Runner’s World+ Member: Sibel Canlar
Sibel is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
I always struggled with self-confidence growing up. Running in school didn’t necessarily help either, because I often came in last places in all our cross country meets. However, I remember a few clear moments while running which made me so happy. Being outside in nature enjoying the crisp, fresh New Hampshire fall air (where I went to school), and noticing a purple finch calling out its peet–peet flight song. I remember moments feeling like death, thinking I couldn’t possibly go on or run one more minute, yet still somehow digging and finding my stubborn spirit in me, and believing in myself to push through to the end.
To me, completing a run or crossing a finish line encourages the belief that anything is possible. I’ve never forgotten those beautiful rare moments and because of them I have continued on to run 14 marathons (and hopefully counting!). I have Boston Qualified a few times in my 20s and 30s (and hopefully counting!). Most good things in my life I credit to running. The close friends I have made, the new jobs, the reassurance that I can do hard things. Even meeting the love of my life. It was just around the cloud nine post-marathon glow of running the NYC marathon where we really started dating, with the happy and confident running associated feelings still strongly lingering.
For the running community! In difficult times (like right now with Covid!) it’s a respite to have a positive forum we can always turn to. Runners tend to be the most patient, loving, and supportive people I know. So thankful for you all! The articles, of course, are very informative and helpful as well. I still talk about a piece from years ago titled “Why Blood Dope When Drinking Blood-Red Beet Juice Is Just About As Good?”
I have been running for several years now, and what works the best I find is being intrinsically motivated. I know how good I will feel afterwards so I just try to remind myself I will feel better and accomplished. Plus, once I put on that sports bra I usually never turn back! Sometimes it’s half the battle. Ohh and another thing! I’ve learned to love running in the rain. Wearing a hat keeps the drops out of my eyes and overall in the lush green it just feels a bit poetic and romantic. A routine run and route which I always do suddenly becomes a little different. It’s also a treat being in NYC and used to millions of people everywhere to have a less crowded path. Only for the strong and true lovers of the sport!
Having lived in NYC for 10 plus years now, I can’t not say Central Park! Specifically, the bridle path and reservoir. I have never been injured from running and I’m convinced it’s from running more on softer surfaces instead of the road. My boyfriend also loves trails and he has me recently appreciating them much more now too. We will drive up to Minnewaska State Park or somewhere else scenic with lots of dirt, trees, and hills. I used to dread wooded hills but I love running with him, and he is basically a mountain goat so he has made me a better runner all around. The flat runs when I do go on the normal six mile loop on pavement in Central Park feel much easier now!
I am drawn to bright colors or neon. I think it’s because I ran my first marathon with Team for Kids; I am loyal, and they rep neon green hard core! Zensah makes some fun compression socks in jazzy colors (I will wear them in cooler weather races or on airplanes). BOA running also has cheerful shorts. I try to run happy and I want my clothes to reflect that.
I am Turkish!
I recently had open myomectomy surgery in November, 2019 (shortly after the NYC marathon, where I ran a 3:34–carrying all these fibroids which were causing pressure on my organs and anemia). I had my stomach and uterus cut wide open 10 inches across, had close to 50 fibroids (about 8 pounds of hard tissue) cut out of my uterus, was in the hospital for four days, not allowed to run for six weeks (not that I really could have if I tried in the early weeks!). In February 2020 I ran a sub 20 minute 5k! The human body is incredible. Working hard is important. But there is something that matters even more: believing in yourself.
I can’t name just one! My goals include to keep on Boston Qualifying, help others to do so as well, PR in the half marathon (currently 1:34) and to break 19 minutes in the 5k (I have once but it was a very flat and downhill course!). I also want to publish a book I have written about running, and oh how I would love for it to become a New York Times bestseller (if running has taught us anything it’s that anything is possible, right?).
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