Triathlon or Bust 8: Open Water Swim Safety

It is two weeks before my first triathlon, and I have yet to train in open water. My first ill-fated attempt in Santa Barbara ended because the ocean water was too cold. I went to Lake Natomas near my house yesterday, but the water temperature was only just above 50 degrees. Even with a wet suit, I could only stay in about 10 minutes before recognizing signs of my body temperature dropping too low. Part of the problem was I’d left my swim cap at home, and it was actually painful to put my head in the water. I knew … Continue reading