26 Marathons

What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career

By: Meb Keflezighi, Scott Douglas

Narrated by: Holter Graham

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A world-class runner and four-time Olympian shares the life lessons he’s learned from each of the twenty-six marathons he’s run in his storied career.

“An athlete whose wisdom and lessons aren’t just for runners.”—The Washington Post

When Meb Keflezighi—the first person in history to win both the Boston and New York City marathons as well as an Olympic marathon medal—ran his final marathon in New York City on November 5, 2017, it marked the end of an extraordinary distance-running career.

Meb's last marathon was also his twenty-sixth, and each of those marathons has come with its own unique challenges, rewards, and outcomes. In 26 Marathons, Meb takes readers on those legendary races, along every hill, bend, and unexpected turn of events that made each marathon an exceptional learning experience, and a fascinating story.

26 Marathons offers the wisdom Meb has gleaned about life, family, identity, and faith in addition to tips about running, training, and nutrition. He shows runners of all levels how to apply the lessons he's learned to their own running and lives. Equal parts inspiration and practical advice, 26 Marathons provides an inside look at the life and success of one of the greatest runners living today.

Praise for 26 Marathons

“26 Marathons is a swift read, guaranteed to be popular with student athletes plus hard-core and recreational runners, who will undoubtedly agree that Meb is an American treasure and running ambassador who never fails to inspire.”—Booklist (starred review)

“26 Marathons gives great insight about the ups and downs in marathon running and how to cope with them. As Meb shows, dealing with these marathon experiences help us become better in our lives.”—Eliud Kipchoge, Marathon World Record Holder and 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist

“Meb’s 26 Marathons is like opening a treasure chest full of inspiring stories that give behind-the-scenes glimpse into the mental and physical joys and obstacles that elite-level racing can bring. His advice on training, overcoming injuries, and adversity is for everyone. It’s pure gold!”—Shalane Flanagan, 2017 TCS NYC Marathon Champion

Critic reviews

“Keflezighi is a four-time Olympian who has won the Boston and New York marathons — so it’s fitting that his 2017 New York Marathon was not just his last, but his 26th. That’s one marathon race per marathon mile for an athlete whose wisdom and lessons aren’t just for runners.”—The Washington Post

“26 Marathons is a fantastic book. It tells the story of Meb Keflezighi’s career by documenting his marathons, but it’s not really about running. It’s about life! About setting goals and pursuing them, and how to continue to strive to excel in the midst of satisfaction and disappointments. Meb drives home the fact that winning in life isn’t defined by coming in first place. This book is not just for runners. It will help you no matter what your passion in life might be.”—Tony Dungy, Super Bowl Winning Coach, NFL Hall of Famer, and New York Times bestselling author

“Meb is as great a champion as I've ever known, and an even better person. 26 Marathons is the perfect roadmap for your journey to the top of the mountain. This radiantly brilliant treatise on life through sport, family, faith, perseverance and persistence epitomizes everything that I strive for, and on a path that Meb has already traveled. Thank you, for shining the light, for being the true giant among us, and for showing us that tomorrow is worth the effort to get there. Run on, beam on, teach on, carry on.” —Bill Walton, Former NBA champion & MVP

“This book is a gift from Meb. I couldn’t put it down as memories flooded back and his vivid descriptions put us in the races with him. Reading this a race at a time or by the years, first timers and pros alike will be inspired to “run to win” on and off the roads.”—Mary Wittenberg, Former CEO NYRR, Virgin Sport

"I've watched Meb build a legendary career in distance running, one marathon at a time. 26 Marathons is a captivating look at each race from his professional marathon career and the valuable lessons they taught him about running and life." —John Legere, CEO T-Mobile

MEB

I not only enjoyed the book but felt Meb’s ‘voice’ and relished his wisdom while listening to it. The narrator did a pretty good job. Thanks, Meb! And thanks to your family too.
You’re an inspiration for all of us.

Read this!

This book is worth the read! Really enjoyable to connect with him and see how running applies to life. A must read!

a great book for long runs

it was an enjoyable book to listen to when running. it almost has your feeling like your in the actual marathons .

Compassionate and Motivational

Meb takes us on a journey through 26 marathons sharing trials, triumphs and wisdom words. As an elite athlete, he has accomplished a lot yet remains humble and appreciative of other runners. That he stands at the finish line cheering other runners on is heart warming. One of my favorite reads and has motivated me to keep running. Highly recommended

Worth it, but not great

This is a good book if you follow Meb or are a weekend warrior into pro running.

It’s probably longer than needed, and the writing isn’t super compelling, but it’s a good diary of his life combined with a few corny bits.