A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend an evening with Des Linden. Pacers Running (the company I work for) hosted the event, so I knew it was coming and bought a VIP ticket immediately. The event did not disappoint.
Des Linden recently came out with her book Choosing to Run. I’m not generally a memoir kind of girl, but I make an exception for runners that I idolize. I didn’t get a chance to read the book prior to the event (the library hold list was LONG and I knew we were getting a signed copy), but I figured it wasn’t the kind of book that would be ruined by “spoilers.”
Des was hilarious! She was interviewed by Julie Culley, an impressive runner in her own right. For the most part, it felt like two friends chatting and sharing about all things running. I confess that (not having read the book), I had no idea that Des wasn’t even sure she was going to finish the Boston Marathon that year, much less win it. I watched the race online when it happened, so it was cool to hear some of the things that were going on in her head while she was racing. Towards the end, she was joined on stage by her cowriter, which was really cool as well. I’ll even forgive her for drinking crap beer – her excuse was that she needed a light beer to stay coherent while on stage. I’m sure I could have found her a tastier low ABV craft beer. Just saying…
After the event, I pretty much inhaled the book. It takes you through her history as a runner, but also through her famous race. I loved hearing about what was going through her head as she covered the miles on that awful weather day. Choosing to Run was well written and absolutely worth the read. I know it was made even more enjoyable by having heard some of the stories behind the stories. If you have a chance to catch her on her book tour, you should absolutely take it. Either way, read the book!