Meb Keflezighi is one of the most respected and loved runners in the world. He has won the Boston and New York City Marathons along with running in four Olympics winning the silver medal in 2004. In this episode Meb shares the story of how he got started as a runner, what means to him to have won the Boston Marathon the year after the Boston Marathon Bombing (and being the first American to win the race in 31 years), and his last two races coming up in Boston and New York City (his final marathon) before retiring. It is truly an honor to have Meb as a guest on the podcast. Make sure to watch the Boston Marathon this Monday (April 17th) to watch Meb run his final Boston Marathon.
* Personal Note: This is an interview that I have been looking forward to for several months and I want to thank Liam Fayle from Meb's team for making it possible.
About Meb Keflezighi
Watch 2017 Boston live at http://watchlive.baa.org/
Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time, Meb Keflezighi (pronounced Kef-lez-ghee) brings a higher meaning to “going the distance.” From his arrival in America a refugee from war-torn East Africa to his victorious finish at the emotionally charged 2014 Boston Marathon—now as a proud and patriotic American—Meb has secured not only his place in history, but also in the hearts and minds of millions.
Meb is the only athlete in history to win the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon and an Olympic Medal—impressive feats for someone who had never run a mile until middle school. A graduate of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), his record also includes four NCAA championships, 22 National Championships and a place on three United States Olympic teams. None of these achievements came easily: only his resilience, determination and faith led Meb to prevail following some of life’s most challenging and heart-breaking circumstances.
Transcending his own athletic achievements, Meb maintains an unwavering commitment to helping others go the distance in their own lives—physically, professionally, personally and spiritually. Every day, he inspires individuals of all ages and athletic abilities to achieve their own personal best. A sought-after motivational speaker and author, he emphasizes that real victory lies in balancing a healthy, active life that emphasizes education, community and a strong moral fabric. By serving as a role model and source of inspiration, audiences worldwide are learning to Run to Overcome, no matter what the odds or challenges they face in their everyday lives.
Today, Meb resides in San Diego with his beautiful wife Yordanos and their three daughters, where they are surrounding by his large and supportive family. In between training, competing and making personal appearances, he oversees the MEB (Maintaining Excellent Balance) Foundation, which is committed to promoting youth health, education and fitness.
Marathon Personal Best: 2:08:37 | 4:54 Per Mile
Half Marathon Personal Best: 61:00 | 4:42 Per Mile
10k Personal Best: 27:13 | 4:22 Per Mile
5k Personal Best: 13:11 | 4:14 Per Mile
1 Mile Personal Best Pace: 4:02 Per Mile
Website: https://marathonmeb.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarathonMeb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/runmeb
Skechers Shoe: https://www.skechers.com/en-us/style/55022/skechers-gorun-5-boston-2017/blrd
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2014 Boston Marathon Champion
2014 USA Half Marathon Champion
2012 4th Place London Olympic Marathon
2011 Olympic Marathon Trials Champion
2009 ING New York City Marathon Champion
2009 USA Marathon Champion
2004 Olympic Silver Medalist (Marathon)
Former USA 10,000m record holder (27:13.98)
Olympic Trials 10,000m record holder
U.S. Championships 10,000m record holder
2011 ING NYC Marathon, 6th Place
2010 ING NYC Marathon, 6th Place
2010 Boston Marathon, 5th place
2009 USA Half Marathon Champion (61:25)
2006 Boston Marathon, 3rd place
2005 ING NYC Marathon, 3rd place
2004 ING NYC Marathon, 2nd place
2000, 2004 Olympic Trials 10,000m champion
12th in 10,000m at 2000 Olympics
3-time U.S. 10,000m champ (2000, ’02, ’04)
3-time USA 12km XC champ (’01, ’02, ‘09)
6-time U.S. 15 km champ (’01,’02,’03,’04,’06,’07)
4-time NCAA champion
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