Why Des Linden Is Still Proving Everyone Wrong at Age 39

Des Linden is not your typical marathon champion.
Instead of emulating others, Des blazes her own path. Some might say that she even prides herself on not doing things like everyone else. And when someone tells her she can’t, she figures out a way to prove she can.
Des is a two time Olympian and became the first American woman in 33 years to win the Boston Marathon on a brutally cold and rainy Patriot’s Day in 2018. At age 39, she is still competing professionally and will be toeing the line at Boston again this year.
Welcome to the Planted Runner. I’m Coach Claire Bartholic and my mission is to help you improve your running, your mindset, and your life with science-backed training and plant-based nutrition.
Today I’m sharing my conversation with Des Linden. You’ll learn:

Some of the stories behind her historic win in Boston

How her training has changed as she has gotten older, and

Why she keeps showing up in the sport when some would say her best years are behind her.

Des has written a memoir of her life and incredible career which will be out April 4th called “Choosing to Run.”  In it she shares the behind-the-scenes of her amazing accomplishments, some of which she’s never told before.
We also talk about why she’s always felt like a little bit of an outsider in the professional running scene and why she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Don’t forget to stay tuned all the way to the end of the episode for another Mental Strength Minute. Fortify your mind in 60 seconds or less.
LINKS:
Order Des Linden's book "Choosing to Run."
This episode is brought to you by the PR Team. The PR Team is a small group of runners, just like you, who are working with me and each other to stay consistent, stay accountable, and work towards becoming better runners every day. Not to mention, it’s really fun. I talk more about the team in the episode, but if you are ready to learn more right now, head to https://www.theplantedrunner.com/group.
▶️The Planted Runner is now on YouTube! Click here to subscribe and be automatically entered to win a FREE custom training plan. Winners chosen each month.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The Planted Runner Podcast is your perfect running buddy! Subscribe, follow, rate, and review now wherever you get your podcasts. This is the #1 way to support this work for FREE.
➡️FOLLOW The Planted Runner on Instagram @theplantedrunner for more running, plant-based nutrition and mental strength tips. 
📣FREE Ultimate Fueling Guide for runners:  theplantedrunner.com/join
📖The Planted Runner: Running Your Best With Plant-Based Nutrition is available here or wherever books are sold. Enter to win a FREE signed copy by writing a review of the show on Apple Podcasts. One winner chosen each month in 2023!
Invest in a custom training plan for your next race. Or get a plan to keep you fit in between race. Get one created just for you at theplantedrunner.com/plans
RECENT REVIEWS:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Great information
I enjoyed you on RTTT and now here! I like the different topics - some short and to the point and other longer interviews. Especially the most recent on getting through an injury- most of us have been there! Want all the pointers on how to run long and strong in my 50s! Thanks! Tara
Lykinsreader via Apple Podcasts ·United States of America ·03/21/2023
 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Informative and fun!
Whenever a new episode of The Planted Runner podcast is released, I feel a surge of excitement! The show”s host and interviewer, Claire, is excellent, and she consistently brings on fascinating guests to discuss topics that are pertinent to me and my running journey.
K-town825 via Apple Podcasts ·United States of America ·03/11/2023
 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Love the show
Recently found your podcast after hearing you speak on another running podcast. Being a plant based runner myself, I really connected with your podcast episodes and I can’t wait to listen more and I would love to read your book too!
BooneRunner via Apple Podcasts ·United States of America ·03/06/2023