Swim Training Tales

Well, I'm new to this Triathlon gig and have no idea what to expect. In typing this I'm wondering if some of the folks that have been through training for a Tri before can provide some insight on what to expect as one progresses through the swim training. Biking I am familar with and since I came from a running background I have that down pretty well from an expectation and progression standpoint. What about the swimming?

I just finished my first week of swim training and am now into my second from a swimming standpoint. My first 3 workouts in the pool I started out pretty slowly with about 100 meters of warm up at a slow pace, some drills and then some free swimming for another 100 or so metters for a total of about 400 to 600 meters. This week, yesterday and today, I cranked out 1100 meters with a 30 second or so break every 50 meters. I am not concentrating on speed right now. I am more focused on form and reducing the number of strokes it takes to get to the other side. I have gone from 22 or so to about 16 to 17 per 25 meters in just 5 pool workouts.

When will I notice a difference from an endurance perspective. I seem to be able to do about 50 to 100 meters and then I need a break for 30 to 60 seconds. It is a bit challenging getting used to regulating your breathing well and is very different from running and cycling. When you need a breath on land you just take it, not so with swimming.

In short, when did it start getting a bit easier for you and when did you notice a difference in the distance you could traverse without needing a little bit of a stoppage? Just curious.