faster swims do not necessarily mean
faster overall triathlon times.

So this article from Inside Triathlon put the
scientific backing to my musings:

"http://triathlon.competitor.com/2011/03/training/
faster-swim-times-may-not-lead-to-faster-finish-times_24498"

"Researchers conducted this study with nine well-trained male triathletes in five laboratory sessions: one swim time trial, one graded exercise test and three sprint distance triathlons. The swimming velocities of the three sprint triathlons were 80-85 percent, 90-95 percent and 98-102 percent. Cycling and running were performed after these tests at a perceived maximum intensity. Stroke mechanics and oxygen consumption were also measured.

Results concluded that with an exertion of 80-85 percent and 90-95 percent of maximum swimming intensity, athletes maintained faster cycle times. The overall triathlon time was faster with swimming at 80-85 percent than swimming with a 98-102 percent exertion. Additionally, when triathletes swam at maximum intensity, their stroke rates went up, so they were doing more work.

Therefore, researchers concluded that performing at a swimming intensity below that of a time trial effort significantly improves cycling and overall performance in a race.

So it is apparently true that slower and steadier wins the race."

But does this mean the slower, the
better? Nope. It means not going
balls to the walls on the swim may
put you at and advantage for the
rest of the race, now matter how
slow you may be going in to the
race.

Plus it's more fun!

Having said all that, if you practice

technique, including the drills I
recommend, and improve your stroke,

the result will mostly likely be a faster

swim as a result anyway.