I used to hate swimming. I got back in the pool four weeks ago (after a year off). Last winter during a two month period was when I taught myself how to swim with tips from a friend and advice from BF. One of the best things I did early on was learn to breath every third stroke so I could alternate sides. I'm a bit obsessive compulsive and I don't think I'd be able to swim more than a couple of laps just breathing on one side. I think I'd ****z-out or something. It be like only pedaling with one foot. Breakthroughs have been happening on a daily basis now, and I'm addicted.

1st week:
swam 2 days-(25yd pool) 1x15 intervals; that is-- 1 lap rest and breath, another lap, rest and breath etc.
Completely wiped me out.

2nd week:
swam 2 days- 2x10; that is 2 lap intervals with a minute of rest between. and a 5 minute rest after the 10th lap.
Feeling better, made a mental note to eat a little more earlier in the day. Felt remiss that I didn't get another day in.

3rd week:
swam 3 days- 2x10 intervals; decreased the rest gap between intervals.
Mental note to slow down and focus on form and stroke

This week:
swam three days (4 by the end of the weekend)- 3x10 intervals (1 minute breaks) w/ 10 minute stretch and rest at 1/2 way point (15th lap). Including the breaks I'm getting done in 50 minutes.
Mentally and physically I feel amazing in the water. I haven't practiced a kick-turn yet but I don't care.

Next week's goal:
Add another 10 laps (40 total)
Complete within an hour
focus on leg movement, efficiency and over-all body posture.

So my point is, keep at it and the improvements should be exponential. I'm coupling this with weight-training one night a week, a weekly 5k run, and a fair amount of cycling.