Training in Florida, I really don’t get many chances to use my wetsuit. Not many meaning, I’ve swam in it once in the last year. (It’s crazy to look back at that post and realize how far I’ve come in 6 months).

The average water temperature for Ironman 70.3 Augusta is in the low 70s. I will more than likely need the wetsuit so I made it one of my training goals to get a couple swims in with it to calm my nerves.

The problem is, the Gulf has been holding strong in the upper 80s, way too warm for that. After brainstorming with Beth and Steph last weekend it was suggested I try out Lithia Springs. I’d never been there but it sounded like my best option.

Lithia Springs I about an hour east of my home in St Pete. I arrived at 8am as that’s what time I was told the park opened when I called. It wasn’t until I got there that I learned the park does open at 8am, but the springs don’t open until 9am. Oops.

At 9am when the springs finally opened I pulled on my suit and put on my swim cap. The life guard looked over at me and said “you know it’s not that cold right?” I nodded and explained why I really needed to use it. I’m still pretty sure he thought I was insane.

The water temperature was 72 degrees today. It was cool enough that I wasn’t over heating but I really could have just worn a normal swim suit.

The water was crystal clear and only waste deep. I swam back and forth for a half an hour and watched the fish swim around me the whole time. I’m assuming it was probably somewhere around 1200 meters total.

Lithia Springs really isn’t ideal for swimming any type of distance but for today, it worked. It was something new and helped calm my nerves about the wetsuit. I’m one step closer to feeling ready for this race. Good thing, it’s coming up quick!

What are your thoughts on swimming in a wetsuit? Do you have one with sleeves or no sleeves? Any preferences?