Wherein I start obsessing about weather.

[mrs.jacinthe]

I have a race on October 8.  It's kind of a B race for me.  I'm planning on enjoying myself, regardless of my speed.  But I'm starting to worry.

It's in Lake Tahoe.  2.4 miles, skins.  Race starts at around 8:30am.
Water temperature is going to be around 60 degrees. This part isn't really the concern for me - I'm cold water acclimated for much longer than the 1:20 or so this race will take me to complete.
Air temperature (admittedly this is the 10-day, but it's really not a huge surprise) for race morning is scheduled to be around 32 degrees F.  This is concerning.  It's possible there will be snow on the ground (not a lot, but still).  I don't know how to even prep for this.  Nothing about freezing temperatures makes me want to strip down to my swimsuit in open air.

I'm trying to develop a plan to stay warm until race time and get warm after.  Do you think my swim parka, hat/gloves, fuzzy boots/socks, sweatpants, and sweatshirt will be enough to keep my core temp at normal?  And after, I'm planning on a very quick change into dry/warm clothing (I've got a set of hand warmers and I'm thinking about bringing a cooler to put them and my towels/post-race clothing in so that they're ready to roll as needed).  

Have I missed anything?  Would you do/add anything to my thermal plan?  (And yes, I know this is a little crazy in general.  I'm ok with that and I'm looking forward to the race proper.)

[lb2006]

yikes - i would add hand warmers to the prerace, but my hands freeze anyways. At least have them if you needed them. And a scarf for your neck?

[mrs.jacinthe]

Sept 29, 2016 9:54:07 GMT -5 lb2006 said:

yikes - i would add hand warmers to the prerace, but my hands freeze anyways. At least have them if you needed them. And a scarf for your neck?

Oh, I forgot a scarf. Good call! I will have a set of hand warmers available pre race. But between my gloves and the fleece pockets on my parka, I don't think I'll need them.

[mysticmuffin]

How long is your parka? My ass/legs would be cold at that temperature with just sweatpants. I've also turned into a wuss when it comes to cold FWIW.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Sept 29, 2016 10:01:59 GMT -5 mysticmuffin said:

How long is your parka? My ass/legs would be cold at that temperature with just sweatpants. I've also turned into a wuss when it comes to cold FWIW.

It's about knee length, ish?

[mysticmuffin]

Sept 29, 2016 10:04:12 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

Sept 29, 2016 10:01:59 GMT -5 mysticmuffin said:

How long is your parka? My ass/legs would be cold at that temperature with just sweatpants. I've also turned into a wuss when it comes to cold FWIW.

It's about knee length, ish?

Aha, so that's solid then IMO. 

[libbygrl109]

Feet warmers pre-race? My toes get cold so easily, and when they are, it's hard for the rest of me to feel warm.

[emilyj]

Can you bring coffee or another hot beverage to drink while you wait to help keep you warm?

[mrs.jacinthe]

Sept 29, 2016 10:37:53 GMT -5 emilyj said:

Can you bring coffee or another hot beverage to drink while you wait to help keep you warm?

Absolutely! Coffee is a must for me pre race. Or really any time, lol.

[ktzmoh]

I think between your sweats and your parka, you'll be ok. Hand warmers and foot warmers are a great idea - bring two sets in case you need them before and again after. Good luck!!

[katinthehat]

The water will feel positively sauna like after waiting to get in!