Duathlon learning to swim

Welcome!
You are in a better position than some. In my book, it is better to have no idea on swimming than a bunch of half-ideas and bad habits. Get some formal swim lessons before you start piling on any yardage whatsoever.

Welcome Bridget. I think Swimbikeron is dead on. If you can get some lessons on freestyle, you'll progress much quicker. If you can't do lessons for whatever reason, make use of all the videos etc that teach stroke. And have fun!

Welcome from another beginner! I actually did my first duathlon recently and it was fun! I have my first triathlon in a few weeks and very excited to complete the race. I am looking at the same kind of schedule to yours. I am planning on a few triathlons (2-3) and either a half or full marathon for next season. If all goes well a HIM may be in store for the 2016 season but depending on how fast I want to get to that distance and depending on work, I may hold off until 2017. Good luck training this coming winter with swimming. I recently started swimming two months ago and it's been quite an adventure. I enjoy it a lot but unfortunately I have not gotten any formal training. I am meeting the distances just fine but likely not swimming as efficiently as I could. However, I plan to focus on getting the distance for my tri in 3 weeks and afterwards this winter work on my technique. I know it's a rather short distance to some but I felt like a fish after my first 1K swim this afternoon!