2 steps forward and 1 step back swimming

The last time I posted about my swimming (or lack thereof) I received such great advice here, I though I would go for round two. Sunday I had a great day in the pool swimming 500 meters. 350 meters free style with no swimming aides, and 150 meters with a buoy. All 500 meters were with alternate breathing (which is a big step forward from a few weeks ago). This was the first time I swam 50 meters consecutive without stopping, and did it a couple of times. The remaining laps were with a rest of about 30 seconds at the 25 meter mark.

This morning I seemed to go backwards from Sunday. Didn't feel comfortable and really was out of breath before 50 meters. The rests after 25 meters seemed to stretch to 45-60 seconds.

My form, which I was convinced previously was not that important, has improved but still needs work. I now realize this is the most important aspect of improvement. Although not as severe as a couple of weeks ago, I still feel I am gasping for air after 25 or 50 meters.

My first tri is 6 weeks from Saturday and my first goal is to finish and my 2nd goal is to finish without stopping. I really want to hit that 2nd goal!

I will update again in a couple of weeks! Thanks to everyone on this site for all the encouragement and advice. My wife and kids get tired of me saying at dinner each night..."well, on BT, they say...."