What do you think?
Rate this book
Choosing to Run: A Memoir
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.Ìý
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 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.
Ìý
Most of all, they’ll learn what makes her 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 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.Ìý
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 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.
Ìý
Most of all, they’ll learn what makes her get up and run every day.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2023
487 people are currently reading
9,365 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,150 reviews
June 25, 2023
Great book! Found the pic I took when Desi won and I was so inspired!! Read her book and was again inspired! “Run the mile your in!� She had plantar fasciitis and recovered and did awesome. “Run miles for friends who can’t run.!!!� � I’m uncertain how this mile will unfold and I love it! �
April 20, 2023
Not a lot of depth in this memoir. I was thinking to myself, this retelling of her life as an athlete is like reading her training logs. . . and then she read from her training log. Yes, more exciting than my own training logs, but still pretty dry and unemotional�. Expected more.
Rounded up to three stars purely to reflect my respect for her big win in Boston on an absolutely brutal day.
Rounded up to three stars purely to reflect my respect for her big win in Boston on an absolutely brutal day.
April 21, 2023
Loved it so much! I have interviewed Des for my podcast several times and there was so much here I didn’t know yet. It was beautiful and honest. I’m so glad to know more of your story Des! Thank you Des and Bonnie for writing this!!!
April 17, 2023
Fast, easy read. TBH, there were several times that Linden came across as cocky and better than "mediocre" runners... which I assume means anyone who isn't an elite runner? IDK. Congrats on winning Boston, but also, from someone who will never win and is only "mediocre", we still suffer the same.
To me, this book was just a history of events that she participated in and less about any possible lessons that could be gleaned from the experiences (which is what I'm looking for in a memoir). The best chapter was The Deepest Well, IMO. I did appreciate the switching timeline from the marathon she won to other events, although it took me several chapters to figure out what was happening.
Finally, Linden is a TERRIBLE narrator. I listened to the audiobook and there were weird pauses and breaks, one chapter had an entirely different sound to it. I couldn't adjust the speed too much, because the parts that were spoken quickly I wouldn't have understood. It was a mess. Definitely recommend the hard copy over the audio version.
To me, this book was just a history of events that she participated in and less about any possible lessons that could be gleaned from the experiences (which is what I'm looking for in a memoir). The best chapter was The Deepest Well, IMO. I did appreciate the switching timeline from the marathon she won to other events, although it took me several chapters to figure out what was happening.
Finally, Linden is a TERRIBLE narrator. I listened to the audiobook and there were weird pauses and breaks, one chapter had an entirely different sound to it. I couldn't adjust the speed too much, because the parts that were spoken quickly I wouldn't have understood. It was a mess. Definitely recommend the hard copy over the audio version.
April 10, 2023
Loved this book and can’t imagine a better read during a Boston build. I’ve been feeling like the race won’t go my way due to Achilles soreness, but reading Des� trials and grit is inspiring.
I loved the way the book opens with the 2018 marathon and the splicing between is effective. The narrative is punchy at times but you’re never lost because there is such good flow. I really admire Des� principles and her asides about being into bourbon and still enjoying St. Patrick’s day during training. American running icon.
If you’re a runner, this is another must-read. Reminds me a lot of “Run to Overcome.�
I loved the way the book opens with the 2018 marathon and the splicing between is effective. The narrative is punchy at times but you’re never lost because there is such good flow. I really admire Des� principles and her asides about being into bourbon and still enjoying St. Patrick’s day during training. American running icon.
If you’re a runner, this is another must-read. Reminds me a lot of “Run to Overcome.�
July 5, 2023
IM SORRY i love des as a person and a runner but she can't write
November 14, 2023
5 Stars for Choosing to Run (audiobook) by Des Linden and Bonnie D. Ford read by Des Linden.
I wasn’t familiar with Des Linden before I started this book but I thought her story sounded interesting. I enjoyed the way she broke up chapters with bits of her Boston Marathon win, that helped to make it feel less like a training journal to me. I especially liked her taking about some of the training she did in Phoenix when she was going to ASU. I use to mountain biking on the same trails that she mentioned.
I’m so glad that all of her hard work paid off. She won a legendary race in some of the most brutal conditions imaginable.
I wasn’t familiar with Des Linden before I started this book but I thought her story sounded interesting. I enjoyed the way she broke up chapters with bits of her Boston Marathon win, that helped to make it feel less like a training journal to me. I especially liked her taking about some of the training she did in Phoenix when she was going to ASU. I use to mountain biking on the same trails that she mentioned.
I’m so glad that all of her hard work paid off. She won a legendary race in some of the most brutal conditions imaginable.
April 12, 2023
Not going to lie, at the part when Des Linden crossed the finish line to become the first American woman to win Boston in 33 years, I cried a little. Current and former distance runners of any level would connect to Choosing to Run, which packed more of a punch than I was expecting from the description. I really became invested following her journey of rebuilding after a medical diagnosis. Published just before the 2023 Boston Marathon, it also provided some personal motivation and inspiration for me as I train for my first half marathon in four years, a bit of a rebuilding journey for me as well.
I would dog ear pages with sentiments and feelings that resonated with me personally, and found myself folding more pages than I expected (which I can’t quote directly as I had an advanced, not final copy of the book):
- wanting to feel like you are on your A game while simultaneously trying to temper your expectations during a rebuild
- typically thriving on routine and consistency but having to learn to embrace how you feel that day and finding an upside to every run; not hitting planned splits can still be a win
- getting back into shape sucks, but being in shape is awesome
- running unfamiliar distances and terrains to avoid comparisons to past results while also not exposing that you’re not in prime condition
Would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good comeback/underdog story, particularly distance runners of any performance level.
Thanks to Dutton/Penguin Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would dog ear pages with sentiments and feelings that resonated with me personally, and found myself folding more pages than I expected (which I can’t quote directly as I had an advanced, not final copy of the book):
- wanting to feel like you are on your A game while simultaneously trying to temper your expectations during a rebuild
- typically thriving on routine and consistency but having to learn to embrace how you feel that day and finding an upside to every run; not hitting planned splits can still be a win
- getting back into shape sucks, but being in shape is awesome
- running unfamiliar distances and terrains to avoid comparisons to past results while also not exposing that you’re not in prime condition
Would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good comeback/underdog story, particularly distance runners of any performance level.
Thanks to Dutton/Penguin Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2023
This book follows two timelines (the historic Boston Marathon win and her life leading up to it). In format, it reminded me of Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete. These two timelines built suspense and kept me turning page after page.
I am a running/track & field fan and still I learned so much about Des Linden. YOU MUST READ THIS book if you haven't already! This book gave me all the feels. I laughed, I got goosebumps, I felt both empathy and admiration. It was entertaining and enlightening; it was interesting and informative. A fast, yet very well done book! This book is a must read for anyone chasing a dream. For any running fan. For everyone.
I am a running/track & field fan and still I learned so much about Des Linden. YOU MUST READ THIS book if you haven't already! This book gave me all the feels. I laughed, I got goosebumps, I felt both empathy and admiration. It was entertaining and enlightening; it was interesting and informative. A fast, yet very well done book! This book is a must read for anyone chasing a dream. For any running fan. For everyone.
May 7, 2023
She wrote from her experience and brought the reader to another world of elite running, but I couldn't help but feel this book was not relatable to the average runner. I think she could have used her story more to inspire and empower.
June 6, 2023
I have always admired Des Linden and so I was extremely excited to read her memoir. However, after reading, I felt like I wanted more.
My absolute favorite thing about the book was the recap of the 2018 Boston marathon. I loved hearing about the different emotions and how things changed for her leading up to and during the race. I remember watching her win in 2018 and being ecstatic that an American had finally won after so many years so I loved listening to what was going through her mind during that race.
I really wanted this book to be more inspirational though. It is really just a telling of her story as opposed to weaving in any themes that you can take away as empowering to an average runner. I felt that there was very little depth and rather unemotional.
One of the issues may have been that I listened to this in audio. Unfortunately Des is not a great narrator. There are strange pauses and breaks and little inflection. Perhaps with a better narrator I could have been drawn more into the story and felt more emotion
My absolute favorite thing about the book was the recap of the 2018 Boston marathon. I loved hearing about the different emotions and how things changed for her leading up to and during the race. I remember watching her win in 2018 and being ecstatic that an American had finally won after so many years so I loved listening to what was going through her mind during that race.
I really wanted this book to be more inspirational though. It is really just a telling of her story as opposed to weaving in any themes that you can take away as empowering to an average runner. I felt that there was very little depth and rather unemotional.
One of the issues may have been that I listened to this in audio. Unfortunately Des is not a great narrator. There are strange pauses and breaks and little inflection. Perhaps with a better narrator I could have been drawn more into the story and felt more emotion
October 21, 2024
When I picked up Choosing to Run I expected either a memoir about what drove Des Linden to run or just plain running motivation. This definitely didn’t have any of the latter. At no point Linden speaks about loving running, love-hating running, her feelings while running, etc. The memoir aspects were very depthless and superficial, they felt like reading through a list injury-recovery-marathon on repeat. And, strangely, it was zero inspirational. Like, Linden inspires me. I don’t care about marathons, but what she does is inspiring. And this book was sort of insipid.
As a runner myself who has had similar injuries (fractured hip, hypothyroidism, etc.) I was hoping for a little bit of inspirational talk or a longer conversation about women’s heath and running. What did I get? Yes, the cookie cutter template ofinjuryhealth stuff-recovery-marathon. Maybe I’m being selfish with this, but since I’ve been diagnosed with thyroid issues, I’ve relied on women runners online who have told me it is not the end of my running. I just felt this book lacked thatâ€� inspirational aspect? Again, it felt like reading a grocery list (to me) ðŸ«
PS. This is me being nitpicky. But she goes to run in Kenya and she writes that after running there, she came to realize she’d never understand what it is like to be Kenyan 🙂
As a runner myself who has had similar injuries (fractured hip, hypothyroidism, etc.) I was hoping for a little bit of inspirational talk or a longer conversation about women’s heath and running. What did I get? Yes, the cookie cutter template of
PS. This is me being nitpicky. But she goes to run in Kenya and she writes that after running there, she came to realize she’d never understand what it is like to be Kenyan 🙂
April 29, 2024
Actually finished this right before marathon Monday but forgot to update! Really enjoyed this book on my long runs during a marathon build! Des is awesome to say the least. I really never realized all she went through leading up to her 2018 Boston win� made it all the more sweet 😱
December 23, 2023
“Featuring the story of a 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.� (GoodReads)
I sprinted through this (pardon the pun)! Part memoir, part play-by-play of the 2018 Boston Marathon, this was completely enthralling. But then, I enjoy reading about runners and running (Want proof? Check out my “book stack� from 6 Mar 23.)
I remember watching both Olympic Marathon trials described in the memoir and being electrified by the athletes� performance. Desi always had my heart because she was short (like me) and always seemed to be the underdog. No dramatics, no theatrics, just determination, putting one foot in front of the other. This comes across loud and clear in her memoir.
If you enjoy athlete memoirs, I recommend CHOOSING TO RUN.
Thanks, NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton, for a Digital Review Copy.
I sprinted through this (pardon the pun)! Part memoir, part play-by-play of the 2018 Boston Marathon, this was completely enthralling. But then, I enjoy reading about runners and running (Want proof? Check out my “book stack� from 6 Mar 23.)
I remember watching both Olympic Marathon trials described in the memoir and being electrified by the athletes� performance. Desi always had my heart because she was short (like me) and always seemed to be the underdog. No dramatics, no theatrics, just determination, putting one foot in front of the other. This comes across loud and clear in her memoir.
If you enjoy athlete memoirs, I recommend CHOOSING TO RUN.
Thanks, NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton, for a Digital Review Copy.
November 20, 2023
I have a different set of rules for writing reviews when it comes to memoirs. I think it takes a lot of courage to put a personal piece of ourselves out there for all to see.
So with that said, this one didn't really work for me. I could appreciate her journey but this one felt slow going. I wanted more thought exploration and feeling. What I read was more of a log of her life. Not a bad thing, just not MY thing. So not quite 3 stars but I don't mind rounding up for her dedication and tenacity.
So with that said, this one didn't really work for me. I could appreciate her journey but this one felt slow going. I wanted more thought exploration and feeling. What I read was more of a log of her life. Not a bad thing, just not MY thing. So not quite 3 stars but I don't mind rounding up for her dedication and tenacity.
Read
March 12, 2023I didn't know anything about Des Linden prior to reading this book, but absolutely loved this story telling. Chapters bounced back and forth between her running career and her historic 2018 Boston Marathon win. I love this type of storytelling, which I enjoyed even more because I didn't even know she won that marathon, so I was on a roller coaster throughout! This book was easy to read and is a great memoir of an elite female athlete.
September 12, 2024
4 stars
Good stuff. Didn't know Des Linden. Didn't know her story, but I've been wary of all my crime thriller books since my time on the jury last month. This was another nice distraction while traveling to Dallas for a conference.
Good stuff. Didn't know Des Linden. Didn't know her story, but I've been wary of all my crime thriller books since my time on the jury last month. This was another nice distraction while traveling to Dallas for a conference.
April 23, 2024
Des won the 2018 Boston Marathon against all odds (coming back from injury, fueling bottles at the wrong aid stations, terrible weather conditions), becoming the first American woman to win the race after a 33 year dry spell. This book intersperses chapters about that race with other chapters about the rest of collegiate and professsional running career. I love that she lives and trains in Michigan!
PSA- her Wikipedia page notes that “collecting tapestries� is one of her hobbies but that is just a joke her friends added, so don’t send her any tapestries
PSA- her Wikipedia page notes that “collecting tapestries� is one of her hobbies but that is just a joke her friends added, so don’t send her any tapestries
August 29, 2024
Big Des fan here, so I was excited to read all about her winning race in Boston 2018. I remember watching that race, and nearly being in tears, definitely covered in goosebumps, watching her come in at the finish. Easy to read, and not very long. I find it so interesting learning about elite athletes, their training, physical and mental preparation, and their history in their sport. Loved learning about her relationship with her sister (and about her dogs). Des is so cool, and reading more about her made her seem even cooler.
February 14, 2024
I vividly remember where I was on the course running the frigid torrential downpour of the 2018 Boston Marathon when they announced that Des Linden won, the first American woman to do so in 33 years. It was an incredible burst of sunny inspiration during a very tough race. I love how this book was structured with the reflections of that race spliced among other parts of her memoir. It made it feel real to revisit the intense emotions of that historic day. It was especially meaningful knowing all that was going on in Des’s life and health leading up to that crowning achievement. However, the rest of the book lacked the depth and vulnerability that is typically seen in a memoir. It felt more like a narrative summary of her training log, which (although impressive) was a bit boring.
January 12, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. I’ve run over 100 marathons but I never get tired of hearing someone else’s story of their running life. I met Desi a few times when I worked at Hansons and saw her running at Stony Creek all the time. She’s pretty much a local celebrity of sorts in that area. Her book really shared the back story of her running life. From the few times I’ve met her I got the impression she is a very private person, so I’m surprised she wrote this book and shared so much of herself. I’m glad she did though. I found the book to be quite inspiring and will recommend it to all my running friends.
April 14, 2024
Started this book a year ago right before heading to Boston for my first time. Glad I put it down and read a couple other runner books in between to really appreciate the names mentioned. Reminiscing on my first Boston Marathon through the 2nd half of this book was really special. Glad I finished it on BM weekend. I found this book inspiring through injury & illness how Des fought through the pain.
March 4, 2024
An interesting, quick read. Des is funny and very honest, which was refreshing to read. The book ticks by with milestones from her 2018 Boston Marathon run interspersed with her history of running and racing.
April 21, 2024
I originally got this book while I was training for a half marathon last year and couldn’t bring myself to read it-too stressful. I did my half marathon and felt happy about it, but after I finished, the thought of running again felt exhausting, so I stopped.
The day I started reading this book, I started running again. Des’s description of her 2018 Boston marathon is enthralling. I was unable to put the book down, despite knowing the outcome of that race.
A captivating, motivating read that has me wanting to run Boston one day.
The day I started reading this book, I started running again. Des’s description of her 2018 Boston marathon is enthralling. I was unable to put the book down, despite knowing the outcome of that race.
A captivating, motivating read that has me wanting to run Boston one day.
April 12, 2024
4.5. Des is awesome and this was the perfect pump up book. I honestly didn’t know nearly enough about her, either, so I learned a lot! My only complaint is the time jumping across chapters, with every other chapter being about the 2018 marathon, as I felt it disrupted the flow.
April 21, 2025
I don’t recommend the audiobook. The author narrates it and she does a bad job. Despite that it’s a good story.
April 8, 2024
I actually cried reading about her Boston finish. Best believe I’ll re read this pre race next weekend. ALL the emotions
October 2, 2024
Listened to the audio book and I quite enjoy des saying “let’s fucking goooo� what a boss lady queen
January 23, 2023
This book sounds like a book that Des Linden would write and I love it. Her voice and her approach to life carry through all aspects of the narrative and give the book an authentic feel. I also greatly appreciate and commend the decision to name the ghost writer on the cover - something that feels much more honest to me than other celebrities/personalities who choose to conceal that they've worked with one.
As a marathoner myself (though nowhere near at her level!), I thoroughly enjoyed the snippets of her most famous race tucked alongside the wider story of her life and career. The trials and lessons of her life are presented in such a way that nearly anyone can extrapolate and apply them to their own life and experiences.
I am currently returning to long distance running after an extended break due to injury and health issues and this book was exactly what I needed to read as I prepare for a spring half marathon and look towards returning to the marathon in the fall. I can't wait for this book to be out in the world!
As a marathoner myself (though nowhere near at her level!), I thoroughly enjoyed the snippets of her most famous race tucked alongside the wider story of her life and career. The trials and lessons of her life are presented in such a way that nearly anyone can extrapolate and apply them to their own life and experiences.
I am currently returning to long distance running after an extended break due to injury and health issues and this book was exactly what I needed to read as I prepare for a spring half marathon and look towards returning to the marathon in the fall. I can't wait for this book to be out in the world!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,150 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.