This is my 1,001st post and I am feeling pretty good that my final post is a book review of Meb for Mortals. You can read more about my goodbye here.Meb for Mortals became possible due to urging from David Willey and Mark Weinstein. In fact, it was David Willey who came up with the book's title. But first, before I talk about the book let me bring you up to speed on who Meb is because there is a chance that some of you just may not know.
Meb Keflezighi is an awesome runner who I have heard from many who have met him is down to Earth, kind, and approachable. From reading his book, I would have to agree. He is indeed very personable. His life began in Eritrea and in 2004 he became the first American to win an Olympic medal in the marathon since Frank Shorter in 1976. In 2014, Meb became the first American to win the Boston Marathon since Greg Meyer in 1983. He is the only marathoner to have won the New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon, and an Olympic Marathon. He knows what he is doing!
His book, Meb for Mortals, goes over all the aspects of running from training, to recovery, to racing, to drills, to strength training, to cross training and gives tips that can be applied to the recreational runner. I love that he is grounded in his Christian faith and can see it is at the base of his three keys to success -- good goals, commitment, and hard work. Without these, how can anyone really succeed?
He also acknowledges that a recreational runner may not have the time to devote as much to each element of training as he does. He doesn't look down upon us for that but gives tips on how we can still benefit by adding in his additional elements of training to improve our running to achieve our goals -- not his. Each one of us has different goals and that is wonderful!
I devoured this book and not because I had a deadline but because the information was relevant, well presented, easy to read, and most importantly useful. Immediately I started implementing changes in my running routine.
The first to go was my arm band. Meb had a good point that carrying phones, etc. on our arms interrupts with our arm swing. I couldn't immediately run to the store to get an alternative (running without my phone wasn't an option as not only does it track my distance and time, give me music to listen to, it is a safety element I never want to be without). What I did in the meantime was start alternating which arm I wore the band on to even out any damage I may be doing. I know have a pack I wear around my waist when I run that my phone fits in nicely.
Second, I started doing drills after more of my runs. Today they left me winded and I love that I am adding in new elements and have room to grow. I have added just a few of Meb's suggestions and don't worry, the book gives you illustrations along with describing what to do so it makes it easy to visualize and learn the drill.
Third, I have learned some new stretches and strength drills and am excited to have some I can incorporate into stretch/strength breaks at work on my stability ball. Yep, I work sitting on a stability ball, which Meb concurs is better that sitting on a chair and I can honestly say, I see improvements in my core strength since I adopted my stability ball. However, I do see I need to continue to work against the damage sitting does to my quads and glutes. I will work on this!
I have read plenty of running books and some are inspirational stories that make me feel good; however, the ones with tips often left me feeling blah. This book is different. Meb for Mortals is really a book for any runner who cares about their body and their running and isn't that all of us? Why else would we run? It has stuff in it that anyone can adopt and it encourages you that you can improve. Meb isn't saying you are going to win the Boston Marathon but he does tell his story, his mistakes, and how his training has changed over time. Why not take the opportunity to learn from that?
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful to write my final post on Meb for Mortals.
Daily Bible Verse: Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11
