Is it okay to wear a wet suit during a supersprint

[roshelleuop]

Triathletes, I need your help on something please and I'd feel dumb asking elsewhere!!!!

I am doing my first superspint on Saturday~~ 1/4 swim, 17 mile bike, 1 mile run. I swam when I was a kid, but nothing major and nothing related to distance. I just started "doing it the right way" about 3 weeks ago to get ready for this event.

My question is, am I going to look like a dork wearing a wet suit for only a 1/4 mile swim? I don't think so, but wanted to check with you fine ladies!! I can do the swim no problem WITH the wet suit, but can't without it. I'm afraid that if I don't wear it, I'll sink, so I guess I'd rather look like a dork than sink! Am I a dork or just thinking too much?

If you are wondering about the water temp, I'm in Wisconsin, so it'll be pretty cold.

Thank you all!!!!
Roshelle from Milwaukee

[KSH]

Well, if wetsuits are legal... and you don't mind fighting it in T1... then why not?

If you ask me, it's all about being WARM! At my tri back in April, I was the ONLY ONE who carred a towel to dry myself off inbetween the pool and T1... and I was the ONLY ONE who was COVERED from head to toe in pants, jacket, and full gloves. Compare that to the guy who raced in a Speedo the whole time.

I was warm, and that's all I cared about. If someone thought I was stupid looking... oh well... they were freezing.

Do what works for you.

[Tri Girl]

I agree with KSH- do whatever you feel the most comfortable in. If you need to wear it, then wear it. Who cares what you look like? Everybody will be worrying about what THEY look like, so noone will even care- I promise.

Good luck to you- and we expect a race report when you finish!!

[Lise]

I second this emotion--do what you feel most comfortable with. Wetsuits are only "not legal" when the water temperature is too high. Have you practiced getting out of it? Maybe do a practice transition from swim to bike this week so you can identify any difficult spots and have a strategy. Or, as Jayne Williams said, "I didn't know Neoprene Bondage was a part of triathlon"

Have a blast!

[roshelleuop]

Thank you all for your responses! I feel ALOT better about wearing my wet suit. I've been practicing in the lake when possible and also in a pool and what I try to do is get out really quick and take it off as quick as possible~~LOL~~it's quite a sight! Well, not as funny as watching me put the darn thing on!!!!! But it's all worth it!!!

People look at me like I'm crazy!!!! and wonder, what the heck is that crazy lady doing!?!?!?! But it'll be worth it come race day on Saturday!

I will definitely give my race day results!!! I can't wait!!!!

Thank you all!!!

[Nanci]

Do you know about spraying yourself with PAM to make it easier to get on?? Or, when it's dry, putting cornstarch (for babies) in it. Or putting it on in the water. (Which is only good when the water isn't freezing!!)

[roshelleuop]

Nanci,
I've heard of using baby oil, but that was such an annoying mess!!! Using Pam, that's genius!!!!! I am definitely going to try that!!!!

Dumb question - If I spray Pam on the inside of my suit, wont it get on my biking shorts and then I'll be slipping all over my seat? Or will it pretty much have washed away during the swim?
Roshelle

[Nanci]

I've just seen people spray it on their arms and legs, then put the suit on. Like at Ironman Florida, when everybody is getting dressed in the hotel lobby, and passing the PAM frantically all over.

[Nanci]

Oh, and the reason you'd use cornstarch rather than talc is talc is VERY bad for your lungs if you breathe it in.

[Grog]

Dear, sweet partner at his triathlon last Monday used body glide not only on his body but also inside the wet suit, around the cuffs and ankles.

He slipped in and out much more easily than usual, says he.

[Brina]

there is a spay called suit juice that is supposed to do what Pam does, but be less harmful to the neoprene. Not sure if they were just trying to sell the stuff, but two different guys at the Accenture expo talked to me about how bad Pam is for neoprene.

[Running Mommy]

YIKES!!!! Sorry Nanci, I need to veto you on this one. The chemicals in pam eat away at the neoprene. Same thing with vaseline etc... Try to find a non petroleum based product such as body glide.
There are actually alot of new anti chafe lubby kinda things on the market now that are wetsuit friendly- and prevent chafing. I body glide up my neck (for chafing) chicken wings (back sides of arms) ankles and feet, and behind my knees. The wetsuit slides off in a jiffy and you won't chafe. I also don't wear socks in the short races like that, so the body glide on the feet ahead of time helps with blister protection.

And if you can't find an alternative to pam be sure that you wash your suit REALLY WELL as soon as you get home.
The pam thing has been around for awhile, but it is really bad for your suit. Tho I still see people doing it every once in awhile.

Have a great race!!!
Denise

[roshelleuop]

Thank you all!!!! Due to the temp of the water, the website is highly suggesting wet suits, so I'm very happy!!!

thank you all for your help!!!

[triflor]

while normally for a race of that distance I personally wouldn't wear a wetsuit, if you will be more comfortable, do it!

just a couple of suggestions, since so much time/effort goes into putting it on, make a little plastic shopping bag sock. the wetsuit slips on a lot more easily, and just pull the bag out once you've got it on... same for hands.

I did a sprint a couple of weeks ago, forgot to do the plastic bags, and it took so much effort to get it on that I questioned whether I should bother for the distance. but as soon as i was in the water I was very glad for it.

I use body glide for inside the wetsuit... especially the upper arms and neck.

I've heard of using dish soap, but that might be harsh

[Nanci]

I was thinking of olive oil PAM, that's what I use (to cook with). I _have_ heard petroleum chemicals harm wetsuits, though.