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Meb Keflezighi: The Molding of a Distance Runner

Meb Keflezighi is one of the best distance runners ever to run for the United States. He’s also humble, curious, thoughtful, and an ambassador to the sport admired by legions of fans around the world.

Meb Keflezighi Marathon

If you’re not familiar with the life and career of Meb Keflezighi, you’re missing out on a story that weaves together the hope of a family, the ambition of one young man, and the American dream.

Meb’s legacy is cemented as a world-class runner: he’s the 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist, winner of the 2009 New York City Marathon and 2014 Boston Marathon, and 4-time Olympian.

He’s also the author of three books guaranteed to get your competitive juices flowing:

Perhaps more impactful is his approach to the sport of distance running and the marathon. Free from any personal scandal, Meb is a true ambassador to running. In 2017, he was recognized as an ‘Outstanding American by Choice’ by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

He’s also run 26 marathons over the course of his decades long career. And anybody who has completed that many marathons at a world-class level has a lot to share.

What the Marathon Taught Meb Keflezighi

Meb Keflezighi 26 Marathons

Last week I had the rare privilege to sit down and speak with Meb for nearly an hour about his life, running career, and what he’s learned along the way.

The result is a moving discussion of the power of family, hope, and hard work that will change your perspective on what it means to be a runner.

In this conversation, Meb and I have a wide-ranging conversation about:

  • His childhood in Eritrea and how it prepared him for distance running
  • The surprises he learned when running his first marathon
  • Why cross-training is so valuable for him
  • How running has prepared him for setbacks in his personal life
  • When running is particularly hard for Meb

We also talk about his new book 26 Marathons and the many lessons he’s learned from each of the 26 marathons he’s run over the last two decades.

Finally, I ended our conversation with a simple question ahead of next month’s Boston MarathonIf you could talk to the entire field at Boston as they lined up in Hopkinton, what advice would you have for them?

I’ve looked up to Meb as a running role model for years so I was thrilled to speak with him. I think you’re going to love this episode.

Subscribe to the Strength Running Podcast in iTunesSpotify, or Stitcher.

Notes & Resources:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving an honest review of the Strength Running Podcast on iTunes and thank Meb on social media for doing this interview!

Thanks Hemp Daddy

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Hemp Daddy’s Therapeutics. Started by a trail runner, this company helps athletes recover more fully with full-spectrum CBD products like oil, capsules, and lotions.

And with code strength at checkout, you can now save 10% and get free shipping!

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All of their products are 3rd party lab tested to ensure purity. Use code strength at checkout to get fee shipping and a 10% discount on any Hemp Daddy’s CBD product.

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