Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard

De: Ken Rideout

Narrado por: 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.

Best run related book since Born to Run!

I finished this entire book in one sitting! Ken pours his truth out and opens up about things in his life that most people would try to hide. I’ve done 11 Ironmans, way slower than Ken, but I felt like I was living these athletic feats right along side him. Awesome listen!

Loved this book

Finished the book in three days. The whole book was so inspiring and well done. Ken did an Amazing job reading it to us.

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.

It’s just REAL

Love this. Just real and from the heart.
The things Ken experienced and fought thru may or may not be the same challenges any of us face but seeing and hearing how Ken fought thru his adversity is inspiring. LFG.

Raw and honest story of a grinder

Great transparent story of Ken’s journey from Somerville to Wall Street to major marathon and endurance event podiums. Ken shows that paths aren’t always linear, and that no matter what age or what you’re dealt in life, there’s a path to the top if you’re willing to put in the hard work and put yourself out there. Great listen and finished in 2 days because it was so engaging.