Some might assume that a coder's daily life is just sitting at a computer and therefore the opposite of sport – however, we are all different and sometimes these two things combine into a fantastic package. This is exactly what has happened with our coder, Pasi Heiskanen, who has just won the Finnish Championship gold at the Ironman competition held in Tahko, Kuopio. In celebration of his victory, we decided to interview Pasi about his performance, ask about his feelings, and share our joy about it on our blog too 😄
How does the SM Ironman feel now?
Really good! About 5 years ago, I decided to start training with a coach with specific goals, and my first goal was to win the AG (Age Group) Finnish Championship gold in the full distance. My second goal was to break the 10-hour barrier at Tahko, as it's my home race. I finally achieved both goals in the same race!
Was this your first time participating, or have you competed before?
This was my 4th full distance race and the 3rd time at Tahko. My first two times at Tahko can be put down to inexperience. In 2019, I decided to try a different route and competed in Tallinn, where I broke the 10-hour barrier for the first time. However, my time in Tallinn can't be compared to Tahko, as the race route is much flatter. I've completed shorter distances well over 50 times already. I really should count up one day how close I am to my hundredth start.
Do you have a sporting background otherwise, for example from childhood?
As a child, I was more of a nerdy boy, more interested in console games and computers than sports. I did try a lot of different sports, including ice hockey and judo, quite seriously. However, competitive sport didn't feel interesting, and my exercise largely consisted of walking the family's hunting dogs. Thanks to our dogs, I developed a good foundation for running, which is by far my strongest discipline.
Otherwise, my exercise was largely gym-based until I was 24. One day, I went to the gym with a friend and after that, I started exercising more regularly. I was a keen weightlifter for a few years until I saw a Triathlon on TV. I thought it would be an easy and fun challenge, which ultimately captivated me and turned me into a competitive athlete.
How many hours do you spend on training per week and what does it involve?
Depending on the week, training hours vary between 9-30 hours. On top of training, there is also daily muscle maintenance, which takes 15-60 minutes. Primarily, my training consists of swimming, cycling, running, skiing, and gym sessions.
My training year is divided into periods, during which I can focus more on, for example, swimming. Then I go swimming 5 times a week instead of 2-3. The periods are planned according to Finnish weather and development needs. Now, at the end of the competition season and due to the colder weather, I am focusing on running. I don't enjoy cycling in the rain and cold, and it's very important to keep training enjoyable.
How do you combine sport, everyday life, and work?
All this is possible thanks to my profession, employer, and clients. I'm able to schedule my training well and my work thanks to flexible working hours. I can easily go and train, for example, during my lunch break or start work later in the morning. My everyday life largely revolves around these two, and sometimes there are days when all my time is spent solely on work and training. I've accepted this because, in addition to software development, it's another passion of mine where I want to become better every day.
And what is the next big goal?
At the moment, I'm considering whether my main goal for next year should be breaking 9 hours at an Ironman or securing a slot for Hawaii from Tahko. Breaking 9 hours is a magical barrier for AG athletes, but it would be fantastic to get a race slot to the spiritual home of triathlon, Hawaii, from my home race. Of course, breaking 9 hours is also possible at Tahko, but it requires a perfect race and top conditions from my end. In addition to the above, my goal is to reach the podium in the AG category at the European/World Championships.
Incredible performance and millions of congratulations!
Pasi is a living example that coding and sports can be combined, even though competitive sport requires a certain dedication and takes up its own time. The time spent on training has clearly paid off in this case!
Absolutely an incredible performance, and Jidoka couldn't be prouder of Pasi – congratulations on the SM victory! 🤩 We eagerly await next year and the fulfillment of new goals 🥰
The achievement of the following goals and preparation for competitions can be followed more closely by Pasin From the Instagram account.