Twiglets Legs,
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
I am also learning to swim at the moment, & I can honestly echo everything you have said, especially how tiring it is? My instructor says that as my technique improves (with practice), then my swimming action will become more efficient and require less effort. I really hope she is right, 'cause at the moment I find that marathon running is far less exhausting for me than swimming one 20m length! And that's my limit at the moment. Does this make me the king of crap swimmers??
I've often heard many competent swimmers say that they "swim for relaxation". Well, from where I am at the moment, I really fail to see how that can be possible!
I think I've made some progress though - before my lessons started (14 weeks ago) I wouldn't even get in the pool!
(My dad threw me in the deep end when I was young - nearly drowned & had to be rescued)!
Good luck with your efforts......I fully appreciate how difficult learning to swim is........!
TTT.