Book Review: Run to Overcome

 I recently read "Run to Overcome: The Inspiring Story of an American Champion's Long-Distance Quest to Achieve a Big Dream," by Meb Keflezighi, winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon.  For you non-runners, please don't tune out yet!

"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."(source)

What sets Meb apart from many other runners is his deep Christian faith.  It is as deep in him as his running and comes through clearly in the entire book.  The entire Keflezighi family understands overcoming.  Living in war torn Eritrea his parents had a strong belief in a mighty God that enabled them to maintain their faith against all odds.  In 1981, while Meb's mother was expecting their sixth child, his father left Adi Beyani to walk 225 miles west to the Sudan border.  The journey took seven days with dangers that included soldiers, animals such as snakes and tigers, and robbers!

In 1983, Meb's father made it to Italy and began working to bring his entire family.  Describing his father, Meb said, "My father has one way of doing things - the right way, with constant, all-out effort.  He doesn't believe in shortcuts."  It wasn't until May 8, 1986 that the family was reunited - nearly five years!  The family finally arrived in San Diego in October, 1987. There are many chapters filled with Meb's running experiences, but always mixed with a strong faith and family ties.

Each chapter ends with two tips - a Runner's Tip and an Overcomer's Tip.  From Chapter 2: Out of Eritrea:

Runner's Tip
If you're eager to improve, be careful about making too many changes or changes that are too severe.  Be careful about adding mileage and increasing speed.  Too much too soon usually leads to injury.  Think gradual, not drastic.  Think long term, not immediate.

Overcomer's Tip
Learn everything you can in the classroom.  Then go out into the world and learn even more.

While Meb has had incredible success as a runner, he has also had some very difficult times filled with injuries and the loss of fellow marathoner, a close friend, to cardiac arrest.  He doesn't make excuses or blame others when things don't go as planned - he just comes back stronger.  The final tip, after his Boston Marathon Win:

Runner's Tip
Dig deep and run for a greater cause.

Overcomer's Tip
No matter how young or old you are, you can always set and achieve new goals.  Never give up.