Marathon runner Meb Keflezighi is ready to take on NYC
Returning from his run in Rio at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, Meb Keflezighi is ready for another big race: Sunday's New York City Marathon.
In addition to training, Meb has been helping runners prepare by discussing the benefits of KT Tape.
Whether you're training for your first marathon, getting ready for your next game, reaching a personal fitness goal, or just trying to get through the day, you already know that nothing slows you down faster than pain and injury. KT TAPE is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and can be used for hundreds of common injuries such as lower back pain, knee pain, shin splints, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow, just to name a few.
KT TAPE not only looks good, but it also provides 24 hour relief per application for days at a time through sweat, strain and humidity, and can even be worn in water thanks to our specially designed adhesive.
And one of the most widely recognized marathon runners in the world loves it.
Meb took some time to hang out with AOL.com to discuss KT Tape, the marathon, his career and more.
Q: You just started a new partnership with KT Tape. How did you get involved with them?
A: It's been fun to work with them because I used it even before I signed up with them. Whenever you have a tight hamstring, quad or whatever, I've used it and it's great.
Q: When you look at your vast resume, all the competitions you've run, which one was the hardest? What are some of the factors, as a runner, that make each course different?
A: Well, marathons are hard period. It's very difficult. Sometimes they go well, sometimes they don't. Rio was very difficult. Usually through lack of training, lack of fitness, your body could give out. At Rio, crossing that finish line was great, but it was a tough experience because of some issues. I had to throw up. I had to continually stop. But I was determined, because I had that USA jersey. I had to dig deep and get there, and I did. But, yes, Rio was the most difficult.
Q: This might be something the average person who doesn't run marathons might wonder. For someone like you, what do you think about when you're running for so long? Where does your mind wander?
A: When you train hard with long runs, or even intervals, you're concentrating for every inch to maximize your running. When you go on long runs or on recovery days, sometimes you'll think about things going on. Family, stuff like that. Yeah, the mind does wander. As much as we train we try to make it look simple -- but sometimes it's not. Sometimes while running I like to chit-chat with others with me too.
Q: Can you take me through your normal training regimen? What does your diet look like?
A: Training-wise, it depends on the day. I usually do 10-12 miles in the morning, and then have a whole wheat bagel or whole wheat toast. Then I'll stretch for an hour or so after tea and a bagel. I'll do some leg and muscle work around the house and then go back out for intervals. I'll come back, if it's an easy day, for a salad or sandwich. When I come back from hard days, I'll have an omelette and snack throughout the day. I'll have fruits with my girls -- I have three daughters -- and then I'll stretch again after my second run of the day. I usually stretch 3-4 times a day. And then for dinner, I'll usually have rice and chicken or pasta or fish. It's all about recovery and also trying to have fun. Oh, and I'm definitely a napper.
Q: When you think back to all you've accomplished, did you think you'd be where you are today. Was this always your goal?
A: My parents always emphasized education. So this wasn't always my goal. I never thought I could make a living out of running. Nineteen years ago, though, I won an NCAA title at UCLA my senior year. Then I was like, 'eh, maybe I could make a living.' Once I graduated, though, I had to earn it. But it's been the small things that make a big difference. There's a lot of people that have put their faith in me, and I work very hard to achieve what I want to achieve.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice for someone who wants to train for a marathon?
A: I would say, just put your shoes on. The hardest part is to get out the door. You have to get out the door, whether it's run or walk. I tell people to make friends with somebody, because then you have to show up. It's kind of like a New Year's resolution. You have to do it consistently. Running is something that is simple. Shorts, running shoes, you can make it happen.
