Question for Ron

yes, like you i am a slow swimmer too and i can do a mile in 40-50 min.   i maxed the distance out to ~ 70min.  checking the stats on various olys, their are people slower than us...wanted to make sure they can do the distance and beyond...not just 'up to'.  plus my roots are the tfomtp 'triathloning for ordinary mortals'...he maxes out his oly swim at ~ 75min too plus he starts his program at 40min.  the longer your can go over the distance, the better you will be race day - especially for the bike and the rest of the race...plus combating the open water swim...that will suck some endurance outta ya...i should have swam more than just 50min for my first oly...i came out of the water wasted and the beginning of the bike was a struggle because of this.  most people dont swim continously all the time but most train with rests every so many lengths. you can get through your first triathlon by swimming continously though - i did...by mixing lengths of freestyle to breastroke....although def not the best way...it will get u over the finish line.  most people do repeats and intervals with breaks in between lengths.

unless i am mistaken,  u have been training with masters swimmers for awhile right?  u should know how to swim train beter than i ...i am coming from a purely beginner perspective - a perspective to get people finishing comfortably regardless of speed.  their are several different swimming articles by various authors under 'swim' in the directory, each with some workouts to do...i authored the article http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/Ron/Getting%20Started%20With%20Swimming.htm though not the best way to train for competition IT WILL get beginners over the finish line...and it was continuous swimming and a slow buildup...but just stick with your masters swimming if still doing it and every once in awhile do a continuous swim...once a week?...so see how you weather under the distance...i am by far no expert in anything on this site...i am sure their are a lot better, more efficient ways to train in all disciplines.  i just wanna give people the confidence and motivation to change thier lives through the very basic programs here, become healthier, enjoy the comradairie and love this sport 4ever.

hope all goes well 4 u wendy.

your coach is right...by august you will be swimming everyone under... u may even turn into a fish during the swim and never return as a land dweller.

great luck and we hope to hear about it.