First Sprint Triathlon SWIM Butterflies, need advice?

Hi all,

I have my first sprint this Saturday. June 12 - 20th Ann. NY TRI/BI-ATHLON SERIES #1
Harriman State Park - Tri: Swim-1/2mi. Bike-16mi. Run-3 mi.

I've been training well, and put myself through a rehearsal brick workout last Saturday, so I've definitely got the endurance to do this, but I'm nervous about the swim.

Although I've spent hours and hours in the pool, I can't seem to keep my heart rate down once I'm up at 100 Meters swimming freestyle at a breath every 3 strokes. I typically will switch to side stroke, or even flip over onto my back until my BPMs come back down, so I know I'll be able to finish the swim.

How can I keep my heart rate down so I don't tire and panic for long a longer duration? Is it my breathing? I've tried switching up my breaths between 2 freestyle strokes & 3 strokes, because I though oxygen was the problem. But I noticed that the faster the interval of breaths between strokes, lets say a breath every 2 strokes, my bpms climb faster than @ 3 strokes. And if I go for 4 strokes, its too long between breaths, that my bmps start to climb fast as well.

Do I need to slow down my swim pace? If I do that, it seems like I'm swimming so slow?
What is the secret to keeping my BPM's down in the swim?


If you have any advice please shoot it too me. I could use the help and reassurance. Thanks guys.