What a great write up! Thanks so much for sharing...and yes, all true!!

Two things - as a spectator at a couple of races recently, I can say that it is AWESOME to see someone busting their butt. Cyclists who aren't great swimmers (like us!), racing to get back into the competition are so much fun to watch! Same for runners who might have had a mechanical on the bike or something. It's FUN to watch someone pour it all out there!

And secondly, the hyperventilating and excitement at the start can get better with experience. I had a really tough time on my first two tris (one in a pool and one open water) for the same reason, but I've since learned to deal with it a lot better. Keeping in my own head at the start and not getting 'caught up' in all the excitement helps. I save my 'enjoy the excitement' for the run when I need it the most!