Ok...yet another question. I got my wetsuit (will get it tomorrow!) and swam yesterday for the first time in years. My tri is in 3 weeks. Well, 2.5 weeks.

I felt awkward in the water. I got winded and did maybe 5-7 laps in a 25 yard pool. I switched strokes but OH did I feel it in my arms and shoulders! I was also having difficulty planning my breathing as I swam. I felt as ungraceful as ever and I am not graceful even in the best of circumstances.

Yes, I waited until THE last minute. I figured 1/2 mile of swimming was nothing. I have been cycling and running and have those two covered though I know I will feel shaky on the day of the tri.

I decided I must swim as much as possible, not to build up muscles (too late for that) but to get comfortable. I will swim tomorrow a.m. in a pool, go to open water in the wetsuit on sunday, and will swim maybe 4 more times after that before the tri.

What should I focus on? Can I make much of a difference in this short period of time? I am bad...the weather has been so great I've opted to run and be on my bike instead of indoors at the gym. How long does 1/2 mile feel? It feels like nothing when running but when I think of swimming it, I get very nervous.

Help?