The Heart of A Champion

I literally spend my days searching for inspiration anywhere I can, I am an eternal optimist and I try to to help others see the world this way.  I have so many reasons to smile each and every day and most of the time I look in the eyes of my amazing wife or my beautiful children and that's all I need.  However, I do have to admit that sometimes it can be hard, and some days are really long.  Sometimes all I can think about is the mortgage, the car payment, all the other bills, and the stress's that often come along with a growing family can be cumbersome if you allow it to be.  I sometimes have to remove myself from it all and go find something to inspire me, and on days like that it can be hard to get out of my own way.

Then there's days like 3rd Monday in April, Patriot's Day, the day the Boston Marathon is run.  It's not that hard to find inspiration on that day, especially for a running junkie like myself.  Even in 2013 when the horrific events took place, we saw some of the most inspiring images of Americans helping one another and banding together against the evils of terrorism.  2014 was no different, inspiration was shining bright and could be seen every single person at that event, but most notably the winner.

What Meb Keflezighi did on April 21, 2014 is not only inspiring, but it is one of the most impressive things I have ever had the privilege of witnessing.  Meb is an American through and through, and is one of the most patriotic human beings you will come across.  He understands what makes this country so amazing because he experienced it first hand as a refugee of Eritrea at age 12.  He and his family have been afforded some of the greatest educations, freedoms, and ultimately their careers as a result of the system many of us take for granted each day.  His parents raised he and his 9 siblings to appreciate what the United States has to offer and to strive to be their very best.  He has had a storied career that includes an Olympic silver medal in 2004, 1st place in the 2009 New York City Marathon, among many other accolades.  He did however, experience some challenges in recent years.  In early 2011 Nike decided to part ways with Meb which was a huge blow to his career.  He was 36 years old, 3 years out of a potentially career ending injury and many thought his best days were behind him.  I guess Nike agreed.  For nine months he went without a shoe contract, which is devastating to a professional runner.  Thankfully in August 2011 Skechers saw some gas left in Meb's old tank.  This entire experience may have led many runners to retirement, but not Meb.  He knew he wasn't finished and continued to train.  He was convinced he still had some PR's (personal records) ahead of him.

Approximately 3 1/2 years later Meb did the unthinkable.  Just one day before the event he was quoted as saying, unfortunately the American men are long shots this year, hopefully the American women can win one for America!  The next day he went out and against all odds he won the Boston Marathon.  I'm convinced it was nothing short of his patriotism and love for his country that propelled Meb to run 26.2 miles in just over 2:08!  Meb became the first American male to win the Boston Marathon since 1985!  Meb appreciates what we stand for and he knew America needed this, in 2014 especially!  Nothing was stopping him that day!

Thank you Meb, for reminding me why this is the greatest country on the planet with the greatest people on the planet!  I'm happy to call you my fellow American and I hope to one day touch the lives of people the way you have touched mine.