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A review by kimberlyjgav
Choosing to Run: A Memoir by Des Linden
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.