http://billingsgazette.com/sports/more/keflezighi-stresses....
Excuses.
Everybody has them.
It is all too easy to say, "It's too hot or too cold" to get out and get some exercise.
Meb Keflezighi, a 2004 silver medalist marathon runner, knows that too well.
To achieve one's goals, a person has to be able to set the excuses aside and display "sacrifice, determination and commitment," Keflezighi told those gathered at a press conference for the 28th Annual Big Sky State Games Friday afternoon on the 18th floor of the First Interstate Bank building downtown.
Keflezighi was the torch lighter for this year's BSSG. He conducted a morning running clinic on Friday.
The "Run With Meb Clinic" at Wendy's Field at Daylis Stadium attracted male and female runners of all ages Keflezighi said. The 2009 New York City Marathon champion added that he hopes to conduct more clinics of the type when he retires, although the 38-year-old Keflezighi later said of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, we'll "play it by ear."
One thing Keflezighi said he stressed at the clinic was that stretching (to avoid injuries and increase flexibility) for athletes of all ages is important.
"The clinic was great," he said. "We had a good turnout and we ran a mile."
When he was 12, Keflezighi settled with his family in San Diego after having come to the United States as refugees from Eritrea. He said his parents stressed that "this (the U.S.) is the land of opportunity, you do the best you can. You do not waste it."
As a way to give back, Keflezighi's MEB Foundation promotes healthy living and positive lifestyle choices to motivate youth. Aside from being a play on Keflezighi's name, MEB stands for "Maintaining Excellent Balance." Coupled with his service through the foundation, Keflezighi was a natural choice to serve as the BSSG's special guest athlete.
"Life is full of challenges, but if you can set goals great things will happen," he said. "That's what the Big Sky State Games are all about."
"The whole point is education and fitness and a healthy way of life is the way to live. We (the foundation) specialize in youth, but junior high and high school students should also set goals to achieve and contribute to society."
Education was important to Keflezighi's family and Keflezighi obtained his degree, studying communications and business at UCLA. In fact, Kezlezighi said that all 10 of his siblings have attended and taken college courses. Keflezighi explained that when studying communications he was warned that he may be at a disadvantage because English was not his first language, and "it wasn't easy, but I made it through."
While at UCLA, Keflezighi balanced his school work with athletics, becoming a four-time NCAA champion while running for the Bruins.
When Keflezighi won the 2004 Olympic silver medal in the marathon, he became the first male United States medal winner in the event since 1976. Keflezighi is a three-time Olympian, taking fourth place in the marathon in 2012 and 12th place in the 10,000 meters in 2000.
"It was my goal after the 2000 Sydney Olympics to do something special for the United States," he said. "I wanted a medal; I didn't care what color it was."
A stress fracture resulted in Keflezighi missing the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Keflezighi explained that when difficult circumstances or trials arise, one may sometimes have to "reset" their goal.
So the 2009 New York City Marathon in which Keflezighi won, becoming the first American man to win the event since 1982, became his Olympics.
Keflezighi leads a busy life. According to the USA Track and Field website, Keflezighi became a U.S. citizen in 1998. In 2010, his autobiography "Run To Overcome" was released. Along with countless drills, stretches, pushups and sit-ups, he runs 120-130 miles a week while training. Keflezighi lives in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., with his wife and three children and credits a great supportive cast of his wife, coach and agent for his success.
"I surround myself with good people," he said. "A lot of people in my life have contributed to my success. You can't do it alone."
Keflezighi started running in junior high and still believes that is the best time to start in the sport. He said parents should encourage their children's excitement and let them have fun when they begin a new sport, but don't push them too early so they burn out.
When one sets goals they have to evaluate them from time to time Keflezighi explained. Growing up, Keflezighi wanted to be a soccer player. However, he changed his goal. A seventh grade P.E. teacher said that if the students ran hard they would get an A or a B grade for their efforts. Not wanting to let his parents' down and also wanting to put forth a good effort for himself, Keflezighi ran well enough to earn a T-Shirt for his junior high's Mile Club. And, as Keflezighi said, "the rest is history."
Received on Sat Jul 20 2013 - 14:41:40 EDT