Originally Posted by adamtki

So I had set a goal last year to do my first tri this year and took up swimming about this time last year. A year ago, I didn't even know how to back float. Now I can swim half a mile in 23 minutes. Still slow, but at least I know I can finish that distance.

Now I live in the Seattle area and the water is not warm. I've always known that but didn't realize how hard it would be for me to jump into 68 degree water, until I gave myself a cold shower test. Yikes, I could not stand in that shower. I kept hyperventilating. And the water temp was only 73. I have a hard time jumping into the 81 degree water at health club's pool.

Would a wet suit make a 68 degree water feel like it's 80? I haven't tried it yet. Does the adrenaline help you forget about the cold? Have people ever tried a tri and could never start because of the cold water?