Photo by Christi Barli
Ironic perhaps that I’ve been waiting for the peak summer temps in the Gulf Stream here and now that they’re here, 86-87 degrees, with the occasional reading of 88, hypothermia is one of the pending factors that could possibly mean doom for the Swim. The first half, maybe a day and half, dehydration will be the issue. Drinking water, electrolytes, any kinds of fluids as often as possible, is our goal. During that second half, even very warm water is going to start to make me shiver. You’re immersed in a liquid more than ten degrees below your body temperature. Imagine taking a hot bath. You’re rested. You’re enjoying a magazine. As soon as the temp goes below 98.6, you reach to add more hot water. Well what if you were losing huge numbers of calories, your metabolic rate were dropping. After some 30, 35, 40 hours of vigorous activity, you’re going to feel cold. We marathon swimmers are not allowed to wear neoprene wetsuits, as are triathletes. No flotation devices whatsoever. So I’m experimenting with thin rash guards and sprinter’s long suits. They are cumbersome. I’d have to be at a desperate point to put this stuff on. These materials aren’t even designed for warmth. But at least, if only for psychological comfort, I’ll feel I’ve got something to cover the skin if I’m feeling cold.
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Well, Diana, that just sounds brutal! Here in Utah, we’re starting to enjoy nice temperatures. I’ve gotten in a few open water swims in the last week, but reading your blog makes me think I should challenge myself more.
Thanks for your blog. Great read!
Nathan
My best advice for avoiding hypothermia is to be Lynne Cox!
Interesting blog post. Have you considered heating/warming the liquid you drink? I know a cup of hot cocoa does me a world of good when I’m out in a New England snow storm.
I am rooting for you… you’re an inspiration.
Can’t they pum warm air to you through a hose during a feed stop? Or even just have a “warm stop” as well? The worst will be when you have to have your upper body treading it would seem when you feed, and exposed to the air…would that be against the rules? You could even get a warmed up cap…just to get a break…adn what about warmed liquid? What about sleeves and leggings made from swimsuit material? Just have to make tubes so would be very simple…??? Only slip em on when you start to feel the chill….
I’m soooo with you on this trip.
But I still don’t understand how swimming hard in 86 degree water is different than running hard in 86 degree air, both of which use electorlytes and dehydrate, etc; is it just the protection of the clothing on feet and body that make the difference?
In any case I’m thinking warm thoughts for you!