Run To Overcome

"I am often at my best when things looks the worst." - Meb Keflezighi

Meb Keflezighi 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 by Meb Keflezighi and Dick Patrick, 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.

My Review: This is such a moving tribute to show just how far we can overcome any adversity we may be faced with, as long as we have faith in God, and the belief of our parents and family. Nothing is impossible. Meb Keflezighi's journey from his life in a humble and poverish beginning in Africa shows us through his novel how his parents instilled within their family that hard work and dedication will enable you to rise up and become better people because of it. We learn how important education and a willingness to do our best at all costs will cause others around you to sit up and take notice.

I loved at the end of each chapter that there are Runner's Tips as well as Overcomer's Tips to help you along your own personal journey of discovery. One such tip for runners is keeping a journal of your workouts, times and even how you felt during practice. These can provide your own motivational boasts just before a big race in your own words.

I received this book compliments of Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review and loved every chapter. Not only that, I am passing it along to my high school daughter's track team to participate in a group read of the book. This one really does rate an all star 5 out of 5 stars. For more on the book, the author and even where to purchase a copy of this book, click on the title below:

Run To Overcome

From November 1, 2010 until March 31, 2011, on the Run To Overcome website is hosting a signed book a day giveaway. There will be monthly grand prize winners that will receive a signed copy of the book, other free Tyndale titles, as well as Sony and PowerBar products. Simply click on the website link below:

http://www.runtoovercome.com

Don't forget to watch Meb run in this year's New York CIty Marathon on November 7th!!!

Meb Keflezighi

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 B.A. 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.