Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More


Chasing Excellence by Pat MelgaresChasing Excellence: The Remarkable Life and Inspiring Vigilosophy of Coach Joe I. Vigil by Pat Melgares


Thanks to Rebekah Epstein of PR by the Book, I am giving away one print copy of ‘Chasing Excellence’ by Pat Melgares. Just in time for the Olympics!

Description Chasing Excellence by Pat Melgares


Dr. Joe I. Vigil—known simply as “Coach” to virtually everybody he has ever met—rose from poverty to become a towering figure in the running world. Coach has won 19 national championships and coached 425 All-Americans, 22 Olympians…and an army of “Vigilantes” who seek to emulate his unique blend of compassion, competitive spirit, and commitment to others.

In this long-overdue biography about America’s preeminent distance-running coach, author and Vigilante Pat Melgares shares Coach Vigil’s tale not just through the consummate storyteller’s own words but also through those of more than 50 family members, friends, former runners, and foes who have been shaped by his presence over a lifetime.

Chasing Excellence brought home the gold in a national competition for books published independently in 2020, winning the Biography category in the Independent Book Publishers Association’s annual contest.

Coach Vigil is driven by a persistent desire to learn, a deep faith in people, and an unwavering loyalty to his hometown of Alamosa, Colorado. His life is an American dream—a must-read for anyone who loves an underdog or seeks to understand the timeless qualities that forge a leader. “Chasing Excellence” has been Coach Vigil’s mantra for decades, for himself and those he teaches. At age 90, he’s as relentless as ever in that quest.

Praise Chasing Excellence by Pat Melgares


“He’s the coach of every distance runner of my generation. We all have our own coaches, but Coach Vigil is the one we all share.”-Abdi Abdirahman, four-time U.S. Olympian in 10,000m and marathon, 2020 Olympic marathon qualifier

“His new biography is filled with memories from his 90 years of life so far, 65 years of them as a coach, in his words as well as some of the many individuals he’s touched along the way…His words are often the last ones I read before big races, and the first ones that come to mind when things start to get tough.”-Becky Wade, Runner’s World magazine

“What I admire most about Coach Vigil is the compassion he has to help others with the knowledge he has gathered over 50 years of coaching. Coach’s life story being brought to life in this book will inspire others to follow in his footsteps.”-Brenda Martinez, Olympian, 2013 World Championships 800m silver medalist

About Pat MelgaresChasing Excellence by Pat Melgares


Pat Melgares was born in Alamosa, Colorado, in 1967 and was raised on the south side of town just four blocks from where Joe I. Vigil grew up. Like Vigil, Pat graduated from Alamosa High School and Adams State College, and was a four-time All-American in cross country and track and field while running for Vigil from 1985 to 1989. Pat was also a member of four NAIA cross country championship teams and two The Athletics Congress (TAC) junior cross country championship teams.

At Adams State, Pat studied journalism and began his career as sports editor of the hometown Valley Courier. He advanced to editor of that newspaper before landing the job as public information officer at Adams State in 1994.

Since 1998, he has been a communications specialist and public information officer at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.

Website: https://melgares.wixsite.com/chasingexcellence

Buy Chasing Excellence by Pat Melgares


Amazon
Soulstice Publishing 

Giveaway Chasing Excellence by Pat Melgares


This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends on August 6, 2021 midnight pacific time.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Abdi's World by Abdi AbdirahmanAbdi’s World: The Black Cactus on Life, Running, and Fun by Abdi Abdirahman


Thanks to Rebekah Epstein of PR by the Book, I am giving away one print copy of ‘Abdi’s World: The Black Cactus on Life, Running, and Fun’ by Abdi Abdirahman. This comes just in time for the Summer Olympics.

Description Abdi’s World by Abdi Abdirahman


Abdi has spent his entire adult life as a professional runner, competing in the Olympics, World Championships, major marathons, track meets, and road races all over the world.

But Abdi doesn’t define his life by his running career. Rather, Abdi believes life is defined by the choices one makes, the way you look at the world each day, and the people you surround yourself with. Known as “The Black Cactus,” he is one of the most beloved and respected figures in the sport because of his longevity, work ethic, and positive attitude.

In Abdi’s World: The Black Cactus on Life, Running, and Fun , Abdi shares thoughts on the world, running, and living. Readers will also discover his personal story, not just in professional distance running but also leaving Somalia for a refugee camp in Mombasa, Kenya, and eventually settling in Tucson and finding joy and opportunity in his new country.

Abdi credits everything he’s achieved in life to a combination of hard work, support, and luck—sometimes good and sometimes bad. But no matter the circumstances, he still pushing the pace and chasing the best that the world has to offer.

Praise Abdi’s World by Abdi Abdirahman


“Abdi is one of the most inspiring and decorated distance runners in the United States today, but also the most fun to be with at the races. He is a natural storyteller and a gritty performer, so put this book on your summer reading list for both motivation and entertainment.” —Deena Kastor, Olympic medalist and American record holder, marathon; New York Times bestselling author of Let Your Mind Run

“Abdi’s mentality is his foundation of youth. His huge smile and joy for life are his trademarks. His ability to read the race as it’s developing and never back down are part of his competitive legacy. It’s hard to imagine any one of those without the others. What a treat to read his secrets to success.” —Mary Wittenberg, former president and CEO, New York Road Runners

“People often overlook just how difficult it is to achieve longevity in elite sports. Abdi has been entertaining at the very highest level for over 20 years. His energy lights up a room and those lucky enough to have met him leave with a little bit of his magic. You cannot fail to be inspired by Abdi’s story, an authentic tale by someone who clearly cherishes running and life.” —Gary Lough, distance coach, former professional middle-distance runner

About Abdi AbdirahmanAbdi's World by Abdi Abdirahman


Abdi is an American long-distance runner and a five-time Olympian competing for the United States in the marathon in the upcoming Summer Olympics (July).

Born in Hargeisa, Somalia, Abdirahman graduated from Tucson High School in 1995 and attended Pima Community College before transferring to the University of Arizona for his junior and senior years. At Arizona, Abdirahman was named the 1998 Pacific-10 Conference Cross Country Male Athlete of the Year. He finished second at the 1998 NCAA Cross Country Championships.

He launched his Olympic career when he competed in the 10,000 meters at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Abdirahman has competed in three Summer Olympics since and is the first American distance runner ever to make five Olympic teams.

At the 2020 United States Olympic Trials in Atlanta, Abdi finished 3rd in the marathon with a time of 2:10:03, securing his place on a fifth Olympic team, and, at 43, becoming the oldest American runner ever to make the Olympic team.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Abdi_runs

Buy Abdi’s World by Abdi Abdirahman


Amazon
Soulstice Publishing 

Giveaway Abdi’s World by Abdi Abdirahman


This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends on August 6, 2021 midnight pacific time.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway