Simple Hacks to Keep Warm While Racing
As we are entirely into fall races, you may have a few in less-than-ideal temperatures. Most race locations this season are warmer during the day but can be very cold in the early mornings. That can pose a big issue for keeping warm before the swim and the beginning portion of the bike. Especially since it is a race, most of us can’t carry or change from cold gear to warm gear.
With that in mind, I have compiled a list of simple “hacks” to keep you warm. The idea behind these cheap solutions is you can easily ditch them at an aid station when you no longer need them. All of these products can be easily bought at a Walmart or ahead of time on Amazon. They can also be bought in bulk, so you will always be prepared if the weather changes on a dime!
Before the Swim
In Ironman-branded races, we are always given a morning gear bag. This makes it easier to bring anything I need with me to the start if spectators aren’t allowed or if I am at a race alone. I always wait til the last second to take my sweatshirts and pants off to put them in that bag. But, there is usually a long waiting period before starting the race. I always bring two things to the swim start to keep warm.
I like to keep my feet warm by wearing old socks. Not only will your feet stay warm, but it will help keep you from walking around completely barefoot. This is my go-to for warmth and protection.
I usually buy a cheap $5 or less towel to wrap around myself. Especially if we are allowed in the water for a warm-up, which helps dry me off and keep me warm before the start. A mylar towel works fine as well. But for me, I prefer the softness of a towel.
During the Bike
Coming off the swim, your body temperature can drop as you get wet on the bike. To help combat that, I have some simple solutions to help keep your hands, arms, and chest warm or at least shielded from the cold air/wind.
You can keep your hands warm by getting cheap gardening or working gloves. They are just enough to cover your hands, keep them warm, and are usually baggier than cycling gloves. You can easily pull them off and ditch them at an aid station later in the race if you need to. You can also get a pair of latex cleaning gloves over them if it’s a windy race. That will help shield the cold even more. Both are super cheap and can be found at any general store.
Although thicker than cycling gloves, they usually have some sort of grip that will help with shiting
Using a tube sock, you can do a makeshift arm warmer to keep your arms warm. Get a cheap pair of cotton socks from any store, such as a Walmart, and you can cut the toe box. That way, your arms can slip right through them, and your forearms can stay warm. Make sure to get a larger size, so they are long and a little loose. That will make getting them on in transition and off at an aid station super easy.
If you do your research, you just might find a pair that match your bike and race kit!
I’ve found you can keep your chest/body warm in one of two simple ways: making a throw-away vest with a plastic bag or putting a mylar towel down your top.
You can take a plastic grocery bag and cut it into two pieces if you prefer a vest. You can take safety pins or some string and loosely connect the two pieces, but leave enough space so you can easily slip it over your head and arms in transition. Then, later in the ride, you can easily rip it off to throw out at an aid station.
If you prefer a simpler mylar towel, you can throw it down your top. It will act as a windshield and create a warmer barrier around your skin. Just as easy as shoving down your top, it will be easy to take out and ditch at an aid station later in the ride. Although it is simpler than a bag vest, it can be slightly uncomfortable. Make sure it is appropriate, and cut it down to fit better if you need to. I recommend putting some anti-chaffing cream on your chest and stomach to avoid any discomfort on your skin.
These are also known as Emergency Blankets or Space Blankets. And can usually be found in any camping section of a store.
I hope these simple hacks serve you well if you find yourself in a pinch at a colder race!
