CTM Sport’s Team Travel Manager, Charles’ takes on the Iron Man Challenge

If you’ve ever heard of the Iron Man challenge, you’ll know that it’s no easy feat by any means. It’s a gruelling challenge reserved for only the toughest competitors, involving a 3.8km ocean swim, 180 km road cycle, followed by a full 42.195 km marathon.

CTM Sport’s Team Travel Manager, Charles James took on and successfully completed his first Iron Man earlier this year in Cascais, Portugal.

Inspired by the loss of a loved one and a genuine desire to outperform his previous sporting achievements, Charles took on his first Iron Man earlier this year in Cascais, Portugal.

‘Recognise to reward’ is one of our core values here at CTM Sport. It means we take every chance we get to celebrate and acknowledge when our colleagues have accomplished something special, whether that’s at work or beyond. We’re thrilled to showcase Charles’ amazing perseverance and dedication throughout the 12 months he spent training, and right up to the final step of his marathon.

Read on to hear from Charles first-hand on what it takes to train, the inspiration behind his sign-up, how he felt after, and what his biggest challenges were.

What inspired you to sign up for your first ever Iron Man?

“Almost 14 years ago I lost my father to cancer and since then I have done various sporting challenges to raise money for various charities – these have included the London Triathlon twice, the London Marathon and several other challenges. Each challenge has gradually gotten harder, and I’ve always wanted to complete an Ironman (even if it was just for the tattoo).

“I was meant to do one back in 2020 but unfortunately, COVID put a stop to that idea. Then a friend signed up to Cascais Ironman and it didn’t take too much persuasion for me to follow suit.”

What was the training process like?

“Training probably started about a year ago when I signed up for the race and across the course of the 12 months, I gradually increased the workload and distances I was training.

“On reflection, I probably didn’t do enough training – the combination of a 6-month-old daughter, dog and work probably stopped me from getting enough miles in the body to compete competitively at the event. The hardest part for me was finding time during the weekends to get a long bike ride in (4 – 6 hours) and I could only manage between 2 and 3 hours at a time.”

What would you change about how you trained if you were to sign up for another one?

“If I were to do another one soon, I would definitely invest in a turbo trainer for home, as this would allow me to train at home but still help with the jobs around the house at the weekends. I’ve always been a competent swimmer, cyclist and runner but doing them to the extreme distances required and back-to-back was something I had never done before.”

What were the toughest parts on the day for you?

“There were a few tough moments during the race – the swim didn’t go without its hiccups, a competitor got into difficulty about 300m into the race and I stopped to give him some assistance and reassurance until a volunteer came over to look after him.

“The swell at the turning point wasn’t too bad but it did stop me and other competitors from seeing the buoys back to the harbour and we ended up swimming quite far off course until we were directed back onto the right path.

“I was hoping the bike would go better but I got a puncture 7km into the 180km – I was able to fix this but it did mean that I had 83km of nervous cycling, knowing if I got another one then that could be my race over as I was out of inner tubes. Thankfully that didn’t happen, and I was able to restock on the second loop and finish the bike course without any further issues.

“The hardest part of the whole race was taking on enough fuel to keep energy levels high, in total I burnt just over 10,000 calories, and to keep enough in the legs for the marathon at the end of the race – I would definitely fuel more next time round during the bike course.”

How did you feel after you crossed the finish line?

“I think my first words were ‘I am never doing that again’ but by Sunday morning I couldn’t wait to sign up to the next one! On reflection, it was a huge achievement and one that I will be able to look back on with proud memories.”

What advice would you give to someone who's considering signing up?

“Jump at the opportunity – all of the training, blood, sweat and tears is totally worth it for that feeling when you run down the red carpet, ring the first-time finisher’s bell, hear your name as you run the final 50 meters through the grandstands and hear the words ‘You are an IRONMAN’ as you cross the finish line.”

What’s the next challenge you want to take on?

“I’d love to take on another Ironman and, with a few years of serious training, try and qualify for the world championships. But next on the books is the London Marathon in April on behalf of Cancer Research UK.”

We wish Charles all the best of luck training for the London Marathon in April 2024!