Meb Keflezighi's "RUN TO OVERCOME" Book Review

Meb Keflezighi is the American Dream. In 2009, after becoming the first American to win the NYC Marathon in 27 years, Meb helped USA Running and himself break through the wall to be known (again), as regular's on the world's running podiums. It's interesting to note how a Silver at the Olympics in 2004 didn't carry the same weight as the NYC Marathon. Although Meb was born and partially raised in Eritrea his story is a reflection of the USA and what it truly means to be American.

"RUN TO OVERCOME" provides and in-depth look at what it takes to be the best. Meb uninhibitedly reveals the dynamics of his relationship's with his family, friends, mentors, trainers and Coach Bob Larsen. He also shares stories about his relationships and encounters with other elite runners. For example, he offers a great anecdote about what happened after his DNF at London. Surprisingly, Meb found himself on a train back to the hotel with Haile Gebrselassie!

The book itself is well written with an exceptional recount of winning the 2009 NYC Marathon. Meb takes us mile by mile, from the soles of his shoes to inside his mind to the finish line. Meb shows us how he carried the weight of two world's on his shoulders (even with a fractured pelvis) and still reached the finish line first (in NYC and life). "Run to Overcome" is a quality story about overcoming adversity, focusing on what is important in life and setting and reaching goals. For more information about the book, Meb and a chance to win a signed copy of "Run to Overcome" go to www.runtoovercome.com

You can also purchase your copy (when it is released) here:

"Profiling HURT" ...A Documentary about the HURT 100 Mile Ultramarathon in Hawaii

The HURT 100 Mile Endurance Run takes place in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. It is know for being one of, if not the toughest 100 Miler out there. It's a 20 mile-loop-type-course through the rain forest that ascends and descends about 29,000' (each way).  The top of the mountain, where the trail intersects is about 1450' and in one lap you reach the summit 3 times. The race is 5 laps around the course. Here's the trail map:

PROFILING HURT attempts to tell a story about 2 friends who set out to complete the HURT 100. One of the runner's is a veteran ultramarathoner and also the founder of Ultrasignup.com, Mark Gilligan. The other is Scott Guild who is new to Ultramarathoning. The movie does an excellent job of capturing the terrain of the course and what some of the runner's and people around the race are experiencing. The documentary has an up close and personal feel but almost to a fault. It lacks in capturing the solitude that is so familiar to every runner.  I'm sure it would require a larger budget and significantly more effort by the filmmaker but throughout the documentary I was hoping for more candid scenes of runner's, race director's, volunteer's, supporters, and aid stations. However, my hat goes off to PROFILING HURT for capturing what it did of the race and of Mark and Scott's experience. I'm not sure how one would really go about documenting anything over the course of 100 miles!

Most of the Extra Features on the DVD are great and generously complimented the film. "The Course" section was excellent and really shows runners in the trenches working through elements. I also really enjoyed the John Solomon (race director) interview.  

Profiling HURT would appeal to almost any runner. It is a MUST WATCH for runner's who are stepping up to the challenge of the HURT 100 or those just considering getting into long distance running (no matter your definition of "long distance"). It yields a great view into what training can be like and where it can take you.

GO HERE TO GET YOUR COPY OF PROFILING HURT!
Be sure to check out the Hawaiin Ultra Running Team's website. John Solomon and the team are responsible for putting together the HURT 100. Also, click HERE for an excellent, in depth, re-cap of the race.

Happy Trails!

Lake Tahoe Marathon 2010

The LAKE TAHOE MARATHON has been on my list of "races-to-do" for a long time. Lake Tahoe is an exceptional place so naturally it would have an exceptional marathon! The fall is a great time to visit the lake and surrounding area. We were blessed with some unseasonably warm weather which was great for hanging out but a little tough for running. Les Wright, the Race Director has done an excellent job of assembling a slew of events that comprise the near week long event. There is everything an athlete will love from a 72 mile Ultramarathon to Speed Golf (The winner of which scored a 113 and finished 34 min). The winner of the 72 Miler, Oswlado Lopez, finished in 11:39:45. John Weru ('03 and '04 champ) won the standard Marathon in 2:59:50. Les and his associates have also done a great job at creating a fun and friendly race environment. This is definitely falls into the "marathoner's marathon" category. Unless you live in Tahoe or at a comparable altitude this is probably not the best place for a first race.  

I decided to run the Lake Tahoe Half instead of the full marathon this year because of my recent bout with Plantar Fasciitis (which btw, is healing nicely). I finished the half in 2hrs on the nose. Here's a pic of me on the big hill in the race dubbed, "Hill from Hell" (which is about 2 miles at a 4.5%) incline and me crossing the finish line.  

Having not trained at all in altitude (i live at sea level) and showing up just 24hrs before the race I felt okay about my time even though it was my slowest Half Marathon to date. The elevation at lake level is 6225'. The marathon winds around the lake, along some serious hills that take you up and down between 6225' and 6800'. Overall, the Lake Tahoe Marathon is a feel good race. The views are exceptional and the course is challenging. The race was well structured with plenty of aid stations and a great intimate expo where I was able to meet Dick Beardsley (of Duel in the Sun fame) and buy his book "Staying the Course" which I will be reading and reviewing on the blog soon. Here's a link MY LAKE TAHOE MARATHON GALLERY 2010. You can see what I ate for dinner the night before, the post marathon treats, a visit to Squaw Valley, and some great shots of the starting line and race. 

RUN THE 2010 NYC MARATHON AND HELP KIDS ENJOY SUMMER!

Undefeated Running People! Listen up... Didn't qualify for the 2010 NYC MARATHON or get in through the lottery this year? Don't fret! Lottery's aren't easy to win and running Sub 3hr marathons aren't either... Here's your chance to gain entry to the 2010 NYC Marathon while helping inner city children enjoy their summer vacations! The FRESH AIR FUND needs you to do what you do and run... the 2010 NYC MARATHON. They will do what they do and help you to raise money through people sponsoring you for running 26.2 miles! Ideally, your families, friends, colleagues, x-girlfriends and x-boyfriends (or current ones), will find you and the FRESH AIR FUND a good cause to invest in. The Fresh Air Fund has been around since 1877 and over these years has given 1.7 million inner city children a brighter summer. They work with host families and Camps around the US and Canada to provide locations for children to experience a "real" summer vacation. Here's a link to the Fresh Air Fund's RUNNING TEAM page.

If you have never ran with a charity team it is definitely something that you should do every couple of years as a runner. Check out THIS Undefeated Running post from January about charity teams. Use your running talent to help others, run for something other than yourself. It is more rewarding than you could imagine... especially, during those tough miles. It is also a great way to connect with other runner's and have a somewhat different (in a good way!) marathon experience. Just look at how much fun the Fresh Air Fund Runner's are having in the pic above... they must be on mile 24.

So, are your ready to join the FRESH AIR FUND RUNNING TEAM?
CONTACT INFO...
EMAIL: KBRINKERHOFF@FRESHAIR.ORG
PHONE: 212.897.8890