I recently moved to Chicago from South Florida and have my first cold weather HIM on Sunday . I’m used to worry about heat and hydration issues, so this is a new variable for me.
A cold front is moving in over the weekend and Temperatures are forecasted to be around 40 degrees at the start of the swim and hover between 45-52 with sunny skies during the bike with winds less than 10mph . Water temp is 68 degrees, so I am not that concerned about the swim or the run for that matter, as I generally find low 50’s ideal running weather. The bike course is also relatively flat so being cold on any descents shouldn’t be an issue.
As of now I planned to dry myself fully in T1 and put on a dry tri-top as opposed to wearing it under my wetsuit. I was thinking of throwing on a tight fitting, insulated, long sleeve shirt over my tri-top, thus still giving me pocket access and ability to remove if i get hot on the run. Compression socks for my lower legs and full fingered gloves. I have an aero helmet, so I am assuming that should be fine for my head. I know adding the extra layers will cause me to lose some time in T1, but I’d rather have warm muscles during the bike portion, which should more then make up for the 1min or so I might lose in transition.
I was hoping to set a PR in this race as my fitness is there, but not sure how my legs will respond on the bike in cold weather. I haven’t ridden hard in the cold before, so at this point I am looking to make sure I am warm enough where I can ride as well as possible.
I did Syracuse last weekend, with water temp of 62 and air temp at start of 43 degrees. The temp at the finish was about 63 degrees but sunny. I did wear a neoprene cap in addition to my wetsuit but all I need for the rest of the course was a standard one piece trisuit and arm warmers on the bike. I didn’t use leg warmers or compression socks (or any socks for that matter) and didn’t need them. I think I felt a little bit cold for five minutes on the bike but was perfect the rest of the race.
you’re gonna get a ton of people that will tell you you won’t be cold. But since you’re coming from south florida, your idea of cold is different from theirs.
Find some toe covers for the bike shoes and possibly wear socks. Also gloves (full finger) for the hands if you are afraid of your hands not being able to shift. Arm warmers for the bike. Wear a neoprene cap on the swim. Maybe something under the helmet to keep the head warm. Depending on how cold it is.
I lived in south fl and did Vineman a few years ago. It was cold for me. I had to work hard on the bike to stop from shivering. Harder than I planned to ride. My hands took a long time until I felt like I could easily shift (like 45 miles of the 56 mile ride).
I roll up arm warmers and put them on the aero bar extensions so I can put them on as I’m riding. If I don’t need them I toss them at an aid station or push them down around my wrists.
I did syracuse a few weekends ago as well, coupled with numerous races here in cold weather in New England. My suggestion is exactly as you stated, dry off thoroughly in T1, dry socks/compression sleeves, and full finger gloves will be fine. If you are really uncomfortable in the cold add a long sleeve tech shirt. Btw, to keep your feet warm race morning, stand in the water to keep warm prior to your wave. I had to laugh at the number of us keeping warm standing in the water.