Dates have been set for the 2012 Chattahoochee Challenge Race Series.  Check out www.tricolumbusga.com for all the information. 

Mark your calendars:

April 21, 2012 Chattahoochee Challenge Half Iron Triathlon 

June 9, 2012 Chattahoochee Challenge Sprint Triathlon

August 11, 2012 Chattahoochee Challenge Olympic Triathlon

KIDS!!!! Check out our Y KIDS TRI race on June 2, 2012!

Thank you to all who participated in the 1st Annual RGR 5k.  It was a very cold morning but successful nonetheless.  Looking forward to our spring 10k and all other future runs!

Results: RGR Run Race Results(1)

IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

Check out how Columbus, GA is growing this summer and into the future! Sprint, Olympic Triathlons in 2011, addition of a Half Triathlon in 2012!

Registrations now open online at

http://www.active.com/triathlon/columbus-ga/chattahoochee-challenge-sprint-triathlon-2011

http://www.active.com/triathlon/columbus-ga/chattahoochee-challenge-olympic-triathlon-2011

With spring in the air, endless boring laps in the pool looking at a black line, and the triathlon season right around the corner, the thought of getting into the open water might be on your mind.  Perhaps you are looking forward to it or maybe it strikes fear in your heart.  Regardless, I’ve been asked “how soon can you open water swim?”

That depends… 1. on your cold water tolerance or how thick your skin is so to speak and 2. Whether or not you have or will wear a wet suit. 

Swimming without a wetsuit is certianly plausible and during the warmer months desirable.  How cold is too cold? Again personal preference comes into play.  For some any temperature lower than 70 is too chilly to go without a wetsuit, however for some polar bears out there 57 is doable.  Generally, when you start getting into the 50s hypothermia becomes a risk.  If you just can’t stand another lap in the pool and must get in the open water without a wetsuit, try wearing two swim caps or neoprene cap/booties.

The wetsuit: The 2 big benefits in wearing a wetsuit are 1. Warmth and 2. Bouyancy (=faster, easier, swim).  There are a lot of wetsuits that are on the market.  For all the beginners out there your best bet is to try on a variety of wetsuits to see which brand fits you best.  Our friends at Xterra Wetsuits www.xterrawetsuits.com offer a 30 day size guarentee which allows you to order one or two sizes, or try sleeves or no sleeves and return the suit that you don’t like. Check out their sizing chart.  I have found it to be pretty true to size. Multisport Athletics does have a team discount code which provides up to 50% on selected suits (email for details)!  I generally recommend a wetsuit that is 5mm thick (USAT regulations prohibit thicker) and sleeveless for my wetsuit rookies.  It allows for better range of motion in shoulder area and helps with the claustrophobia problem some run into.   

Hopefully this helps.  When in doubt, if a race is wetsuit legal (78 degree water or less) wear it! You will swim faster, float better, and be warmer.