First off, why only 4 times a month? Secondly if you're just getting into it, it's all about base, so if the schedule says to swim, either bike, run or supplement with some strength training.

Welcome to tris...don't bring your gun (if that's what I'm seeing in your avatar) to the race...it shouldn't be necessary...for training, maybe

Yeah, just rub it in...

You need at least a 25y pool. Hotel pools from my travel experience are way too small. Also, did you mean you can only swim train four times a month? Once a week is bare minimum, so you'd be OK for off-season.

There is open water. Demographically the nearest is 20 miles away (the river). To give you an idea I live almost in the middle of no-ware, 3-5 hours from a "big" city. The nearest pool is only open for about 3 months. I know there is no simple answer. I am looking for a good wet suit and possibly dry suit so I can stay in the water longer than the normal season. I don't know how important it is to stick to the training calendar or how much I can vary from it to accommodate my schedule.

my advice - don't worry about it. as a beginner you are probably looking to finish - maybe with a semi-respectable time. the pool situation in your area stinks - stinks in mine too - there is nothing you can do about it except move.

these training books are nice, but it is like cooking. following the recipie is one thing, but you become a real master (maybe zen master) when you are able to take the recipie as advice and then cook according to your own tastes. in the case of training, look at the weekly plan as an overview of what you should try to accomplish - don't get bogged down in the details - and then adjust the plan to fit your life. maybe find some wieght exercises good for swimmers.

if you start going crazy for the tri lifestyle, they've got some indoor training (looks like a weight bench with straps) tools for swimming, or move.

for my first tri i was only able to swim once a week - in an 18 yard pool - got really good at my flip turns. if you are not totally afraid of the water you'll do fine.

I would not worry about getting swimming in a ton. It would be nice to do it more, but if you can only do it that many times, that is all you can do, Just make sure when you do swim you are getting the most out of your workouts.

Also, I would avoid using a drysuit to swim in, I have never used one, but I don't think they are designed with much range of motion and would be a bear to swim in.

Good luck with your training

If you don't have the access you don't have the access. If you are just starting out in tri's you are probably going to be doing sprints or shorter distances anyway. I have seen people freestyle, backstroke, doggy paddle, float, and breast stroke their way through the swim portion. Train as much as time and logistics allow but when it comes to race day just make it out of the water and then blast on the bike and run.

By the way, welcome to our friendly cult following at Trifuel! You'll love the tri lifestyle!