Description
Many people find themselves living a life they in no way predicted or foresaw. With the Wind is an attempt to show that although people are different in so many ways, they are more alike than they may realize. It is there in that place of likeness that lays the root to the joy that is sought after. The joy, just as the likeness, was there all along.
With the Wind is a true story, written by the man himself who ran his way out of poverty in Rural Kenya, to becoming a collegiate track star and National Champion, to now wearing the Army Green and serving in the US Military. Within its pages, Sam Chelanga gives his raw and inspirational take on life and paves the way to finding the champion within everyone.
About the Author
Born in a small remote village in Saimo Hills, Kenya, Sam Chelanga is now a name known by many. Sam is one of the fastest long-distance runners in the world. He has won four NCAA Division One national titles, holds the NCAA Division One 10,000-meter record with the time of 27:08, ran the second fastest indoor 5k time ever run in United States history with a time of 13:04, has run 60:37 for the half marathon, won five national titles, was the champion of the World's Best 10k in San Juan Puerto Rico, and was the alternative for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Sam retired from running in 2018 to join the US Army and is now a 2nd Lieutenant working as a Platoon Leader in Ft. Jackson, SC. Sam has a roaring engine that has propelled him from rural Kenya, to wearing medals around his neck, and to now wearing the Army green. In his professional career he was sponsored by Nike Inc. and upon joining the Army he was featured on ABC 20/20's episode 'The Real Rookies'.
Reviews
"In With the Wind, Sam Chelanga offers us a wise and poignant reminder that in seeking to become better athletes, what we truly seek-or should seek-is to become our best selves."
-Matt Fitzgerald, author of Running the Dream
"Sam's story of transformation and resilience is an inspiration to all Americans. Through words of strength and devotion, Sam brings hope at a vital moment for our nation. He embraces joy on and off the track-a true American hero!"
-Lopez Lomong, two-time Olympian and Author of Running for My Life
"Sam Chelanga was an amazing runner and is an even more amazing person. His extraordinary humility and depth of soul shine out of his story. Interesting to me, he writes nothing about his many dominant races, like the 2009 NCAA national cross-country championship in which he was ahead of the entire field by forty-two seconds at 8000m. When I asked him why he didn't include any such races, he responded that he didn't learn anything from those races.
Sam's unusual visual clarity and understanding of truth infuse his writing to challenge you, the reader, to run with the wind, whatever your calling in life. Get ready to be inspired to live your life on a higher plane and to run for the stars."
-Brant Tolsma, thirty-four years as head track coach at Liberty University
"From the moment I met Sam Chelanga, I could tell he wasn't like other runners. Despite his incredible performances-including one of the greatest careers ever by a collegiate distance runner-Sam has always viewed himself as much more than an athlete. During his incredible life journey, which began when he was plucked from obscurity in Kenya by Paul Tergat, Sam has spent more time than most pondering his purpose and place in the world. With the Wind shares the lessons he's learned, from Baringo County to Fort Jackson, S.C., and everywhere in between."
-Jonathan Gault, staff writer for LetsRun.com
"Running can improve self-esteem and confidence, promote teamwork and goal setting in life... Sam Chelanga's great story of coming from a remote village in rural Kenya to becoming a four-time NCAA Champion, will inspire you. This book has the ingredients to improve anyone's success in life."
-Larry Rawson, four-time Emmy award Track and Field commentator, NCAA TV commentator for 51 Championships, and 103 Boston, Chicago, and New York City Marathons
"I loved following Sam Chelanga's running career, and it was a pleasure to get to know more about his background, from the chance encounter in rural Kenya that set him on a course to becoming a professional athlete, to his decision to become a soldier in the United States Army."
-David Epstein, Author of best sellers, Range and The Sports Gene
"Sam Chelanga's greatness is not measured by the records he holds, his ascent from poverty, or even by his admirable service in the U.S. Military. Sam's life story is inspiring because it is one of unshakable faith and determination to carry out God's will in his life. With the Wind is a handbook on how to live an honorable, fulfilling life, and a reminder that the greatness he displays is found in all of us, if we choose to follow it."
-Jerry Falwell, President of Liberty University
"With the Wind is an inspirational and exhilarating read. Sam Chelanga exhorts us to reach for the greatness that's already in us all."
-Rashad Jennings, NFL RB and Author of best seller, The If in Life
"Running paved Sam's way from a small village North of Nairobi, but the true essence of his journey was a passage to a bigger world. With the Wind is a beautiful and vivid read that all people can relate."
-Bart Yasso, Retired Runner's World Chief Running Officer
Book Information
ISBN 9781631951527
Author Sam Chelanga
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint Morgan James Publishing llc
Publisher Morgan James Publishing llc
