Another Harrisburg, PA Newbie

From what I see, swimming is not the forte of MOST of us on BT.  I've been working with a coach through my gym for the past year.  He took me from just above doggie paddle to a stroke in the first 9 months, now we're working on new little details to cut down the stroke count and make it more efficient.  It's a lot of work, swiming takes a lot more thought to me than running or riding.  Big thing on the bike is learnng to gear properly and getting the rear end used to the seat of the bike.  Running as it's challenges but you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep going...That being said, work with your friend, then when s/he can't get your stroke any further get a real coached class at the Y or other gym to get the details down. 

That's a pool swim in a no lane line pool?  Sounds like a cross between pool/open water.  Get some OWS practice too cause those swims are crazy!  Have fun!

J