Des Linden has a flexible morning routine to stay healthy

Although Desiree (Des) Linden is a two-time Olympic marathoner, competing in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, she is perhaps best known for her strong win at the 2018 Boston Marathon. It was a lauded performance for two reasons: Linden was the first American woman to win since 1985 (and no American woman has won since), and the weather conditions on that April day were remarkably poor: wind, rain, and temperatures in the upper 30s. . It was the first time Linden’s trademark resilience and perseverance were on full display.

However, the six years since that victory have not been peaceful. The 41-year-old runner consistently shows up healthy and ready to compete at the starting line of the world’s biggest marathons. She is currently training for her fifth appearance at the New York City Marathon on November 3.

How has Linden remained a strong competitor all this time? She has kept herself open to change, ready to adapt to the challenge ahead. During training, this starts with her morning routine.

“Flexibility is the name of my morning game. I learned that early in my college running career and I’ve been doing this for a long time now,” says Linden. “I could race in Japan, or in Europe, or in Savannah, and I’ll be able to figure out what I need.”

Linden typically runs one marathon in the spring (usually the Boston Marathon) and one in the fall, with half marathons during training.

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“My morning routine changes depending on the time of year and what I’m training for, but in general I always prioritize sleep,” she says. “Most of the year I don’t set an alarm and wake up when my body tells me to – that’s one of the perks of being a professional runner.”

But as she gets closer to a race, she starts setting her wake-up time. We spoke with Linden to find out how else her morning routine changes during training.

First: fuel

I’ve never really been a morning person – I’m not a night person either, more of an afternoon person – but I’m starting to become a morning person as I approach a race, and get a little more structured. I set an alarm and make sure I fill up right away and get a big meal, usually toast or a bagel. I like to buy something that gets my stomach ready to run and doesn’t feel too heavy. I drink my black coffee and mentally prepare for the day. Then I let my stomach settle before I go out so I can get the most out of my run, whether it’s a recovery run or a workout.

Race days become specific

Once the race gets closer, I’ll dial in further and practice for race day. Say if I were running the Every Woman’s Marathon in November, I would see that it starts at 7am and they have Gu liquid gels and Mortal Hydration on the course, so I would start implementing those into my routine. I’ve run marathons in the past, such as Olympic Trials, that start around 11am or 12pm, so I would adjust to a later morning and make sure I’m used to the time zone I’ll be in.

No matter what, caffeine and ketones are linked

After I run, I drink another cup of coffee. I like to mix it up adding milk or making a latte or cappuccino. My husband and I have our own coffee brand, Linden x Two. Every now and then we have some of our product around that I can sample and taste during my morning routine.

I am not an advocate of specific brands as I have found that flexibility is the key to adapting to different racing scenarios. That said, you won’t notice me missing my morning caffeine and I have become a fan of Ketone-IQ, a ketone supplement that simulates ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state that uses fat as a fuel source. It provides a bit of mental clarity and makes me feel a little more satiated before I head out. That in the morning is great.

Post-race is for recovery – and beer

What I’m really trying to focus on is being an extra hour of athlete after finishing the race. It’s hard not to get too excited and rush to the party, but your body will thank you if you take some time to calm down. I make sure I get a good protein drink. If they have chocolate milk at the finish, it’s easy to grab and usually tastes good after you’ve had all the gels and sticky stuff on the course. Then I do a massage or an ice bath. If you get the chance to do something difficult again, you can go a long way in actual recovery.

And once I’ve done those things, I go out and get a hamburger, fries, beer, spicy food, all the things I wouldn’t want to eat the day before. And I’m strategic when it comes to drinking. The goal is not to end your evening too early. I start with something light and low on ABV until my stomach is full. Then I mess around with a Sculpin or a heartier IPA.