Ironman lessons: why success is never a solo effort

One of the biggest misconceptions about endurance sport is that it's an individual pursuit. On race day, you're the one swimming, cycling and running; you're the one crossing the finish line. In reality, no-one gets there alone. Behind the scenes there’s a small army supporting me on every step of the crazy challenge. That’s been top of mind for me when I’ve been reflecting on my latest Ironman challenge. 

Since the last update, I completed Ironman Lanzarote, widely regarded as one of the toughest events on the circuit. The result was my strongest performance yet: I finished seventh in my age group, first British athlete in age group. I hope my All World Athlete status improves from my top 17% from my Leeds Ironman finish.  

However, it wasn't quite enough to secure qualification for Kona this time. It was proof that the process is working, though - the goal is no longer an impossible dream, it's within touching distance. I’vealso learned so much about resilience in the weeks leading up to the event.  

Just one week before travelling to Lanzarote, disaster struck. A mechanical failure damaged my bike frame during a training ride. Suddenly, months of preparation were at risk, and the repair timeline should have made competing impossible. 

Instead, a network of people stepped in. My partner coordinated repairs and transport and family members helped collect equipment. My bike mechanic worked late into the evening before leaving for holiday to rebuild the bike. Colleagues created the flexibility needed to keep training on track. Individually, each contribution seemed small. Collectively, they got me to the start line. 

It's a lesson that translates directly into business. Professional success is often viewed through the lens of individual performance. We celebrate the person delivering the presentation, leading the project or closing the deal. Yet behind every successful outcome is usually a team of people providing support, expertise, encouragement and challenge. 

And as I mentioned earlier, the other lesson is resilience. Training for an Ironman teaches you that things rarely go perfectly: equipment fails; conditions change; plans need adjusting. Success comes from responding well when things don't go as expected, rather than expecting everything to go smoothly. 

The same is true in anyone’s professional life. Challenges are inevitable – what matters is maintaining perspective, focusing on solutions and continuing to move forward. 

Lanzarote didn't end with the Kona qualification I was aiming for, but it provided something equally valuable: evidence that the approach is working. I’m now looking ahead to the Ironman event in Tenby this autumn… my plan B to try for Kona qualification in 2027.  

So, my next challenge is already on the calendar - and thanks to the people around me, I'm ready to take another shot. 

Author biography 

Myles Hall, Learning and Development Advisor, FACT3