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Discussion: how cold is too cold?
Subject: how cold is too cold?
By: Theresa M.
Written on: 2006-05-11 22:11:54
Message: ok, so swimming is my weakest event by far and i was swimming atleast twice a week for the past two or so months and seeing some improvement. i was doing it at the community center in my home town and it was totally going well. last week i moved up to my up north house on a lake (in nothern michigan). the lake isn't frozen but it feels like it is barely above freezing. since i no longer have access to the pool, i bought a wetsuit (its not full body though) and had planned to start swimming in the lake. i think at the time i underestimated how cold the lake would still be. i'm working alot and cannot afford another health club membership, so i was wondering if i can get the courage up, if its ok to swim in the freezing lake, or if this will just mess me up more. i hate to loose all of the progress i have made with my swimming, and my first tri is in 4 weeks, however, i dont' want to swim if it is just going to tighten me up and mess with my stroke and be counterproductive. if i can bare it, can the water ever be too cold to the point of being bad for me?

thanks in advance all you experienced tri folks! i look up to you so much!

~ theresa
Subject: RE: how cold is too cold?
By: Ronald F.
Written on: 2006-05-11 23:14:03
Message: Theresa

Wetsuits help a lot, I just did my first open water swim monday and the water was still cold enough to hurt my ears so I pulled the bathing cap over them and was OK, my face felt like it would freeze and my hands were uncomfortably cold but my body was comfortable. I don't know what the actual temperature was but if it were always that way I would quit. With a sleevless wetsuit you might want to wait. I know the shallow water lakes warm up pretty quick once the sun gets up that way.
You can do pushups to keep your strength and hopefully get in some swimming the last two weeks before your race.
If you decide to try it make sure there is a boat near by in case you need it.

Ron

Subject: RE: how cold is too cold?
By: Barry M.
Written on: 2006-05-12 01:12:29
Message: I agree with Ron. We did our first lake swim last evening. Same conditions that Ron describes. We also had full wet suits. Most of the body heat loss is through the extremities (hands, head, feet). Worst case scenario would be mild hypothermia, but not likely. Then again I am not a doctor. Instead of swimming straight out in the lake, go out a few feet and swim parallel to shore. This way if you do run into trouble you can get to shore quick. Bundle up in a blanket when you get out.
Subject: RE: how cold is too cold?
By: Steve L.
Written on: 2006-05-12 19:33:06
Message: I would recommend do not swim alone ever on open water like that, and especially if it is uncomfortably cold. All it would take is a good cramp and a little panic and now your in trouble.
If you already have a good stroke, I like the idea of pushups to keep your strenght and swim when you can.

SteveL.

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Reigster now for free to join this or any of the thousands of ongoing discussions - Connect with thousands of athletes, post questions, share thoughts, find a training buddy,access triathlon training programs, marathon training programs and more!
Discussion: how cold is too cold?
Subject: how cold is too cold? By: Theresa M. Written on: 2006-05-11 22:11:54 Message: ok, so swimming is my weakest event by far and i was swimming atleast twice a week for the past two or so months and seeing some improvement. i was doing it at the community center in my home town and it was totally going well. last week i moved up to my up north house on a lake (in nothern michigan). the lake isn't frozen but it feels like it is barely above freezing. since i no longer have access to the pool, i bought a wetsuit (its not full body though) and had planned to start swimming in the lake. i think at the time i underestimated how cold the lake would still be. i'm working alot and cannot afford another health club membership, so i was wondering if i can get the courage up, if its ok to swim in the freezing lake, or if this will just mess me up more. i hate to loose all of the progress i have made with my swimming, and my first tri is in 4 weeks, however, i dont' want to swim if it is just going to tighten me up and mess with my stroke and be counterproductive. if i can bare it, can the water ever be too cold to the point of being bad for me? thanks in advance all you experienced tri folks! i look up to you so much! ~ theresa
Subject: RE: how cold is too cold? By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-05-11 23:14:03 Message: Theresa Wetsuits help a lot, I just did my first open water swim monday and the water was still cold enough to hurt my ears so I pulled the bathing cap over them and was OK, my face felt like it would freeze and my hands were uncomfortably cold but my body was comfortable. I don't know what the actual temperature was but if it were always that way I would quit. With a sleevless wetsuit you might want to wait. I know the shallow water lakes warm up pretty quick once the sun gets up that way. You can do pushups to keep your strength and hopefully get in some swimming the last two weeks before your race. If you decide to try it make sure there is a boat near by in case you need it. Ron
Subject: RE: how cold is too cold? By: Barry M. Written on: 2006-05-12 01:12:29 Message: I agree with Ron. We did our first lake swim last evening. Same conditions that Ron describes. We also had full wet suits. Most of the body heat loss is through the extremities (hands, head, feet). Worst case scenario would be mild hypothermia, but not likely. Then again I am not a doctor. Instead of swimming straight out in the lake, go out a few feet and swim parallel to shore. This way if you do run into trouble you can get to shore quick. Bundle up in a blanket when you get out.
Subject: RE: how cold is too cold? By: Steve L. Written on: 2006-05-12 19:33:06 Message: I would recommend do not swim alone ever on open water like that, and especially if it is uncomfortably cold. All it would take is a good cramp and a little panic and now your in trouble. If you already have a good stroke, I like the idea of pushups to keep your strenght and swim when you can. SteveL.
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