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htspell's review against another edition
5.0
As Angela Duckwork wrote in her review on the back cover, Des’s story is one “of grit and grace.” Des was already a role model for so many people, including me. Reading her story takes my respect for her to a whole new level.
Choosing to Run is set up in a fun-to-read way, making it nearly impossible to put down. Stupid responsibilities got in the way of reading it in one sitting (though I would have had I been patient enough to wait until an obligation-free day to read).
I’m proud to have this one on my shelf and will be rereading for years to come.
Choosing to Run is set up in a fun-to-read way, making it nearly impossible to put down. Stupid responsibilities got in the way of reading it in one sitting (though I would have had I been patient enough to wait until an obligation-free day to read).
I’m proud to have this one on my shelf and will be rereading for years to come.
ysimpson's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
katkleaf's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
A refreshing memoir from a professional runner! Des shows how both dedication & grit are needed to succeed, but also having a life and interests outside of running. Even at the highest level.
kimberlyjgav's review against another edition
4.0
As a runner and (mediocre) marathoner, I've followed Des Linden's career for years. She exemplifies the grit, determination, camaraderie, and sheer athletic power that I admire so much in speedy marathon runners (I cannot run even ONE mile at a 5-6 minute pace, never mind 26).
I watched with awe in 2018 as she fought some of the worst racing conditions imaginable (frigid, driving rain and strong winds) to win the Boston marathon - the first American woman to do so in over 30 years. What I didn't know was that she entered the training cycle for that race coming off a serious health challenge that could have killed her. She wasn't even sure she'd be able to finish the race and went to the starting line expecting to pull out of the race partway. It makes her accomplishment that day in Boston all the more remarkable.
I loved listening to her read this book, taking in the emotion in her voice as she talked about her frustrations around doping allegations within the sport, battling injury, and how she fought through a mountain of self doubt to win in Boston in 2018. Des never won another marathon, but remained a fierce competitor for many years after and went on to set the women's world record in the 50K (a bit over 31 miles) in 2021 (incidentally her first ultramarathon!) She's a true inspiration and I loved learning more about her running career.
I watched with awe in 2018 as she fought some of the worst racing conditions imaginable (frigid, driving rain and strong winds) to win the Boston marathon - the first American woman to do so in over 30 years. What I didn't know was that she entered the training cycle for that race coming off a serious health challenge that could have killed her. She wasn't even sure she'd be able to finish the race and went to the starting line expecting to pull out of the race partway. It makes her accomplishment that day in Boston all the more remarkable.
I loved listening to her read this book, taking in the emotion in her voice as she talked about her frustrations around doping allegations within the sport, battling injury, and how she fought through a mountain of self doubt to win in Boston in 2018. Des never won another marathon, but remained a fierce competitor for many years after and went on to set the women's world record in the 50K (a bit over 31 miles) in 2021 (incidentally her first ultramarathon!) She's a true inspiration and I loved learning more about her running career.
mdj_131's review against another edition
This one was so so. This book came out around the same time as books by fellow runners Kara Goucher and Lauren Fleshman. Des breaks up the books with alternating chapters of the 26 miles it took her to win the Boston marathon and the story of how she got to where she is now. Maybe because I read those other 2 books first this one didn't seem as exciting or new?
meganleriche's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
asianmurf1's review against another edition
5.0
An interesting perspective into a world that I feel like it is tough to know about unless you live it. I've known since listening to "nobody asked us" that I loved Des's personality. Much of this book confirms that but also, I had no idea about the extent of her health struggles. Nicely written and a quick read.