I count my strokes as I go. One, two, three-breathe--one, two, three-breathe. It helped me to get over the "awkwardness" and enabled me to focus on stretching forward in a nice steady pace. I think just getting acclimated to the water will build up your confidence and that will help tremendously on your swim portion.

But, you know, I've only done one tri so I'm not an expert