Quote Originally Posted by salsabike View Post
You know, I wondered about that too. But they had a sign saying the water temp was 75, which is still USAT-wetsuit legal (and it wasn't even a USAT-sanctioned race, so the organizers did not have to state a wetsuit temperature limit, and they didn't). It FELT incredibly warm to me and I think it would have been pleasanter and easier to have gone without. My coach texted HER coach asking about the advisability of wearing a wetsuit in her own race the next day, and the message back was "Wetsuit always." It did make me contemplate a sleeveless one for next year, though.

And thanks for the encouragement. It's nice to know that even the Ironman completers among us huff through sprints (albeit much faster).
I WISH I had purchased a sleeveless wetsuit as my wetsuit. I am contemplating selling the current full wetsuit that I own. The sleeveless made the world of difference to me... aka: I didn't mind swimming in it.

Ah, not USAT sanctioned... got it. Some RD's are kinder than others when it comes to wetsuits. One of our local RD's is very strict about no wetsuits and makes sure the water is below 75 degrees if he is going to allow them. He's just like that.

HA! Trust me, long distance stuff is way different than shorter stuff. Gosh, my thighs were shaking before my last sprint! I've been racing for 5 years and I was nervous! And once I hit the water I was full speed and my HR NEVER went down the whole race. That's a sprint for ya!