Wow, thanks for sharing! I was beginning to feel a little defeated, so this really helps.

I've been terrified of water, so my initial lessons have involved just getting used to being in the water and holding on tight to the side of the pool. Since then, I've moved on to where I can float with my head under the water and pull with my arms to move forward, but I have to be in shallow where I can stand up at anytime when I need to breathe (for some reason my brain won't let me lift my head out of the water to breathe, I end up sucking in the water and choking, I'm having a mental disconnect). It's been two weeks with a lesson M-F; so it's been full immersion. I start once a week lessons next week and am a little afraid that having that many days between lessons might drop my confidence about being in the water.

But hearing all your great stories is so helpful, I just have to stick with it. I didn't know about "swim angels", so it's nice to know that that is an option, kind of like a security blanket!

I hadn't thougth about not having bad habits, so yipee! I'll start out with the proper form!

It's been very inspiring reading about all of your experiences with triathalons, so you are all responsible for me taking this jump! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the support!