newbie in KS

Don't let the deficiency in any part stop you from doing tris. I suck at running. I don't mean not good, I mean SUCK! So my first event ever the water quality was too bad after a heavy rain and they subbed a second run for the swim (definitely a strong suit for me). I finished that first run next to last. Not, next to last in my age group, next to last among all competitors.

I still had a blast. I don't believe you will find any sport that is more supportive among the competitors as well as those there supporting the athletes. I was told very early there are three key rules if you want to do triathlons:

1. Have fun
2. Try your best
3. Have fun

I am sure you will do just fine. Welcome to the addiction.

Welcome to the site. Lots to learn here from some very helpful folks. If its any comfort to you, I started out in a similar position two years ago at the ripe old age of 56. So you have youth on your side

With that said, I came into tri's with some running background, but no bike or swim training. So I joined the local tri club in January and signed up for my first sprint race which was held last June 1st. That meant I started in the pool in January and had 5 months to train for my first race. Let me tell you, my first few months of freestyle were NOT pretty! I had all the challenges of an adult onset swimmer: Thrashing the water, breathing issues, sinking legs, you name it, I did it badly. It was a significant challenge but I stuck with it and managed to get through the swim portion of my first race. I continued to work at it and completed two more sprints last summer. I still suck at swimming, but am hooked on tri's.

I'm sure that with continued work and the help of folks here, you'll reach your swimming goals. Good luck.