Sunday, April 30, 11AM-2PM, the Tsunami Tent at the Eugene Marathon Finish Line at Hayward Field…Meet and Greet, Photo-Shoot, and Signed Copy Pick-Up with Author and Boston Marathon Champ Des Linden
Signed Copies must be pre-purchased. To purchase, please click this link:
Tsunami Books is pleased to announce partnership with the Eugene Marathon, and 2018 Boston Marathon Champion, Des Linden— author of her new book, Choosing to Run: A Memoir. Featuring both 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. Des, a book nerd, will be joining us at Hayward Field on April 30th from 11:00 am— 2:00 pm. By pre-ordering you will receive one or more signed copy of her book, at Hayward Field, and the opportunity to meet and take a photo with Des (please, select an hour from our delivery options).
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 and loved, something shifted. Opportunity unexpectedly presented itself. Des tapped into her inner strength and found a reason 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, readers 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 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.
Most of all, they’ll learn why she keeps showing up and choosing to run.
“Running is just you, the work you put in, and the clock. You can’t cheat yourself. If you don’t put in the miles, you can’t go to the starting line thinking you’re going to pull a miracle out of nowhere. You get out exactly what you put in.” — Des Linden
About Des Linden:
Des Linden grew up in San Diego, graduated from Arizona State University, and has been a professional runner since 2006. She is the 2018 Boston Marathon champion, a two-time Olympian, and set a 50k world record in 2021. A bourbon and coffee aficionado, she and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their dogs, Atlas and Boston.
COMMON Q & A:
When and where will the Meet and Greet take place? Sunday, April 30th, 2023, the Day of the Eugene Marathon, at Hayward Field ( 1580 E 15th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403) from 11:00-2:00pm. Please select an hour from our “Delivery” options.
Do I need to participate in the Marathon to meet Des? No! Just pre-order and select the hour.
What happens if I pre-order but can’t make the photo-op? We will ship your signed book to the primary address in your purchase form (free shipping in USA).
Can I have my signed book personalized? Sorry, no. All books will be signed by Des the day before the event.