Starting swimming

Question
Hi there,

I have been training for a duathlon for a couple of months now, but I am still fairly far from my goal - ie I could complete one but not win one just yet! I am finding it a bit exhausting basically, and wondering whether or not duathlons are for me. My friend is a triathlete and I admire her greatly but don't think I could train myself to that level!
A lot of people have been suggesting I take up swimming. I live in the Cayman Islands and one of my friends is just about to go to the Olympics this year so the influence is all around me haha. I am 19 this summer and fairly fit from the cycling and running (and I also play squash and dance) so I wouldn't be entering the sport from a total couch potato's position! But I wondered if you could give me any advice about taking it up. I avoided it as a kid because I've had to wear glasses since I was 7 and got contacts at 14, so obviously have never been able to get water in my eyes. Sounds like a pathetic excuse but practically it did make swimming as a sport almost impossible. I'm going to get some good goggles though and give it a try...what do you think is a good way to start? Strokes or laps etc? I am just a bit lost...swimming is very new to me but the benefits that come with it and the total lack of disadvantages (ie not much pressure on joints etc!) really appeals to me. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer
Anna--
It's never too late to take up swimming.  The best advice I can give you is find a good masters program in your area and talk to the coach.  Just remember swimming takes a lot of practice to become proficient, don't get impatient and keep working at it.
Also, you don't need to worry about glasses, if you have goggles you can see ok in the water without glasses or contacts-the only thing you have to see is the line on the bottom and the wall and the backstroke flags.
Good Luck,
George