Can u help?

Triathalon participate. Went to Masters Swim workout and I couldn't even interpret the workout!!, Finally jumped in water and , coach wanted me to do one arm pull, backstroke!! I was run over by the good swimmers, anyway, they say you can join in but not really!! They were nice but a little put out, so I come to you for help. I did a .25 swim in 8.53, I mean i am in good shape and I love swimming but obviously slowwwwww. I did an ocean mile swim in 39 min and I was 72 out of 100(but, it was a very windy day (good excuse for me) generally people are doing like between 25 and 30 something, (I think, they had all left by the time I got out!) ahhh embarrassed, I work on my swimming and am reading total immersion and trying to do drills. I did a mile swim in bay yesterday (lots of waves adn I am cutting time down a tiny bit) I have tried to find a coach but geez the coaches here are all involved with teens and swim teams and they look to good for me to even approach. I cannot do a Total Immersion swim weekend - it costs 475 dollars wwayyy to much, but I would take private lessons if I could even locate a coach. I want to get better so badly but I don't know much about the drills, times and things, can u help me. I LOVE swimming adn I really want to do better. I like the way you answer the questions and have read your bio and I think your methodology is very good. sorry this is so long could you suggest an easy to understand workout, I do freestyle and I do triathlons the distances are 1/2 mile. 1/4 mile, 1.2 miles etc and I am pretty much in the last 1/3 of the group out of the water (I am a runner and come in 1st in the running section most every time)