http://www.runnersweb.com/running/news_2015/rw_news_20151030_RRW_NYCM_Meb.html
Posted: October 30, 2015:
(RRW) Athletics: For Tenth Time, Keflezighi Is Back for TCS NYC Marathon
By Chris Lotsbom, _at_ChrisLotsbom
Ten Facts You May Not Know About "Marathon Meb"
NEW YORK (29-Oct) -- Meb Keflezighi has always had an extra special
spot in his heart for the TCS New York City Marathon. It's where his
marathon career began back in 2002, when he finished ninth and swore
never to do another marathon again. And it's where he shocked many by
defeating Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot and a strong East African field to
win the 2009 race, becoming the first American man since Alberto
Salazar in 1982 to don winner's wreath.
In the last 13 years, Meb's had podium showings (three of them) and a
few struggles (a 20th place in 2006 and a 23rd in 2013). He's had ups
and downs, just like the many bridges and hills that dot the course.
Yet he's always come back for more.
While Meb's story of triumph through adversity is well chronicled,
Race Results Weekly thought we'd dig a little bit deeper to recognize
his return to the city. Here are ten facts --some you may know, others
you may not-- about Keflezighi's adventures in New York.
1 -- Meb once swore off the marathon. Back in 2002, when 'Lose
Yourself' by Eminem was topping the charts and the New York Giants
were atop the NFL standings, Meb ran through the five boroughs for the
first time. Midway through the race, Keflezighi disregarded coach Bob
Larsen's advice and took the lead on First Avenue. He'd later pay for
the aggressive move, running out of energy and finishing a distant
ninth in 2:12:35.
"He really suffered in those last few miles... He looked up at me [at
the finish] and says, 'You just saw my first and last marathon,'"
recalls Larsen with a chuckle. "I knew it wasn't his last one."
Subsequently, Meb took a trip back to his native Eritrea. That's where
the marathon bug bit him again, and he vowed to return to the
distance.
"Within a few months he visited Eritrea for the first time since he
was a little kid and that really inspired him again," says Larsen.
"When he had to wait [to run his next marathon] I think that was a
good thing."
2 -- Coach Larsen has been by Keflezighi's side every single step of
the way since his days at UCLA. That includes all ten TCS New York
City Marathons, his Boston Marathon win, and his 2004 Olympic silver
medal. When asked by RRW how Meb has changed over the years, Larsen
laughs.
"I think the wonderful thing about Meb is that he hasn't changed, or
he has changed very little," said Larsen. "He still has that feeling
that he can run with anybody... That's where the 'Run to Win' [motto]
comes from. Not necessarily that he's going to come in first, but that
he is going to get the best out of himself."
3 -- After winning the 2009 TCS New York City Marathon, Meb was
honored by wearing his gold champion's medal on a float at the 83rd
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He was joined by Miss America Katie
Stam on the Statue of Liberty float, as well as some of his family
members.
Also that year Meb was a guest on 'Late Night with David Letterman,'
reading the Top 10 list -- Top 10 Thoughts That Go Through Your Mind
When Running The New York City Marathon.
4 -- For a majority of the elite field, a trip here means resting and
relaxing before the big race. For Meb, it's the complete opposite. In
the 72 hours leading to the start line he'll make countless
appearances at media outings, sponsor arrangements, and more.
Keflezighi said he's working on six hours of sleep over the last two
days, thanks to travel, meetings, and more. He took a red-eye flight
to get here last night.
"But I love being in New York!" he said. Don't worry -- he'll be
firing on all cylinders come race day.
5 -- Keflezighi and wife Yordanos Asgedom have an extra special memory
in Central Park. One night in May, 2005, Meb asked Yordanos to go for
a walk with him in the famed park. En route to Central Park, the pair
came across a Zales jewelery store.
"It was very nice," Yordanos began, giggling as she recalled the
moment. "He stopped across the street from a Zales jewelry store. He
stops, looks at me and makes sure I see it, and then it dawned on me
that he was taking me there at that very moment. So we walked across
the street and he goes 'Pick any ring you'd like!' That's how it went.
"You know, there's so many good memories here. So many great memories.
That's just one of many!" she said.
6 -- This year's race would be Meb's eleventh TCS New York City
Marathon had Hurricane Sandy not forced the cancellation of the 2012
edition. That year, Keflezighi stood up at an athletes meeting and
addressed the crowd of devastated elites. While everyone in attendance
was disappointed, Keflezighi looked for a silver lining and put the
race in perspective.
"Let’s not look at the one year we missed out, but on how much the New
York Road Runners and the city of New York has given us in the past,
and will give us in the future," Keflezighi said in an inspiring tone.
"There’s nothing like what the New York Road Runners have done — first
class service. And it’s because of the volunteers [that] elite
athletes and others can say ‘hey, we want you to have a positive race
experience.'"
7 -- Meb announced his intention to run this year's TCS New York City
Marathon in a unique way: on national television during the NYRR Fifth
Avenue Mile. Appearing on ESPN's coverage of the race, Keflezighi
proudly joined NYRR's youth Mighty Milers and said he would return to
race here for the tenth time.
Along with reigning women's wheelchair champion Tatyana McFadden,
Keflezighi is an ambassador for the NYRR's Team for Kids youth
initiative that gives children the opportunity to run and experience
the joys of running.
8 -- According to Yordanos and Meb's brother, Hawi, one of his
favorite songs is "New York State Of Mind" as performed by Jay-Z and
Alicia Keys. The 2009 chart-topping hit is a family favorite because
it brings back all the special memories shared in the city.
"That song came out right round the time when he won the marathon, so
he loves listening to it. It's extra special," said Hawi.
9 -- Coach Larsen shared with RRW that Meb savors facing younger
competition, particularly the up-and-coming marathoners of the world.
On Sunday, he'll face former world record holder Wilson Kipsang, as
well as this year's World Championships 10,000m silver medalist
Geoffrey Kamworor.
"He always brings his 'A' game," Larsen said. "I think he's having
maybe as much fun as he's ever had at 40. He may disagree with me
because it's damn hard work. But in some ways he's enjoying being 40
and putting pressure on the young guys. I think anybody would enjoy
that. But it hasn't changed him a bit. He still wants to be in the
Olympics with these guys."
10 -- Meb, like most runners, feels the pain associated with running a
marathon. He told media members that after a typical marathon, he'll
be in pain for roughly four days. After all, Meb is mortal!
"I am unable to move until Thursday for sure," he said. "I jokingly
say if you want to know how I feel, have an 80-year-old run on
pavement 26.2 miles, 12 miles an hour, and you won't be able to wake
up. But you'll sleep comfortably for five or six days."
A true family man, Keflezighi savors time with his family. Here at the
race's media center, some of his closest family members gathered for
photos at the dais. They have been by his side from his first steps
taken on the Verrazano Bridge, all the way through the Central Park
finish line.
"I feel blessed to be here. I am excited for Sunday, my tenth one. It
should be fun, should be a lot of work, but I feel ready, and I'll see
what happens," he said. "That's what racing is. I always say 'Run to
Win.' It doesn't mean getting first place all the time. If you have
the courage and honor like I did in 2009 or in Boston, you go for it.
But if not, you finish as high as possible and the best that you can
because you have the body that is able to do that. And you know what,
you will never regret it after you finish and you'll come back
strong."
Received on Thu Oct 29 2015 - 21:34:44 EDT