FACT3 Learning and Development Advisor to compete in Ironman event…

On Saturday 11th September, our Learning and Development Advisor, Myles Hall is set to compete in the Ironman Tenby competition. This is a massively exciting prospect for Myles and the team at FACT3, particularity as for the cycling leg he’ll be riding a FACT3 sponsored bike.

We caught up with him ahead of the event to find out how he has been preparing…

Hi Myles, how has the training been going?

Good! I’ve been focused on getting into a head space where you know things will go wrong, but it’s about how you cope with them. It’s a new aspect built into the training—me being more comfortable with things if they don't go to plan and learning how to overcome them. Stephen Eccles at Inner launch has been helping with that, having conversations around what the next step or solution is if something goes wrong. 

How is the famous FACT3 bike doing?

Very good. I bought a new disc rear wheel for it, which is more aerodynamic. I borrowed a front wheel off somebody because mine split, so that’s all set, and it goes in for a service on Monday.

How many competitions has it been to now?

This will be its third proper run-out. I've done the European Championships on it and Lanzarote, plus a local time trial.

Are you happy with it?

It is brilliant—genuinely, unbelievably fast. You only get out of it what you put in, but on flats and downhills, it makes a massive difference. People on group rides don't really want you coming out because you're pushing everyone so quickly and they just can't keep up! It’s brilliant fun to ride.

Moving on to Tenby itself, it's known for having a rowdy crowd. Does that affect you on the day, or do you zone out?

Previously, it would have gotten me going so I'd push more, but you need to keep a lid on what you expend. We call it "striking matches"—you’ve only got so many matches to strike before you're done, so you have to be cautious. Historically, I'd race the person in front of me and put out 300 Watts just because they did. It nearly bit me at Lanzarote because I was wobbling around the road at 37K. Now, it's about staying controlled with heart rate and power, letting people go, and then maybe on lap 4 of the run, using that last 10K to start chewing at people.

Have you done Tenby before?

I've not raced it, but I did a course research trip while I was on a camping holiday nearby. The key is that the first part of the cycle course is flatter than the rest, which can give a false sense of security. If you push too hard early on, the second half—which gets really hilly—will bite you. You need to save energy to drag yourself up those hills.

What about the transition layout?

After the swim, you've got to run up from the beach, through the roads, and to the transition area, which is a kilometre away. Unlike other Ironman events, you put on a specific pair of running shoes for that run before reaching transition to put your bike stuff on. I've done some visualization work for it—normally you douse your wetsuit in water so it strips off completely, but here you only want the top half off so you can run up to transition efficiently. 

This upcoming race feels like a big turning point for you. How are you framing it mentally?

It’s like a countdown to Kona. For me, in my mind, this is "Last Chance Saloon." I don't intend on doing another full Ironman regardless of the result. Two full Ironmans in a single year is just brutal to train for. I might do halves, Olympics, or whatever after this, but as far as full distance goes, this is it.

How does knowing it’s your final attempt affect your mindset? Does "Last Chance Saloon" motivate you, or does it add extra pressure?

It definitely makes it more nerve-wracking. You realize you don't have ten more chances in the bank to get it right. It’s a bit of an "all-or-nothing" feeling—you just have to hope everything you’ve put in is enough.

Given that pressure, how confident are you feeling about your preparation?

I know I’ve put the work in, but it’s funny how your perception of "enough" gets distorted. I actually texted my coach recently asking if I’d done enough. He reminded me that across July and August I ran 197 miles, and in August alone I cycled over 1,000 kilometers. Looking at those numbers gives me confidence, but long-distance racing has so many variables. You can mitigate as many risks as possible, but ultimately, if things fall apart on the day, they fall apart.

When you look at the benchmark numbers required to qualify, where do you stand?

Looking at last year’s data, it’s definitely doable, but I’d have to deliver a very good performance. To give context: I did a 9:51 at Lanzarote. Last year’s winner at Ironman Wales in Tenby did around a 9:48. So the numbers say it’s achievable, but Tenby in September is a completely different beast compared to a calm sea in Lanzarote—it could be absolute hell depending on the weather. If I have a great race and everything clicks, it’s on the cards.