Choosing to Run Summary

“What keeps you going when quitting seems like the easiest choice?” Des Linden’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, no matter how tested, can lead to unexpected triumphs.

1. A Reluctant Start Leads to Lifelong Passion

Running entered Des Linden’s life not as a passion but as a push from her father, Dennis. It began as a reluctant activity, rooted in her family’s belief that athletics build character. By the age of ten, young Des found herself at the starting line of her first race, uncertain yet determined.

That first race, the Junior Carlsbad, marked a turning point for Linden. To her surprise, she excelled, discovering a sense of fulfillment in the process. Running didn’t just become a way to strengthen her bond with her father but also a path to independence. Over time, the sport transitioned from a parental directive to a deep-seated part of her identity.

Through high school, Linden’s connection to running grew stronger. She appreciated the solitude and freedom it offered compared to team sports. Later, at Arizona State University, she faced personal challenges like body image concerns, but running remained her constant. These experiences laid the foundation for her professional career, where she would eventually redefine her relationship with the sport on her own terms.

Examples

• Linden’s father encouraged running to instill discipline and independence.
• The Junior Carlsbad race ignited an unexpected appreciation for running.
• At ASU, she faced struggles with body image but learned resilience through her sport.

2. Loyalty in Friendships Amidst Olympic Challenges

Des Linden’s path to becoming an Olympian was marked by dedication and emotional complexity. During the 2012 US Olympic marathon trials, she performed spectacularly, finishing second and earning a spot on the team. Yet, while celebrating her success, she also had to witness the heartbreak of a close friend who didn’t make it.

The trials introduced her to the cutthroat nature of professional running but also emphasized camaraderie. Although competing as rivals, Linden formed strong bonds with her peers, grounded in the shared experience of grueling training and high stakes. These relationships helped her navigate the highs and lows of elite-level competition.

When a stress fracture threatened her Olympic journey in London, Linden experienced the pain of unfulfilled dreams. The road to recovery was slow and emotionally draining, but the support of her friendships and her time training in Kenya rekindled her passion for running. It was this mixture of personal setbacks and support that prepared her to return stronger for the Rio Olympics and beyond.

Examples

• Linden’s second-place finish at the 2012 trials qualified her for the Olympics.
• Her training in Kenya brought a renewed perspective after an injury.
• Close friendships formed in difficult moments provided emotional support through the Olympics.

3. Mental Battles Are the Hardest Marathons

Linden’s physical endurance was always extraordinary, but she faced one of her greatest challenges when she woke up one night with a dangerously weak heartbeat. Diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism, she confronted physical limitations that forced her to reevaluate her approach to running and her life.

The diagnosis prompted deep introspection. Linden began to distance herself from the relentless focus on winning and instead shifted toward embracing the joy and passion she felt for running. This mental shift was pivotal in rediscovering her love for the sport.

The hardest part wasn’t the diagnosis but managing her inner struggles, like self-doubt and disillusionment with the integrity of the sport. These battles pushed her to step back and reassess her priorities, finding renewed focus through cultural experiences and inspiring victories by her peers.

Examples

• Linden’s diagnosis caused her to think critically about her marathon training.
• A frustrating fourth-place finish at the 2017 Boston Marathon fueled her disillusionment.
• Traveling to India with her sister provided much-needed emotional clarity.

4. Life Beyond the Finish Line

After embracing a new perspective, Linden began shifting her focus beyond just the competitive aspect of running. She leaned into her personal interests like bourbon tasting, global travel, and literature, finding that these passions empowered her in unexpected ways.

In addition to her physical training, Linden explored new cultures by combining travel with running. Whether it was Kenya’s plains or the historical streets of Rome, these experiences nurtured her inner strength and reinvigorated her appreciation for the journey over the destination.

Her more holistic approach led her back to the Boston Marathon course for a 20-mile training run that reminded her of why she runs. By learning to balance her health, personal joy, and professional ambitions, she found new meaning in her journey.

Examples

• Linden cultivated a taste for bourbon alongside her running schedule.
• Trips to Rome and Kenya gave her fresh perspectives on life and running.
• A scenic training run along the Boston course reaffirmed her connection to the sport.

5. Authenticity Amidst Uncertainty

Before the monumental Boston Marathon, Linden found herself in an emotional spiral. Her confidence was shaky, and the usual excitement leading to race day was dulled by personal and professional tensions. It was in this state of vulnerability that she faced her doubts head-on.

Her husband, Ryan, became a key source of support, urging her to fully embrace the challenge ahead despite her fears. This candid conversation spurred Linden to shift her mindset, focusing on effort rather than outcome. It served as a reminder that resilience is forged in the moments when everything feels uncertain.

On race day, alongside the chaos of severe weather conditions, Linden stepped onto the course. It wasn’t her most confident start, but she found power in wearing her new flats and tapping into the unwavering support of those who believed in her.

Examples

• Ryan’s encouragement helped her face pre-race doubts.
• Racing flats metaphorically symbolized stepping into unknown territory.
• Her reflective night before the marathon set the tone for mental clarity.

6. Turning Adversity into Triumph

The 2018 Boston Marathon was grueling, with strong winds and relentless rain. For Linden, the harsh conditions mirrored the obstacles she had faced throughout her career. Yet, instead of succumbing, she used these moments as a source of strength.

At one point during the race, Linden considered dropping out to help a fellow runner. Instead, she pushed forward, pacing herself with incredible determination. Her deep familiarity with the course allowed her to maintain focus as she handled each incline and turn with precision.

As she crossed the finish line, her victory wasn’t just a personal triumph – it was a moment of historical significance, as she became the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years. The crowd’s cheers represented the culmination of her dedication and resilience.

Examples

• Severe weather conditions tested the endurance of all competitors.
• Linden’s decision to help a teammate only fueled her determination.
• Becoming the first American woman to win in decades cemented her place in history.

7. The Power of Reinvention

After the marathon win, Linden’s narrative shifted. She wasn’t just a runner but a symbol of persistence, integrity, and self-belief. Her journey encouraged others to pursue their passions and redefine success in ways that resonated internally.

This reinvention wasn’t easy—it came from a place of vulnerability and growth. Linden acknowledged her imperfections but chose to embrace them as part of her identity. From her diagnosis to professional struggles, each challenge became a stepping stone to self-made success.

Her story inspires people beyond the running world to embrace change, face their limits head-on, and continue forward no matter how insurmountable the obstacles seem.

Examples

• Linden transformed vulnerability into a source of strength and determination.
• Her revised training methods balanced physical capability and mental health.
• Her unwavering integrity earned her widespread respect in the running community.

Takeaways

1. Learn to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Resilience often leads to success where you least expect it.
2. Balance personal passions and professional goals. Pursuing hobbies and interests outside of work can fuel creativity and drive.
3. Focus on the journey, not perfection. True fulfillment comes from persistence, self-discovery, and staying authentic, even in adversity.