Actually I do the "2 miles in one day" every other day in the summer... in open ocean water... or at least I did 2 years ago. I took it easy last year and kept it to only a bit over a mile every other day. (and my racing times really suffered) I was a competitive swimmer in high school and college... and yeah 5000 yard pool workouts were pretty standard daily fare. (ug, wind sprints...
) I was never all that good speed wise that I was doing 2 workouts a day. (I have my limits).
At 52, I compete in Rough Water swims, but I don't think I've done even a 25 fly in about 10 years. I do a bit from time to time just for fun... but it takes practice to get the rhythm and form just right. You're probably right about most here not being able to an IM... swimming takes practice to be efficient... and if you're not doing it... well, expect to flop. But I doubt many here could do say 12 days at TdF either... The racer types might be good for a few days... but that would be it.
Phelps got the glory for the 8 medals... all record busters or darn near. Lance got 7 wins at TDF, that too is a record buster. (he didn't "just finish")
But the actual event competed in... TdF is hands down harder than even an 800m swim. And I'm sticking to that. But Dara is still MY hero.
