Qualified for the 2020 Trials, ran a PR on a tough course, and placed 77th. Qualified for the 2024 Trials at Chicago after my shortest marathon training cycle (8 weeks!) and ran a 2-minute negative split on that day.

My husband and I live in Portland, OR with our cat, Peppermint.

Marrying the best dang guy a girl could find [chef, baker, woodworker, all-around handyman, runner, #1 supporter]

I've been chasing this goal for 10+ years. I missed the 2016 qualifying time by one second after the standard was changed to 2:45. I then qualified for the 2020 Trials and 2024 Trials on my first attempts. I love the marathon so much. I have completed 14 marathons since 2012 and I hope to complete many more!

"Keep showing up" - Des Linden

In December 2021 I ran my first marathon (CIM) since the pandemic started. I had a really strong training cycle, an altitude training stint in Bend with some friends (now training partners/teammates), and I showed up on race day more confident and excited to run a marathon than ever before. I started out conservative and slowly increased my pace and passed people the entire way. At mile 23 I entered the Oiselle Cowbell corner where the cheers were so loud I could feel them pulsing through my body. They knew how well I was running, and I knew it too - I was so filled with joy in that moment. When I approached the finish line, I couldn't believe what I had just done. I ran a 5+ minute PR and was just 33 seconds off of the new Olympic Trials standard for 2024. Memories of this race still bring me joy to this day :)