Quote Originally Posted by salsabike View Post
One way to approach this is to alternate between standard freestyle and sidestroke--that way, you are a) teaching yourself gradually to tolerate the freestyle part, and b) allowing yourself to have planned breaks from it so you won't panic. Try a specific plan, like 8 strokes of freestyle, 8 side, etc., or whatever number might work for you.
I love that idea, it is doable and feels empowering. Telling myself I just have to get through 8 strokes of freestyle then a break. Mentally that is a challenge I can manage.

Interestingly I didn't know there could be a bad side for sighting. I think this means I will need to side stroke on my right so I can see the buoys. Thank you for all the suggestions, it really helps. Now all I have to do is patiently wait for registration to open up for next year's race