26 Marathons, by Meb Keflezighi

If you follow road running at all, you know Meb Keflezighi.  He's one of the United States's most accomplished marathon runners, having won Boston, New York, and winning a silver medal at the Olympics.  In 26 Marathons: What I've Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from Each Marathon I've Run, Meb writes about the 26 marathons he ran over his 15 year career as a marathoner. 

For someone who most of us would view as a superhuman, Meb reveals his humanity.  As a recreational runner who has run a few marathons, I could relate to many of Meb's struggles.  Of course, there are differences: he runs a marathon twice as fast as I do, and trains well more than twice as much.  But a big theme of the book is fighting through struggles and overcoming adversity, in racing and in life.  He writes that he runs to win, but points out that "isn't about finishing first, but about getting the best out of yourself." 

As the saying goes, life is a marathon, and Meb's example proves what that saying implies.  For him, life and training and racing is about patience and perseverance.  "Grow your capabilities over time, not suddenly two months before a big race."  He writes that "The people who have long, successful careers in any endeavor are those who consistently work hard but don't push themselves so much that they break down." 

And when you meet your goals, celebrate them.  "Celebrate every personal best, even it's only by one second."  Meb certainly had plenty of personal bests to celebrate.  But he was also realistic.  For each race, he would set a series of goals, for example, first place, top 3, top 10, or simply to finish.  Sometimes during a race, you have to adjust your goals, but can still celebrate.

Meb tells some great stories, and shows why he has become so beloved by marathon fans around the world.  As you read, you'll cheer for him at every race, grieve with him as he fights injury, and celebrate with him as he bounces back.  His is a great American success story.


Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!