After discovering sports as an adult, Lotta Heikkeri understood she was more capable than she ever imagined. The serial enthusiast and non-fiction writer encourages everyone to find their own reasons and ways to move.
This is what entrepreneur and non-fiction writer Lotta Heikkeri said at the bike shop when looking for her first mountain bike. Her friend, an experienced mountain biker, noted that the chosen bike was also suitable for downhill riding, but the mere thought of careening down steep hills terrified the beginner cyclist.
However, the bike swept Lotta away, and three months later, she found herself at a downhill mountain biking camp for adults with a broad grin on her face.
“I rode only the easiest tracks, and my jumps were tiny, but the feeling of accomplishment and overcoming myself was incredible. I always thought downhill biking wasn’t for people like me – timid and cautious middle-aged women,” she laughs.
“But, on the other hand, I shouldn’t have been surprised. It wasn’t the first time a sport has taken me by surprise and shown that maybe I’m not what I thought I was.”
Growing up as a bookish kid, Lotta got into sports only as an adult, much to her, and others’, surprise. The self-proclaimed serial enthusiast has tried her hand at dozens of disciplines, from mixed martial arts to ski jumping, over her short sporting career. Outdoor activities, such as trail running, cycling and hiking, entered her life when she wanted to balance out intense CrossFit training.
Her hobbies have helped her challenge many beliefs about herself and what her body is capable of. Lotta says that even now, in challenging or scary situations, she can hear the familiar voice: “I can’t, I’m afraid, this isn’t for me.”
“In these situations, I try to remember that I’ve already overcome quite a few mental obstacles to get to this point. Often, I’ve shed some tears in a difficult spot and, after doing the thing, thought that it actually wasn’t that bad,” she chuckles.
“Exercise has been, and still is, a way to discover new sides to myself. It’s been incredible to find out that I’m braver, stronger, and more capable than I ever thought.”
During the workday, Lotta often finds herself looking out the window to the nearby forest. Being outdoors, whether cycling, camping, or just taking a short walk, is the perfect counterbalance to thinking and sitting in front of the computer.
“Mountain biking especially is a great way to clear your head after a long day at the office. In the woods, you can’t think about anything else besides the trail ahead. If your thoughts wander to work stuff, you’ll soon find yourself in a bilberry shrub,” she laughs.
Often, Lotta can’t wait until the end of the workday, and she pours some coffee in a thermos and takes a break on the nearby rocks.
“I have a restless mind, and being in the woods calms me down. Sometimes, I might sit down and just breathe during my bike ride. I wave at mountain bikers speeding by and shout, ´I’m okay, just enjoying the moment.´”
Camping is the most effective way to disconnect from everyday life. Lotta has made backpacking trips on her gravel bike around Finland, neighboring countries, and national parks in Latvia.
Sometimes, the yearning for a getaway is so strong that she packs her bike after work and heads out for an overnighter in Nuuksio National Park near Helsinki. In the morning, she crawls out of the tent, brews some coffee and is back at her desk by mid-morning.
“I try to fit as much outdoors in my everyday life as possible. I don’t want to wait for weekends and vacations. Or that the weather is perfect! Just go outside; it’s rewarding every time.”
Through her hobbies, Lotta has met many like-minded people who discovered sports as adults. Their stories, Lotta’s escapades and research come together in a non-fiction book called Hurahtaneet – aikuisia jotka löysivät itsensä urheilun kautta (Enthusiasts – adults who discovered themselves through sports), to be published this autumn.
The book’s main message is that everyone should find their own reasons and ways to get excited about sports and exercise. In her book, Lotta trains with an ultrarunner, cross-country skier, archer, and a cheerleading team for adults, among many others.
"Each interviewee had their own story and reasons for getting hooked on their sport. The common thread was that these people feel for the first time in their lives that exercise can be fun and meaningful.”
Lotta wishes the threshold for trying new sports and activities was as low as possible. Social media especially can create pressure to go big and to be very good, very fast.
“You can do things in the way you want, as much as you want. I may not be a technically skilled mountain biker, and I’m still scared of the more difficult downhill tracks, but I don’t let that stop me from enjoying my hobby.”
Lotta points out that exercise and being outdoors have many more outcomes than just getting in better shape or ensuring functionality at an older age. New skills, better mood, and social interaction are equally important results and help keep up the motivation.
She encourages everyone to try new things with an open mind. Sometimes, a sport can sweep you off your feet when you least expect it.
“I believe it’s fun and healthy to question your beliefs about yourself occasionally. For instance, I would have never imagined in my twenties that I would one day enjoy cocooning in my sleeping bag with a book after a long and sweaty day on the bike.”
1) Try new things with an open mind. If you feel you might enjoy something, go for it! Sometimes, it’s also good to try things that initially don’t seem the perfect fit for you. Who knows what will happen!
2) Don’t be afraid to fail. Trying and failing is part of the process. Starting camping or mountain biking as an adult from scratch means that blunders are guaranteed. Being able to laugh at yourself is an essential skill.
3) Embrace your enthusiasm. There’s nothing better than getting really, really excited about something new and fun. If you’re into it, let it show!
Shelter Stormwall jacket is my choice for rainy days. The hood is big enough to fit the helmet, which makes adapting to weather easy.
Pallas Lite shorts have been my go-to MTB shorts for years. They are comfy and flexible, and the pocket is big enough for a smartphone so you can whisk it out for some social media content.
