Batuhan Kaya: Becoming the Hero in Me
Victoria triathlete Batuhan Kaya is a figure of courage and determination. I first met Batuhan while he was casually working and noticed that his Garmin 935 strap was secured on his wrist by a piece of tape. His energy, smile and the hint of chlorine gave me a good idea that he may be a Victoria triathlete. We got into a conversation and sure enough, he was training for a triathlon.
The longer we talked it became apparent that this guy had the potential of competing particularly well in this sport.
The great thing about Batuhan Kaya is the way he inspires others around him. His energy is ferociously addicting but also encouraging. These are the reasons we had to reach out to this local victoria triathlete so he could share his heroic journey.
Tell us a little about how you got involved in triathlon and how you got hooked racing?
I really like sharing this story. 4 years ago I used to work as a cook at a local restaurant and was just getting into running recreationally. One of the bartenders at the restaurant told me about this sprint triathlon (Westshore Triathlon (R.I.P)). He said he was going to do it and I responded saying that I want to do it too.
That evening I signed up and swam the next 14 days straight to get a feel for the water; after not swimming for years. Long story short he actually didn’t participate and I went and had an amazing time racing.
As soon as I finished, I smiled then realized I finally found a sport where there was so much to learn and improve. I went home and signed up for 2 more races one being a 70.3 distance. The adrenaline and the community around the sport got me hooked.
You smashed Ironman Canada 2019 and got 4th place with a time of 10hr 39min .02 sec. In 2018 you got first at the Westwood Lake Olympic Triathlon 2.27.54 AG 18-24. Your progress as an athlete is on the rise. What do you do to maintain the stamina and increase your potential?
Thank you for those kind words first of all. It’s all been just work, work, work. I have a full time and a really demanding on foot job. I work an average of 50 hours a week and train on top of that. So regards to performance it has been a lot sacrificing, in relation to creating priorities for me.
Not to mention, I find sleep has been the key factor in how I'm able to keep moving. I average 8-9 hours a day and I am not willing to give that up just yet :). Also, a balanced diet helps as well.
What races are scheduled for the first year of 2020?
This year I’ve decided to take a lot on my plate. So I signed up for 5x 70.3 events across North America and maybe more in Europe. I will also do a Local Sprint and Olympic distance events to support our local community. Besides the triathlons, I will also be joining some local run races here in Victoria as well. It’s always competitive and creates an opportunity for a good day of learning.
Tell us a little about your favorite gear?
My favorite gear…. That’s a hard one to pick. I really like my runners, my bike and my race kit. Although many times I wanted to upgrade or change I am really connected to them. I use ZoomX Vaporflys for running. I knoooow they have the carbon plate and all, and I can tell you it works. At least for me.
I ride a 2015 Cervelo P5, going into season 3 with it. Still no name, recommendations are welcome. It runs smoothly and gotten me many strong placing on the bike. Lastly, my kit makes me feel like a hero. There is nothing special to it if anything it’s a KONA 2016 Zoot kit and I have never been to KONA. It’s a major goal of mine and it gives me motivation. It’s like when I wear that I can do anything I want.
You have some pretty sweet sponsors! Feel free to give them a shout out and let fans know where to find them.
I did work with multiple brands in the past. Currently, I am part of Endur Apparels Athlete Program. They saw me grow in the sport and I’ve seen them grow as a brand. Rob (CEO of Endur) has supported me in different parts of my life and always helped me with things I needed inside and outside of our relationship under Endur. If you haven’t heard of them feel free to give them a follow on Instagram @endurapparel or visit their website at www.endurapparel.com .
Also, you’ve heard it here first, there might be some customs socks printed with a design we’ve come up with. Look out for that.
How can our fans follow you and your upcoming adventures?
I am mostly active on my Instagram account @hbatuhankaya . Additionally, I have a website that I publish big race reports or some thoughts that I have along the year so if you are interested to read them you can visit www.hbatuhankaya.com . Thank you so much for spending the time on creating this and for all that are reading thanks for your time and your support. It’s much appreciated.
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