... I haven't taken one since I was a child, but I'm beginning to think I may need one. Today I went to the gym to use the lap pool to practice for the "open water" swim portion of the race. I was able to complete 700 meters in just under 30 minutes. I did the first 200 meters in 10 minutes, but slowed down and increased my breaks as I increased in distance. Right now I'm doubtful about my ability to finish this race.
I started with freestyle, and was able to complete one full length of the pool before I freaked out about putting my face in the water. Since I don't like to put my face in the water at all, I found that I was close to hyperventilation by the end of the lap, gasping for air with each stroke. Most likely I will swim breast-stroke for the race as I'm able to keep the most steady pace and it's not quite as scary as swimming freestyle.
The only problem with the breast-stroke is that is seems to be slower, and by the end of multiple laps I had lower back pain. I'm probably not doing the stroke right and will indeed need a swimming lesson.
