Run to Overcome

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great book for Christian athletes

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, written in 2010, this story is very encouraging and interesting. Full of life and running tips.

What other book might you compare Run to Overcome to and why?

Running with Joy: My Daily Journey to the Marathon by Ryan Hall

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

"Like the marathon, life can sometimes be difficult, challenging and present obstacles, however if you believe in your dreams and never ever give up, things will turn out for the best." - Meb

Any additional comments?

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me!" - Phil 4:13

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

You gotta love Meb! - but...

What did you love best about Run to Overcome?

This is such a great story. I found it very inspiring on many levels. I do not share Keflezighi's religious faith, but even that aspect was presented so naturally that it did not detract from his story. What did detract, for me, was hearing it come out of a voice so obviously white-middle-America.

How could the performance have been better?

Maybe Meb didn't care to narrate his own book, but could they not find anyone who might sound more like him?

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Overcoming with God in Life and Training

This book was a refreshing read! I enjoyed the heart and soul Meb poured into this book. I did not think it possible to love Men more but I do. His story of overcoming adversity and conquering life has inspired me to keep striving to be and do my best in whatever the task!

I pray God continues to bless Men and his beautiful family!

Many Blessings!

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.

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!!!!!

Interesting, But wish Meb had read it himself

It was interesting to hear how Meb came to become such an accomplished runner. I definitely wish he had read the audiobook himself. The reader's voice just didn't match the tone of the book. This is a major turnoff to me for audio books. I probably wouldn't have bought the audio book if I had seen this ahead of time. Overall, though, as a runner I enjoyed learning how he overcame so many obstacles, and felt inspired to continue to work on becoming a better Runner myself.

Five-Stars in Every Way

Very well-done book! Inspiring story. Engaging storyline. Useful tips for "runners" and "overcomers" at the close of most chapters. Fantastic narration!

Great sports motivational story

If you like great sports stories. People who go through heartache and can be champions, this will be a great book for you.

Down-to-Earth Champion

I had the pleasure of meeting Meb in Dec 2015; he is as humble and appreciative of a person--let alone major sports figure--could be. 'Run to Overcome' carries you from Meb's impoverished childhood to his 2009 NYC win; Meb's a rare combination of raw talent, discipline and grounded perspective of which the sporting world desperately needs more.

'Overcome' lays the race details on pretty thick. For a runner like myself, this is total must-read candy. The names, the times, the tracks, the races, the mile-by-mile playback--lovely. If not a runner, these details could become boring/repetitive.

'Overcome' also lays the religion down thick, most notably in the final chapters. While I am not Christian, Meb -is-, this is his book, and his faith is a huge part of his life. I respect that and appreciate his sharing of his beliefs. I welcomed the look into his personal life.

The "tips" presented at the end of each chapter seem a little out-of-place, but are enjoyable in a kitch sort of way. They give the book an unpolished, personal journal feel.

The unsung hero of this book in my opinion is Meb's father. His loyalty to his family in helping his family emigrate out of Eritrea, along with raising ten (!) children clearly had a profound impact on Meb's work ethic and gratitude.

I was humored to hear Meb reflecting on his "consistency" throughout his career, after multiple chapters of heartbreak, injury and the like. I thought: "Consistency? Meb sounds more banged-up than me; the past ten years of my running life has been wildly erratic!" Perhaps that's a reflection on Meb's well-grounded perspective; I learned a lot from his statement.

I don't know what bar Jon Gauger was found sitting at when the publisher decided to produce an audiobook of this title, but I'm glad he was found. I'll go out on a limb and say that Gauger isn't exactly Eritrean, but his "grab a beer and let's talk about my glory days" delivery was really enjoyable.

I was absolutely thrilled when Meb won Boston in 2014. When I met him in 2015, he talked to the audience about how so many people have thanked him for winning Boston, on the heels of the 2013 bombings. Meb discussed how much it meant to hear those words, how deeply he felt for all those who suffered that year, and how he felt profoundly compelled to train and run for his adopted home country. (Bear in mind: he was in the finish line grandstands at Boston 2013 enjoying life as a spectator and wondering if he would ever race another marathon again; he left the grandstands five minutes before the attacks). This book is an excellent and necessary prelude to Meb's 2014 win.

Go USA. Go Meb.