When you're still feeling confident. 2 of 15 1. OK, it's race day. I got this.

When you're wondering who invented the wetsuit and why. 3 of 15 2. This wetsuit is snugger than I remember.

3. How the heck am I supposed to zip this up by myself?

4. Maybe I should ask that dude to help me.

5. Why didn't I practice this part before?

When you're starting to question all your life decisions. 4 of 15 6. People are warming up in the water. I'll just save my energy.

7. Did the announcer say to line up in order? What order?

8. The waves look bigger than usual. Way bigger.

9. Will they notice if I drown?

10. Welp, I did this to myself.

11. Why? Why, did I sign up for this?

When it's go time and there's no turning back now. 5 of 15 12. People are pushing to get to the start line. Relax.

13. Oh no, the countdown. 3...2...1...

14. Is it too late to turn around?

When it's go time. 6 of 15 15. It's a stampede! What's the rush?

16. Oooooh, this water is cold. Really cold.

17. No turning back now, I guess. Here we go.

18. Wait, I forget. Do we swim clockwise?

19. Why are the buoys different colors?

20. This would be much easier without the waves.

21. Is it just me, or is the current pulling us out to sea?

When the swim just started but it feels like you're been going forever. 7 of 15 22. I guess I'll never see dry land again.

23. Whew, got past the waves.

24. But now I'm too tired to actually swim.

25. I guess I'll float on my back for a second.

26. No, Mr. Lifeguard, I'm not "OK."

When you get a wave of energy. 8 of 15 27. OK, maybe I'm being dramatic. Let's swim.

28. Hey this isn't so bad. Success!

When things were looking up but… 9 of 15 29. SOMETHING JUST TOUCHED MY FOOT. I REPEAT. SOMETHING JUST TOUCHED MY FOOT.

30. I basically just got attacked by a shark.

31. Why me, world? Why me!

32. Never mind. It was just seaweed.

When it's cold and there's only one thing you can think to do. 10 of 15 33. Hmmm it's kinda cold out here.

34. Only one thing to do when it's cold.

35. .....

36. Much better.

When you get a reality check. 11 of 15 37. Did that 14-year-old just pass me?

38. Oh, it's on now.

39. OK, I think he's just really strong.

40. I'll get him next time.

When you're in the final stretch. 12 of 15 41. The final buoy! I'm not last!

42. Looks like a traffic jam. Why do people stop?

43. It's the final stretch. I can see dry land!

44. More waves. There go my goggles.

When you're still in the final stretch. 13 of 15 45. Can I touch yet?

46. Nope.

47. Activate doggy paddle.

When you assume you're finished. 14 of 15 48. I can touch!

49. Dry land. It's just so beautiful. *single tear*

50. I'm not crying, it's just the ocean water. Maybe.