Des Linden is dominating the marathon media this week! There’s a video put out by Brooks, in which she responds to 26.2 questions; an article on Runners World’s website, in which she shares some mental strategies for conquering the distance, and then she’s featured in this month’s Runner’s World magazine.
26.2 questions
Best answer: “Michigan tough.”
Tips for the marathon head-game
Here are Des Linden’s “tips for outsmarting the marathon,” that appeared on Runner’s World website:
Don’t count down the miles
“Thinking how bad you’re hurting with six miles to go allows you to feel sorry for yourself,” she says. “That gives you a reason to slow down.” Instead, break down the race into segments, however small they have to be—the next sign, the next stoplight. For midpackers, Linden advises challenging yourself, “Can you pass one person? Can you pass five?”
Approach the race as a checklist
Ask yourself, “What am I supposed to do right now?” Her personal race plans always include: Get out in a good spot; settle in; find your race pace; find your breathing pattern; make sure you get your fluids; drink early; drink often. When each is done, cross it off. Then ask what’s next. Stick to a set plan, and you’ll have less head space for self-doubt, she adds.
Think of your why
Linden is motivated by showing up for her team—her husband, coach, friends, agent. “I don’t want to let those people down,” she says. “I don’t want to get to the finish and be like, ‘Well, I totally got soft after mile 22. Sorry, guys.’ ”
Embrace the pain
When you sign up for a marathon, you’re volunteering to find out, “How much hurt can I put myself through?” Linden says. Be proud of the answer.
Read the Des Linden feature article, in the latest issue Runner’s World… or over at their website! Des Linden Won Boston After a Decade of Close Calls—But She’s Not Done Yet
I’m a fan of a small handful of professional runners, and Des Linden is one of them. I dig it that she’s got a reputation for being down-to-earth, she lives and trains in Michigan, and she looks to Deena Kastor as a role model.
2018 NYC Marathon
Of course, all the Des Linden coverage is due to the fact that the Boston winner is gonna be running the New York Marathon in a few short weeks. It’s happening November 4, 2018, 8:40 AM CST, to be exact.
Incidentally, Competitor Running has an article up about how to watch the New York Marathon, if you wanted to take it in live.
Related: NYC Marathon 2018: Shalane Flanagan, Geoffrey Kamworor, Desiree Linden
