argh... what to wear for COLD tri

I need help!

I'm signed up for a sprint tri on the 22nd (like a week and a half from now). Given the unseasonably cold weather we've been having, I'm going to guess that temps will probably be in the low 40s.

The swim is a pool swim, with mass bike start, and there should be plenty of time between, so I'm planning on wearing a swimsuit for the swim and changing into a DRY run/bike outfit.

This is too cold for shorts, for me (might be able to get by with shorts for running but not for biking). Has anyone seen such a thing as tri-capris? Or I suppose capris with a very minimal chamois might be ok too (I think I'd hate running with a regular chamois). I really don't want to race in leg warmers or knee warmers -- I got my first pair of leg warmers last week and was amazed at just how unflattering they are, and I don't have lots of fat on my thighs -- plus I don't want to have to fuss with getting them at the "perfect" height (least unflattering but won't slip down), or deal with them if they do slip down.

Any suggestions? Anyone raced in similar temps?

Remember I don't have to worry about something that works for the swim, so I have a bit more flexibility in terms of chamois.

Thanks!!!

A mass bike start after the swim? That's interesting.

I'd find out exactly how much time you should have. And they are calling for us to be in the 50s next week, so hopefully it will be a *little* warmer for you.

If there really is enough time to completely change, I'd go for regular tights. I personally get really hot when I run, so I might wear just a long-sleeve jersey and then put a cycling jacket over top and then just take the jacket off for the run.

But have a backup plan in case you won't have time to change. In that case, sadly leg warmers and a jacket might be your best bet. Don't worry if you don't feel like the warmers are flattering -- it's a race, and people will be concentrating on their own thing.

Good luck -- and have fun!

QUOTE: mass bike start after the swim? That's interesting.

I know... it's being organized by the (student) tri club at the local University, there are a number of "interesting" features and I worry a bit about the level of organization. Hoping it won't be mayhem :). It's my first attempt at a tri.

Pool is open for swimmers at 7am (locker rooms open at 6:40), first come first swim, and bike start is at 9am. I've heard there are usually 50-100 ppl, so I'm thinking as long as I get there at 6:30, I should have enough time to change, even if everyone else gets there early too (which likely will not be the case, since it's sort of a "community race" and I gather lots of people participate fairly casually).

That does sound like a different kind of tri. First come first swim? New one to me. And a mass bike start. Interesting as well.

I did a tri last year... where it was 35-40 degrees with winds blowing up to 30 mph. We didn't have the luxery of changing into dry clothes.

I basically put a towel by the exit... dried off on the way to T1... then in T1 I put on cycling pants (not tights), a jacket, a hat and full gloves. I raced like that for the entire race. Oh, and I had the most clothes on of ANYONE out there. There were guys and gal in just their tri shorts and tops racing. Bbbuuuurrrrr.... no thanks!

So, the fact that you can actually dry off and change... you are lucky. I say just pick something warm and easy to put on.

Good luck!