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Run to Overcome: The Inspiring Story of an American Champion's Long-Distance Quest to Achieve a Big Dream Audiobook
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(3.10) - 271 listener ratings
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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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"Ever since I saw Meb conquer the 2009 NY marathon with the USA singlet on, I have been a huge fan! Hearing his story is inspiring, reading it firsthand in 'Run to Overcome' is a heartfelt look into Meb's life journey. Meb writes about his family's roots in Eritrea and how much his parents sacrificed to get him and his siblings to a safer environment. After years of separation and preparation, his father was able to get the family to Italy and ultimately the U.S. Meb's story is the essence of the American dream- immigrant comes to the land of opportunity, works hard, and can achieve anything he wants in life. The fact that he is now an Olympic silver medalist and one of the fastest endurance runners in the country is astonishing and wonderful. The other piece of this book that is wonderful to read is how close Meb is to his parents, siblings, wife, children, friends, and his coaches. He appears to be a genuinely caring person who is thankful to have a strong network of friends and family in his life and never takes them for granted. I loved this book and I hope to see Meb conquer many more races and goals in his lifetime. I would highly recommend this book to Meb fans, runners, and also to anyone looking for an inspiring read. It will make you want to do more with your life and be your best self."
— Tiffany (5 out of 5 stars)
Run to Overcome Listener Reviews
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" This was an inspiring book. It's amazing how something like a PE running test can begin a career. I enjoyed how Meb portrayed his love for his family & friends along with his spirituality throughout the book. "
— Hali, 2/19/2014 -
" I'm fascinated to read the stories of runners (and other athletes, but especially runners), and this one was definitely on my list. Meb's story is fascinating. Yes, it gets a little preachy at times, but I had expected that going in - Meb's faith is a huge part of who he is. He's definitely an inspiration! "
— Beth, 2/14/2014 -
" Great book about running but also about becoming a citizen of the USA and love of God. "
— Marsha, 2/3/2014 -
" Fantastic read about how Meb Keflezighi became the runner he is today. The book has a runner's tip and an overcomer's tip at the end of each chapter. I was truly struck by the faith Meb had throughout his life, sure that God was leading him the way he needed to go. "
— Nicki, 1/28/2014 -
" was impressed with the faith & relationship Meb & his family have with God... If I didnt know anything about running, I would have been lost in most of the book. But I did love to see his story of how he became the NY Marathon winner... "
— Rebecca, 1/19/2014 -
" To complete my marathon weekend, read this & then watched him win the marathon trials. Too bad we didn't think of it sooner - could have had my friend have him autograph it for me. Damn! "
— Hybridmobile, 1/12/2014 -
" What an inspiring story! I can't wait to cheer for Meb in the olympics. "
— Amie, 1/1/2014 -
" Incredibly inspiring story of America's top marathoner. "
— Stephen, 12/26/2013 -
" what I learned from this book 1. run to win, 2. never give up on your dream 3. family is everything. "
— Judy, 12/25/2013 -
" This book was inspirational. I loved Meb's determination, his focus and his commitment to his beliefs. I'm not a religious person and this book had a very strong religious angle to it, but I'm glad because that just proves that Meb always wants to be true to himself. I respect that. "
— Theresa, 12/17/2013 -
" An easy read - part inspiration part instruction. Meb always seemed like a nice guy to root for and his story proves that to be true! "
— Susan, 12/9/2013 -
" Incredibly inspiring and motivating--one of the best books I've read in a really long time. There's a lot of running stats and training info (which I found interesting), but even if you aren't a runner, there's plenty that can be applied to all aspects of life. "
— Melanie, 10/28/2013 -
" Loved this book! So inspiring! "
— Jessica, 8/24/2013 -
" Compelling read, I had a hard time keeping this one down. What a phenomenal runner. Running 5ks under 13 mins, 10ks in 28 mins.. Amie recommended it and as usual if she likes it then I do.. "
— Jeremiah, 6/17/2013 -
" Next time I whine about running on my teadmill in my climate controlled basement while watching Mad Men via streaming Netflix, please remind me that Olympic silver medalist Meb escaped war torn Eritrea by traversing the desert with just the clothes on his back. I'm such a wuss. "
— Carmen, 3/17/2013 -
" Moving and inspiring! Great read. "
— Emily, 11/28/2012 -
" A really cool look into Meb's life. "
— Dave, 11/3/2012 -
" I read this to see if I should recommend it to my runner son -- the story is inspirational, but the writing isn't. An easy read, lots of info on his training, injuries, and recovery. He has an interesting life story, but the story fell sort of flat- just not as well-written as it could have been. "
— Jen, 10/10/2012 -
" Balanced. Humble yet proud, personal and professional, respectfully limited preachiness, and very well done humor. America couldn't ask for a better representative in the marathon. "
— Lauren, 5/3/2012 -
" Meb is rather amazing.....made me feel lazy. But it reminded me of how hard many families work and sacrifice to get to America for freedom and safety - despite their love of their homeland. He is a true athlete and good guy. "
— Jenn, 1/29/2012 -
" I enjoyed this book. The writing was okay, but the opportunity to see into Meb's life was great. I have a new respect for Meb! "
— Ryan, 1/5/2012 -
" Awesome motivator for any avid runner. Inspirational story of honor in the face of life altering odds "
— Allison, 10/18/2011 -
" Well written account into the life of Meb. Interesting insight into the life of a top marathoner. "
— Timothy, 9/4/2011 -
" I'm a runner and have started reading a few books about runners. Most I've enjoyed, but this autobiography was a little flat. Meb has led a real interesting life and has a great story to tell, but I think he needed a professional storyteller to make this book come to life. "
— Will, 8/5/2011 -
" This was an inspiring book to read as a runner as well as US citizen. Meb tells his story of emigrating from Africa and settling in California and his hard work towards becoming a world class track and field star and marathoner. "
— Kelli, 1/30/2011
About 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 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. He is an Olympic silver medalist and a three-time national champion in cross country running. He came back from an injury to win the 2009 New York City Marathon. He became a US citizen in 1998. He lives in Mammoth Lakes, California, with his wife, Yordanos, and their three daughters, Sara, Fiyori, and Yohana.
About the Narrators
Jon Gauger is the announcer for Dr. Paul Nyquist’s weekly teaching program, Moody Presents. He writes and produces a weekly commentary, creates special documentaries, and has traveled to thirty countries covering stories for Moody Radio. Gauger has also done extensive freelance voice-over work, including a number of audiobook projects.
Jon Gauger is the announcer for Dr. Paul Nyquist’s weekly teaching program, Moody Presents. He writes and produces a weekly commentary, creates special documentaries, and has traveled to thirty countries covering stories for Moody Radio. Gauger has also done extensive freelance voice-over work, including a number of audiobook projects.