I’m not sure if it will be cold…
what kind of jersey should I wear (short/long)?
do I need a vest, thermal sleeve, etc.?
thanks!
Depends. It has been very hot and very cold at that race. Last year I wore tri top and tri shorts, no socks on the bike, running socks on the run. Started out great. Was just a bit warm on the run.
Swim was freezing. I did Emilio DeSoto’s swim cap sandwich w/ a DeSoto neoprene cap and ear plugs and I was fine.
It’s impossible to answer your question at this point. Prepare for anything. Looking historically, like IMWI, the weather conditions for this race have varied tremendously. One thing is sure, though…as the person before me posted, the water will be very cold.
I am a local, weather that time of the year changes quick so I would bring 2 options for cold and for hot…easy to meet in the middle if needed
You wont know for sure what the weather will do until that thursday or friday…sometimes until that day 
Sorry not what you want to hear but its not in your control so dont worry about that just train and will be good to go
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In 2008 with near perfect weather, I wore 400 mile bike shorts and a tri top for both the bike and run. No sock on either the bike or the run. No arm warmers.
The morning was cool and it warmed into to high 60’s maybe a tad warmer at peak. Seems like there was some wind on the bike, but not bad.
In late June, there is lots of daylight 0430 - to almost 2000. The nights will get cool fast as soon as sun goes down. I stayed in a house about 1 mile from the finish and went back out to cheer on runners around 2300 and it was cold. Some of the runners looked cold. At this time, I was wearing fleece tights and warm top. Nights felt cold to me as I was coming from Charleston, SC.
I didn’t wear a hat or sunglasses on the run which was a mistake. I left both the hat and sun glasses intentionally in T2.
I think 2006, it was really hot. As the local mentioned, weather can change. I’m going back this year and will be prepared for cold rain in the low 40’s to sun and heat in 90’s. In 08, I took toe covers, arm warmers, several vests, jackets, and so much stuff.
It will be wetsuit legal. In 08 water was about 55 several days before which was freaking cold. My body was cold hours later after my px swim. My hands were numb. On race day, water had warmed to 59 and felt fine. I still used botties and a cap and race and consider my self a cold water whimp. I think before CdA, my coldest swim was 68.
I think a lot depend on you. I am a cold water whimp, but will run race a 10k in shorts and sports bar if 28 degrees or above. I often wear less than others, but until recently lived in coastal South Carolina for the past 12 years.
There is always special needs, but remember you don’t always get this stuff back. You can start in arm warmers if cold and then drop them off. I think I did put a shirt in run special needs just in case I was cold.
I have friends who only wear jerseys for IM so they can food. I do only liquid calories, so I wear less as possible.
The medical tent has nice warming blankets and IV’s when you are vomiting and shivering.
As mentioned, bring clothes for whatever weather, then figure it out when you’re there. If you plan to be on the course for awhile, I’d throw a long sleeve t-shirt or light jacket or something in the run special needs bag. It does get notably chillier as soon as the sun sets.
I hear everyone complaining about the cold water. I’ve never felt it was cold. Not overly warm, but not cold. Nothing that you notice after about the frst 30 seconds. Last year I wore a sleeveless wetsuit and was just fine. Shorts and tri jersey (sleeveless) for the bike and run.
Great course, great city, great fans, enjoy!
As others have said, this can’t possibly be predicted. Just make sure you have both warm and cold weather clothes in your inventory that you’re comfortable with then check the weather forecast before you leave home.
Raced there several times. Standard race kit, long pair of wool socks minus toes make good disposable arm warmers, had a heavy duty garbage bag with head/arm holes in special needs run bag - works great on cold rainy marathon when sun goes down. Just don’t over think it - K.I.S.S.
How old are you and how well do you tolerate the elements?
I am doing that race for the 3rd time. The water WILL be about 60. For most people, a full is just fine after the first 100m. Sure, it is cold at th estart, but that’s ok. Note, the water can be VERY rough.
I always wear what I am going to race in under the wetsuit. In 09 I had toe warms, leg warmers, and arm warms (roll up like a donut) in my T1 bag, but did not use them…I was fine even though it was on the chilly side. Fo rthe run I just had the Tri kit…the arm warmers would have been nice toward the end.
FYI - this is my family’s favorite Ironn-trip which is why they voted to go back.
Best wishes,
I am 22, heat is tolerable for me but I’m a wuss when it comes to cold weather…
Do most people wear the same tri suit during the entire race?
is that more recommended or do people generally change into cycling/running clothes? what about the swim?
This is my first IM attempt so I have no idea about these things. Thanks!
In my first IM, where I didn’t really care about time and just wanted to finish, I changed into both cycling and then running clothes. In CDA last year when I had a time goal, I wore the same clothes throughout except socks.
It’s up to you if the extra 5-10 mins are worth it, just be sure you are comfortable (or can tolerate) in whatever you choose; it’s a long day.
sorry this is a dumb question…is it more comfortable to change?
I’m not concerned about time, but if it doesn’t make too big of a difference I’d just wear the same tri suit for the entire race except maybe padded bike shorts for the ride.
Wear what you are comfortable training in. I swam, bike, and ran in the same thing which was my 400 mile bike shorts and tri top in 08, but did put an extra pair of running short in run special needs. I have friend that swim in a bathing suit under the wetsuit, change into bike shorts and jersey, and then running shorts and top for the run. It is your race, wear what you like. Listen to other advice, but do what you like.
Don’t stress too much about what you need now. Just train and bring everything you might need to wear. If you are flying, don’t worry about the extra baggage charge. You just paid 600 dollars to race and spending a freaking lot of money on lodging. . Don’t count on the 5 or 10 day forecast. Don’t worry one month from race date when ST is talking about the water being so cold or if it just snowed in June in parts of Idaho. In 08, it was flooding in May and June due to the snow finally melting. There was talk about the swim being cx due to cold. I would worry more about practicing on race nutrition. You are on the bike for 112 miles and running 26.2 miles, so be comfortable.
Don’t worry about taking too much time to change either. Just take a look at T1 and T2 times. I think some people take naps. I know in 08 when the water was cooler than normal, hot tubes were set up at swim finish to warm up if needed.
Good Luck and happy injury free training. CdA is a great place.