Friday, June 24, 2011

Some Like It Hot

I just got out of yet another hot bath. I've been taking like 2/day trying to get my body temperature up to normal. It's not warm here.

So overnight the lake temp dropped another couple degrees. At last check the graph thing (I should really just stop looking at that graph) said 12.7 degrees Celsius. I then go the to converter to find out what that really means (I should just stop doing that too) and see 54.8. Super.

I swam this morning with Laura O'Meara. We lasted about 7 minutes before heading to shore (and another hot bath). I think it would take a whole bunch of adrenaline and a cannon going off and a timing chip around my ankle to make me go any further in that lake. Luckily(?) I think all that is coming my way on Sunday. Yikes.

So my plan is to dress like an Eskimo on the bike. And coach gave me the thumbs up for sitting in the hot tub in T1 (I'm not kidding- he really did!) I think it's my best/only hope at having functional muscles for the rest of the day. I know some of you love riding/running in 50-60 degrees but I'm telling you, there is a reason I live in Hawaii...

I rode the first part of the bike course this afternoon with Krista and Theresa and Matt and some others from AZ. Of course I didn't pay much attention to any of it b/c I was too busy chatting it up with my old pals... Seemed a bit windy and I was not hot wearing a full coat at noon (it was 64 but the wind is cold!) Krista (love her!) brought me toe warmers for my bike shoes so along with the chemical foot warmer things I plan to put in my shoes, I'm guessing I should be able to feel my feet within an hour after leaving the hot tub in T1. :) Those of you from Minnesota/Chicago/Michigan (you know who you are) feel free to laugh. I can take it!

In good news, my mom arrived today! Moana was just thrilled to see her... Within minutes Grammy had Moana dressed up like Minny Mouse (ears and all!) and Moana is napping right now in her new outfit.

7 comments:

mmmonyka said...

I do not think that swimming in 12.7 degree water for 1+ hour is safe. Don't they plan to cancel the swim, because people are going to die. Seriously.

Michelle Simmons said...

I have heard talk about the swim being optional or just cut altogether. The thing is, it's so cold right now (air temp Lows 43 overnight) that it's just going to get colder before Sunday. For once, I would be absolutely FINE with it if they cancelled the swim. Though if they make it optional, I will do it. But I agree- my thought while swimming for the whole 7 minutes today was "This is not safe."

Anonymous said...

We swim in Aquatic Park which is easily 54 degrees and I HATE cold water! Totally feel your pain. One trick: Have you tried vaseline on face, hands and feet? Sounds weird but it's very insulating. That's where all the nerve endings are (esp the face). 2 caps for sure. Larger goggles that cover more of the face also works, but I think vaseline is just as good and doesn't look goofy :-). I've tried the foot booties which help for warmth but unfortunately slow you down. Ugh! Next time you'll have to pick a warmer race :-) You should come do Miami with me! All that said, I know you'll do great regardless.

Julie Dunkle said...

They may make it optional but you will not be elibible for awards- IMSG 2010 the water was 53 and they claimed it was 56 and swim was on- I think they take creative samples- get your faced used to the water - helps a lot and will not take your breath away when you immerse - good luck!

Allison Chapple said...

Do you have a neoprene swim cap? That helps the "ice cream headache" feeling, at least. They had an optional swim in '07 too because of the conditions (chop, not temp) and I could NOT go all the way to Idaho and not complete the entire 140.6, even though there was worry about the safety of doing so. Participants were not DQ'd for not doing the swim but couldn't be counted in the awards (obviously). I did a HIM with 54 degree water that same year and wore booties and neoprene cap and while the booties really made my kicking feel weird, they did the trick. Ugh, I hate you're having to worry about that!

GoBigGreen said...

Ohboy Michelle! I'm not laughing bc I'd be doing the same thing as you--- planning for heat warmers etc..
Take care and have a great race!

Regina said...

Ultralight jacket on the bike; it's light and insulating. I swear by it on my cold rides out east. Easy to stash too if you decide you get warm enough you don't need it after a while. I'll be stalking you tomorrow!