Choosing to Run

1. Overcoming Adversity: Des Linden's Journey from Outsider to Boston Marathon Champion

"I was an instinctive forward, quick to the ball, but too slight to put enough punch into my shots and often overpowered one-on-one. If I didn't hold my own when things got physical, I'd be on the ground and soon on my way to warm the bench."

Early challenges shaped Linden's mindset. As a young athlete, Des Linden often felt like an outsider, struggling to compete with physically stronger players in soccer. This experience instilled in her a determination to prove herself and succeed against the odds.

Transition to running opened new opportunities. Linden discovered her talent for running in high school, finding success in track and cross country. This led her to pursue running in college and eventually as a professional, where she continued to embrace her underdog status and use it as motivation.

Culmination in Boston Marathon victory. After years of near misses and setbacks, including a second-place finish in 2011, Linden finally won the Boston Marathon in 2018 under brutal weather conditions. Her victory was a testament to her resilience and ability to persevere when others faltered.

2. The Power of Persistence: Bouncing Back from Setbacks and Near Misses

"I didn't want to waste all the work I'd invested in my body and mindset, and I didn't want to give in to disillusionment."

Overcoming disappointments. Throughout her career, Linden faced numerous setbacks, including:

• A heartbreaking second-place finish at the 2011 Boston Marathon
• Dropping out of the 2012 Olympic marathon due to injury
• Struggling with hypothyroidism in 2017

Mental toughness as a key asset. Linden's ability to bounce back from these challenges was rooted in her mental toughness and unwavering belief in herself. She consistently refused to give up on her goals, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Reframing setbacks as learning experiences. Rather than viewing failures as definitive, Linden used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Each setback provided valuable lessons that ultimately contributed to her success.

3. Evolving Training Philosophies: Adapting to Change and Listening to Your Body

"I stopped forcing myself toward a deliberate state of cumulative fatigue and made a conscious decision to let my body decide what I needed, rather than setting weekly mileage targets."

Shifting from rigid to flexible training. Linden's early training with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project focused on high mileage and cumulative fatigue. As her career progressed, she learned to adapt her training to her body's needs.

Prioritizing recovery and intuition. After struggling with health issues, Linden began to prioritize:

• Quality over quantity in training
• Listening to her body and adjusting workouts accordingly
• Incorporating more rest and recovery into her schedule

Balancing structure and flexibility. While maintaining a structured training plan, Linden learned to be more flexible in her approach, allowing for adjustments based on how she felt each day. This approach helped her maintain consistency while avoiding burnout and injury.

4. The Mental Game: Developing Resilience and Grit in Distance Running

"You run the first 20 miles with your head and the last 6.2 with your heart."

Cultivating mental toughness. Linden's success in marathoning was largely due to her mental strength. She developed strategies to push through pain and fatigue, particularly in the crucial final miles of a race.

Visualization and positive self-talk. Key mental techniques Linden employed included:

• Visualizing success and race scenarios
• Using positive affirmations and mantras during tough moments
• Staying focused on the present moment rather than getting overwhelmed by the entire distance

Embracing discomfort. Linden learned to view discomfort as a necessary part of improvement, rather than something to be avoided. This mindset allowed her to push harder in training and racing.

5. Navigating the Professional Running World: Sponsorships, Contracts, and Ethics

"You don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate."

Understanding the business of running. Linden quickly learned that success in professional running required more than just fast times. She had to navigate:

• Sponsorship deals and contract negotiations
• Race appearance fees and prize money
• Media obligations and public appearances

Ethical considerations in a complex sport. As her career progressed, Linden became increasingly vocal about ethical issues in running, including:

• Doping and performance-enhancing drugs
• Questionable training practices and medical treatments
• The role of shoe technology in performance

Balancing personal beliefs with professional obligations. Linden had to navigate complex relationships with sponsors, coaches, and teammates while staying true to her own values and beliefs about clean sport.

6. The Importance of Support Systems: Family, Coaches, and Teammates

"Loyalty shows up, even when it's inconvenient."

Family as a foundation. Linden's relationship with her sister Natalie and husband Ryan provided crucial emotional support throughout her career. They were constant presences at her major races and helped her maintain perspective.

Evolving coaching relationships. Linden worked with various coaches throughout her career, most notably:

• Frank Browne in high school, who first recognized her potential
• Walt Drenth at Arizona State University
• Kevin and Keith Hanson with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project

Importance of teammates and training partners. Fellow runners, both at the Hansons-Brooks group and beyond, played a vital role in Linden's development and success. They provided:

• Motivation and companionship in training
• Friendly competition and push to improve
• Shared experiences and understanding of the sport's demands

7. Embracing the Grind: Finding Joy and Purpose in the Daily Work of Running

"The grind'' meant something positive to me: a challenge to embrace repetition and approach it creatively."

Finding meaning in daily routines. Linden learned to appreciate the day-to-day work of training, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery rather than a chore.

Balancing hard work and enjoyment. Key aspects of Linden's approach included:

• Maintaining a sense of curiosity and exploration in training
• Celebrating small victories and improvements
• Finding ways to make difficult workouts mentally engaging

Cultivating a long-term perspective. Linden understood that success in marathoning required years of consistent work. She focused on the process of improvement rather than solely on race outcomes.

8. The Boston Marathon: A Defining Race and Lifelong Pursuit

"Boston sealed our team's conviction that we were primed to do something special in Rio—a conviction that connected us and also made us hypercompetitive."

Boston as a career-defining event. The Boston Marathon played a central role in Linden's career, including:

• Her marathon debut in 2007
• A heartbreaking second-place finish in 2011
• Her triumphant victory in 2018

Unique challenges of the course. Linden became an expert on the Boston course, understanding its nuances and challenges:

• The downhill start and risk of going out too fast
• The infamous Newton Hills in the second half
• The unpredictable New England weather

Emotional connection to the race. Beyond its physical challenges, Boston held a special place in Linden's heart. She felt a deep connection to the race's history and the supportive crowds along the course.

9. Balancing Running and Life: Cultivating Interests Beyond the Sport

"Travel, reading, music, taking the dogs to the beach, refining my tastes in coffee and bourbon—I wasn't anywhere near willing to give them up. If running evaporated tomorrow, they would help give me my footing."

Developing a well-rounded life. Linden recognized the importance of having interests and passions outside of running. This helped her maintain balance and perspective throughout her career.

Using travel as inspiration and education. Linden's love of travel allowed her to:

• Train in diverse environments, from Kenya to Europe
• Gain new perspectives on running and life
• Find motivation and renewed enthusiasm for the sport

Cultivating non-running passions. Linden's interests in literature, music, and fine beverages (especially bourbon) provided:

• Mental stimulation and stress relief
• Connections with people outside the running world
• A sense of identity beyond being an athlete

Last updated: January 23, 2025