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James Ainley, ambitious, young, Corporate Finance Executive at Mazars in Milton Keynes, puts many of us to shame in his work/life balance. Progressing through last week’s ‘to do’ list, he took part in his first triathlon on 24 June. Not content to start with an ordinary race, James went straight for Zurich’s Ironman, sufficiently gruelling to attract world-class, professional athletes along with 1800 other competitors from 49 countries. The 3.8km swim (two laps in open water), 180km cycle (three mountainous laps) and 42.2km run (four laps around the lake and central Zurich) had to be completed within 16 hours. James excelled, crossing the finishing line after a respectable 14 hours in 35 place within his age group (18-24). “It has taken me eight years to pluck up the courage to enter. My training regime was extremely fluid. Mergers and acquisitions are notoriously full of surprises so my workload is sometimes unpredictable. Since last January, I have trained up to two hours each night, after work, and solidly through weekends. Most of my training centred around cycling as I lacked experience in that specific area,” explained James. With a career involving frequent travel, James could not commit to a triathlon club so he trained alone, when and wherever possible. The professionals started at 6.55am and the other 1800 competitors plunged into the lake at 7am. “It was impossible to swim through the chaos for at least ten minutes. Some people returned to shore following panic attacks in the crowded water. It was the first time I had swam in open water, let alone in a wetsuit. Using front crawl all the way, planning to complete within one hour twenty minutes, I was delighted to finish this part of the race within one hour. At this point, placed within the top 300, my supporters were milling around, chatting, not expecting such an early, lakeside exit,” commented James. Realising the swim would be his strongest event, James switched off to over-takers in the first hour of cycling. The first two laps took two hours and the third lap two and a half. Supporters, gathered on the Swiss Alps, cheering as competitors embarked on the steepest climbs, bringing a welcome boost to James and highlighting the event. The rules were strict, everyone had to maintain a minimum of seven metres between bikes to avoid slipstream benefits. After over six hours of cycling, James set out on the final run, literally on his last legs. The first lap took one hour, slowing and really starting to struggle, James completed the run in six hours. “I was dazed but overwhelmed by relief as I crossed the finishing line, one of the best parts of the race and a huge tick on my ‘to do’ list. The rain had held off and I had escaped sunburn, although the wetsuit abrasions have probably scarred me for life. ” Back at work on Monday morning, he reflected on the most difficult aspects of the race. “I was particularly concerned about remembering to eat and drink enough throughout the event as it plays a huge role in concentration and your ability to safely cross the finishing line. There were a few official, aid stations around the course, unlike other events, we were not allowed additional support. Some competitors carried alarms that sounded every six or fifteen minutes reminding them to eat and drink.” James will take it easy for a few months before pursuing his personal goals any further. The short list for possible future challenges includes the world’s most difficult Ironman challenge in Lanzarote, 24 hour cycling contests and a marathon. “James has set a fantastic example, sending a powerful message to many young people who think an exciting career prevents fulfilling other, personal ambitions. They can go hand-in-hand. Together, our MK staff have a lengthy list of personal achievements, outside of work, something that Mazars admires and encourages,” added Mark Standish, Head of Corporate Finance, Mazars. - ENDS – Issued on behalf of Mazars LLP by Rachael Bonfield, Solution Factors Ltd.
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