I can commiserate!

I'm signing up for my first trail triathlon which will be in August. I "only" have to make it 1/2 mile in the water, but I swam for the first time in years today and well...let's just say the lifeguard was probably alternating between amusement and terror *sigh*. I can make it ONE length of our small pool before resting...I need to make it 37!!! AND I've never swam in open water; I'm terrified of it!

What in the world have I gotten myself into!?!?