By Marla Ballard
Reporter
DEKALB COUNTY, ALA.-- Desiree "Des" Nicole Linden said, "The process of becoming is better than being. Set big goals and learn to love the work that gets you to them. Even if you fall short, you'll still be winning." Linden is an American long-distance runner. She represented the United States in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics women's marathon. In 2018, she won the Boston Marathon, becoming the first American in 33 years to win the women's category in the event.
It is the spirit of people like Linden that inspire people like Libby Whitten. Whitten is a 2017 graduate of Fyffe High School and graduated, in just a three-year period, Summa Cum Laude from Marion, Alabama Judson College for women. Having accomplished these life goals she is now, age 23, training for an Ironman Triathlon.
Being athletic has always been part of Whitten's life. She played basketball in high school and college. Whitten said she set a record at college when she scored 11 3-pointers in one game. "I like challenging myself, doing difficult things," said Whitten. "I know of some athletes who switched from strongman to triathlon training with no previous cardio training, that inspired me to try something new."
On May 21, 2023, Whitten plans to enter a 70.3 Ironman Triathlon in Chattanooga. A 70.3 triathlon is also referred to as a Half Ironman. The 70.3 refers to the total distance in miles covered in the race. The race consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. "I plan on training to run an Ironman Triathlon next year which is double the distance of the one I'm entering in May," said Whitten. "Another goal is to one day enter a 100-mile race."
Whitten said she did not choose to become a runner because she loved running. "I actually initially despised distance running, but now I have learned what I call acceptance of it," said Whitten. "I feel that when I do something I don't like it teaches me mental toughness." As for the swimming aspect of the race, she said she has had to learn to swim correctly, for the first time in her life, with the help of a coach.
In addition to training for the Ironman Whitten plays football for the Women's National Football Conference/Professional Women's Tackle Football. She plays wide receiver and defensive back for the team Alabama Fire. The WNFC is now in its fourth season and consists of 17 teams across the United States. The WNFC plays by NFL rules. More information about the WNFC can be found at wnfcfootball.com and on Facebook.
Whitten said it feels good to accomplish something that the majority of people never attempt. "I don't want to look back when I'm older and say 'I never tired,'" said Whitten. "The encouragement and support I get from my family and friends are important to me and I appreciate it." Whitten works as an athletic coach and hopes her "Go big or go home," spirit will inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves.
