Not worth it. I’ve done many sprint tris in cold temp and I couldn’t feel my toes during the run most of the time. I got disoriented on the bike, I couldn’t take off my helmet because my fingers were frozen. I asked a guy next to me and he struggled too. I don’t have good memories and feel like I wasted money so I avoid ones in beginning and end of the year. I rather enjoy the event and have fun at the same time. No, you are not soft. You are smart.

I'd have done the same thing

I was feeling guilty about it but yes - that wouldn't be fun at all and the risk of having another ear infection is very high.

Weather was great 2 days ago and I was very excited to race....but it not worth it.

Prob a good move. Get clear of the ear infection BEFORE it keeps you out of the water for months on end and ruins the entire season

I would've done the same, but I also think it depends on how much money and time I've invested into the race. Lake Placid 70.3 two years ago was cold, but I spent a lot on travel/lodging/race entry. I would've skipped a local sprint if it was that cold out.

This is supposed to be for fun. Seems like you made the best decision for you, I’d have done same.

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Dimond Bikes Superfan

why not wear proper clothing and dry off?

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Eric Reid AeroFit | Instagram Portfolio
Aerodynamic Retul Bike Fitting

“You are experiencing the criminal coverup of a foreign backed fascist hostile takeover of a mafia shakedown of an authoritarian religious slow motion coup. Persuade people to vote for Democracy.”

Like what? I did a race last November at 45f, and was cold AF. The bike wasn't bad, except my glasses kept fogging and so visibility sucked. But, when I got off in T2, my feet were numb and stayed that way for the entire run. Came in second, but it was not much fun.

7 degrees colder with more wind sounds awful.

Afterwards I asked what to wear... The only real advice I got was to find one of those old neoprene speed suits on ebay (tyr sayonara, etc). Still waiting for one to show up.

If you did race, I'd easily suggest a jacket or something to stop the wind (if you say that you didn't bring a jacket or weren't prepared, not much you can do at that point....check the weather and plan accordingly). Temps that low with wind on a cold body is going to do as much mental anguish as physical, so if you can cause less physical cold on you, your mentally in a better position.


That's not to say taking a DNS wasn't smart as it sounds like this was a B level "run of the mill" triathlons for the OP. But there are things you can do in instances to combat those conditions. IE- in an event that you did pay a bunch of money to do etc. or that it's your A race, etc.

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Brooks Doughtie, M.S.
Exercise Physiology
-USAT Level II

what about winter cycling gear?

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Eric Reid AeroFit | Instagram Portfolio
Aerodynamic Retul Bike Fitting

“You are experiencing the criminal coverup of a foreign backed fascist hostile takeover of a mafia shakedown of an authoritarian religious slow motion coup. Persuade people to vote for Democracy.”

I'll give you the pass due to the ear infection.

But otherwise, remember the old Russian proverb;
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.

As long as it wasn't cold enough for ice to form anywhere, then it's just a matter of "dressing for success"

I would DEFINITELY race a Duathlon in those conditions.
I actually have done so.

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float , hammer , and jog

With an ear infection you made a good choice opting out. Otherwise, it’s just a matter of getting dry and having the right gear. Especially for a sprint. You wouldn’t be on the bike that long. If I was racing and hoping to podium, I’d throw on gloves and a warm-ish jacket or wind jacket and just cope with freezing for 30 minutes on the bike.

See Ironman Tahoe a few years back. My hardest experience was 55 degree water temp, pros early start, 32 degrees, dry, Bend Oregon, at elevation. First 14 miles on bike downhill. I wasn't even thinking clearly coming out of the swim. Eric Wynn was gracious enough to remind me that yes I need more layers and I was being delusional thinking I didn't need arm warmers.

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Two guys recently raced to be the first on foot crossing Antartica. Both made it. The guy that one used to be a triathlete. You'll probably be ok.

Yeah, I'm gonna pass.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Colin O'Brandy - he was at the Joe Rogan's podcast a couple of weeks ago. The other one was a Navy Seal.

They were looking for a record, I was looking for a training day.

Don`t mind the challenge but all for a good reason !

My last swim was about a month ago. Went to the doctor last week and she told me it is about 75% ok, asked me for one more week out of the water ( I never mention having a Sprint Tri on my plans! ) :)

exactly! In case it was my A race 12, 14 weeks of training leading up to it I would 100% power through and due it even with the ear infection going on. But just for a local Spring to get me motivated for the season an training my transitions is not worth it.

Gave the local Tri a "donation" and live goes on.

Delicate souls are delicate souls :)

Exactly. Though I've heard it's a Norwegian saying.

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http://www.jt10000.com/

Pretty soft. If it had been 75 and sunny today your "ear infection" wouldn't have kept you from racing.


I'm guessing you don't ride outside much when it is cold.

Thank god for Zwift...it has made me soft as hell

Well, It sounds like it was the Carmel Sprint Tri. So, to directly answer that question you are softer than my wife and 7 year old son who both did their first tri in those conditions. However, who cares if you don't think you will have fun then don't do it. It's not like it's your job or some moral requirement to race. I jumped in the race. Yes, it was cold and definitely not my best race but watching my son and wife crush it was totally worth the massive shrinkage that I'm hoping recovers at some point in the next week. ;)

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https://www.strava.com/athletes/23685202

I wanted to try a do-it-yourself 70.3 with a pool swim this weekend. 44-46 degrees with a 15mph NW wind that dropped to about 7 later. It was cold--but really the only problem I had was when I stopped to refill my bottle at mile 15--then it was really, really hard to stop shivering and the next few miles were pretty slow until I warmed back up. That said, the discomfort on the bike was made up for the fact that it was perfect running weather for me.

38? That's too cold for me on a Tri bike.