I am doing my first tri ocean swim on Saturday -- temps may be as low as the high 50s, (though they could be around 65)!

I have a full wetsuit I've worn countless times, and I'm going to stick my little neoprene cap underneath the tri cap. But I'm a little anxious, especially since I tend to run about 10 degrees colder than everyone around me. (E.g., everyone else is in short sleeves, I'm in long.) The swim is .93 miles, which usually takes me < 27 minutes.

I had a mishap where I was in 47 degree river water for a long time (at least half an hour), and barely survived that (hypothermia with weird effects). I'm wondering, a) if you're cold-prone like me, what your own threshold is and b) any tips on how to keep myself warmer? I've though of drinking warm tea right before, but don't want to try anything I haven't experienced previously. Sticking hot packs in my tri suit?! (Just kidding... sort of... )

I'm otherwise extremely comfortable going long distances (in freshwater, even choppy freshwater), will be swimming with a woman who matches my stroke exactly, and -- joy of a relay -- get to sit out the bike to warm up for the run.

Would love to hear any tips/encouragement!