Racing in sub 50F temps

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2012-10-03 12:49 PM

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Expert
898
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Plano, National Capital Region
Subject: Racing in sub 50F temps

I typically do triathlons in spring/summer and I don't think I've done one where the temperature isn't at least 60F. 

The forecast for the upcoming one this weekend is 47F and overcast (cold front coming in).  I'm not concerned about the swim since I'll be in a wetsuit and I expect the water to be 70F, and running in that weather is actually ideal- but what would you do on the bike?

Right now, I'm thinking of using a windvest (easy to get on) to regulate temperature and that's it. I will also put on toe covers on my tri shoes but thinking whether it's worth the 10 sec to put on socks so my feet don't go numb from the cold.

Any advice?

2012-10-03 1:00 PM
in reply to: #4439041

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2012-10-03 1:04 PM
in reply to: #4439041

Champion
9407
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Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps
I've raced several times in a pool at about 20C and then gotten on the bike with temps in the 10-14C range; I've only ever worn my trisuit and while it's been cold, definitely not unbearable.

Shane
2012-10-03 1:07 PM
in reply to: #4439041

Master
6595
50001000500252525
Rio Rancho, NM
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps

I have a similar forecast for a race I'm doing in Colorado this weekend. I plan to use sleeves, rolling them up as explained by a previous poster.  I've never used toe covers but do bike w/ socks so hopefully I'll be warm for the bike.  I agree that the cooler temperature will be nice for the run. Good luck to you.

2012-10-03 1:12 PM
in reply to: #4439041


1072
10002525
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps
I found it is a whole world of difference racing in sub 50F temps and training at those temps. In training I always had issues with cold feet and hands. I usually wore knee covers and a jacket over a long sleeve bike jersey along with toe covers and long sleeve gloves

When I raced in sub 50F temp I tried it with just a light jacket over my tri top and I was fine. For some reason, I guess the excitment of the race, the cool temps did bother me. After the first TRI at cold temps I even dropped the jacket on the bike.

Everyone responds different, but I wouldn't over think it too much. Socks might be a good idea if you are really worried about getting cold feet. I did put duck tape over the vent hole on soles of my bike shoes and that helped .

2012-10-03 1:13 PM
in reply to: #4439072

Master
10208
50005000100100
Northern IL
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps

gsmacleod - 2012-10-03 1:04 PM I've raced several times in a pool at about 20C and then gotten on the bike with temps in the 10-14C range; I've only ever worn my trisuit and while it's been cold, definitely not unbearable. Shane

Please stop using that imaginary system when the OP asked in Fahrenheit.

Anyway. How long is this event? I'm guessing short here? I haven't needed anything at those temps for a sprint, maybe a little for an Oly if it's raining too.

Look more for windblocking on the bike first as opposed to thermal protection. At bike speeds, the wind can cut right through a number of materials like they're not there. I do tape vent holes on the shoes. I wear socks anyway, so it's no different here. The covers will help, but don't think much more is needed. You could do the sleeves (which were mentioned before) or a lightweight, but snug fitting shirt if you're worried about it. If you roll it right, it's not that hard to get on.

2012-10-03 2:20 PM
in reply to: #4439041

Veteran
209
100100
Niagara Region
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps
I did the nickel city Tri in buffalo on sept 16th. Air temp at star of race 48 water 72. The swim was great, I just tossed on my running jacket for the bike and was fine. I normally wear my Tri top under my wet suit but this time I put it on so it wasn't wet. Lastly the Tri shorts will be cold at first but it warmed up. Have fun.
2012-10-03 2:33 PM
in reply to: #4439041

Elite
5145
500010025
Cleveland
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps
I did a race in cold air (cold enough for hail) - I just went with a light cycling jacket (one of the paper-thin ones) and full-fingered gloves.

The gloves were big time important - when I first bought my bike, I took it for a spin in 40 degree weather and about froze the hands in under 5 minutes at 20mph. After that, I always take wind chill into account.

I chose to ride without socks, arm warmers, etc.... the jacket and gloves were enough. The legs stayed plenty warm from the work they were doing, and the feet were actually fine riding sockless. No excessive chill or numbness due to cold.
2012-10-03 2:49 PM
in reply to: #4439290

Master
6595
50001000500252525
Rio Rancho, NM
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps

cgregg - 2012-10-03 1:33 PM I did a race in cold air (cold enough for hail) - I just went with a light cycling jacket (one of the paper-thin ones) and full-fingered gloves. The gloves were big time important - when I first bought my bike, I took it for a spin in 40 degree weather and about froze the hands in under 5 minutes at 20mph. After that, I always take wind chill into account. I chose to ride without socks, arm warmers, etc.... the jacket and gloves were enough. The legs stayed plenty warm from the work they were doing, and the feet were actually fine riding sockless. No excessive chill or numbness due to cold.

Hadn't thought about full gloves.  Thanks for the comment.

2012-10-04 1:02 PM
in reply to: #4439041

Expert
898
500100100100252525
Plano, National Capital Region
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps

Appreciate all the suggestions!  I think I'm going to definitely go with gloves (my hands will freeze first and I may even keep them on for the run) and my cycling vest, as well as toe covers on the shoes.  May take an extra 10 sec in T1 but it'll be worth it. 

T2 will be pretty normal as I will keep my gloves on for the run and will likely just run with my vest as I can always zip it down as needed.  I'm going to try doing a short run with it on Friday morning to make sure it's not a big deal.

One thing I know - I won't be in such a hurry to take off my wetsuit while running to T1 as it's quite a long way from the swim exit to the racks...

FYI - this is for an Oly-distance race so hopefully, the bike should be done in a little over an hour.  Will be pushing pretty close to threshold so that should also help in keeping temps warmer.



Edited by m2tx 2012-10-04 1:04 PM
2012-10-05 9:31 PM
in reply to: #4439041

Master
2426
200010010010010025
Central Indiana
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps
+1 on the gloves.  I did a sprint in early spring a few yrs ago.  Air temp of 37F was brisk coming out of the warm indoor pool swim.  Jumped on bike in just my tri suit & helmet.  Body stayed warm for the fast 10mi ride, but hands froze so bad I almost could not unclip my helmet at T2.   Run was fine ....after I managed to get the helm off.

2012-10-07 8:38 PM
in reply to: #4439041

Veteran
2297
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Great White North
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps
Neoprene toe covers work better than socks and are faster in transition.
2012-10-07 9:56 PM
in reply to: #4439041

Extreme Veteran
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500100100
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps
Boise this year was 43 degrees when we got in the water at noon. Most of the people I know where hypothermic before the swim even started...
2012-10-08 11:27 AM
in reply to: #4439041

Expert
898
500100100100252525
Plano, National Capital Region
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps

Well the race is over and it was a pretty good race for me (dropped 3 minutes from last year w/ a 2:33 time on a challenging Oly course)!  The water was fine especially with a wetsuit (some people didn't even wear wet suits) and water temp was 70F (vs 47F air temp).

As far as gear - I went with a long sleeve cycling jacket (Capo thermal jacket) and full-fingered gloves, along with toe covers on my tri shoes.  In hindsight, I probably should've ditched the gloves  because it took WAY too much time to get them on with wet hands and then took another few seconds to ditch them later.  I was definitely comfortable on the bike  unlike some people who suffered.  One seasoned racer I know (usually wins or podiums his ultra competitive AG) had to abandon due to hypothermia on the bike (he wore his normal tri stuff).  I probably could have also gotten away with a jacket that didn't have a fleece-type lining that was harder to put on.

Toe covers definitely helped and my feet were STILL numb in T2.  Took over a mile on the run before I can feel my feet.  My aero helmet kept my head and ears warm (vents closed).

I'm glad I ditched the gloves and jacket for the run as 48F and overcast made for perfect running conditions in just my tri top and shorts. PR'd my 10K (even beat my open 10K time from last year) on a very hilly course with the nice weather.



Edited by m2tx 2012-10-08 11:29 AM
2012-10-08 12:45 PM
in reply to: #4445097

Champion
10471
500050001001001001002525
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: Racing in sub 50F temps
m2tx - 2012-10-08 11:27 AM

Well the race is over and it was a pretty good race for me (dropped 3 minutes from last year w/ a 2:33 time on a challenging Oly course)!  The water was fine especially with a wetsuit (some people didn't even wear wet suits) and water temp was 70F (vs 47F air temp).

As far as gear - I went with a long sleeve cycling jacket (Capo thermal jacket) and full-fingered gloves, along with toe covers on my tri shoes.  In hindsight, I probably should've ditched the gloves  because it took WAY too much time to get them on with wet hands and then took another few seconds to ditch them later.  I was definitely comfortable on the bike  unlike some people who suffered.  One seasoned racer I know (usually wins or podiums his ultra competitive AG) had to abandon due to hypothermia on the bike (he wore his normal tri stuff).  I probably could have also gotten away with a jacket that didn't have a fleece-type lining that was harder to put on.

Toe covers definitely helped and my feet were STILL numb in T2.  Took over a mile on the run before I can feel my feet.  My aero helmet kept my head and ears warm (vents closed).

I'm glad I ditched the gloves and jacket for the run as 48F and overcast made for perfect running conditions in just my tri top and shorts. PR'd my 10K (even beat my open 10K time from last year) on a very hilly course with the nice weather.



Great job man!

Yeah, I put on pants, a jacket and a beanie in T1. My jacket could have been a little thicker, but it was OK. I had gloves ready to go, but they were so hard to try to put on wet hands, I didn't even try. My hands were FROZEN on the bike. Then, I had toe covers on my shoes, but my feet were so cold they were in pain. Just like you it took a good mile on the run for my feet to even feel like feet again.

So we did the cold weather race, and survived! Woo-Hoo!
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