I once did a beginners traithlon. I was so nervous and far older than virtually all the other women. They all seemed young and confident and to have the latest equipment, so I was quite intimidated, but I ended up coming half way up the field. I was so excited and thrilled.
Triathlon tapering is a hot topic - how mch training you should do in the couple of weeks befre the event, so I've added an article on this topic to Sport & Me.