Run to Overcome

The Inspiring Story of an American Champion's Long-Distance Quest to Achieve a Big Dream

By: Meb Keflezighi, Dick Patrick

Narrated by: Jon Gauger

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2010 Meb Keflezighi (P)2010 Oasis

Awesome and inspirational book

I listened to this book while running my daily miles during the Pandemic of 2020 and it is truly an inspirational and uplifting book. It makes you realize that with a strong belief system and a trong will, there is a lot you can overcome. I have met Men several times and I know some of his family and he is truly a humble man who cares about the people around him. i definitely reccomend this book for runners as well as non-runners!

Running inspiration

Although this book didn't have very many applicable tips to the average runner, I still loved learning about his routine and things that have worked and not worked for him as an elite athlete! VERY Inspiring!!!!!

Encouraging

Most memorable moments were Meb's early years in Eritrea, the moment when he realized running could be a career and the exemplary faith and strength of his family.
I recommend this book.

Misguided choice of narrator

Any additional comments?

As a runner, and one who has followed Meb, I loved the story. If you don't know of Meb, or aren't particularity interested in the marathon, this may not be for you. However, the narrator? 'Come-on-man'. The guy has a great voice, and if the narrator of a bio of George Washington, yea...great. But George Washington as Meb?...eh...no. I'm not saying that the voice has to be a perfect match, but for an autobiography, at least get 'somewhere' close. It was like listening to Lady Gaga narrating an autobiography of Patton.

Wonderful book

A wonderful story about how Meb and his family came to be in America and journey to become an elite marathoner. He takes you through his early days in Eritrean, immigrating to Italy and then the United States. From there he goes into how he became interested in running and through his progression from High School all the way through his 2009 NYC Marathon win. The book is filled with inspirational stories which are sure to help motivate any runner or just anyone who might need a little encouragement. I think this book should be required reading for every American.