Terror of triathlon turns to joy at finish line

Standing in my wetsuit on the shore of Pilot Bay alongside hundreds of other competitors, my heart was racing at a million miles an hour. I was feeling a mixture of emotions - nervousness, excitement, anxiety and terror.
There were people of all ages and abilities - from professional athletes to amateurs like me.
Before long it was time to get into the water and begin the 750m swim in Pilot Bay. It was a water start so instead of racing like headless chickens into the sea, I found my place near the rear of the pack and began my swim quietly.
But it wasn't as calm as I had hoped. Arms were flailing everywhere and I was kicked in the face at least a dozen times. A few deep breaths later, I found a reasonable rhythm and continued the swim slowly and surely.
Swimming along the shoreline in the final part of the swim, I went off course and had to re-adjust, but the moment I saw the bottom of the sea floor I knew the hard part was over.
I waded through the shallow water and up to the transition area, where I prepared myself for a 20km bike ride. The course was along Pilot Bay, Adams Ave and down Marine Pde to the Oceanbeach Rd roundabout - and back. We had to complete this two times.
Getting on to the bike was easy enough but continuing at a reasonable pace for the entire cycle was challenging.
My legs were fatigued and I was going as hard as I could, and professional triathletes were racing past me. That was a little disheartening but it also helped me dig deep and push a bit harder.
Coming off the bike and into the transition area for the run, my legs felt like jelly. They seemed to have a mind of their own and it was hard to run in a straight line.
A 5km run along The Mall - twice - followed the bike ride.
At this point, all that was going through my head was "it's almost over" and it was at about this time that I truly began to enjoy the event.
I had a large support team who cheered loudly, which boosted my confidence. If they hadn't been there, I don't think I would have pushed myself as hard as I did. I didn't want to disappoint anyone and I wanted them to be proud of me.
Coming along the home stretch and across the finish line was the best feeling. I was elated but also sick in my stomach. I felt dizzy but relieved. Most of all, I was immensely proud.
The Marra Construction Mauao Sprint Triathlon was one of the hardest things I have ever done, mentally and physically, but the rewards for completing the event were immense.
It is an achievable goal and I would recommend anyone, regardless of age or ability, to give it a go. I might even do another triathlon in the future.