All in stride : a journey in running, courage, and the search for the American dream

The inspiring stories of Kenyan-born distance runners Shadrack Kipchirchir and Elvin Kibet and their determination to build meaningful lives as American citizens. Professional distance runners Shadrack Kipchirchir and Elvin Kibet grew up in rural Kenyan villages.

Though their lives began in poverty, both were driven to reach their full potential, to gain an education and make a difference. And they would find their way to do just that through the high-pressure world of distance running. In All in Stride, Johanna Garton tells the gripping and inspiring stories of Shadrack and Elvin.

Beginning with their upbringing in Kenya, Garton follows the runners through their journeys to the United States, running for Division 1 colleges, their fated reunion during a track meet and blossoming romance, and ultimately their service as U.S. soldiers and professional runners. More than just a running story, All in Stride takes readers behind the scenes to explore the difficulties Elvin and Shadrack faced, including adjusting to an entirely new culture in the U.S., bigotry and intolerance, the stresses and joys of global competitions like the Olympics, joining the U.S.

Army’s World Class Athlete Program, and discovering the ever-changing landscape of what it means to be an American.