When Meb Keflezighi won the New York City Marathon in 2009--the first American to do so in 27 years--some critics questioned whether the Eritrean-born runner was "really" an American despite his citizenship status and representing the USA on two Olympic and several World Championship teams. Yet Meb is the living embodiment of the American dream. His family came to the U.S. to escape from a life of poverty and a violent war with Ethiopia; Meb was 12 at the time, spoke no English, and had never raced a mile. Yet he became an A student and a high school state and national champion. And when he stood on the platform as a silver medalist in the 2004 Olympics, Meb knew his hard work and determination had paid off. How could life be any better? Then it all came crashing down. Meb, a favorite for the Beijing Olympics, fractured his pelvis during the trials and was left literally crawling. His close friend and fellow marathoner suffered a cardiac arrest at the trials and died that same day. Devastated, Meb was about to learn whether his faith in God, the values his parents had taught him, and his belief that he was born to run were enough to see him through. Run to Overcome tells the inspirational story of a man who discovered the real meaning of victory, and who embodies the American spirit of overcoming the odds.
Run to Overcome
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
Running is like life.You start at the same place with your fellow runners. You all finish at the same place. How you do is largely up to you. If you win, you congratulate your team and yourself. If you lose, you evaluate how to improve. You can’t make excuses like “He didn’t pass me the ball” or “The coach didn’t put me in.” It’s on you. That’s the beauty of the sport.
Faced with adversity and heartbreak at every stage of his career as a record-breaking long-distance runner, Meb Keflezighi learned from a young age to dream big and never give up—no matter how hard or far away the finish line seemed.
In Run to Overcome, Meb reveals the source of his inspirational grit and determination and urges readers from every walk of life to rely on their God-given talents to see them through life’s obstacles.
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” 1 Corinthians 9:24
Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi and his family came to the United States after fleeing their native country of Eritrea to escape a violent war with Ethiopia. His unexpected athletic and academic successes earned him a full scholarship to UCLA, where he won four NCAA titles in one year and earned his BA in communication studies with a specialization in business. Meb is an Olympic silver medalist (Athens 2004) and a three-time national champion in cross country running (2001, 2002, and 2009). He came back from an injury to win the 2009 New York City Marathon, setting a personal best time of 2:09:15. Meb became a U.S. citizen in 1998. He lives in Mammoth Lakes, California, with his wife, Yordanos, and their three daughters, Sara, Fiyori, and Yohana.
Dick Patrick has worked as a sports reporter and editor at newspapers for 34 years (including more than 24 at USA Today). He has covered Olympic Games, Final Fours, track and field world championships, world cross country championships, and more than 60 major marathons. He has won several Associated Press awards as well as awards from the National Distance Running Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. He recently was named the first winner of the George Hirsch Media Award, presented by the New York Road Runners for contributions to distance running. He lives in Vienna, Virginia, with his wife, Jody, and two children, Eamonn and Shea. This is his first book.
Faced with adversity and heartbreak at every stage of his career as a record-breaking long-distance runner, Meb Keflezighi learned from a young age to dream big and never give up—no matter how hard or far away the finish line seemed.
In Run to Overcome, Meb reveals the source of his inspirational grit and determination and urges readers from every walk of life to rely on their God-given talents to see them through life’s obstacles.
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” 1 Corinthians 9:24
Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi and his family came to the United States after fleeing their native country of Eritrea to escape a violent war with Ethiopia. His unexpected athletic and academic successes earned him a full scholarship to UCLA, where he won four NCAA titles in one year and earned his BA in communication studies with a specialization in business. Meb is an Olympic silver medalist (Athens 2004) and a three-time national champion in cross country running (2001, 2002, and 2009). He came back from an injury to win the 2009 New York City Marathon, setting a personal best time of 2:09:15. Meb became a U.S. citizen in 1998. He lives in Mammoth Lakes, California, with his wife, Yordanos, and their three daughters, Sara, Fiyori, and Yohana.
Dick Patrick has worked as a sports reporter and editor at newspapers for 34 years (including more than 24 at USA Today). He has covered Olympic Games, Final Fours, track and field world championships, world cross country championships, and more than 60 major marathons. He has won several Associated Press awards as well as awards from the National Distance Running Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. He recently was named the first winner of the George Hirsch Media Award, presented by the New York Road Runners for contributions to distance running. He lives in Vienna, Virginia, with his wife, Jody, and two children, Eamonn and Shea. This is his first book.
From the Back Cover
“I am often at my best when things look the worst.” – Meb Keflezighi
Meb Keflezighi (Kef-lez-ghee) is all about hope and second chances—starting with his very survival. The child of a small African country ravaged by a brutal war, Meb arrived in America with nothing but the clothes on his back, speaking no English and never having raced a mile. So how did he end up an A student, one of the most celebrated and respected athletes of his generation, and winner of the 2009 New York City Marathon?
His story sounds like the living embodiment of the American dream . . . but Meb’s path to victory hasn’t been smooth. Not long after he stood on the Olympic platform as a U.S. silver medalist, it all came crashing down. And he was about to find out whether his faith in God, the values his parents had taught him, and his belief that he was born to run were enough to see him through.
Run to Overcome tells the inspirational story of a man who discovered the real meaning of victory, and shares the secrets to overcoming the odds in your own life.
Meb Keflezighi (Kef-lez-ghee) is all about hope and second chances—starting with his very survival. The child of a small African country ravaged by a brutal war, Meb arrived in America with nothing but the clothes on his back, speaking no English and never having raced a mile. So how did he end up an A student, one of the most celebrated and respected athletes of his generation, and winner of the 2009 New York City Marathon?
His story sounds like the living embodiment of the American dream . . . but Meb’s path to victory hasn’t been smooth. Not long after he stood on the Olympic platform as a U.S. silver medalist, it all came crashing down. And he was about to find out whether his faith in God, the values his parents had taught him, and his belief that he was born to run were enough to see him through.
Run to Overcome tells the inspirational story of a man who discovered the real meaning of victory, and shares the secrets to overcoming the odds in your own life.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By N. Taylor
Format:Hardcover
From very humble beginnings, Meb relies heavily upon his Christian faith and belief in the American Dream. Coming from a war-torn country where food is scarce and luxury includes owning your own skinny cow, Meb recognized the positives in life early on. His father, willing to sacrifice his own safety and well-being, traversed the continent to reach Sudan then emigrated to Italy. At this point the very large family joined him. Meb recalls the joyful reunion in detail.
Two years later, the family immigrated to the United States. Through hard work and positive relationships, Meb learned to love running. The book details his journey from a small country on the African continent to his Olympic showing and winning the New York Marathon. Following each chapter, the reader is provided with "Runner's Tip" and "Overcomer's Tip." Overcomer's tips are not only applicable to running but succeeding in other endeavors.
Inspiring and enjoyable read. I was personally so inspired that I took my youngest son to the park and walked around it for 15 minutes. Wahoo!
Two years later, the family immigrated to the United States. Through hard work and positive relationships, Meb learned to love running. The book details his journey from a small country on the African continent to his Olympic showing and winning the New York Marathon. Following each chapter, the reader is provided with "Runner's Tip" and "Overcomer's Tip." Overcomer's tips are not only applicable to running but succeeding in other endeavors.
Inspiring and enjoyable read. I was personally so inspired that I took my youngest son to the park and walked around it for 15 minutes. Wahoo!
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By L. Chan
Format:Hardcover
"Dream big and never give up"
A very inspiring man, Meb Keflezighi, who challenged himself and all obstacles to take 1st place at the 2009 New York City Marathon, the first American to hold that title since 1982. USA! USA! USA!
Meb came from the war-torn country of Eritrea where he and his family came face to face with death numerous times.Luckily, his family was able to escape to Italy and then to San Diego, CA.
Meb didn't come out of the womb a star runner. He actually didn't start running until Junior High as a backup when he wasn't playing soccer. It was then, Meb realized Running was a gift that enabled him to overcome all obstacles and succeed. It was through Running he was able to attain a scholarship to UCLA, sponsorships with major brands, such as Nike, meet the love of his life, and to be where he is today.
This book is a very easy read and it takes you into the personal life a how a boy with nothing channeled his energy with running through the rises and falls, the wins and defeats to become a pro.
"Running is like life....You can't make excuses. Its on you"
[...]
A very inspiring man, Meb Keflezighi, who challenged himself and all obstacles to take 1st place at the 2009 New York City Marathon, the first American to hold that title since 1982. USA! USA! USA!
Meb came from the war-torn country of Eritrea where he and his family came face to face with death numerous times.Luckily, his family was able to escape to Italy and then to San Diego, CA.
Meb didn't come out of the womb a star runner. He actually didn't start running until Junior High as a backup when he wasn't playing soccer. It was then, Meb realized Running was a gift that enabled him to overcome all obstacles and succeed. It was through Running he was able to attain a scholarship to UCLA, sponsorships with major brands, such as Nike, meet the love of his life, and to be where he is today.
This book is a very easy read and it takes you into the personal life a how a boy with nothing channeled his energy with running through the rises and falls, the wins and defeats to become a pro.
"Running is like life....You can't make excuses. Its on you"
[...]
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Health tchr
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Maybe not the best written book, but it definitely contains a little something for everyone - history, running community, training strategies, geography, "big races", worth ethic and goal setting, and motivational. I highly suggest this book for recreational runners who have participated in a couple of small races, parents of high school cross country runners, college runners, and avid runners. I think this book has a little something for everyone. It's a quick read and I came away from the book having gained running and personal insight. Meb's story is truly amazing.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring Book for all Ages.
The story of an Olympian who literally walked to freedom is amazing.
He & his family endured countless hardships, discrimination, political violence,
poverty, etc. Read more
He & his family endured countless hardships, discrimination, political violence,
poverty, etc. Read more
Published 24 days ago by Aliza Mann
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not good at all
After three chapters, I realized that I had no interest in reading this book at all. The time in Ethiopia was a little interesting but the rest was about how great he was, how... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Charlotte O'donnell
4.0 out of 5 stars
Run to Overcome
I really enjoyed this book about a great runner. As a Christian and a runner there was a lot in this book that was encouraging to me. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Dustin McElduff
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring
Such a lovely story!!! Makes you think about every aspect about your life even how your relationship with God is! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Chandra L. Knight
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
Great story about the American dream and an athletes desire to work hard in life, academics, and athletics. Really enjoyed this book!
Published 4 months ago by Kristen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
Meb writes it so well in such a great way. Very enjoyable!!!
I recommend it to any runner or non runner alike!
I recommend it to any runner or non runner alike!
Published 4 months ago by alice
4.0 out of 5 stars
Meb's An Inspiration
I picked this book up in May, I believe. It's sat on my Kindle until recently. And I have to say that was a mistake.
Meb's story was one of inspiration. Read more
Meb's story was one of inspiration. Read more
Published 4 months ago by J. Lalonde
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good read
I enjoyed this book, more at the beginning than at the end, and I was very inspired with Meb's training and dedication. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Cari S.
3.0 out of 5 stars
A decent read
I can't say this book blew me away, but I read the whole thing, and for the most part enjoyed it. I think Meb has more of an analytic mind, as he went over more splits and race... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Coops
5.0 out of 5 stars
an amazing story from an amazing person. Meb's story is one I can...
This is a great story that could be made into a movie. It could very well have been titled Against All Odds. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Ralph Havens
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