Some HIM/IM Stupid Questions for you vets

Andrew, when you come to Dallas, let me know. I will take you to a lake and help you, and I have an extra wetsuit you can borrow...

buoys in orlando are HUGE, you will be ok, even if you can't get in an OWS prior to the race.  on the camelback debate, it's really a pro and con, if you don't wear it, you may have to stop at an aide station if you aren't comfortable with a handup, but you will be more comfortable (and it does generate some more heat and weight).  because of the heat on this one, it was worth it for me, but comfort goes a long way, especially in a long race, so it's really up to you and your comfort level.

Even if you are a horrible sighter, they have people in kayaks that will scream at you if you get too far off course. Trust me, you'll know when they are yelling at you ... I speak from experience.

I like a 2 piece get-up and not a one piece tri suit but mostly that's because I'm a gal and I don't like getting basically naked just to pee. Especially if I end up doing it on the side of the road!

Have you biked with your camelbak? I tried it and hated it. It hurt my back. If you are going to use the camelbak, I'd start wearing it every time you bike to see if you like it.

I have done an entire IM with just two bottle cages. I put a water bottle in one and change it out at every aide station and I put concentrated drink in the other. I find it a pretty simple arrangement and I don't have to worry about rear mounting bottle cages turning into rocket launchers and leaving my precious race fluids all over the road.

 I was using the camelback last summer, but because of the weather I haven't had much opportunity for actual rides yet, which is another worry for me.. suppose I can strap in on while on the trainer (my kids and wife  already think I am nuts, so no change there :)  )

I had not thought of the restroom issue wrt the trisuit... see that's why I love you guys :)  I think that settles it for me!  

Oh yeah the camelback.

I rode one whole summer with it.  It was convenient to have the fluid, it is quick and easy to drink from and you won't have to change position to accompli****

On the bad side, it creates extra heat.  There is always a spot on my back that gets extra hot and sweaty when I'm wearing it.  You also have all that extra weight.  You want to keep your weight and  your heat down as much as possible.

Probably won't have to stop
Saves time with no stops or exchanges, no danger of collisions or falls. 
Easy to drink from can have it always right there in your face.
No fumbling with bottles
Creates extra heat and weight
Also potentially messes up any aero position you may be in.
I know that I can't wear mine when I wear the aero helmet.  The tail of the helmet hits the camelback and cuases stress on the neck.  Also can't move my head freely.  I have had the helmet catch up on the camelback.

I'm another one that prefers a 2-piece.  I'd save the money that you'd spend on a tri suit to put it towards the wetsuit.  Being a New Yorker, you're going to need that wetsuit eventually.   I did fine with my 2 water cages for hydration and can attest to the Kayak crews' loud voices to keep you on track.  I was pleasantly surprised at how well the course was marked in Syracuse.  I had a tough time sighting in my practice swims because I was always sighting off of a speck in the water.  The huge buoys marking the Syracuse HIM course could be seen by even the most visually impaired.

If there's a practice swim in Orlando the day before the race, I'd suggest getting in a few strokes - the key word "few."  The practice swim in Syracuse helped quiet my anxiety because I knew what the water temperature was going to feel like, as well as the lake bottom entry point.

Our delayed spring has certainly made training a little more challenging.  I've been out on the bike just once and I looked like a skiier instead of a cyclist.  Good luck!

Cassie