On April 16, runners from around the world raced the Boston Marathon. Desiree Linden finished the race in first for the women’s category, the first American women’s win since 1985, according to NBC News.

The last American runner to win the women’s category was Lisa Larsen Weidenbach, with a finishing time of two hours 34 minutes and six seconds, 33 years ago.

Linden, a two-time Olympian, finished the race with a time of two hours 39 minutes and 54 seconds.

The cold, rainy, windy day challenged runners, and ultimately forced some of the elite runners to drop out completely resulting in unheralded and unknown runners placing in top 10, according to ESPN.

With the weather conditions not being ideal, Linden said in an interview with NBC news that it was a brutal race that made her think early on that it wasn’t going to be her day.

Having trained in Michigan with the Hanson-Brooks team, Linden said she was able to endure some of the tough conditions because she had trained in them before. She said the biggest thing was knowing how to dress for this race, which helped her perform well.

After losing the Boston Marathon by two seconds in 2011, Linden said it pushed her to come back and try again.

During the race Linden said she slowed down when American runner Shalane Flanagan used the restroom so that they could work together to get back in the group.

Linden took the lead around the 30-35 kilometer mark. Linden said in the interview with ESPN that she was running in fear the whole time and didn’t think she could win until late in the race.

Having an American end the 33 year dry spell for the women’s category is a huge reason to celebrate, not including the struggles faced to accomplish it.

Linden showed drive and determination to compete in the marathon with harsh conditions every runner had to face that day. Even though Linden said during the race her muscles felt tight, her legs heavy and her hands were cold she pushed through knowing the conditions she signed up for.

“You show up and race because the day can throw anything at you,” Linden said to ESPN.

With the struggles the day presented, Linden is someone to look up to for other marathon runners and long distance runners in general.

Being persistent in a race where weather created obstacles at every mile, Linden didn’t throw in the towel when she felt her chances to perform well were fading. She said she had to change her mindset throughout the race to keep herself going.

Linden’s self discipline is what runners should look up to and work to better themselves at. After her victory at the Boston Marathon, Linden is an example of someone who takes the opportunity the way it’s presented, adapts to it and wins.

This being a surreal moment achieved by Linden, she said she couldn’t believe what happened while reaching the finish line. She told NBC news that the accomplishment wouldn’t sink in for another few days.

Whether you’re a runner yourself or prefer to enjoy being a spectator of the sport, the achievement that took place at the Boston Marathon this year was one to remember and will be marked in history as a big accomplishment for all women runners.