Early-season races in Texas can present unique challenges because of one main thing: the weather. Our early season race, Luck of the Irish, has had some years where the temperature has been as high as 65 degrees and as low as 35 degrees. Some years it has been rainy and windy, while others it has been sunny. No matter the distance of the race (sprint to Ironman), spring weather creates a challenge for athletes.
As a coach who is working with athletes to prepare for the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Dallas/Little Elm, we have talked a lot about preparing for various weather conditions. Below are my recommendations for gear to have with you on race day just in case the weather gets bad.
Swim Gear — For open water swim races in spring, have the following swim gear: wetsuit, two swim caps or neoprene cap to keep your head warm, ear plugs to keep cold water out, and 3 pair of goggles of various tints to handle different light conditions. If the water is really cold, then applying some vasoline on your face can help keep your face a little bit warmer.
Bike Gear — While cold water gets a lot of attention, the conditions once you get out on the road — air temperature, wind, rain, and exposure to the elements while on the bike — are the real race killers. I’ve had a few cold weather races where I got off the bike shivering and struggled to get running because I wasn’t dressed properly for the wind, rain, and cold. Have these in your transition bag just in case: toe covers, winter gloves, wool socks, arm warmers, wind vest, long sleeve jersey/jacket (for truly cold races), and a neck gaiter (to be used either for your neck or as a headband to keep your ears warm). If you will be racing in cold weather, make sure to practice taking your nutrition & hydration with your winter gloves on before race day. You still need to eat and drink when it’s cold out.
Run Gear — Once you start running, you’ll likely need less clothing due, but you may have cold hands. So I suggest you keep you gloves for the run, wear a hat to keep rain off your face and trap in some body heat, and have speed laces in your shoes. Speed laces are great for any time of the year, but are especially wonderful when your fingers feeling like icicles.
Transition Gear — Taking just a little extra time in transition if it is cold and wet can pay dividends in the end. Here’s what to have just in case: a towel to dry yourself off a little bit before you get on the bike; a thick garbage bag to keep your gear (and hopefully keep your gear dry) if it’s raining, a thermal mylar blanket (to stuff down the front of your race kit before the bike and/or to wrap yourself in after the race), and an extra pair of wool socks.
Like I said, early season races present unique challenges for every athlete. But a little preparation and forethought can go a long way in helping you have a great race day no matter the weather conditions.
If you have any questions about anything in this article or want to learn more about our different coaching options, please feel free to contact met at jim.rowe@playtri.com. Happy training and racing!
Jim Rowe is a Playtri Level 5 Coach and Coach Education Lead, a USAT LI Certified Coach, an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and an Ironman and 70.3 World Championship Qualifier who works with adult athletes looking to qualify for a World Championship, get on the podium, or set a PR. Learn more about Jim at www.playtri.com/jim-rowe