When you’re standing at the start see if you can start up a conversation with some of the other starters and gauge what their feelings are about the race. This will take your mind off your race for a little bit and help you realize that there are others out there who are also kinda feeling that chilly breeze in the air or the intimidation of seeing all these wetsuits around them! 

So, after experiencing the plethora of emotions felt at the countdown of the start and you’ve positioned yourself to where you are comfortable, just try to relax! I’ve always liked swimming because its the closest a human body can come to autonomously “flying” so picture yourself flying through the water and just enjoy that feeling!

If you are wearing a wetsuit then you will experience the great added buoyancy so just try to relax into that. If you are not, then try to focus on getting as close to those feet in front of you as you can and draft – in other words, getting in close to the next swimmer actually helps you conserve energy because you are swimming in moving water and the swimmer in front of you is doing all the work!

Its ok to stop every now and then but try to keep your rhythm as this will keep your momentum up and will help you (1) be done sooner but (2) more importantly save energy for your upcoming legs!

One last tip for a comfortable swim is to not worry about other swimmers passing you or bumping into you. The quickest distance is obviously the shortest distance so try to be patient when someone cuts you off at the turn. Also, when on the straights, faster swimmers will usually end up bumping you or touching your feet in some way. This is usually just a warning that they are coming by and that you shouldn’t try changing directions! Again, try not to stop or get distracted by these swimmers and remember to race your own race!

If you keep these things in mind then you should have a good comfortable swim and get out the water feeling refreshed and ready to bike!