But then, I enjoy reading about runners and running (Want proof? Check out my “book stack” from 6 Mar 23.) I sprinted through this (pardon the pun)! Part memoir, part play-by-play of the 2018 Boston Marathon, this was completely enthralling. “Featuring the story of a 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.” (GoodReads) Most of all, they’ll learn what makes her get up and run every day. They’ll read about her deep connection to the most famous marathon in the world, her two very different Olympic experiences, and how she defined new goals and set a world record at the 50-kilometer distance. In her first book, readers will learn the story behind that the way Des trains, the way she thinks, her relationships with other great runners of her generation, and how much she values her family and friends. As she rose through the elite ranks, she became increasingly determined to do things her way in an industry often bound by the status quo. Des gambled on herself and moved to Michigan to give professional running a try. Des was a two-time All-American at Arizona State University, and as her collegiate years wound down, she decided she wasn’t done with the sport. Her career has always been defined by tenacity and an independent spirit, stretching back to her first competitive race in San Diego, when she beat better-outfitted, more experienced kids. Des tapped into her inner strength and remembered all of the reasons she loved to race.Ĭoming off Heartbreak Hill at Mile 22, Des took the lead and never relinquished it, becoming the 2018 Boston Marathon champion and the first American woman to win the race in thirty-three years. Opportunity unexpectedly presented itself. 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. 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.

Choosing to Run by Des Linden