So eight weeks into my conquer the pool program and today (with my flippers on) for the first time I did two laps (50 yds) in freestyle without gasping for air. I truly believe that my issues have been more mental than physical so today I concentrated on my stroke and not making it down and back. So it seemed to work. Tomorrow I am going for lap 3. 35 to go and I will have a half mile in! Hope springs eternal!