Ep 205 Rise and Run With Meb. Miles, Medals, and Motivation
The Rise and Run podcast recently had the incredible honor of welcoming American running legend Meb Keflezighi to episode 205. Meb’s journey began as a war refugee. He became an Olympic silver medalist, a New York City Marathon winner, and the unforgettable 2014 Boston Marathon champion. His story offers powerful lessons for runners of all levels.
The episode begins with an introduction from Andrew from hot Atlanta. If you’d like to introduce an upcoming episode, please reach out to us on our social media. You can also email us, or leave us a message on our hot-line (727-266-2344).
Meb Keflezighi’s Inspiring Journey
What does it take to rise from refugee to Olympic medalist? Marathon legend Meb Keflezighi shares his extraordinary journey. He journeyed from war-torn Eritrea. He went on to become the only American to win Boston, New York, and an Olympic medal in the marathon.
Born in Eritrea during a time of war, Meb’s early life was marked by hardship and separation. His family was divided. His father fled to Sudan to escape persecution. He walked over 225 miles to safety. For five years, Meb didn’t see his father. Eventually, the family reunited in Italy. This was possible through determination and the kindness of others. They immigrated to the United States in 1987. This foundation of perseverance would later define Meb’s running career.
Interestingly, Meb discovered his running talent almost by accident. In seventh grade, his PE teacher promised good grades for running hard. Wanting to earn an A like his parents expected, Meb ran the mile in 5:20 – shocking everyone, including himself. This moment revealed his natural ability, though Meb admits he initially had no concept of running as a sport. Coming from a soccer background, he recalls watching runners at a park and wondering, “What are they running from? Where’s the ball?”
What makes Meb’s story particularly relevant to the Run Disney community is his perspective on the running experience. Despite being an elite athlete who ran sub-5-minute miles for 26.2 miles, Meb understands and respects the journey of every runner. He spoke about struggling in races. This included walking seven times during the Rio Olympics marathon. He had a dramatic finish where he fell. Then, he performed three push-ups before crossing the line. As he put it, “The paces might be different, but the journey itself is the same.”
For those training for upcoming Disney races, Meb offered practical advice: consistency is key, but quality matters more than quantity. He recommends spacing out training days rather than stacking them consecutively. Focus on long runs at a pace significantly slower than race pace. Incorporate tempo runs to build speed. Most importantly, he advocates for balance. “I’d rather see people run one less mile and then use that time to stretch,” he says. He emphasizes the importance of recovery.
Beyond physical training, Meb shared insights about mental resilience during tough races. He uses prayer. He focuses on gratitude for those who supported his journey. He draws motivation from remembering his father’s 225-mile walk to freedom. These mental strategies can help any runner push through challenging moments on course.
Today, through his MEB Foundation (Maintaining Excellent Balance), Meb continues to impact the running community by supporting youth fitness programs. His message emphasizes that running isn’t just about winning races but about becoming the best version of yourself. As he eloquently stated, “Run to win doesn’t mean get first place, but getting the best out of yourself.”
Mona Moon Naturals
Mona is a new affiliate from Mona Moon Naturals. She joins the Podcast to tell us all about her Natural Deodorant, Lip balm, and Essential oils. She has an exclusive offer for the Rise and Run Family. Head over to Mona Moon Naturals to check out her products.
The Race Report Sponsored by Stoked Metabolic Coaching
In the Race Report Spotlight, we hear from Megan. She transformed from a back-of-pack runner. She discovered new speed at the Panerathon 10K in Youngstown, OH. Megan talked about how getting to the turnaround of 10k and she was not last. Her reward for this race is a Shaving off 9 minutes from her PR.
As Disney runners prepare for upcoming race weekends, Meb’s story offers the perfect blend of inspiration and practical wisdom. Whether you’re aiming for a personal record, or simply to cross the finish line, his journey offers important lessons. With dedication, we can overcome incredible obstacles. Support and heart enable us to achieve what once seemed impossible.
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