An attempt at an Ironman

This is my attempt to keep myself focused on what will be my first 1/2 Ironman and, eventually, my first full Ironman race.
www.tupperlakeinfo.com/tinman/
www.ironmanusa.com

My eventual goal is to complete the Lake Placid Ironman in under 11 hours and 30 minutes.
Those that are unfamiliar with the Ironman and the distances involved:

First is the swim- 2.4 miles
Second is the bike- 112 miles
Third is the run- 26.2 miles (full marathon)

These are done in succession and the athlete has 17 hours to complete all three events. There are time cut-offs for all three, however, so the athlete must make sure that he/she makes each one in time.

My fear is the swim. I learned how to swim a few years ago. I am now very comfortable in water. This comfort does not extend itself to being in water with other people sardined in next to me. And it certainly does not include being comfortable with said people kicking their legs and swinging their arms in the ultimate effort of staying above the water's surface.
I become concerned when I feel the slightest nudge from someone else while in the water. The problem is, the start of the Lake Placid Ironman closely resembles what it would be like to jump into a washing machine when your clothes are being jostled around. Not only will I be "nudged," but I'll be kicked, smacked, kneed, elbowed, smothered, rinsed, spun... oops, sorry. I thought I was in a washing machine for a second. You get the idea, right?
I will overcome! I WILL overcome!! I WILL OVERCOME!!!
I am a very strong runner with experience from sprints through the marathon.

Some of my Personal Bests (Post college):

5K- 17:52
10K- 37:38
15K- 57:50
10 Mile- 1:03
1/2 Marathon- 1:25
Marathon- 3:09

I have no fear of the run. I know I can do it.
The bike will be a challenge, but I know I can get through that.
It's that swim. If I can stay focused in the swim and not get too worked up, I can make it.

The plan is to do the Tupper Lake Tinman in June, 2008 and possibly one more Half Iron distance in August, 2008. This will serve as a gauge to see what I need to work on and if I, indeed, will be able to make it. The Ironman that I will partake in is June, 2009. I will be watching the 2008 Ironman closely to pick up some ideas and tips.

My first step from this point is a half marathon on January 2'nd. Until then...