She was far from peak form-recovering from illness and questioning her running future-and didn’t expect much of herself that day.īut as she ticked off mile after mile in the brutal conditions, passing familiar landmarks on the course she knew by heart, something shifted.

In fact, she thought it might be a blessing. When Des woke up on April 16, 2018, the morning of the Boston Marathon, it was 39 degrees and raining, with high, gusty winds.

For all readers, it grants a peek at what goes into building that endurance.Featuring both the story of an historic, unforgettable win and insight into the life of an indelible champion, Choosing to Run is a truly inspirational memoir from Boston Marathon winner and Olympian Des Linden, sharing her personal story and what motivates her to keep showing up.

The challenges she meets along the way include when she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, a potentially fatal condition that nearly derailed her distance running career.įor seasoned runners and beginners alike, Linden’s book offers plenty of inspiration about the power of endurance in the face of obstacles. Sprinkled throughout the book are passages from the songs that helped keep Linden going throughout her journey.Īlong the way, she provides a fascinating look at the training and culture of professional running. She offers a look at the grueling conditions that distance runners face as they prepare for such races, from injuries to unbearable weather conditions. Her memoir alternates between vivid descriptions of running the famed point-to-point Boston Marathon route in 2018 and her upbringing as a runner. “My typical meticulous checklist was down to one item: survive,” she writes. Linden starts her book describing an all-familiar place for anyone who’s completed or attempted a marathon: the dreaded 22-mile mark when many runners hit the “wall” of the race, where their training is tested by the exhaustion of running that many miles. Preparing for running those 26.2 miles is also absolute torture for anyone who tries it.ĭes Linden captures that sentiment perfectly in her memoir, “Choosing To Run,” as she chronicles the winding road that led to her winning the Boston Marathon in 2018 - the first American woman to do so in 33 years. Running a marathon is a remarkable achievement for any runner, no matter the skill level or pace. “Choosing To Run,” by Des Linden (Dutton)

Choosing to run des linden