Improve Freestyle Swimming: Breathing & Flutter Kick Techniques

Question
I am trying to train for a tri, have been marathon runner.  Working on free-style struggling with rotary breathing and flutter kick.  I can do about one length of pool with breathing and then head out of the water, I do blow bubbles, use nose plug, just can't get the breathing to satisfy.  How long should I cont before seeing progress, same for flutter kick.

Answer
I am sorry I just saw this question today. The combination of the freestyle crawl and kick with breathing takes some time.  I would say if you practice every other day for say 2 to 3 months and do not see improvement that you may want to join an adult masters swim program so an instructor can help you with your progression.