A Boston Marathon win easily makes for a great story, it’s an iconic race that for many is the ultimate symbol of success. However, some days in Boston set the stage for stand out performance that become legendary stories, and April 16th 2018 was one of those days. On that day, Des Linden won the women’s race while battling horrible conditions and became the first American woman to win in 33 years. Her book takes you on parallel journey between her iconic win and her journey in life that took her to that race day. The story telling method reflects a reality of running, that races often mirror life and training in many ways. It’s a deep reflection of the truth many distance runners know, that the training is the true endurance event and it has so much to teach us.
Many runners will connect with Des’ journey of finding running after time other sports, as we often do. I loved hearing her story on finding running in her youth and how choosing to run was a strong personal choice for her. I found that to be a deep connection point, as finding running as a sport to dedicate years to also was a turning point in my life that created a great sense of personal agency.
I greatly admire that Des doesn’t shy away from discussing the controversies that running has faced in her time in the sport. From addressing eating disorders to doping scandals she illustrates the best and worst things the elite running world has to offer. I appreciated the mindset she shares of “excellence and moderation” to find balance in this environment. It’s an important less that running can teach you, to push yourself but also take breaks and not be rigid.
She also openly discusses the ups and downs of her personal running journey. In sharing about injuries to illness, she demonstrates how impactful pushing past the fear of failure can be. It amazed me to hear about her thought process during her iconic race, how for much of it she was doubtful or considering dropping out, but she preserved. My experience in Boston was very similar, it’s a tough race but pushing through it creates an unimaginable sense of pride for pros and recreational runners alike.
She has several great reflections on running in the book but my favorite was “Running wasn’t just about comparison to others, it was internal, me vs me. A continual self measurement that I relished.” She goes on to connect this thought with a quote from the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita “Having passion for work alone might be the ultimate goal of all, because the work is the only thing that is really, truly yours. You’re entitled only to your labor. You’re not entitled to the fruit of your labor. The universe guarantees no results.”
If you’re looking for a great redemption story and motivation to keep pushing when things get tough this book is for you.
Next month: 26 Marathons by Meb Keflezighi