Would you suggest that I wear a wetsuit for the sprint tri at Clermont on Apr. 3?
Note, I’m 145 with little body fat.
I’ve done the race the last three years and worn a wetsuit each time. Even if the water is close to the cut off temperature, you should still go with the wetsuit as the increase in speed is definitely worth it. Even though it may be warm when you finish, it will be chilly at the start, so the wetsuit will be welcome.
Is this a quarter mile swim? How much faster are you in a wetsuit over a quarter mile? How fast can you get out of your wetsuit? Do the math. Or if you are a newbie swimmer, you may feel you need it for safety/confidence–that’s 100% legitimate.
A local Irish Boy, KJGrog, does the swim with his bike shoes and wetsuit on, and leaves his wetsuit on for the bike and run, and runs in his bike shoes. He is always dead last, but wins the special Age Group awards they give out for fastest transitions.
Actually, this is the first triathlon I have encountered where a wetsuit may be needed so I don’t have one yet.
My apologies… I didnt notice he was doing the sprint rather than the Olympic distance race they have on the same day.
I WILL be in a wetsuit. I’m also doing the sprint race. I get cold very fast. It’ll help me since I have not been in a pool since last June. I think I’ll swim once or twice next week just to be sure I don’t drown. The sprint race is not a 1/4 mile, its just under .5 miles. Last years results show the fastest swimmers in at about 8:30. Thats longer then a 1/4 mile. Its listed as .75k.
I figure I can be top 5, possible top 3, easily in my age group (45-49) with an 18:00 minute doggy paddle! I’m a fast biker and decent runner. I’d be better off with the race one week later since I turn 50, 7 days after the race. My last race in the 45-49’s!!!
Watch for the black Zipp 2001 with HED3 front and HED 3D rear!! Stop and say HI!!
Is this a quarter mile swim? How much faster are you in a wetsuit over a quarter mile? How fast can you get out of your wetsuit? Do the math. Or if you are a newbie swimmer, you may feel you need it for safety/confidence–that’s 100% legitimate.
A local Irish Boy, KJGrog, does the swim with his bike shoes and wetsuit on, and leaves his wetsuit on for the bike and run, and runs in his bike shoes. He is always dead last, but wins the special Age Group awards they give out for fastest transitions.
You know what they say Monk: pics or it doesn’t exist. But I think he wins the special age group award just because he’s “special”.
That swim on April 3rd is 1.5K. I’m in the same boat as the original poster. That water will be cold. I’m wearing some rubber.
Oh I apologize. Didn’t realize craigd is doing the Sprint. Wuss. 
Eganski will be toeing the line for the first time of the season, post Lymphoma…
Can you say '99 Tour de France?
Lance Eganski
ps. wetsuits rule!
I take it you’re going to be the bald guy toeing the line. Shouldn’t be too hard to pick you out and say hi. Congratulations on licking lymphoma. And please take it easy on the rest of us.
Nope–all treatment was radiation. So i’ll be the guy ‘glowing in the dark’ at the line.
Congratulations on licking lymphoma.
That’s not a pretty picture. “Beating” lymphoma sounds a little better, but regardless, my hat is off to you. Good luck at Clermont.
‘Actually it tastes good on toast’-- Shrek
thanks
.