Thank You Meb!

In 2009, I ran my first New York City Marathon. I was in a later start wave, so the elites had already been out for 45 minutes before my wave started. The NYC Marathon is one of the most competitive marathons in the world. Winning any of the majors is HUGE, but winning the largest marathon in the world, well that is a game changer.

I remember hitting mile seven or eight in Brooklyn when we started to approach a jumbo-tron. The crowd began to cheer louder and louder. When I got to the jumbo-tron, we saw Meb Keflezighi running down the finish chute in Central Park in first place!

The crowd started chanting USA! USA! Runners (including myself) stopped to witness the first American to win the NYC Marathon since 1982, cross the finish line. I get goosebumps just thinking about how absolutely AMAZING that was!! I ran the rest of that race so inspired. It is a memory I will never forget.

Meb had no idea as he crossed the finish line the effect he had on people miles away in Brooklyn and around the world. We as American were so proud of him.

Meb winning the 2009 NYC Marathon

With a win at the Boston Marathon in 2014, only one year after the bombing, amazing Olympic performances and finishes, that while not his best, showed the world not only what kind of athlete he is, but what kind of man he is. Meb in one word: INSPIRATIONAL.

Today Meb toes the line in the NYC Marathon in his last professional race. I for one will miss seeing him. He is the epitome of good sportsmanship, never giving up, and the poster boy for what you can achieve if you work hard enough. 

Thank you Meb for giving us all someone to root for. 

My BFF Meb and I! 😉