Countdown to Kona: Myles’ challenge of a lifetime

Month one – why am I doing this?!

You might not guess if you meet me professionally that I am working towards the biggest personal challenge of my life this year. I’ve set myself a huge physical challenge: in October, I want to be standing on the start line of the World Ironman Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

When it’s written down like that it somehow looks more real (and a little more daunting!). Right now, getting to Kona is shaping everything I do. It’s not enough to just want it: I’ve got to hit strict qualifying standards; deliver top-level performances; commit to a process that demands consistency every single day. This blog marks the first step in that journey, both for me as an athlete and for FACT3 as the business backing me.

Why do I want to get to the World Ironman Championships?

In my youth I was a semi-pro rugby player, but after stepping away from the sport as I got a bit older it left a gap in my life. I missed having something that pushed me physically and mentally - something that rewarded discipline and structure. Ironman racing filled that space. It’s a sport where effort compounds over time, where marginal gains matter, and where preparation is everything.

The challenges getting there

Qualifying for the World Championships is intentionally tough. You have to finish at the very top of your age group in qualifying races, competing for a limited number of slots. Even if you earn one, the commitment doesn’t stop there. The financial side is real: a competitive bike can cost around £10,000, entry fees alone are close to £800, and then there’s coaching, travel, nutrition, and equipment. This isn’t a challenge that’s easy to access.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to secure support from my employer, FACT3. The support I’ve had has been huge. They’ve invested in my journey by funding a specialist bike and branded kit, but more importantly they’ve shown belief in what I’m trying to achieve. For me, that reflects the kind of culture we talk about at work: backing people who set ambitious goals and are prepared to put in the effort to reach them. I’m proud to have the chance to represent that in my physical challenge.

I don’t take this support lightly, and actually think about what FACT3 has invested in me the same way I approach decisions at work… investment has to lead somewhere. For me, that “return” is performance. If I’m committing time, energy, and money, it has to translate into progress. That mindset keeps me focused when training gets tough.

Setting the standard

The first month of my challenge has been about establishing routine and precision. I’m currently training up to three hours a day, across swim, bike, and run sessions, plus strength work and recovery.

My first race of the season will be in Lanzarote in May, though I’m hopping over to the Canaries for a test run later this month. The official May competition will give me a solid benchmark – it’s the first of my real milestones. The heat and humidity there are ideal preparation for what I could face later in the year, so it’s not just a race - it’s a test environment.

So – what’s next?

This is only month one of an eight-month push toward October. There’s a long way to go, with setbacks as well as breakthroughs during that time. But that’s part of the challenge - learning, adapting, and improving each step of the way.

I’m looking forward to sharing it all via this blog – see you in March!

Author biography  

Myles Hall, Learning and Development Advisor, FACT3