As we approach May’s Ironman event in Hawaii, our athletes are increasing the intensity of their training sessions to ensure they’re in the best shape possible for their eagerly anticipated challenge.
The Ironman 70.3 is one of the world’s most admired and gruelling endurance events. To complete this test, the payabl. team will need to conquer a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a strength-sapping half marathon (21.1 km run) to finish.
Navigating the event successfully demands balance, consistency, adaptability, and recovery. We’re passionate about the Ironman experience because these qualities reflect our approach to helping the world’s merchants to grow their businesses.
As we count down to the event, we’re profiling those involved to find out why they decided to sign up, how they’re juggling their training schedules with other obligations, and lessons they can apply from their professional lives.
For this edition, we caught up with Partnership Lead Florin Cimpoca and Product Designer Christian Piponidis
Gearing up for a unique challenge
Both Florin and Christian see Ironman 70.3 in Hawaii as an exciting challenge that was too compelling to ignore.
“I wanted to take part because this is a chance to really challenge myself, athletically and mentally,” explains Florin. “There are very few moments in life like this; it’s not often that CEOs provide their employees with an opportunity to test their limits. How could I possibly pass this up?”
Christian was motivated by the idea of setting a clear goal, working towards it with discipline and consistency, and making the necessary sacrifices to achieve something remarkable. “Being part of such an amazing team and experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of racing in Hawaii was impossible to pass up,” he says.
They know it will be tough, but both trust their training regimes to get them physically and mentally ready. “I’m training five days per week, every week,” says Florin. “I think the last 10 km of the run will be the hardest. By then, the sun will be well above your head, you’ll be tired from the other two disciplines, and so I’m sure it will feel difficult by that point.
Mentally, I had my concerns — as anyone would taking on such a challenge — but the most exciting thing about it all is the journey. You spend time with colleagues training, encouraging each other, and pushing yourself for over a year. What could possibly motivate a person more than experiencing such a journey?”
Christian notes the importance of finding the right balance and not burning out. “For me, it’s about keeping my body fuelled, bringing my mind back to the centre, and staying focused and composed throughout the race. By sticking to the training and visualising the race, I remind myself this is real, it’s happening, and the only way forward is to commit and not look back.”
Living the Ironman values
When asked which Ironman value resonates with him the most, Christian is drawn to consistency. “Growth comes from small, daily actions – the extra 1% you put in every day,” he says. “Bit by bit, that builds into something much bigger. Most people won’t see you during the grind, but they’ll notice when you cross the finish line.”
His training programme has galvanised Christian, equipping him with patience, calmness, and the ability to think long term. “Both Ironman and my work require consistency and adaptability,” he adds. “I’ve realised that the routines we build outside of work directly shape how we show up inside of work.”
Florin focuses on adaptability. “Life constantly throws challenges our way, and how we take on those challenges is what ultimately defines us,” he explains. “We need to be able to adapt and evolve, but also be able to maintain our core values.”
Here, he sees a clear parallel with his work at payabl., which demands the same ability to adapt and evolve. “Both require dedication,” he adds.
Adopting a flexible approach
Florin’s role as Partnership Lead involves a lot of time spent solving problems, whether it’s a partner who requires help, one of his team members, or any of the multiple departments he impacts through his work.
“A typical day requires a focused mind, the capacity to multitask, and a good deal of patience,” he explains. “Attention to detail is crucial. When dealing with company decision makers, you need to be on point at all times, otherwise you can lose them very quickly.” These qualities will serve him well on race day.
In his role as a Product Designer, Christian designs and improves checkout experiences across multiple integrations, working closely with engineers and stakeholders to turn complex problems into simple, reliable flows — a concept that embodies Ironman.
He has adapted successfully throughout his career, studying engineering but moving into product design because he was interested in the space between technology and people.
“Before payabl., I lived in South Korea, working with start-ups, international tech communities, and larger organisations, learning how people actually use and experience digital products,” he says. “At payabl., I’m able to focus more on the systems behind those experiences and I love bringing that user perspective into the back-end foundations that power every checkout.”
“My typical day is a mix of data, conversations, and problem solving. I review insights, align on priorities, understand technical constraints, and make sure what we ship delivers real outcomes.”
Making the right decisions is a crucial part of Christian’s role, as it will be in Hawaii. “I enjoy turning complexity into clarity,” he adds. “Those small design changes that quietly make life easier for thousands of merchants and end users. There are hundreds of small choices we make every day and progress depends on choosing a direction and moving forward.”
Leaning into a culture of co-operation
Florin and Christian are quick to credit the culture of co-operation at payabl., which will be key to pushing the team across the finish line in Hawaii.
“Rarely have I seen such close co-operation between the different departments of a company,” says Florin. “People aren’t focused just on their work — they’ll go out of their way to assist you.”
“People come from different backgrounds, but everyone pulls in the same direction and focuses on delivering outcomes together,” adds Christian. “There’s a genuine sense that we help each other to succeed. Even when the work is challenging, the environment stays collaborative, supportive, and welcoming.
Asked to sum up Ironman in a single word, he says “Humbling.”
“Thrilling,” says Florin.
Stay tuned for further updates as the team gets closer to Ironman 70.3 in Hawaii in May.