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Choosing to Run cover art

Choosing to Run

Written by: Des Linden, Bonnie D. Ford - contributor
Narrated by: Des Linden
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Publisher's Summary

Featuring both the story of an historic, unforgettable win and insight into the life of an indelible champion, Choosing to Run is a truly inspirational memoir from Boston Marathon winner and Olympian Des Linden, sharing her personal story and what motivates her to keep showing up.

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 by heart, something shifted. Opportunity unexpectedly presented itself. Des tapped into her inner strength and remembered all of the reasons she loved 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, listeners 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 hear 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 what makes her get up and run every day.

©2023 Des Linden (P)2023 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

“Writing with honesty and energy, Linden shares the life experiences that shaped her determination to rise to the top of her sport.” —Arizona Daily Sun

“[Linden] provides a fascinating look at the training and culture of professional running…For seasoned runners and beginners alike, Linden’s book offers plenty of inspiration about the power of endurance in the face of obstacles. For all readers, it grants a peek at what goes into building that endurance.” —Associated Press

"There are a lot of books by runners. Many of them are good. Few of them are as human as Choosing to Run. Because Linden knows herself as a human in essence and only contingently as a runner, she writes not for other runners only but for any reader who suspects they might be human, too. It is examples like these that make us so.” —Sport Literate

What listeners say about Choosing to Run

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  • KT
  • 2023-04-11

Riveting and inspiring

I loved that Des read this audiobook, it was so nice to hear her story in her words. I found it captivating, riveting, at times heart breaking but such a compelling and inspiring story.

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Great format, emotionally grabbing

Formatted beautifully. Des makes her story connect through her very relatable approach. Would definitely recommend.

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5⭐

Awesome book! Very inspiring. Highly recommended for any and all runners (and also non runners)!

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Great inspirational story

I loved this book and will definitely listen more than once. The theme of choosing to run is strong throughout and inspires my own journey. The message is strong that overcoming adversity sometimes creates strengths you didn’t even know you had. Highly recommend

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Inspiring!

Such an inspirational listen. Incredible story of strength and determination. My only hitch was the narration itself; the pauses felt a little awkward at time, which led to me wondering if I had missed something. Other than that minor detail, it was incredibly motivating and empowering to listen to on long run days.

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