The Trail Forward

From Boston Marathon winner and New York Times bestselling author Des Linden, a collection of essays exploring how we navigate life's biggest transitions through the lens of her running career

For much of her career, Des Linden wanted one thing above all else: to be a Boston Marathon champion. In 2018, she achieved her goal. Now, as she approaches retirement from competitive running, her longtime mantra, keep showing up, is at odds with what she must do—let go.

In The Trail Forward, Linden reflects on transitions, changes, and the ways we adapt to them in a series of humorous, inspiring, and deeply personal essays. Covering topics like Des's first taste of the historic Western States 100 course, her multiday and 150-mile journey across the Sahara at the Marathon de Sables, experiencing a lighthearted RunDisney race, and the life and loss of her beloved dog, The Trail Forward lets readers into the most vulnerable and relatable parts of the life of a world-class runner.