I was in a tri on sunday and the swim was 600 yds. I practiced over this distance in the weeks prior to the tri and was swimming a 13 minute 600 yds but when I began the swim I guess I panicked and could not catch my breath the whole time. I would back stroke thinking i would recover but I never did. It took me a very disappointing 18 minutes to get out of the freaking water. Now this is not my first tri and my other tris were in the 900 yd. swim range. My breathing was the same in those starting out but later got better.
I need help!! Any tips?? I am fine when it is just me and some friends but when it is race time I cannot breathe.
My bike was 19.5 mph and I had a good run but the swim was bringing me down.