plan to try tri

what is your swim background? if u can do the forward crawl (freestyle) somewhat effectivley THEN it's a matter of building up some endurance. although not very technical and will only get u so far, i swam using the 'ratio' technique. swim a certain # of laps using your 'easy' stroke, then work in a lap of freestyle, alternate and then each week or month, try to work in another lap of freestyle till your doing all freestyle. that was enought to finish a 1mile swim - although in the back-of-the-pack

for instance i started with 4laps breaststroke to 1 lap freestyle (bad). by the time my event came around i was doing 1 lap of breaststroke to 3 laps of freestyle (good). freestyle is the fastest although it takes time in the pool and patience.

if your not a good swimmer - get some lessons. they will help u out immensely.

'total immersion' is a good program...i hear.

I agree with what Ron said, but would add that if your not a good swimmer even if you get lessons, commit to spending time in the pool. If you do, you will become comfortable in the water and that will make a difference in your first tri.

Still Tri'n
Michael