Race signup question (OW)

[Susie]

I'm planning to do an open water race at the end of August.  I haven't fully decided between the 2.5k and the 5k, but I'm 95% sure I'm going to do the 5k.  If you are entering the 5k or longer, you have to provide proof of having done 2/3 the distance in open water previously.  They are strict on the fact of providing it, but not super strict about what the proof actually is.  This year, I could just say "I've done the 5k in 2012 and 2013 and 10k in 2014" and they'd call it good.  At least until I show up looking like I swallowed a watermelon.

This is the only race I'm planning to do this year (so I don't have any 2015 "proof").  I'm going to be 28 weeks pregnant.  In this scenario, I'm debating whether to just register like normal, or whether to invite trouble and ask if they need any kind of doctor's note, or proof of time/distance THIS YEAR (like since being pregnant).  I would hate to haul my ass out of bed super early and drive the 2 hours up there, only to have an issue with being allowed to swim.  OTOH, it would be so much easier to not mention it.

If it were a run, I'd totally just blend into the crowd, but with swims they are clearly a lot more careful, plus field is small, and an [early] 3rd trimester pregnancy is even more obvious in a Speedo than running gear. 

WWYD?

[thom]

Knowing you've done long distance swim for years and years I would be shocked if they said anything to you about it. As long as you know your body and know you're comfortable with the distance that should be what matters. Have you ever seen anyone else clearly pregnant at this event? Or anything in the fine print about it?

I feel like it should not matter, but I'd also feel badly if you had an issue getting to swim. Good luck with what you decide. You are such a rockstar.

[sassystace]

I wouldn't draw any attention to my pregnant self and just do what you would normally do for this type of race. Otherwise if you make a deal out of it, they will likely worry about liability and tell you not to race. In my opinion, you know your body and your ability and you'll be the judge of what you can do, right? I would hug a towel or wear a baggy sweatshirt pre-race and not make it glaringly obvious pre race that you are pregnant. Then get in the water and swim like usual.

[trigal]

Aug 4, 2015 8:55:52 GMT -5 sassystace said:

I wouldn't draw any attention to my pregnant self and just do what you would normally do for this type of race. Otherwise if you make a deal out of it, they will likely worry about liability and tell you not to race. In my opinion, you know your body and your ability and you'll be the judge of what you can do, right? I would hug a towel or wear a baggy sweatshirt pre-race and not make it glaringly obvious pre race that you are pregnant. Then get in the water and swim like usual.

I agree with this. And I may see you there! I'm thinking of doing the 2.5K. I considered the 5K, but it's two weeks after IMMT and I'm pretty sure I won't want to be in the water that long!

[Susie]

Aug 4, 2015 13:09:21 GMT -5 trigal said:

Aug 4, 2015 8:55:52 GMT -5 sassystace said:

I wouldn't draw any attention to my pregnant self and just do what you would normally do for this type of race. Otherwise if you make a deal out of it, they will likely worry about liability and tell you not to race. In my opinion, you know your body and your ability and you'll be the judge of what you can do, right? I would hug a towel or wear a baggy sweatshirt pre-race and not make it glaringly obvious pre race that you are pregnant. Then get in the water and swim like usual.

I agree with this. And I may see you there! I'm thinking of doing the 2.5K. I considered the 5K, but it's two weeks after IMMT and I'm pretty sure I won't want to be in the water that long!

Confession:  one of the attractive points of the 5k vs. the 2.5k is the later start time  I love this race, but it's such a freaking haul up LG from where I am!

You should totally do it.  2.5k is a nice distance post-IM.

[bluelikejazz]

Can you ask your Dr. for a note that says you're under the care of a physician and he/she has no concerns about your participation in the race? Then just bring it with you and only pull it out if you need it.

Otherwise, I'd sign up as usual and just not bring it up.

[trigal]

Aug 4, 2015 13:25:09 GMT -5 Susie said:

Aug 4, 2015 13:09:21 GMT -5 trigal said:

I agree with this. And I may see you there! I'm thinking of doing the 2.5K. I considered the 5K, but it's two weeks after IMMT and I'm pretty sure I won't want to be in the water that long!

Confession:  one of the attractive points of the 5k vs. the 2.5k is the later start time  I love this race, but it's such a freaking haul up LG from where I am!

You should totally do it.  2.5k is a nice distance post-IM.

I hear you! I'll be staying only 20 minutes away so it's not too bad.