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Permalink Reply by Art Nichols on May 17, 2008 at 9:27am

Steve, the course is fairly simple (flat) . 2 out and backs with each lap have one slight climb for about half a mile or so and then 1 steaper climb before the turnaround that is probably equal distance. If you look on the bike course profile on IMCDA you will be able to see the elevation change in the first 21 miles of the course. These are the same hills that are on the run course. Hope this helps. Weather conditions can vary from year to year so it could be in the mid 80's or in the mid 90's. Two years ago, it looked like a death march across the entire course, last year was much nicer. There is some concern the water temperature will be pretty cold for the swim as we are finally getting warmer weather and just starting to get the main snow pack run off's. So be ready for a cold one.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on May 17, 2008 at 2:24pm

Art,
Thanks for the info. I'm in NW PA and I'm use to cold swims early in the season. I'm doing a tri with a 3/4 mile swim on May30th and we will lucky if the water is 60, BRRRRR. Kepp thinking about investing in a long full-long sleeve suit but I would only use once or twice a year at the most.

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Permalink Reply by Art Nichols on May 17, 2008 at 4:26pm

Fun! If you get here and find that it's still too cold, there is a local tri store, that rent's out wetsuits if they still have your size. But if your use to 60's, you might be too hot! Personally I'd prefer it a little bit warmer. Last year it was the temp, but the waves. Got choppy enough, 50 or so people pulled out or were pulled out and either quit or took the 2:30 penalty and then moved on to the bike once that time passed.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on May 17, 2008 at 7:50pm

I use a sleeveless long-john wetsuit. Always use it when legal because it helps most of swim a litle faster, especially if your not a srong swimmer. It would be nice to have full suit for the times when the water temp is in the low 60's or lower.

Whats the average water temp for IM CDA on race day?

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Permalink Reply by Art Nichols on May 17, 2008 at 9:22pm

Avg. temp is usually around 65. Right now it is 58. Today was a hot one around 92 and if it stays like this, then the temp should be pretty good. But typically we get a weekend or two of hot temps like this, then it disappears until just before the race. Then you'll get a nice hot day......

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Permalink Reply by Art Nichols on May 31, 2008 at 4:58pm

Steve
I left this comment but I don't think anyone has read it, so I thought I'd get the word out by responding again to your original question about average temps. The reported temp of 58 was in error in previous reply, that was an old report on an new page.

See clip from recent article in CDA Press:

Right now the water in Lake Coeur d'Alene is a brisk 49 degrees and Ironman race director Andy Emberton says if the water doesn't warm up to the mid 50s by race morning they will have to make some changes.

Emberton says if the water doesn't warm up to at least 60 degrees by race day they may require all athletes wear a wetsuit. They may also allow neoprene hats and aqua socks, which under Ironman rules are typically not allowed.

Under no condition will they cancel the swim portion of the race but the 2.4 mile swim course may be shortened. Emberton says the water temperature won't affect the elite athletes as much as the athletes who will take a little longer to swim the 2.4 miles.

Emberton will be sending out an e-mail to all the participants notifying them of the water temperature and what they can do to prepare.

That being said, more to follow, hopefully we will see some rapid warming of the lake and it will be business as usual!
Art

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Permalink Reply by Steve on June 1, 2008 at 9:00am

Art,
Thanks for the update.
I have done Olympic distance swims and shorter in 60 to 65 water, but doing full a IM swim would be scary. My IM swim time is around 1:15 and that would a long time to be in 60 degree water, even with a wet suit.

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Permalink Reply by Art Nichols on June 1, 2008 at 3:35pm

That's pretty close to my swim time as well. I'm guessing the water will be slightly under 60 but who knows, sometimes the weather get's real hot just before the race. We are having a huge snow pack run off right now, lot's of flooding around the area and lots of stuff floating around the lakes and rivers. Just plan on dressing warm, and duck under any floating logs! Should be fun.....

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