First Race Back: 10K at the Istanbul Half Marathon

Today was more than just another race — it was a statement. After six long months of recovery from a serious ankle tendon and ligament injury during the Spartan Race in Tenerife, I finally pinned a race bib to my shirt again. And there was no better place for it than the streets of Istanbul.

I covered the 10 kilometers in 44 minutes and 38 seconds, averaging a steady 4:28 per kilometer. My heart rate showed the effort: an average of 173 bpm, peaking at 186 bpm during the final push. Despite some early worries about endurance, I closed strong, with my fastest split coming in the last kilometer at 4:10/km — a clear sign that my racing instincts are still sharp.

Honestly, I didn’t set a strict time goal. Running close to 43 minutes was somewhere in the back of my mind, but the real objective was simpler: show up, run strong, and test the ankle under race conditions. Mission accomplished.

Race day felt even better knowing I was fully dialed in with my gear. I ran in my trusted Hoka Bondi 8 shoes and Hoka race shorts, complemented by my Oakley Sutro sunglasses and Garmin Fenix 7 watch. Seeing Hoka as one of the main sponsors this year added an extra motivation for me.

The race started 8am strong and steady, with consistent pacing through the first half. I experienced slight slowdowns during the fifth and ninth kilometers but managed to close with a powerful surge.

Here's a quick look:

The overall trend was controlled and even, with minor drops mid-race — nothing unexpected given the course profile and my current fitness level. Most importantly, I closed with a strong negative split, dropping the hammer in the final kilometer.

Crossing the finish line was pure happiness. Yes, my ankle was a little sore — expected after this kind of load — but overall, it held up well. Some swelling is normal and will likely stick around for a few more months. After the race, I stuck to the plan: ice, recovery boots (Air Relax), and lots of hydration.

Next up is the Beykoz Trail 18K — a shift from city roads to rugged trails and climbing. It’s a different kind of challenge, but one I'm excited for.I also believe that in the months ahead, with consistent training and smart recovery, I’ll be pushing my 10K time even faster.