After my first duathalon this spring, I've decided to train for a triathlon (next season). My weak spot, as you may guess, is swimming. I'm having to remember childhood swim lessons, and follow tips from books/internet, etc.

Mostly, I go to the YMCA and fight against the water, completing 1 to 3 laps before becoming exhausted. In a session, I can complete about 20 laps or so total, including drills, but I will spend about the same amount of time resting between laps as I would swimming.

Well, I went yesterday, and after a warm up drill, I started swimming, and went for 10 laps without a problem. After a brief break, I swam another 10 laps, continuously. Another break was followed by 9 more laps of mixed strokes, resting between each lap.

So I had some sort of "break-through" in the water, and I don't understand it. All I can think of is that I was much more relaxed, used my legs much less than what I have been doing, and perhaps did a better job of keeping my head down.

I hope progress continues for me.