Run To Overcome

November 4, 2010 | Filed in: Uncategorized

So I rarely read running books. I’m more of a chick lit type of girl, or even memoirs. A personal fave is David Sedaris. Anyways, when I do read running books I usually find them to b:

a. boring

b. way too wordy and over my head

c. trying way too hard to fit in, be influential and liked.

Recently, I was asked to review Meb Keflezighi’s book, Run To Overcome. When I first got the request I sighed. A running book. When I got the request I was perhaps a little over running… Working 100 hours two weeks straight to get the race going and running was the last thing on my mind. Then, I mean, I’m not fast. I used to run competitively in high school. Competitively in high school means my best mile was 5:59 and I usually ran a 5k in about 19:50-20:50. I worked my butt off and running was my life. Now things are different. I’ve been running for over 10 years and for the past six years I’ve ran for myself. I enjoy running and run for my own personal enjoyment. I don’t race the clock much anymore. I don’t do speed work or fartleks or track workouts. I did that stuff for four years of my life. I ran year round, and really pushed myself. It took me a while to be okay with letting people pass me and not racing all the time and being upset when I didn’t hit a certain time once I started running for pleasure, but now that I’m at that place I’m happy. I enjoy running for the ability to run. Meb does this too. He enjoys it and he is amazing at it. His work ethic, his attitude and his drive make you want to get out and run.

When I got Meb’s book I was excited that it was signed as I did watch the New York Marathon last year and yes, I know about Meb. Another fun fact was when I was in High School, I remember watching Ryan Hall at most of the CIF and State meets and hearing about Dathan Ritzenhein because I was super into running. I kept up with everyone running and was on dyestatcal.com every day. It’s cool to see those guys who I saw run in High School on TV now and watch their success. I know it’s weird but it’s something that I was so heavily involved with growing up and now watching it makes me so excited.

Anyways, back to the book. When I started reading the book, I was surprised how easily it read. I enjoy books like this. Ones that you can easily get lost in and before you know it, two hours have passes and you’re looking around wondering why it’s dark outside. Even though there’s no way in any world that I would be running these paces… Meb didn’t make them seem like they were anything special at all. That’s what makes him so special. The book really shows that he is a very humble person and his respect for love and running. He truly loves the sport and enjoys the fact that he can run. It revived my beat down running spirit and reminded me that running is something that I love. I really enjoyed the book and it went by really fast. It was interesting to read that when he lived in Eritrea he didn’t even realize running was a sport. It wasn’t until he came to America that he started competing. There is a small section of pictures and his family is adorable. He is actually someone that I loved reading about. The chapter on the New York Marathon win was a tear jerker as I could tell the emotion he was feeling during his win and the entire race in his writing.

I really enjoyed the book and thought it was really well written and very easy to read, which is a plus for me. I love books that you can just fly through and can’t put down. I can’t wait to follow more of Meb’s journey and wish him the best this weekend! Run Strong and thank you for sharing your journey so candidly in the book.

I’m lucky enough to have 5 extra autographed copies to give away so you all can be inspired and read more about Meb! Leave a comment on this post and I’ll pick the winners on Sunday! The Day of the New York Marathon this year where Meb will try to defend his title! Also, make sure to check out the Run To Overcome website for more contests and chances to win the book!

Here’s how to enter.

1 entry – Comment on this post with your favorite distance to run

1 entry – Tweet including @chicrunner and @runmeb about the contest and that people can enter on http://www.chicrunner.com

1 entry – Post about it on your own blog or facebook! Remind them to enter at http://www.chicrunner.com

That’s a total of 3 entries to win one of five books!

Thank you to Tyndale for the 5 extra copies to give away and giving me the chance to review the book!

xoxo

125 Comments so far
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I love running books! Pick me!

My fave distance is the half marathon. And I just adore Meb. Loved his profile in Runner’s World earlier this year and I will be rooting for him on Sunday!

oops… My favorite distance is half marathon. Tweet sent as well under (track_star1500)

I love half marys :)

I hope I win! I love reading, running and winning contests! Hehe.

My favorite distance USED to be the 800.. you know back when I was fast.

Now my favorite distance is however far my legs will take me on a cool weekend morning. Which these days is only a few miles. :)

My fav distance to race is the half marathon. Also NYCM is my FAV marathon, so just give it to me! haha

Love the marathon. I know, painful, but true! I would really like to read Meb’s book. Will be hoping Sunday is his day!

half!!! 10k just doesn’t feel like enough, and you can train for a half in a jiffy if need be.

twitter handle is nhopkins7

thanks!

ps…I just tweet tweeted it :)

Currently, my favorite distance is 10k although I enjoy running a half every now and then.

I feel the same way about running books. I still haven’t finished Born to Run,, tho I know I need to. I like your review about this book ,, seems like with it being more about personal experience, it’ll be an easier read (if I win :))
PS,, go Meb !

My favorite distance is 10k…long enough that I feel hardcore, but short enough to avoid midrace fueling!

I really like anything over 10 miles. It’s not usually until mile 6 or 7 that I really hit my stride and feel good.

My favorite distance to race is 26.2, but my favorite training run distance is 7 miles.

That sounds like an awesome book. My fav distance on a daily basis is a 5k. It gets me out running and doesn’t take a huge amount of time but I want to do a half next year.

Oh, I actually love most running books, but haven’t read this yet. I would LOVE to get it! Hope I win :)

My favorite distance is 10K because of how easy it is to push myself but still be slightly endurancy!

I also just twittered – jharbweave: http://twitter.com/jharbweave/status/29690841257

Oh, I forgot, my favorite distance is probably the 10 mile… but I just ran my first marathon & it was awesome! I might be addicted & switching my fav race distance soon!

10 Milers are definitely my favorites! I wish there were more of those here in DC, but just the Cherry Blossom and the Army Ten Miler so far.

I really enjoyed my first 10K a few weekends ago. I may change my mind when I rock my first half marathon this January!

I’d have to go with the half-marathon!

I used to run competitively, too. Did 100m, 200m, 400m, and relays and gained respect for athletes real’ quick. Couldn’t run much more than a mile without dying, though!

At the time, Marion Jones was big and my hero (of course, we know what happened w/her). But I had Maurice Green. =)

By the way, got the TriSlide. Can’t wait to review, though I can’t bring it w/me to San Antonio because I’m not checking in any bags, and it’s a tad too big for the plane.

My favorite distance is probably 10 miles. I enjoy running half marathons, but there was something truly special about hitting those double digits in mileage for the first time that has always stuck with me. Ten is enough to be “long” but still enjoyable!

i love running marathons. i love training at 15+. i love running 600′s on the track.

My favorite distance for training is 5 miles. I love the 5k for racing. Both are over quick, but both leave you feeling great!!!

That sounds great! My favorite distance is the half marathon–I hate short distances when you feel like you’e sprinting the whole time!

My favorite distance so far has been the 50K. I’ve only done one but it was one of the greatest running moments I’ve ever had. 2nd favorite would be the half marathon.

I think my favorite distance is a 10k. Not too long, not too short!

Ooooh I really want to win this book! I LOVE running books and read as many of them as I can get my hands on. What a cool gig to get to review it for free :)

I cannot choose a favorite race distance. It used to be the 5k but now I like longer distances. Not the marathon because it takes to long to recover from! Maybe the 10K…

Don’t laugh, but my favorite distance is half even though I haven’t run it yet! It’s this amazing distance in my mind that’s not a marathon but perfectly within reach given the proper dedication.

My favorite distance is a 5k, but I’m signed up for two half marathons in 2011! When I was training for my marathon, I kept thinking that a half would be more fun. I guess I’ll know in January!

I think Meb is starting to recognize me at the expos. :)

My favorite distance is the half marathon.

Too cool! I LOVE 10 milers. It’s double digits, but under 2 hours. It’s enough time to get into a groove, but you still have enough energy for the rest of the day.

My favorite distance is also the half. I would love to read Meb’s book as I could use some motivation after my dismal performance at LB!

5K. (1) I can only take so much hurt ;) (2) Does not destroy my entire morning/afternoon. (3) Everyone finished around the same time (+/- 20 minutes) so I can chill with all my friends afterwards.

Looks interesting!

My favourite distances? Week-day run = 4-6 miles. Weekend run = 10-15 miles. Race = half-marathon!

I ran for years in the marine corps and our PFT was 3 miles. Those were our shortest and easiest runs and by far my favorite. Since leaving the Marine Corps I realized how much I missed the running and sweet pain associated by it. I ran my first Marathon earlier this year and am training for next LA Marathon. These stories are all inspiring.

I have to say that I’m starting to like the half marathon distance more and more these days. It’s nice to be able to actually walk the morning after :-)

I like MARATHONS! But I like 5k’s, 10k’s, and half marathons too. I like em all!

My favorite distance is the 10K. It’s long enough that you feel like you’re working, but not too long that you won’t burn out if you do a lot of them.

The book sounds amazing!! I hope I win it, and I hope it REVIVES my running spirit as well!

Umm… I don’t think I’m an experienced enough runner to have a favorite distance yet. I know it isn’t a 5k! I loved my only half marathon so far, though, so I’m gonna go with that. Besides, I’m getting ready to train for another half, and I’m super excited about it!

I’ve gotten this question from race director’s several times. “We’re going to put on a race in a new city. Do you prefer a specific distance (Half / 10K / 5K, etc.) or an unusual distance (10 mile, 12 mile, etc.)”. I always answer HALF MARATHON. It’s long enough that you’re challenged and really feel like you’ve accomplished something.

26.2 is an awesome distance to run and I can’t wait to do it again, but my favorite distance is 8-9 miles for a training run. I love it because it’s longish, but you don’t have to bring much with you or worry about fueling.

I love half marathons.

Oh, the book sounds great!

While I haven’t made it happen in a while, my fav race distance is 10 miles, but will see it again by Dec 4 at the Surf-n-Santa 10 miler in VA Beach. Yea!

My favorite race distance is the half marathon. So much fun!

My favorite distance is 6 miles…It feels easy, yet I am running for almost an hour so it feels like a good workout.

My favorite difference to run is a half, my favorite distance to finish is a full :)

Favorite distance is the 5k :) I’d love to read this book!!!

Awesome giveaway! My favorite running distance is anything longer than say, 14 miles. Ya know, when you’re out running for 2+ hours, and it’s just you, the trails, and your music. I love getting out of town and self-supporting my nutrition.

My favourite distance to run is the 5k.

My favorite is the half marathon.

Fav distance is the marathon. i want to read this! i promise i know how to read… barely.

I hope this increases, but my favorite distance is the 5k!

I think mine is the 10k!

Fav is the half, but will be out there on Sunday w/ Meb!

15k, not enough of those

Oooooo – pick me!!!!! :o)

I have to admit I really liked the half marathon distance. Long enough that you feel like you really accomplished something but also short enough that you don’t feel like you’re going to die.

My favorite distance to run is the half marathon

I’m new to running so 3 miles/day, 5 days/week is where I am at right now. Never thought I’d ever be a person who would actually run for fun but now I love to read books (and blogs) by people who are passionate about it.

I’m a fan of the 1/2 marathon! Or 10 miles! Anything further is too much but anything less doesn’t feel as amazing.. :)

Just tweeted it too!!

My fav distance is the 10k…not too short and def not too long, but just right!

my favorite distance is probably the marathon… its a challenge for the body and the mind!!

My favorite distance so far is the half marathon, but maybe I will change my mind after running my first marathon in January.

and i just tweeted it :)

I’ve never run a real race, but would love to do a 5K sometime!

My favorite distance to race is the marathon, although for daily runs, about eight miles is a good distance.

Favorite distance: full marathon! The challenge that comes with both training and race day is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. There are few things that have taught me that much about myself physically, mentally and emotionally.
P.S. David Sedaris is in my top three favorite authors. See him live if you ever have the opportunity :-)

this book sounds great! my fave distance is a half. it can be challenging but doesn’t leave you totally spent like a full. i try to stay in “half at anytime” shape : )

My favorite distance is the half marathon (just ran #8 this fall)! looks like an interesting book, thanks for the review Danica!

I’m still trying to figure my favorite distance. There is something magical about finishing a full marathon… but almost every race distance can be awesome

my favorite distance is the half marathon, although i’m trying to love the marathon! looks like a great book!

my favorite distance is the half-marathon. I was having a really hard time dealing w/ mental defeat towards the end of my races, from a 25K to a 5K, but I feel like I conquered that with my last race which was a half. I hope to do a marathon next year, but for now am happy with how strong I felt finishing my half! :)

oh you sweet lovie I wish you would move to NC and be my running coach! The weather gets cold and this girl needs some motivation.

I’ve only been running for a year so it’s hard to say what my favorite distance is. I love my long runs the most — whether they’re 5 miles or 10. I feel the most proud and excited when it’s the weekend and I know I’m going to run a long distance.

I’m not a great runner yet; my runs usually consist of a couple of laps around the block before or after my gym workout (equals out to about a mile). However, I would love to read this book and to share a copy with my mother-in-law, a 1-year ovarian cancer survivor who has kept up with her running and exercise even in the midst of chemo treaments!

My favorite distance is the half marathon. I think it’s because it’s still challenging for me and there’s still so much room for improvement. Thanks for the review!

I love half marathons—you have to be dedicated to training but it doesn’t take over your life like a marathon

My favorite distance to run would have to be the half-marathon. After my upcoming marathon, I’m probably going to stick to halfs!

I tweeted @BadgerJen2002

I’ve decided my favorite distance is the half marathon. I ran the NYCM last year and while I loved it, it completely took over my life. The half is still challenging but still allows me to have a life!

I love the 1/2 Marathon Distance. It is challenging without having to train to intensely.

My favorite distance is the half. However, I haven’t ever ran a full yet, so this could change once I’ve done that.

My favorite distance is the half

I am a fan of the half marathon. It is a challenge, but it doesn’t take over your life to train for it.

I tweeted! ;-)

I posted on Facebook (and tagged you, btw)

Two miles is my default ‘gonna go for a quick run’ distance, so it’s definitely my favorite. But since there aren’t a lot of 3Ks out there I’ll say the 5K.

My favorite disctance to run is a trail 20K

I’d love to win! My favorite distance? Probably a 4 miler. Random, yes.

My favorite distance is 10miles. Double digits without feeling long.

I’d have to go with 13.1, the distance is just long enough to feel like a real challenge, but you don’t have to dedicate months of your life like you do to train for a marathon.

Just blogged about the giveaway at runningnicki.blogspot.com!

Hi Danica! Such a great post and a great giveaway. After this last weekend, I may very well have a new favorite distance to race. The 10-miler.

It was longer than a 10K, which required some strategy, shorter than a half-marathon, so you could really attack it – I think I’m in love!

(of course the full is a close second :)

Best to you from Austin D!

My favorite distance is the 1/2 marathon. It’s the longest distance that I can hold a blazing pace. Double that distance and I have to slow down substantially. So cheers to the 1/2 and to blazing fast strides for 13.1 miles!

Favorite disance is 5 miles. I have run 3 1/2 marathon’s but that’s HARD WORK. 5 miles is a WORKout instead of Hard Work.

1. My favorite distance to run: Half Marathon. Fun enough but not sheer torture if something goes wrong.

2. I tweeted about your autographed book giveaway.

3. I also blogged about your autographed book giveaway on my new blog:

http://woggingtortoise.blogspot.com/2010/11/win-autographed-book-of-run-to-overcome.html

I’ve ran 2 fulls (Pasadena and LA) and 2 halfs (Palos Verdes and RocknRoll LA) this year and I think I enjoy more 13.1 than 26.2

Not ever being a runner I see any distance as a challenge. I was a swimmer and running was always something I was horrible at however I have found running to be the best therpy over the last two years. I like any distance 5k are for fun and costumes, 10k is for wanting to go alittle more, 13.1 is seeing how strong you really are and 26.2 will be the the most proud I’ll ever be. For me it’s all about the time you have to yourself. Just you and the road in front of you. Thanks for the great blogs!

I would say my favorite distance is the half marathon! 10 Miles is a close second :)

My favorite distance is the half.

13.1 is the way to go for me!

my favorite distance to run is the half! I don’t have to apologize for being slow like in the 5K/10K’s and I don’t have to die like in the full. :-)

I love a good 10-Miler

It used to be 5k but they just seem like a lot of hassle for 30(ish) minutes

My favorite race distance is 13.1

For training, I think a nice 8 miler is perfect :)

I’ve been waiting for this book! My favorite training distance is somewhere around 4.5 miles. Enough for me to really challenge myself, but short enough so that I don’t have to dread it!

I enjoy the half marathon distance. It is a manageable length with a little training, and it is long enough to make me feel that it is worth dealing with all of the crowds and chaos.

I tweeted (@carrotrunr)!

(not fast) but my favorite race distance is now the half! I’ve done two this year, trying to decide which one will be my 3rd next spring.

(I wrote this post before but it didn’t get posted)

I <3 Meb and will be rooting for him tomorrow! Have followed him in Runner's World, also read a WSJ article recently re: how his American status has been questioned. He's been a citizen since 1998 and is very emotional about it!

I tweeted about your contest
(@Running0nCoffee)

I’m new in running so favorite distance so far is 10 K. I would love to have Meb’s book !

Posted in Facebook Too !! thanks chicrunner : ) I hope I win .

it was so exciting to see an American win NYC last year – even though I had just started running myself, so cool! i would love to read this book and and his story

I love Meb! And I love the NYC Marathon! Meeeeeeeeeeee! :)

Oh oops, my favorite distance to run is the half marathon.

Meeeeeeeeeeeee! :)

Racing is different, but as far as just running me, myself, & I…I LOVE 6 milers. For the sole reason that every 6 miler i’ve had has been perfect. I started to notice that in my training log. I love getting away for a good solid hour..not a long run, but not an easy run. I almost always get runners high at this distance. Perfection.

^ not sure what happened up above but the last person’s info was still in the fields.

So my name is Darcy Cote & this is my post:
acing is different, but as far as just running me, myself, & I…I LOVE 6 milers. For the sole reason that every 6 miler i’ve had has been perfect. I started to notice that in my training log. I love getting away for a good solid hour..not a long run, but not an easy run. I almost always get runners high at this distance. Perfection.

I love running 10 miles. Just enough to push me, but not enough that I can’t walk the next day ;)

Hope I can check out this book!

I love to read running books!
And my favorite distances are the half marathon and 10K’s!
:-)

I mentioned Meb’s book on Facebook and linked your blog!

I love 15K’s!

I know I’m too late to enter, but it was pretty awesome to see Meb and the other elite men’s runners zoom past Harlem on Sunday morning. It’s one thing to see them on TV, but totally awesome to see them in person. I even got pictures of the 1st and 2nd place winners and Meb.

Oh, and just for fun. My favorite distance is the 10K.

Gotta love the marathon!

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