The Swim

You REALLY won't be the only one - I swear! I did every stroke imaginable to finish my first sprint distance tri: freestyle, little side stroke, some leisurely back stroke and finished off with a classic "shallow-enough-water-to-walk-and-pretend-to-swim-above-water" stroke. That one is patent pending so don't go getting any ideas.

The point is to have fun and relish in the accomplishment and personal satisfaction in knowing you can do it.

Good luck and keep going!!!

Hi Brian,  My first tri was a 485 meter swim and I did it almost entirely backstroke and in 16 minutes. I also wasn't the last in my wave out of the water nor was I the only one doing strokes other than freestyle.  I think I did backstroke my entire first year of tris (I had a serious open water swim issue).  You certainly won't be the only one.

Good luck!!!!

Side note:  I go back and do that tri every year and the second year I brought the swim down to 7:30 and all freestyle ;-)

Welcome to BT! 

You can swim any way you want (that's what "Freestyle" means).  If you're struggling with front crawl (that's the stroke most people use when they can choose), S-L-O-W D-O-W-N.  Let's assume you can swim 50 yards (up and back in a regular pool) in 60 seconds, but then you're gasping for breath and have to swim the next lap breastroke (or hang on the end of the pool for 15 seconds).  Try slowing down to swim that front crawl lap in 66-72 seconds.  Focus on reaching towards the end of the pool every time you put your leading hand in the water.  Focus on r.o.t.a.t.i.n.g to get a breath (it's easy to start lifting your head instead of rotating).  You'll have more time during each stroke to get some air, and start exhaling as soon as your face goes back in the water (I tell people to hum to keep water out of their nose).