You paid all that money for a real nice tri bike and you're selling it because of the swim?! Many people get frustrated because they're not great at swimming. Every day people post on trifuel how they are struggling to improve swimming because it is the one area that everyone hasn't been doing for their whole life. But we get regular updates about how they're overcoming it and other obstacles to achieve their goals. It is an amazing feeling when you have trained for something as hard as you can for as long as you can and finally put it all together in a race. I was on the verge of tears when I finished my first triathlon. I didn't think I could do it 6 months before but after lots of hard work and perseverance(sp?) you make it happen. I suggest finding a friend that knows what they're doing to work with you and get your stroke down. Once you get that swimming gets a whole lot easier. Don't quit. If not from a challenge from a complete stranger then a challenge from yourself to overcome what you think you can't do.
Whether you think you can't do something or you think you can, you're right.
(I read this all the time, who's quote is it? Trimom?)
Good luck with whatever you decide to do. It's worth a tri. :)

With that kind of investment in a bike and gear I'd doggypaddle my way through the swim!

I got $6 in my pocket, will you take that ;-)

Wow guys, I didn't expect this kind of response. I appreciate everyone's advice. A little more background on me, I'm a bodybuilder of 12 years who recently became frustrated with my lack of progress so I decided to try an Ironman. I miss lifting and the muscle. I've already lost 15lbs in 12 weeks since I quit bodybuilding.

I invested some money in Tri gear and swimming lessons to give it a real go. I agree that I may be quiting a little prematurely and I may not quit. You guys have really got me thinking now. I've got a great local Masters Program that teaches many of the same principals as Total Immersion and I think the Masters program could help my situation.

you didn't let lagging body parts or plateaus stop you in bodybuilding....you did it for 12 yrs. most people stop at the first plateau, something inside you said keep going. this is no different. find your weakness and overcome. once you do something you didn't think was possible, you'll definately be overwhelmed w/ the awesome feeling. don't worry about lost muscle. you can get it back easily if you want. i say go for the ironman, beat the swim, and come out stronger and more confident for whatever else life throws out at you.

Kylie, thanks for the encouraging words. The Masters swim coach is an IronMan Triathlete and is great from what other local triathletes have told me.

:-D

well we saved him!

And beniger -- next time post as you get frustrated! We'll help :) You don't have to wait for it to be an end of your rope situation. We're one big supportive tri family ;)