Comments on 2nd Chances: One turned into two... boo

And I'd definitely recommend trying a wetsuit ...

2009-07-20T14:56:16.493-04:00

And I'd definitely recommend trying a wetsuit out before using it during your race, if you can. It's quite different to swim with one because of the added buoyancy and usual tightness across the chest, shoulders and arms (if it has arms). Most people think it's easier to swim with a wetsuit on but I actually did not the first few times I used it because I'd never swam with a pull buoy either and got quite freaked out by the fact that it seemed I had no ability to kick (legs were much higher in the water). Now that I know what to expect, it's no problem.

Well, I think you made the right decision. I found...

2009-07-20T14:48:31.561-04:00

Well, I think you made the right decision. I found out the hard way that open water swimming was RADICALLY different than swimming in a pool. Certainly having to swim continuously but also the fact that you had no line or walls to follow so sighting was a must (something I never practiced). And then, of course, the fear of gators and snakes ... but not sure you have those in your lakes were you are.

(I know this might seem so insignificant to you...

2009-07-20T09:56:07.842-04:00
(I know this might seem so insignificant to you triathletes out there, but it's a huge milestone for me...).

Um ... just whom are you apologizing to, sistre? If I might make a small suggestion ... you need to stop doing this. No one is reading your blog and going "Pfffttt! I could swim farther than that!" (And if someone is, f*ck him/her.)

Stop being apologetic about your accomplishments! Celebrate them!

i'm sure your body needed and appreciated the ...

2009-07-20T09:17:34.339-04:00
i'm sure your body needed and appreciated the extra rest! glad you have decided to stick with the original tri plan. i know you could do the sprint but sometimes we all need to work on not putting extra pressure on ourselves!

i echo many other folks - your swimming talk makes me want to hop in the pool too! just isn't too feasible right now, sigh.

I wish it was easier to swim around here since you...

2009-07-19T19:40:34.276-04:00
I wish it was easier to swim around here since your excitment is contagious.

so glad you are falling in love with swimming!

2009-07-19T18:49:26.992-04:00
so glad you are falling in love with swimming!

Depending on the cost, I would probably rent one i...

2009-07-19T10:18:24.404-04:00
Depending on the cost, I would probably rent one if I was you. I'm not you so I'm swimming with only my swimsuit for my first tri. I'm not really afraid of fishes or other water creatures and plants.

I've only worn a tri one-piece suit that I can...

2009-07-18T21:24:11.545-04:00
I've only worn a tri one-piece suit that I can do all 3 things in, but loved everyone's comments because I've been tossing around the idea of a wet suit also! Thanks for asking this question!

I'm sure you needed the rest! You triathletes ...

2009-07-18T20:59:50.757-04:00
I'm sure you needed the rest! You triathletes have crazy schedules. :)

I often wonder the same thing - why can I spring out of bed at 5:30AM on the weekend but it kills me to get up before 6 during the week?!

Since you have the option of renting one before yo...

2009-07-18T19:32:14.947-04:00
Since you have the option of renting one before you shell out the cash for it, why not just give it a TRI (haha)? Then you can decide for yourself.

If you decide to use one in the race, I would definitely recommend you practice getting out of it. It can be a pain.

Rest is a good thing. You only have 1 rest day in ...

2009-07-18T18:43:49.217-04:00
Rest is a good thing. You only have 1 rest day in your schedule so another is no big deal.

As for the wetsuit, I don't think one is necessary for the shorter distance swims and may be more of a pain. However, if you think you will be continuing to participate in a few tri's a year, one may be worth the investment....I know I am no help!

There is the additional bonus of added buoyancy. I...

2009-07-18T18:13:22.199-04:00
There is the additional bonus of added buoyancy. I'd definitely try one. You'll ensure that your first experience will be a positive one so you will continue with it.

Looks like your body had veto power on you getting...

2009-07-18T17:22:38.032-04:00
Looks like your body had veto power on you getting up. That was probably for the best. Sometimes the unplanned rest days are the ones we should take. We can always double-up to make up for lost training time.

I need a nap just eading your workout schedule!

2009-07-18T16:06:16.748-04:00
I need a nap just eading your workout schedule!

OK...first of all good for you for doing an open s...

2009-07-18T14:40:08.493-04:00
OK...first of all good for you for doing an open swim next weekend!! that is exceptional!!

I agree with missy-if you don't have to wear a wetsuit I'd rather not! I've never put on a swimming one but have put one on for swimming and diving and i HATE them! The diving one I have is a tank variety-and it still feels like I have no mobility! Now I don't like cold water either-so who knows what I might do in an open water swim in cold water....

Mel, that's a very regimental schedule. I don&...

2009-07-18T14:07:38.082-04:00
Mel, that's a very regimental schedule. I don't think taking two rest days in a week is too much at all. But then again, what do I know -I've never trained for a tri. :)

I'm a rare one - I HATE a wetsuit! Despise it...

2009-07-18T13:12:41.636-04:00
I'm a rare one - I HATE a wetsuit! Despise it. In short distance races (unless the water is freezing), I wouldn't bother but that's just me - I don't want to take the time to get it off before I get on the bike, I want to just jump on my bike and GO. It's like taking off a giant body condom. If you think you're going to invest, renting is a great idea. ...especially with your water temps up 'der.

oooh I know what you mean about waking up! I can ...

2009-07-18T12:17:44.846-04:00
oooh I know what you mean about waking up! I can hop out of bed at 5 am for a run, but on a week day when the baby starts crying at 7:30 am i'm DRAGGING myself out of bed!!

Rent one for sure. It may or may not end up being...

2009-07-18T11:52:01.023-04:00
Rent one for sure. It may or may not end up being the one you buy, but you should try one out for sure. It changes your body position in the water - you'll swim better with it on.

The most important piece of my equipment for doing...

2009-07-18T11:30:43.048-04:00
The most important piece of my equipment for doing triathlon is the my wetsuit. It's like a security blanket in the water. For me the problem has always been dragging my legs through the water. The wetsuit keeps your body near the surface. One year I had to do a half Iron without one and my time was 10 minutes slower. So, I vote YES! Rent one. It is also good to practice with it. You will fall in love!