In the heart of bustling Istanbul lies a serene oasis - the Fatih Forest. This weekend, I had the privilege of embarking on a 15km trail run through this natural haven, accompanied by none other than the Salomon Trail Running Team. The promise of lush landscapes and the camaraderie of fellow runners set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. The Route: Navigating through the winding trails of Fatih Forest was a visual feast. Towering trees provided a canopy of shade, while the terrain varied from soft forest floor to challenging inclines. The trail led us past hidden gems, like secluded cle ..read more

I am back to running after 1 month of break today. I had edema on my left ankle and I tried to heal it by myself. I think it is a good idea to return running step by step. It was just an easy 30 min run in the morning and I felt really good! I used to have my easy runs between 4.45 - 5.00 pace before my injury today I ran at 5.48/km pace on Zone 3 today. I will not take it hard, I know that healing is a process. It is a long journey and I promise to myself that I will be better than I used to be. I kinda have something in my mind for 2023 and my goal race will hopefully be Ironman Vichy on Aug ..read more

After racing at Didim Sprint Triathlon, now it was time to race at Aquamasters 6k Open Water Race in Marmaris. It took place on Friday at 28th of May. We have arrived to Marmaris on 24th of May and stayed at Elegance Hotels. The hotel was about 5 km to the race area. It was a good opportunity for family vacation and the weather was great! It was a bit disappointing when I couldn't stay at the race hotel, but I was glad that we stayed at Elegance hotels instead of the Race Hotel. I was planning to ride my bike during this trip, but unfortunately, I didn't have time to train. I have only ride it ..read more

I am so excited that I am writing about the first race of this season! This race was actually planned on 2nd of May but because of the so-called Covid restrictions, they had to postpone it till 23rd of May. The most disappointing part of the races during these times is we have to wear a mask and follow some major rules. Luckily, most people do not follow these so-called guidelines. Anyway, I have arrived to my hotel at Didim on 22nd of May around 12.30pm by car. They told me that I can check-in at 2pm so I have decided to test the bike route. The bike lap was like 2km incline and 2km decline 6 ..read more

Last weekend, I ran my first marathon. I have decided to run marathon during quarantine period but I wasn't able to run until the lock down was over. I have started my training in July. I thought I could run a marathon around 3.10-15, but Sub 3 was also a possibility. In the end, I ran marathon only during Ironman. My training period would show me what I could do. I wasn't in my best form. We trained for 4 months and a week. Normally, Istanbul Marathon route is mostly flat. However, this time, they changed the route to because of Covid measures. Only 4000 athletes were allowed and they cancell ..read more

I finally managed to race at a triathlon race last week. Actually, I wasn't planning to travel for a triathlon race, but when they decided to organize it in Istanbul, I wouldn't miss it. :) It was held on 18th of October on Sunday under so-called ''health safety measures'. I personally believe it is exaggerated and there is no need for so much rules. Anyway, I had to accept the facts and went to take my Race Kit on Saturday. They took our temperature at the entrance and there were ''stand here'' stickers on the floor, so we won't get infected from the virus :) It was a swift process and I real ..read more

This is my first race after restrictions of Covid-19. I wasn't sure that they were going to cancel or postpone the race during quarantine times. Luckily they didn't cancel it postponed it to August 23rd with some precautions. They extended the kit collection days from 2 to 4 days and they didn't allow any exhibitors to race area. They expected us to follow so-called social distance. They also increased the number of ships that would carry us to the Asian Side. Normally there were only 2 ships that carry 2500 people. This time they had 3 ships. I decided to take my race kit on 22nd of August. T ..read more

As of June 1st, we have started normalization period in Turkey. Restrictions on parks, beaches, pools, gyms have been lifted and I have returned to my normal training period. During these restrictions, I have gained a few weight, but I can say that I have increased my muscle mass, and I became more flexible. Thanks to my home workouts :) I believe, If you are a triathlete, you should set a goal. If my goal was to be fit as much as I can be, I would do fitness/ home workout 3 times a week only :) However, I love triathlon and when there is no competition, when there is nothing to finish; there ..read more

It has been a month since I have started working from home. I loved working from home, but I am sad about missing races and outdoor training especially swimming. On the first couple of days during quarantine, I kinda followed the same eating habits and same cheat days :) But I adapted myself to this new life quickly since I had to live similar type of life when I was injured last year. (you may check my previous blog posts) I compare this situation with the last year and I am in a way better position now. At least, I can train indoors :) I know, I have to accept the fact that pools are closed ..read more

It was finally one of these moments that helped me to forget all the hard times I have been through since my injury. Although Bahrain was not in my plans at the beginning of this season, I had to transfer my race in Denmark to Bahrain. I have heard many great things about IM Bahrain before from my friends. The race took place on 7th of December on Saturday. We went to Bahrain as family with my wife and 2 years old baby. I booked our flights from Gulf Air since the bike carriage was for free. I have also booked our hotels at Novotel Al Dana Resort in Bahrain for the dates between 5th of Decemb ..read more