Choosing to Run: A Memoir – Book Summary

Choosing to Run by Des Linden is an inspiring memoir about perseverance in professional running. The book chronicles Linden’s journey from an underestimated athlete to winning the 2018 Boston Marathon. Through setbacks, injuries, and self-doubt, she proves that grit and consistency matter more than natural talent.

Table of Contents

Who May Benefit from the Book

Runners seeking motivation from an elite athlete’s journey.
Sports enthusiasts interested in marathon racing.
Anyone facing challenges who needs a story of resilience.
Coaches looking for athlete mindset insights.
Memoir readers who enjoy personal growth stories.

Top 3 Key Insights

Persistence beats talent—Linden’s success came from relentless effort, not natural speed.
Adaptability is crucial—she changed training methods to match her body’s needs.
Mental toughness wins races—her Boston victory was a triumph of mindset over conditions.

4 More Lessons and Takeaways

Support systems matter—family, coaches, and teammates kept her going.
Setbacks are setups for comebacks—injuries and losses fueled her growth.
Balance running with life—hobbies like reading and travel kept her grounded.
Ethics in sports matter—she stayed true to clean competition despite industry pressures.

The Book in 1 Sentence

A champion marathoner shares how persistence, adaptability, and mental grit led her to victory in the toughest races.

The Book Summary in 1 Minute

Des Linden wasn’t the fastest runner early on, but her determination set her apart. After years of near-wins, injuries, and struggles with hypothyroidism, she triumphed at the 2018 Boston Marathon in brutal weather. Her memoir reveals how she adapted training, relied on her support network, and pushed through self-doubt. Linden’s story proves success isn’t about talent alone—it’s about showing up every day.

The Book Summary in 7 Minutes

From Underdog to Champion

Des Linden grew up as a small, scrappy athlete who initially struggled in soccer. She found her stride in high school running but was never the star. Instead of quitting, she embraced hard work.

College running at Arizona State sharpened her skills.
Turning pro meant facing elite competition while still feeling like an outsider.
2011 Boston Marathon—she finished second, fueling her determination to win.

The Power of Persistence

Linden’s career was full of setbacks:

2012 Olympics—dropped out due to injury.
2017 health struggles—hypothyroidism nearly ended her career.
Multiple near-wins—she kept racing despite disappointments.
Her motto: “Keep showing up.”

Training: Adapting to Survive

Early in her career, Linden followed rigid high-mileage plans. Later, she learned to listen to her body.

Less focus on mileage, more on quality runs.
Prioritized recovery—rest days became essential.
Flexible mindset—adjusted workouts based on energy levels.

Winning the Mental Battle

Marathons test the mind as much as the body. Linden’s strategies:

Visualizing success before races.
Positive self-talk during tough miles.
Breaking races into segments—focusing on one mile at a time.

The 2018 Boston Marathon Breakthrough

Freezing rain and strong winds made the race brutal. While others struggled, Linden thrived.

Early patience—she didn’t chase the leaders.
Late surge—passed exhausted competitors in the final miles.
Historic win—first American woman to win Boston in 33 years.

Life Beyond Running

Linden refused to let running define her entirely.

Passions outside sports—reading, travel, bourbon tasting.
Support system—her husband and close friends kept her balanced.
Advocacy—she spoke out for clean sports and fair treatment of athletes.

Key Lessons for Runners (and Everyone Else)

Talent isn’t enough—discipline beats natural ability.
Adapt or fail—what works at 25 may not at 35.
Mindset is everything—races are won in the head first.
Community matters—no one succeeds alone.

About the Author

Des Linden is a champion marathoner and two-time Olympian. She made history by winning the 2018 Boston Marathon in extreme conditions. Known for her toughness and honesty, Linden has become a voice for resilience in sports. She now shares her insights as a coach and commentator.

How to Get the Best of the Book

Read it as both a sports story and a life lesson. Take notes on mindset strategies. Apply Linden’s persistence principles to your own goals.

Conclusion

Choosing to Run isn’t just about marathons—it’s about refusing to quit. Des Linden’s journey proves that success comes from daily effort, adaptability, and unwavering belief. Whether you run or not, her story will push you to keep going.