Quote Originally Posted by Offthegrid View Post
I was just curious how fast middle of the packers would swim. I'm considering a sprint tri in May, but it would be my first co-ed one, and I don't want to be last out of the water. 5th last is OK.
What's wrong with being last? I would be annoyed if I finished a LONG time after the before-last person, say if I took 15 more minutes to swim 1000m, but otherwise my philosophy is that someone has to come last and it could be me, I don't mind. Racing (either running or triathlons) is not the central piece of my life, and finishing last won't make me feel that bad, so I don't mind taking that role (especially if it makes others feel better!!). I'm not really slow compared to your average pack but when I train with friends I live with who have been accomplished athletes all their life, I'm certainly not first! That's okay by me. Now I would be seriously annoyed if I came last in a grant competition because I wouldn't get the money I need to make the research I want to do, so that's another story! I am choosing my battles...

Anyway, all this to say that if you do come in last, it doesn't matter. Just smile through it, you will be an inspiration for many, unlike what you might imagine... So go for it!!