Hello All,

I have been reading these forums for a few years now and I've learned much, but I rarely post. I now have a question and I'm hoping to gain some insight. I am preparing to participate in my first triathlon this coming Sunday. It is a sprint distance and the swim is in an indoor pool. I know that this should be easy, but I have to force myself through a 'pseudo panic attack' every time I start swimming.

When I first started training, I could not even swim a length of the pool without gasping for air at the end. I can now swim 1000 yards without stopping, but EVERY time I start out, I feel as though I can't breathe and I am fighting panic. When practicing, if I swim a second 500 yds, it does not happen - it is only in those initial laps when I first get in the pool.

Why is this? Have any of you experienced this, and if so, how did you overcome it?

Thanks so much for any insight / suggestions / advice.