There’s something magical about running through Istanbul, with its blend of ancient history and modern energy. This year’s Istanbul Marathon was no exception – it was a race I’ll never forget. My goal was to conquer 15K and, hopefully, set a new personal record. Spoiler alert: I did.
Race day began with a buzz of excitement and a touch of nervous anticipation. I stood at the starting line in Üsküdar, surrounded by thousands of runners, each with their own stories and goals. The air was cool and perfect for running, while the noise from the spectators’ cheers added to the electric atmosphere.
To fuel up, I took an energy gel 15 minutes before the race started, mentally gearing up for what lay ahead. As the gun went off, the race began, and the first kilometer was an exercise in patience. We were tightly packed, making it feel more like navigating a bustling Istanbul bazaar than a marathon. My pace was slower than planned, at 4:51/km, but my heart rate stayed calm at 131 bpm, a good sign that my body was ready for the task.
After weaving through the initial crowd, I began to find my rhythm. From kilometers 2 to 10, the race became smoother, and I hit my stride with an average pace between 4:34/km and 4:21/km. Running through Istanbul’s iconic streets with the Bosphorus on one side was surreal. The city has a way of distracting you with its beauty, making the run feel less like work and more like an experience.
At the 9th kilometer, just before an aid station, I took my second energy gel. It was perfect timing – I needed that fuel to push through the rest of the race. My heart rate hovered around 149 bpm, a sign that I was holding a sustainable effort. Little did I know, the real challenge was just up ahead.
Things got tougher as we approached Sirkeci. The elevation started to climb, and I could feel it with every step. My pace slowed to around 4:38/km, and it felt like my legs were pushing against the weight of the city itself. This was the moment that separated the prepared from the unprepared, and I reminded myself of all those training runs that had built my endurance.
I kept telling myself to keep going, to push a little harder even when my body was protesting. Every runner has that moment when the mental game becomes as important as the physical, and this was mine.
The last 2 kilometers were tough. My heart rate crept up to 157 bpm, and the fatigue was starting to make its presence known. My legs were heavy, and I knew that speeding up wasn’t an option. So, I focused on maintaining my form and keeping my pace steady.
Crossing the Galata Bridge and hearing the growing cheers of the crowd brought a new wave of energy. That final push wasn’t about speed but sheer willpower. When I finally crossed the finish line, my watch read 1:06:49 – a new personal record. I couldn’t help but smile, even as I gasped for air.
As I stood catching my breath, I took in what this run meant to me. The numbers told one story – an average pace of 4:24/km, an average heart rate of 148 bpm, and a tough but rewarding elevation gain of 85 meters. But beyond the stats, this run was about proving to myself that the training, the early mornings, and the long runs were all worth it.
The race reminded me that running is as much about mental strength as it is about physical preparation. That moment of crossing the finish line, tired but triumphant, is one I’ll hold onto.
Every race is a chapter in a larger story. This 15K was a testament to perseverance, and it has me thinking ahead to the next challenge. I’m excited for more runs, more lessons, and more opportunities to test my limits.
As this 15K was a personal milestone, my journey doesn’t end here. In just a few weeks, I’ll be taking on the Spartan Race in Tenerife on November 23rd and 24th. It’s the ultimate endurance challenge: three races – the Beast, Super, and Sprint – back-to-back to complete the Trifecta.
This Spartan challenge will push me beyond running, testing my strength, resilience, and grit across some of the toughest obstacles. It’s a different kind of test, but after setting a new personal record at the Istanbul Marathon, I feel more ready than ever.
Opmerkingen