A continuous swim?

Hi everyone! I am brand new to these forums, but definatly not new to the sport. I've been swimming competitvely since I was in 4th grade and I'm now 20yrs old and a college junior. Now, me being here, asking the questions I am asking is kinda ironic since I am definatly when it comes to competitive in pool swimming a sprinter. But, I train 6 days a week, right now doing between 5,000-5,700yards in a 2hour practice, but after the holidays that will increase to 10,000yards+ a day in 2 2hour sessions...so while I race sprints...I still know what distance feels like. But, my question to you all is....how do people like Martin Strevl complete these insanely long CONTINUOUS swims? I mean he has swam for 84 hours and 10minutes continuously!! How does he feed if its a continuous swim? I mean know on most of his swims they're for distance and he stops and sleeps for 5hours each night and all, but how did he manage that particular swim where he did swim continuously? Anyone have any insight? I am greatly intrigued. oh and I'm planning on swimming a marathon which is why I am here :thhbbb: haha. I posed the above question in the general discussion, but thought that it might get more responses here, so here it is!! Thanks! .Blaine's Apprentice.