Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard

By: Ken Rideout

Narrated by: Ken Rideout

From the fastest marathoner in the world over fifty—and maybe the planet’s most determined underdog—an inspiring tale of resilience, redemption, and personal transformation.

Born into a broken family in Somerville, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, Ken Rideout grew up in a household persistently scarred by drugs and crime. At just eighteen, he found himself working as a corrections officer in a prison where his stepfather had been incarcerated, and his brother would later serve time. Despite the bleak expectations set by his family, Ken harbored dreams far beyond the confines of his upbringing.

Ken eventually broke free from the gritty streets of Somerville to the high-stakes world of Wall Street, where he carved out a successful career with top firms like Cantor Fitzgerald and Crédit Agricole. Yet, beneath the veneer of success, he battled a decade-long addiction to opioids, spending his hard-earned wealth on pills. The turning point came with the adoption of a daughter from overseas—a wake-up call to become the father and man he always dreamed of being.

Running became Ken’s salvation. With unwavering determination, he willed himself to run vast distances. In three years, Ken transformed from a “running nobody” to the world’s fastest marathoner over fifty. His mantra: Win—or die trying. In the book, Ken shares his awe-inspiring achievements, including, at age fifty-two, winning the Masters (50+) Marathon World Championships in Chicago and conquering the Gobi March ultra-marathon, one of the world’s toughest races. Through sheer resilience and grit, Ken rewrote his story.

Amazing story of human achievement

Shortly after moving to Nashville, I started to realize that this guy was ALWAYS running. Every day I'd see him in and around my neighborhood, always running and running faster than us mere mortals. My interest was piqued and I finally looked him up on Strava. I had no idea all of the context of his achievement. I only had respect for the effort I saw him putting in EVERY SINGLE DAY. The Other Side of Hard gives color to that context and is a great story of human achievement. Kudos to Ken on a great book and on giving motivation to us neighbors and fellow human beings.

Everything you want is on the other side!

Awesome, inspirational book! Loved hearing Ken’s inner demons. We all have ‘em. Learning to channel them in favor of your goals is the true mastery!

Inspiring!

Ken came on my radar a few years back on the RR podcast, he’s since been a source of inspiration. Thanks for sharing your story, Ken!

Raw, Gritty, and motivating as hell. Must listen.

I’m into doing endurance events and Ken’s life story is super motivating. If you need a kick in the ass, this book will do it.

Solid last third

Was hoping for more stories about races and training, was surprised by the depth into his life. over all good but lacked a little umph.