Swimming in perspective

3.5 mi probably doesn't sound like a lot to a runner or biker; however, a swim coach I read said that swimming 1 mile is equal in effort and energy to running 4 miles. So this event will be more like running 14 mi. As a non-runner, I don't know if that is a lot to run. I probably could not run one mile. I do think that triathlons are disproportionate in terms of swim length versus run and bike lengths. I'd rather a longer swim myself, but most triathletes hate swimming from what I have heard. If only I could run. But I always hated all that bouncing around, girls flopping, and all that sweat.