Wetty or Not, Here I Come!

on July 26, 2011
in All Posts

Hello! Whew.  It’s been a wild day.  You know that feeling – that the day has just gotten away from you?  Yup.  That’s how I’m feeling right now!

 

Exiling myself to Starbucks seems to be drastically improving productivity.  Especially because I brought a yummy salad to snack on:

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Well – I should say that the ingredients were yummy… separately.  Combined, not so much.  Green, strawberries, cashews, asparagus, baked tofu (pre-made from Trader Joe’s) and balsamic. 

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Wetty or Not, Here I Come!

 

So – I need some triathlon advice. 

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I can’t decide whether or not I should rent a wetsuit for my next triathlon – an Olympic (1,500 meter swim).  I’ve only worn a wetsuit once before, but the water was 55 degrees and whether or not I’d suit up wasn’t really up for debate.

 

For the Lake Logan tri, however, I’m a little torn:

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The wetsuit guidelines set forth by USA Triathlon are as follows.

 

  • USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.
  • USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards.
  • If the water temperature is 84 degrees or above, participants may not wear wetsuits.

 

The USAT has all these rules about wearing wetsuits because they provide extra buoyancy, which can make the swim easier.  However, the last time I swam in a suit (a rented one), I felt very constricted.  It’s hard to move in a wetsuit!  Plus, I’d have to rent a suit, which would cost money.

 

Oh, and as a ridiculous side note, I got my official race pictures from my last tri – here they are.  Major LOLs.

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So- my fellow triathletes… if the water was 70 degrees, would you suit up or would you just wear your normal trisuit/bathing suit?  Help!

{ 112 comments }

 

  • katy {of} katy loves. July 26, 2011, 2:42 pm

    Epic blog title.

    • Caitlin July 26, 2011, 2:45 pm

      FIRST.

  • Susan July 26, 2011, 2:45 pm

    I guess it depends on how comfortable you feel swimming without one. I’m swimming 1.2 miles this weekend, but I’m not a strong swimmer and I’m less tired when I come out of the water when I wear one. I can swim the 1.2 miles, but given the option for that distance, I’d choose the wetsuit. I’ve done a tri with a .5 mile swim and I opted out of using the wetsuit because the water wasn’t cold, the distance wasn’t that long and I didn’t want to deal with the hassle in transition.

    Renting is a challenge because if you only rent it for race day, you’re not able to practice in it and get used to that constricted feeling. You seem to be a pretty strong swimmer, so I think you could go without it.

    • CaitlinHTP July 26, 2011, 7:26 pm

      Thanks for thinking of me as a strong swimmer 🙂 🙂

  • Freya July 26, 2011, 2:46 pm

    LOL I agree with the first commenter!
    My vote, never having done a triathlon or an open water swim, would be to rent a wetsuit, just cos they look cool 🙂
    I’m sorry I can’t be of any help!

  • Rachel July 26, 2011, 2:48 pm

    My advice would be to rent it, bring it to the race, and warm up in the wetsuit. If you feel too warm after getting in the water and swimming a bit in the suit, you can easily take it off before the actual swim. I think it’d be better to incur the extra expense and have it just in case you need it, than save the money and risk being uncomfortably cold during the swim. Having done many tris, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is “Better safe than sorry–if you MIGHT need it, bring it!”

  • Kristie July 26, 2011, 2:53 pm

    I don’t know if shops give you the option there, but where I’m at when you rent one for a race you get it for Wednesday through Monday so you get a couple chances to swim with it outside of the race. If you really work to pull the suit up your forearms and calves it won’t feel so constricting up top. This website gives some good tips on putting it on: http://www.feelforthewater.com/2011/07/are-you-sure-youre-putting-on-your.html.

    • CaitlinHTP July 26, 2011, 7:28 pm

      Nice link! Thanks for that post. very helpful!

  • ellen July 26, 2011, 2:53 pm

    i vote no wet suit. i have done 2 tri’s and an open water (ocean) race. all were cold (betw 62-70 degrees). i prefer no wetsuit. i train without one, and i can race without one. your body adjust quickly to the water. and the chillier it is, the more incentive you have to swim hard 🙂

    • Lindsay July 26, 2011, 3:22 pm

      Agreed!

    • CaitlinHTP July 26, 2011, 7:29 pm

      GOOD POINT.

      • Marissa C July 27, 2011, 12:33 am

        They actually keep competitive pools cold for this reason 🙂 Warm water makes you sluggish.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat July 26, 2011, 2:54 pm

    Oooh excellent debate and I totally get why you’re going back and forth on the decision. Unfortunately I’m not a triathlete so I can’t offer much advice, but I agree with Rachel above- warm up in it and take it off if you think you’re going to be too warm. Also, I guess this would allow you to wait and see on the day if the weather pushes the water temp above the allowed range.

  • Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy July 26, 2011, 2:54 pm

    Love the blog title! And the salad looks delicious! I think I need to try the pre baked tofu!

  • kelly July 26, 2011, 2:54 pm

    As a triathlete (and a competitive swimmer in high school/college), I have never worn a wetsuit in a race. I feel like it takes way too long to change out of and restricts your movement. I think it’s better to wear a suit- specifically, I wear a fastskin (they are thinner). But that’s just what works for me! 🙂

  • The Healthy Engineer July 26, 2011, 2:55 pm

    I have to say it too: the title is the best.

    Mmm that tofu looks good!

    I have no triathalon experience whatsoever…so I’ no help 😀

  • Carolina John July 26, 2011, 2:57 pm

    I’m planning on leaving the wetsuit at home. It will take longer in T1 to strip that off, and I don’t think that 70 degrees is too cold to really require one. I did wear my wetsuit in a sprint tri with a 62 degree water temp. So about 65 is the warmest I will choose to wear one.

  • Heather July 26, 2011, 2:59 pm

    As an experienced triathlete (just completed my first Ironman this month! :)), I would absolutely wear a wetsuit whenever it is legal. The wetsuit makes you more buoyant and generally makes everyone faster (although the better/more efficient swimmer you are, the less advantage it will give you). If you don’t wear it and other do, you are giving away free speed. Most places you rent from will get it to you early enough to practice in it, so you don’t need to worry about that. Good luck at your race!

    • CaitlinHTP July 26, 2011, 7:30 pm

      Congrats on your first Ironman!!!

  • chloe @ 321delish July 26, 2011, 3:01 pm

    I would HIGHLY recommend the wetsuit! The water temperature is a little chilly and it will REALLY help you save energy for the bike and run. I would recommend giving it a test run in the pool and also applying some type of body glide so that you can get your suit off easily.

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg July 26, 2011, 3:01 pm

    I’m not a swimmer so I have no clue — although I know that if I am super cold I am miserable, so I’d lean more towards renting one.

  • Leanne (Bride to Mrs,) July 26, 2011, 3:02 pm

    Would it help to do a couple trials of wearing a wet suit in a pool or the lake behind your in-law’s new place? Maybe it would help you get used to it?

  • Nancy July 26, 2011, 3:03 pm

    I’m not a triathlete but my Boyfriend is going for his 3rd Ironman this year and he’d rather use the wetsuit regardless of the temp, just because of the boy-ency (?) because he’s not a super strong swimmer. That’s my little imput!

    • allison @ thesundayflog July 26, 2011, 3:09 pm

      he’s not a super strong swimmer and he’s on his THIRD ironman??? awesome!

      • Nancy July 26, 2011, 3:14 pm

        Oh yea. Most triathlons I’m worried sick about him and he’s one of the last few out of the water.

        He -kills- it on the bike and run though. So proud! 🙂

  • Molly @ the F-spot July 26, 2011, 3:04 pm

    It depends on what your race goals are:

    If you are going for a faster swim time, wear it. As Kristie said, most rentals will allow you to have it for several days (they rent them here for a week) so you can practice with it. DO THIS, even if you only have time to do it once.

    If you are going for faster transitions (and don’t care so much about your swim time), don’t wear it. If you’ve not practiced getting it off quickly, it burns time in T1.

    Also, you have mentioned in previous posts about your legs being tired going into the bike. My hunch is that you’re kicking too much during the swim. Most triathletes I know (including myself) use a very light flutter kick and the legs are there pretty much as a balancing mechanism. Seriously — save your legs for their main events! You should practice “pull” drills in the pool to build your upper body strength so that you don’t need your legs so much. Focus on displacing water with your arms/hands and less on kicking.

    Good luck!

    • CaitlinHTP July 26, 2011, 7:31 pm

      I try so hard to save my leggies! It’s hard though when you’re nervous.

    • Susan July 27, 2011, 11:45 am

      I was thinking the same thing. Practice swimming with one of those floaty things between your legs. You won’t be able to kick and you’ll have to just use your arms to swim.

  • allison @ thesundayflog July 26, 2011, 3:06 pm

    i’ve only ever been in a wetsuit when i went shark cage diving (full suit with arms and legs, hood, and booties), and i wont be wearing one for my tri. a few reasons: expensive, water will likely be 80º+, and i dont want to worry about ripping it off. i felt super claustrophobic when i had to wear one, and i get so hot swimming that 70º will probably be a welcome temperature as your body temp rises. just my 2 cents!

  • Allison July 26, 2011, 3:09 pm

    I would vote no. 70 degrees is cold, but not miserable. If it was me, I don’t think I would spend the money if the water wasn’t going to be under 65 degrees. However, I’m a swimmer and not so much a triathlon-er…

  • dee (@deeFSU) July 26, 2011, 3:10 pm

    I personally wouldn’t wear the wetsuit if you are comfortable swimming without it. However, I’m a former high school & college competitive swimmer and I grew up in water. I’m much more comfortable in the water than on my bike. I also prefer to be colder on my swim rather than overheat. Any benefit I gain from the bouyancy of the suit is lost on me because my stroke feels restricted, i don’t like the added compression around my chest (my heartrate goes up when i wear my wetsuit), and finally it takes extra time to get out of the suit (unless they have strippers).

    Good luck in the triathlon! Wetsuit or not, I know you’ll kick butt!

  • Laura July 26, 2011, 3:16 pm

    Anytime I can wear a wetsuit, I do! Not necessarily to keep me warm in the water (although that helps), but because it makes me so much faster. And more comfortable – I know that if I need to take a rest, it’s so easy in the wetsuit since it’s so buoyant. Of course, it adds a little bit of time to your T1 time, but I think the time that it takes off of your swim makes it worth it!

  • Chelsea July 26, 2011, 3:25 pm

    Oh my gosh your pictures hahahahah! I have to take pictures like that for my next race for sure now!

  • Angie July 26, 2011, 3:26 pm

    Hi Caitlin,
    I don’t do Triathlons but I do open water swims (sea and lake) and it really depends. The lake ones I have done I’ve practiced in both depending on temperature but the actually race is no wetsuits allowed. The sea swims I always wear a wet suit as they tend to be longer than the lake ones and I have a tendency to get chilly.
    I would recommend getting your own wetsuit and get a summer one as they are thinner and therefore more flexible for swimming.
    I would say practice practice practice and decide on what you are comfortable in.
    I’ll be wearing a wetsuit for my 1.4 mile swim in a month 🙂

  • Michelle July 26, 2011, 3:28 pm

    I’d suit up because I’m a wuss about cold water, and I own a tri-specific wetsuit that doesnt constrict shoulder movement at all. Know your own body. 70 is way too cold for me especially for a short swim. I’d be so focused on the cold that my swim would suffer until I was sufficiently warm, and then the swim would be over. 🙁 Maybe try renting a tank style suit so it doesn’t restrict your swim?

  • Anne July 26, 2011, 3:33 pm

    i did my first no wet suit race on sunday and discovered i prefer it even though i was so nervous to go without the extra floatiness:) (the water was 91 degreeeeees at 7AM!)

    i also invested in a $99 xterra sleeveless for my first one and after only a handful of races, it paid for itself. it’s nice not to have to worry about thinking ahead now and just making game time decisions.

    good luck!

  • Kamaile July 26, 2011, 3:36 pm

    best.race.pics.ever!

  • pen July 26, 2011, 3:38 pm

    It depends a lot on your swim level too–for a less advanced swimmer the wetsuit provides a great deal of help by keeping your body far more bouyant. It reduces the energy required to keep your feet up, thereby reducing drag.

    I always where a wetsuit if it is a wetsuit legal event (and longer than a sprint). Particularly with olympic distance tris where the swim is far longer in proportion to the other disciplines than in any other tri distance, the wetsuit lends a great hand.

  • Lindsay July 26, 2011, 3:38 pm

    Hi Caitlin – I would wear my suit, which is sleeveless. I really like the buoyancy and extra speed I get in my suit, plus the swim is the only thing I am even remotely fast at, so I like to be sure if others are wearing a suit, I have the same benefit. You may want to rent your suit a day or two early and do a practice swim in your in-laws lake or even at a pool beforehand. This should help you get even more comfortable in your wetsuit…even if people give you funny looks 🙂

  • Lindsay July 26, 2011, 3:42 pm

    Awesome pics by the way!!

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope July 26, 2011, 3:43 pm

    lmao you got major air in that first photo. Hilarious!!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) July 26, 2011, 3:44 pm

    70 is a bit chilly to not be in a wetsuit, especially for 1500m. I would suggest trying to rent it for an extra day or two, and going to the pool for a swim to get used to the biomechanics associated with swimming in it. Your ribcage/lungs will adapt.

  • Lauren July 26, 2011, 3:44 pm

    I’m not a triathlete (yet) but I am a swimmer. I’d definitely go without the wetsuit. 70 degree water really isn’t that cold, this swim really isn’t that long, and it seems as though you’re a bit nervous about the wetsuit. While the buoyancy is nice, I’m under the impression that you’re not looking to win anything here as much as you are looking to finish this strong, smiling and feeling good!

    GREAT race pictures!!!!

    • Mel July 26, 2011, 4:42 pm

      “this swim really isn’t that long”

      Not being sarcastic at all, but I can’t wait for the day when a 1,500 meter open water swim is not that long for me. 🙂

      • Lauren July 26, 2011, 4:56 pm

        I probably shouldn’t have said that it isn’t that long. It’s just that the time spent in the water is so much less than the time spent running/biking. Personally, I need a reverse tri where I run for half the amount of time that I swim! 🙂

        Just keep swimming! It’ll happen. I’ll try to take my advice and just keep running (even though I think it sucks, ha).

        • Mel July 26, 2011, 4:58 pm

          That makes sense! 1,500 meters doesn’t feel like a very long pool swim to me, but it feels so long in open water.

      • CaitlinHTP July 26, 2011, 7:33 pm

        Hahah oh man… 1500 meters goes on forever.

        • DadHTP July 27, 2011, 7:12 pm

          It’s not even a stinkin’ mile! Toughen up!

  • megabrooke July 26, 2011, 3:48 pm

    my vote is also to go sans wetsuit. in the two tri’s i’ve done, which have been in chilly water, i’ve gone without one. especially since you said you feel kind of constricted in them as it is, i’d defintiely take the opportunity to tri (ha, get it?) this one with just a regular bathingsuit. good luck!

  • megan July 26, 2011, 3:48 pm

    oh gosh. this blog title makes me have naughty thoughts. i have the urge to shout “that’s what she said.”

    hilarious race pictures.

  • Mia July 26, 2011, 3:50 pm

    I’ve never worn a wetsuit before, but personally I’d rather be too cold than too hot in a race situation….I use the same motto when I’m running. My last half marathon was in 30 degree weather and I wore shorts (and felt just fine).

  • Katie July 26, 2011, 3:51 pm

    Those are the most AMAZING race pics I’ve ever seen! LOL!

  • Jess July 26, 2011, 3:53 pm

    best.pictures.ever!

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga July 26, 2011, 3:54 pm

    Hard call…for me personally, I’d function way better suiting up. But it could be hard/cost you time…so it’s totally your call. A toughie!

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair July 26, 2011, 4:12 pm

    I have NEVER swam in a wetsuit ever even though I’ve been swimming my whole life, used to be a lifeguard/swim instructor and consider myself a pretty strong swimmer. I am doing my first sprint tri in August and lots of people seem shocked I’m not wearing a wet suit but I just feel comfortable swimming without one.

    If you feel constricted and won’t have the option to practice in it I say no. Go with what you’re comfortable in!

  • Steph @ Running in the Kitchen July 26, 2011, 4:14 pm

    I know nothing about wetsuits, but those photos are AWESOME!!! You crack me up!

  • Megan July 26, 2011, 4:19 pm

    I would rent it, warm up with it, and then decide. I hate wetsuits, but I have been swimming all my life and think they just mess with my stroke. If the swim was a weak leg for me I would definitely wear it. Put a lot of body glide around your ankles/lower legs where it is harder to get off and it should slide off fairly easily.

  • Jamie July 26, 2011, 4:31 pm

    Personally I’d go without. However, if you aren’t a strong swimmer or feel uncomfortable, go for it.

  • Katherine July 26, 2011, 4:36 pm

    I say no to the wetsuit, but damn I say yes to the salad!

  • Mel July 26, 2011, 4:37 pm

    Option number three:

    You should buy a wetsuit! If you are serious about wanting to make triathlons your sport of choice, you should buy one! (I got mine used from a rental place for only $180.) That way you will be able to practice in it before the race and get over the constricted feeling.

  • Janelle July 26, 2011, 4:40 pm

    Those photos are hysterical. As is the post title. I have no idea on a wetsuit (I live in Michigan – 70 degree water is like bathwater!), but I say yes to the photos.

  • Janelle July 26, 2011, 4:40 pm

    Those photos are hysterical. As is the post title. I have no idea on a wetsuit (I live in Michigan – 70 degree water is like bathwater!), but I say yes to the photos.

  • Meg July 26, 2011, 4:41 pm

    I’m having one of those days too! Taking a Kashi bar and (shamed to say) soda break. The advice I heard on wet suits is if the water temps are wetsuit legal, you should go for it because it helps with, as you said, the ease and the comfort of the swim. However, you make a good point about personal preferences.

    I think the temp during my upcoming tri will be close to what you’re looking at and I am leaning toward not wearing one, mostly due to the cost and bc I really wouldn’t know what to expect from wearing one. Mine’s a sprint anyway, so I figure for 400m, I can handle it.

  • Hillary July 26, 2011, 4:58 pm

    Those pictures are out of control. I need to remind myself to look for photographers during races so I can pull stuff off like this!

  • Samantha @ Mama Notes July 26, 2011, 4:59 pm

    I vote no. 🙂
    Love those pictures!

  • Christina July 26, 2011, 5:05 pm

    OMG!!! I LOVE your tri pics!!! Freaking amazing! My race pics look more like death hahahaha!

  • Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats July 26, 2011, 5:06 pm

    Those pictures are amazing! 🙂 I love it. Question–does your Starbucks get cranky when you pack your own eats? The coffee shops I frequent have signs posted all over “no outside food or beverage”! Kind of annoying! lol.

    • CaitlinHTP July 26, 2011, 7:36 pm

      No one has ever complained about me bringing in food that I couldn’t buy at Sbux.. I mean, I make multiple purchases while I’m there!

  • Regina July 26, 2011, 5:08 pm

    I would definitely wear a wetsuit. Your from Florida, think about the springs here, they are 72 degrees year round and after about 15 minutes your toes and lips start to turn blue. I would rent a light weight suit and have it just incase but if the temp is above 75 or so I wouldn’t wear it.

    • CaitlinHTP July 26, 2011, 7:36 pm

      Ah this comment was scary!

      • DadHTP July 27, 2011, 7:14 pm

        We quit diving in the Keys when the water got down to 74 or 76 – and we were underwater and not swimming –

  • Nicole July 26, 2011, 5:18 pm

    You must buy the photo of you clicking your heels….so funny!

  • Kim (Book Worm Runs) July 26, 2011, 5:18 pm

    I have never done a triathlon so I have no advice I just really wanted to say how much I love those race pics!!! Definitely purchase worthy for sure 🙂

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas July 26, 2011, 5:32 pm

    Ahh love your race pictures. You look soo freakin happy I love it!

    But I cannot offer you any advice 🙁 Never had any experience

  • Laura @ Backstage Pass July 26, 2011, 5:45 pm

    Your race photos are hilarious! You’re too funny. I have never thought to ham it up for the photographers, I may have to do that during my next race!
    Tell me you’re going to buy the heel clicking one, it’s precious… hahaha. Seriously laughing over here!

  • Julia July 26, 2011, 5:54 pm

    Those race photos are amazing! You look like you have so much energy too! Looks like a good race:)

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) July 26, 2011, 6:00 pm

    Oh my god- those have to be the best race pictures I’ve ever seen! I am DYING to get a jumping picture during a race one day. Either that or cartwheel over a finish line, haha!

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian) July 26, 2011, 6:12 pm

    LOL!! I am loving those pictures :)Just how the heck to you manage to jump like that??

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out July 26, 2011, 6:14 pm

    Haha! I love the pictures!! I have no idea about wetsuits. 🙂

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife July 26, 2011, 6:26 pm

    Great pics, girl!!

  • Maya July 26, 2011, 6:33 pm

    Nice guns! Those are race pics I would definitely order if I were you!

  • Molly @ RDexposed July 26, 2011, 6:39 pm

    Bahahahahhaha. Awesome.

  • Kelly July 26, 2011, 6:41 pm

    I find it harder to swim in a wetsuit so I didn’t wear one in my tri, I think the water was around 70 as well. Some people had them on and many did not. I also find them hard to get off in a tri situation- well actually I always find them hard to get off, so for me I’d rather just wear my regular tri suit!

  • Khushboo July 26, 2011, 6:46 pm

    Hahahah kiss those guns 🙂

  • Lauren @ Sassy Molassy July 26, 2011, 7:10 pm

    I went to a local tri this weekend and the lake was 70 degrees and most athletes were wearing a wet suit for the comfort factor and the fact that it gives you a little extra float to stay on the top of the water. I think it’s up to you. Good luck! It did look difficult to take a wetsuit off, but I’ve never done it myself.

  • DadHTP July 26, 2011, 7:13 pm

    Don’t be a wuss.

  • Heather @ Ooops I Blogged The Toilet July 26, 2011, 7:15 pm

    LOVE the name of this post!! 🙂

  • Amy July 26, 2011, 7:19 pm

    How is the water only 70? I live in the Adirondack Mountains/Lake Placid and our lake is over 80! And we are just south of the Canadian border. I love my wetsuit. I’m doing a tri in Vermont in a few weeks and praying for the water temp to go under 78 🙂 SO I vote wetsuit.

    • CaitlinHTP July 26, 2011, 7:43 pm

      I know, my last tri was 85 – i think its because this one is in the mountains.

  • Amy July 26, 2011, 7:20 pm

    Of course, our lake is not huge. But I was in the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend and that was almost 90!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now July 26, 2011, 7:38 pm

    Best race photos ever, Caitlin! 🙂

  • LindsayM July 26, 2011, 8:01 pm

    Having done the Lake Logan Olympic Tri twice, I would recommend the wetsuit. That is some cold mountain lake water. You will be particularly happy when you go under the bridge to the swim exit, when the water temp drops a good 15 degrees. You will be all warm from your swim and that jolt will not be nearly as painful for you as it will be for the nearly naked ones.

    Have a fantastic race. It is one of my top three triathlons – gorgeous scenery, great course and an ever so slight downhill finish. Can’t wait to hear the race report!

  • Mary July 26, 2011, 8:37 pm

    To me 70 degrees is cold. I would go for the wetsuit!

  • Alaina July 26, 2011, 8:42 pm

    I LOVE those race photos! You sure got some air in that first one! Haha. 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 26, 2011, 8:44 pm

    Those are some awesome tri pictures!!! I love the jumping one! You look SO muscular girl 🙂

  • Chetney (Czesia's Adventures) July 26, 2011, 9:31 pm

    HAHAHAHAHAHA those pictures are hilarious!

  • MegaNerd July 26, 2011, 9:34 pm

    Those race photos are the definition of awesome sauce. LOLs.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin July 26, 2011, 10:02 pm

    Can you rent a wet suit early and go for a test swim in it?? That might help you decide.

    LOVE the tri pictures! 😀

  • Diana July 26, 2011, 10:06 pm

    I would go with the old advice to not try anything new on race day. Especially if you were not comfortable last time. It could cause more OWS panic and NO ONE wants that. Also those pictures are amazing!

  • Jessi @ Quirky Cookery July 26, 2011, 10:25 pm

    Lmao! I love the pictures! <3

  • Corrie Anne July 26, 2011, 11:27 pm

    I love your tri pics. You are too cute!! I have no idea about the wetsuit except that I wouldn’t like having to do something during a race that I’m not used to. Know what I mean? 🙂

  • Karen July 27, 2011, 2:02 am

    I’ve never done a tri, I’m not a competetive swimmer and I’ve never worn a wetsuit. But I did grow up living at the Jersey shore every summer and swam A LOT in te ocean and bays. I’ve also been swimming in quite a few lakes.
    70 degree water is not so cold, IMO. I was just in OCNJ about a week ago and the ocean temps were in the 60’s. It was chilly to get in, but you got used to it and it felt fine once you were wet.
    So I’d vote no wet suit.

  • Callie @ Callieflower Kitchen July 27, 2011, 7:16 am

    I would definitely wear the wetsuit! I wore one at my tri and it felt like i was floating like a balloon and just had to paddle myself along a little bit. I think that even if you feel restricted in it and need to take a break to calm down, when you flip on your back you float so easily.

  • Bee @ B*tchy Bee July 27, 2011, 8:38 am

    Epic race photos! AMAZING! haha 🙂

    I’m not a swimmer – in fact I’m horrible at it – but I would say if you don’t train with a wet suit, don’t race in one. Just my opinion, I hate to mix things up on the day of a race.

  • Selena July 27, 2011, 9:48 am

    I have no answer to you question but I just had to say that those photos from the race are hysterical. They make me want to hang out with you for a day, you seem like such fun!

  • Ali G. July 27, 2011, 12:47 pm

    I love all of the recent triathlon posts!
    I would 100% recommned wearing a wetsuit if it’s permitted – making swimming so much easier and keeps you buoyant.
    Wonder if your triathlon will have wetsuit strippers?

    Tip: if you use body glide it’s a lot easier to get the wetsuit off quickly, or spraying pam on yourself will make it even easier to get off.

  • Amanada July 27, 2011, 1:30 pm

    do you use a cycling/running GPS to track your distance, pace, etc. when you’re training or doing your triathlons? if so, what gps do you use?

    • CaitlinHTP July 27, 2011, 1:38 pm

      A Garmin 305 – love it.

  • Luv What You Do July 27, 2011, 11:22 pm

    Great question! And some good answers…I am doing my first olympic next month and I didn’t use one at my last tri. Do you ever feel like everyone else has a wet suit except you? I hate wearing them, but love the idea of the extra buyoncy lift!

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