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Choosing to Run

Des Linden

An inspirational memoir from Olympian and Boston Marathon winner Des Linden, sharing both her personal story and what motivates her to get up and run every day.

When Des woke up on April 16, 2018, the morning of the Boston Marathon, it was 39 degrees and raining, with high, gusty winds. The weather didn’t bother her. In fact, she thought it might be a blessing. She was far from peak form—recovering from illness and questioning her running future—and didn’t expect much of herself that day.

But as she ticked off mile after mile in the brutal conditions, passing familiar landmarks on the course she knew and loved, something shifted. Opportunity unexpectedly presented itself. Des tapped into her inner strength and found a reason to race.

Coming 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. 
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 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. Des gambled on herself and moved to Michigan to give professional running a try. 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.

In her first book, readers will learn the story behind that resolve: 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. 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.

Most of all, they’ll learn why she keeps showing up and choosing to run.

Meet Des on Book Tour!

Most events are ticketed and include a signed copy of Choosing to Run. Check individual ticket links for exact details.

April 3, 7:00 PM: Boston, MA

Harvard Bookstore at Old South Church

Des Linden in conversation with Lisa Hughes

Ticket link: https://www.harvard.com/event/des_linden_at_old_south_church/

 

April 4, 5:00 PM: New York, NY

NYRR and Posman Books at NYRR RUNCENTER

Meet & greet photo opportunity

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/546388682257

 

April 6, 7:00 PM: Toledo, OH

Gathering Volumes Bookstore at Perrysburg Junior High Auditorium

Ticket link: https://gatheringvolumes.com/events/23354

 

April 7, 6:00 PM: Cincinnati, OH

Fleet Feet and Joseph-Beth Booksellers at 20th Century Theatre

Meet & greet photo opportunity

Ticket link: https://www.josephbeth.com/event/meet-greet-des-linden

 

April 15: Boston, MA

Brooks Hyperion House

Ticket link: https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/boston-marathon-hyperion-event/

 

April 18: Boston, MA

Sam Adams Taproom with COROS

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyt-best-selling-author-boston-champ-des-linden-booksbeerwatches-tickets-616804347407

April 20, 7:00 PM: Chicago, IL

Fleet Feet and The Book Cellar at 150W at the Shops at Roosevelt Collection

Des Linden in conversation and photo opportunity

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/des-linden-choosing-to-run-tickets-574901715507

April 23, 1:00 PM: Nashville, TN 

Fleet Feet Nashville

Rock 'n' Roll After Party PLUS Meet & Greet with Des Linden

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-n-roll-after-party-plus-meet-greet-with-des-linden-tickets-611376312007

April 27: Petoskey, MI 

McLean & Eakin Booksellers at the Petoskey High School Auditorium

Book event & signing

Ticket link: https://www.mcleanandeakin.com/event/des-linden-choosing-run

 

April 30: Eugene, OR

Eugene Marathon with Tsunami Books

Meet & greet photo opportunity

Ticket link: https://www.tsunamibooks.org/shop/pre-order-signed-copies-choosing-to-run-by-des-linden

May 5: Snohomish, WA

Snohomish Women’s Run

Ticket link: https://snohomishrunningstore.square.site/product/autographed-copy-of-choosing-to-run-photo-with-des-linden/553

 

May 22: Arlington, VA

Pacers Running

Details to come

Des Linden
Photo: © Nils Ericson

Des Linden

Des Linden grew up in San Diego, graduated from Arizona State University, and has been a professional runner since 2006. She is the 2018 Boston Marathon champion, a two-time Olympian, and set a 50k world record in 2021. A bourbon and coffee aficionado, she and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their dogs, Atlas and Boston.

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