2 days this week I was able to swim freestyle without breathing every stroke of my right arm ... yeah. So now I can breathe every other stroke of my right arm. Every now and then I need to do a double, meaning: take a breath at the next stroke before go 2. I guess the best thing is to work in a breath on the other side so I don't have to go as long without air.

I consider myself pretty fit but I'm still stopping after every lap to rest and breathe. Any suggestions? Should I slow down?

Another swimming issue I have is my left arm/shoulder is sore. Since I'm breathing all on my right side I "think" I ma reaching out too far with my left arm, or there is something about how I'm lifting it out of the water, too far maybe. Anything come to mind?

I'm currently working on a regular 500 meters, that's 20 laps. I know it's not much but I have to start with something. I can get the 20 laps done in a little bit over 30 minutes. Last night I felt like I could have easily done another 4 laps.

So I'm working on my breathing, stroke technique & distance. Yes, the pool is an official 25 meeter pool. BTW: I never swam freestyle or these distances before. In college I had to swim a mile (and other things) to get into the YMCA SCUBA class but there was no restriction on stroke style or time limit. So I'm really happy about this progress I'm making.