I plan on using arm coolers and compression leg sleeves (both De Soto) at IM-KY. I was planning to put the arm coolers on in T1 and the compression sleeves on in T2. Didn’t think I’d need the compression for the bike and didn’t think I should wear the arm coolers in the Ohio. Granted, if I wore one or both from the gun it’s less I have to put on in transition. Not so much to save me a few seconds, but one less thing to forget or put on incorrectly and cause slight discomfort for 10+ hours.
Pretty insignificant detail, but one I’d like input on. Is there any harm to be done to my (white) arm coolers and/or my (black) compression sleeves by wearing them in the water/bike (other than funky tan lines)?
Is there any data out there that indicates that these things even work? I have recently gotten a long sleeve cooling shirt made of the tech fabric an swear it is hotter than running in short sleeves (even once wet). Perhaps on the bike where you have more wind passing to help increase the evaporation rate of the sweat. I am curious if there are any scientific studies that show cooler skin temp. Perhaps it is so humid lately that you really don’t get much of a cooling effect.
I’ve used the arm coolers at a couple of tough races–the 2010 IM Germany/Euro Champs and the 2008 Gulf coast half. I think they work great in those conditions–both of these races had heat indexes above 100 degrees. I see nothing but benefit from them in these conditions. If the conditions are significantly more benign I wouldn’t use them.
I’ve tried the leg compression things and my personal results are inconclusive so no advice from me on that topic.
I’m going to use them either way. My question is when should I put them on.
Like I said, pretty small detail. I’m just conflicted on whether it’s worth avoiding one more thing in transition to run around with incrementally more muddy water tattooed on my skin.
I really enjoy having stuff on my arms, I don’t know why. Arm warmers/arm coolers, almost all the time.
And yes, arm coolers really do work. They block the sun, they stay nice & cold when you get water on them, & I enjoy the compression riding in aero.
I don’t really see the point in putting them on underneath the wetsuit personally.
When you are setting up T1, put your arm coolers on. Them roll them off into little donuts.
Put them inside your helmet or around your brake levers. When you get back to your bike after swim, slip them onto your wrists & unroll them once you are biking.
B/c you are rolling them, not sliding them, they are no big deal to get on wet skin.
I don’t wear calf sleeves, so I’m not sure about those. I see alot of people wearing full compression socks, so I’d imagine they put those on in T2.