While many of us have already conveniently forgotten our New Year fitness vows, our Ironman participants are increasing their training intensity in the build up to May’s event.
Ironman 70.3 Hawaii is a multi-sport endurance race comprising three sequential disciplines; a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and finally a punishing 21.1 km run. It requires the same values — balance, consistency, adaptability, and recovery — that define how we work and how we help our clients succeed.
That’s why it’s more than a sporting challenge for us. It’s a living metaphor of our brand promise: we make money flow.
Just as our intrepid competitors will connect three disciplines into one seamless race, payabl. connects all the diverse payments capabilities a modern merchant needs into one platform, delivering clarity, control, and reliable performance for businesses worldwide.
In the build-up to the event, we’re profiling those taking part to find out more about what inspires them, and how they’re balancing a demanding training schedule with their busy work lives.
The team is drawn from different departments, with different levels of sporting experience, but share one ambitious goal.
For this edition, we spoke with Project Manager Lysandros Lysandrou and Legal Counsel Stavri Kapsou to discuss what’s driving them towards the finishing line.
Achieving a positive mindset through consistency
Stavri decided to get involved when she saw the exciting nascent journeys of team members who signed up for Ironman before her.
“I was inspired by their effort and courage,” she explains. “Seeing their progress, consistent planning, visible growth, and sense of achievement made something that once felt impossible start to feel achievable.”
Stavri is keen to push her limits and explore a new version of herself. “Now, I realize that participating in an Ironman is a journey I intend to make the most of and fully embrace,” she adds. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
It’s a similar story for Lysandros, who was keen to take on a challenge that would help him reach new limits and achieve something remarkable. “I’ve always exercised throughout my adult life, but this feels unique,” he says. “It’s been a great way to stay fit, discover new sports, and explore a different kind of hobby. But most importantly, it’s a way to prove to myself that consistency and showing up every day truly pay off.”
They highlight the mental challenge associated with such an epic undertaking. “Having the right mindset is key because so many factors can influence how the race unfolds,” says Lysandros. “Staying mentally strong is the foundation for everything else.”
“My biggest personal challenge is managing the mental side of the race,” adds Stavri. “I’m learning to stay focused and avoid getting distracted by things that can pull me off track. I’m also learning to manage self-doubt and to not get discouraged when I see teammates whose performance is more advanced than mine. Instead of comparing myself, I focus on my own progress and remember that everyone’s journey is different.”
Having a consistent training plan in place is helping both Stavri and Lysandros to get ready for the event. “I focus on showing up every single day, no matter the weather, my mood, or the circumstances,” says Lysandros. “Consistency builds progress. I also spend time learning as much as I can about training, nutrition and recovery so I can train smarter. That extra knowledge gives me confidence, which strengthens me mentally as well.”
Stavri is following a structured and customised training plan created by the team’s coach, who supervises progress and adjusts the sessions every week. The plan usually includes swimming twice a week, cycling twice a week, and running — with the disciplines sometimes combined into a brick workout to mimic race conditions. “Having this structure helps me to build endurance, stay consistent, and prepare properly for race day,” she explains.
Bringing balance and adapting to new challenges
While all of the Ironman values resonate with Stavri and Lysandros, they are both quick to home in on the importance of balance.
“In life and in training, balance is essential,” says Lysandros. “Without it, you burn out or neglect other important areas. For Ironman, that means balancing training across all disciplines: nutrition, recovery, and learning.”
“I’m still learning how to balance full-time work, training, and my personal life,” adds Stavri. “It’s been a journey. Training for Ironman has taught me how important it is to prioritise my time and focus on what truly matters, rather than getting caught up in negativity or unnecessary drama. By finding that balance, I can dedicate energy to my goals, enjoy the process, and stay consistent without burning out. It’s a skill I’m continuously developing, both in training and in life.”
Adaptability is also a critical element of the Ironman experience, and Lysandros sees parallels with his work life. A typical day involves checking his priorities, reviewing projects and their progress, considering any new updates and communicating with a range of stakeholders to move things forward.
“I collaborate and engage with multiple departments, which allows me to grow my knowledge and learn everything about the business,” he says. “Adaptability, as well as people skills, is vital. My job requires excellent communication skills, as I facilitate discussions between multiple stakeholders, and emotional intelligence to read and understand people.”
“Hard work and dedication brings results, but strategy is just as important. In Ironman, if you push too hard today without considering tomorrow, you risk slowing yourself down. The same applies in business too. Whether it’s training plans, recovery, or project decisions, the long-term strategy defines success.”
Stavri is part of payabl.’s legal team. Her role involves providing advice, and drafting and reviewing contracts with the ultimate goal of protecting the company from all legal risks. Again, adaptability plays a major role as she pivots between calls, meetings, and drafting important documents.
“Every day brings something new, and that constant development is what I find most rewarding,” she explains. “Problem-solving is one essential quality expected from my role. Unexpected issues come up all the time, so being able to analyse a situation quickly, understand the risks, and find practical solutions is crucial.”
Problem-solving will certainly help the team to navigate the course in Hawaii, and Stavri recognises the alignment between her role and Ironman training.
“You set goals, make a plan, and keep pushing even when things feel challenging,” she says. “Just like in training, success at work comes from showing up every day, learning from setbacks, and trusting the process. Also, you’re never on your own. You can share your thoughts, struggles, or wins with your teammates or colleagues, and they get it.”
Drawing strength from a supportive culture
Speaking of teamwork, they believe the supportive culture at payabl. has set them up for success both in Hawaii and in their careers.
“The unified commitment of the company is to become a leader in our industry,” says Lysandros. “You see the effort behind closed doors, and it’s inspiring. It makes you want to become a part of it. When we need to get a job done, we get serious — but we also know how to unwind.”
“People are optimistic,” adds Stavri. “You see real career growth happening around you. The environment is always very friendly. Colleagues take the time to talk, discuss challenges, or answer questions.
Summing up the Ironman experience in a single world, she says “Transformative.”
“Extraordinary,” suggests Lysandros.
Stay tuned for further updates as the team prepares for Ironman 70.3 in Hawaii in May.