Former Boston winner Linden hoping for perfect storm in New York

FILE PHOTO: 2016 Rio Olympics - Athletics - Final - Women's Marathon -Sambodromo - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 14/08/2016. Desiree Linden (USA) of USA competes REUTERS/Johannes Eisele/Pool/File Photo

(Reuters) - Des Linden may not be the favorite going into Sunday’s New York City Marathon but the gutsy American still has high hopes given that she knows better than most elite runners how quickly things could turn in her favor.

After a slew of near misses in top races, Linden enjoyed a career-defining moment at the 2018 Boston Marathon where she thrived under harsh conditions to become the first American woman in 33 years to win the prestigious race.

Breaking the soggy tape on Boylston Street remains the crowning moment of Linden’s career but the 36-year-old remains anything but complacent as she gets set to run through all five of New York City’s boroughs.

“I still have some really good stuff and if things fall into place I can see myself challenging for a win,” Linden told Reuters in a telephone interview. “Even when I was at my best it takes a really special day.”

For Linden, that day came in Boston on the type of race morning that most runners dread. As a handful of elite runners dropped out, Linden slogged her way through frigid headwinds and sideways rain for the biggest win of her career.

Linden trains in northern Michigan and so is well accustomed to harsh weather. She is actually happier the worse the running conditions are and feels she has an edge over her competitors if the weather turns nasty on Sunday.

“I am ready for anything that gets thrown at me and I don’t think that’s the case with quite a few of the professional runners,” said Linden.

“It’s kind of a horrible thing to wish for. If it’s perfect out that’s great too, but it certainly improves my chances if it’s nasty out.”

Last year, in only her second appearance in the New York City Marathon, Linden finished in sixth place. She finished fifth in her New York debut in 2014.