Just go do it. Once you get moving in the water youll be fine. I raced a month ago and it was 61. My face was a little cold but I was fine after a few hundred yards. If its a beach start I would advise not getting in the water just so you dont get wet and then have to stand on the beach again, if its a water start a warmup isnt going to hurt you. Maybe some toe warmers on the bike if your that worried about your feet being cold going into the run.

[quote=tmhagen] the water temp at 59 degrees. I'm worried that my feet and face may freeze and I'll seize up. [/quote]

[i]May[/i] freeze? Wow, that's going to be brisk. Peeing in your wetsuits helps a bit, but only for about :20 seconds. Aaaaahhhhh. That's why I never rent 'em.

Squid Lid! Buy a neoprene cap to put on under your race cap, it'll help keep your head warm...er. It's still going to be a cold swim, but only for the first two minutes. Just get past it and you'll be ok. I've raced in 58 degree water, the hardest part is getting started. Remember, everyone else is freezing their butt off too!

Well if the race allowes it you could get booties...they make 'em for tris. You don't even notice them on, and they run about $20. I have them and have worn them for races. The second bonus (other than keeping your feet warmer) is you can run out and up the beach and keep your feet clean :)

I've heard about bringing a thermos of warm water to pour into your wetsuit before you get in the water. I haven't tried it and don't know if it helps.

a race that i did in texas in early april this year had FREEZING water. My race started around 2:30 pm, and the water temp was only 57 degrees F. The collegiate nationals race had water temps of close to 53. Contrary to cadenceguy's opinion about beach starts, i think it is still beneficial to warmup on a beach start. If i didnt get in the water and do some short sprints/just warmed up before the start, the swim wouldve been a complete shock to my body. Let the water hit your face,allow the blood to flush your face, and just suck it up. Even though you may be a little cold on the beach, it will be better to get in a good warmup rather than go into the race with cold muscles. I peed in my suit the past 2 races and it really helped out alot because the water was so cold. I'd recommend it if you have to pee come race time.
neoprene booties are a good recommendation also because your feet wont be as numb going into the bike. If i were you, i'd probably go booties AND wear two swim caps. Swim cap of choice on first, then put the race cap on second. Good luck

+1 on the Squid lid ... I think keeping your head warm helps a lot.

Don't forget to kick your legs a lot and wiggle your toes for about a minute before finishing your swim. This will bring some blood back to your feet. It helps for not falling over when standing up too :)

I have no advice for you. I just want to wish you good luck. My first oly is in two weeks and it seems like a lot of trifuelers are doing their first oly this month. Can't wait to read all the race reports. Have an awesome race!

[quote=Toothless]I've heard about bringing a thermos of warm water to pour into your wetsuit before you get in the water. I haven't tried it and don't know if it helps.[/quote]
Peeing in your suit helps warm it up,too. Don't worry...tons of others are doing it too!

Definitely get in the water beforehand to warm up, and to get used to the initial shock of the cold on your face. This is one of the best pieces of advice I've ever received on Trifuel. You can also try wearing 2 swim caps if you don't go the neoprene route. Good luck.