won't make that much difference.

By the way, YOU ROCK! I love people with a "can do" attitude who don't let life get in the way of their goals. We're here to support you with whatever you need.

hmullett · 09-07-2006, 12:50 PM

I did the Lighthouse tri up in Cleveland three years ago. It was my first tri as well, and around the same time. I don't remember the water being that cold. Personally, anything less that 800 meters, I don't wear a wetsuit. But, that's just me. I don't like to deal with the in and out aspect of the wetsuit.

I'm with Scott, I admire you immensly! I went to your blog and love all of your training candor. Kind of sounds like me! Also, I saw that you'r near Lexington (I work your airport), and there are great tri's here in Indianapolis that you should look into for next year. We've got a great venue. You might also think about signing up for the Mini Marathon (half marathon) in May. Its the largest half in the world and a whole lotta fun! Unfortunately, I won't be doing that race this year as I'll be in ST. CROIX!!!!! Tri on!

Heather

Spike10 · 09-08-2006, 03:04 PM

You might rent a wetsuit for the day from either a vendor at the race or a local shop that specializes in tri gear. I agree with Scott and Heather on the distance vs the temp., jump in and cruise. I borrowed a suit from a friend that was not for swimming, it was a disaster, about half way I would have loved to shed it and left it in the middle of the lake.
Best of luck in the race and let us know how it went.
Spike.

caged wisdom · 10-14-2006, 02:18 AM

heather, if you are willing to travel to cleveland for a tri, you may consider the "great lake escape" in marblehead,oh. i did it in 05 and it was a great experience. i think it is only one of very few races that start from a boat (others include alcatrez and the norseman. its 1500 meter wet-suit mandatory swim, a rolling hill 40 k bike, and a part-beach part-road 10 k.

congratulations to hez78 for her first race!!!