Starfish, no that wasn't long at all.

Everyone I've talked to says it's challenging but they spent a lot of time on their backs or sides and it was ok. I have no problem doing a backstroke (though it's difficult to see where I'm going!) and I find it really comfy.

I also read up on 2 stroke and had no idea of the whole mechanics of swimming. I took lessons when I was young but that was a long time ago

It all makes sense. I'm not racing but I understand it is risky if I'm not ready to do that distance. Before I know I was kicking my feet too much trying to go "fast". Tomorrow morning I will work on form, go slow, and see how far I can go. I'll probably mix it up but will try not to touch the ground or sides except to turn.

Being a SoCal person, I used to swim a lot but it was unstructured and way back when. I used to be in the ocean along with in pools. I never recall ever having problems though I never tried to do anything except have fun. Tomorrow I will not view it as "race" but leisurely swim.

I did learn from my swimming the other day that it makes you thirsty. Go figure