Swimming stroke HELP!!!

I think many of us have experienced the same frustration - Don't give up. You will likely hear many different suggestions on how to improve. I decided to look for the help of an expert and enrolled in a weekend workshop that did wonders for helping remind me of how to swim with far less effort. I took a course offered by a coach in the local area www.liquidlifestyles.com, but would also recommend a Total Immersion course if you have one near you. Lastly, you could always try a private coach for some one-on-one time. I feel a lot more comfortable in the water and my confidence has improved as a result. See if you can find some local help and best of luck!

 One stroke at a time!

I may be stating the obvious or something you are already trying, but what helped me the most was figuring out my breathing and how many stokes to take between each breath.

And for what it's worth, I don't know how long you have been training or swimming, but 55 sec. for 50m ain't too shabby.  When I first switched from sidestroke to freestyle I was clocking on around 2:45 per 100m.

Currently I'm averaging 1:50 per 100 meters.  Your 55 per 50m would be about the same.

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A) Your times aren't that bad, assuming that you are maintaining that pace thoughout the workout

B) Get a coach

C) Relax your shoulders, and if you are really focused on triathlon, quit kicking and start pulling

The drills that helped this fat, slow swimmer were finger tip drags and thumb rub. Both encourage torso rotation and minimize windmilling.