Finding a Purpose Through Endurance Sports with Ken Rideout
Aug 30, 2023
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Ken Rideout, crowned the “World’s Best Marathoner Over 50” and known for overcoming opioid addiction, discusses his backstory, struggle with addiction, seeking extreme experiences, running the Gobi March in Mongolia, the power of showing up, nutrition and hydration practices, running the 6 major marathons, and what he's obsessing over.
Ken shares his inspiring journey of overcoming addiction and finding purpose in endurance sports, serving as an inspiration for others facing similar struggles.
Ken emphasizes the importance of consistency in training, proactive injury management, and self-care to build resilience and sustain high strain levels for peak performance in endurance events.
Ken reflects on his experience of winning the Boston Marathon in the over 50 category, highlighting the mindset of showing up, giving his best effort, and pushing boundaries in his running career.
Deep dives
Ken Rideout's Journey: From Addiction to Marathon Success
Ken Rideout, a top master athlete and former addict, shares his inspiring story of overcoming addiction and finding purpose in endurance sports. He discusses his background growing up in a challenging environment, working in finance, and how he turned to running and other endurance sports as a new outlet for his energy and purpose. Ken shares how technology, like Woop data, has helped him improve as a top marathon runner over the age of 50. He also highlights the importance of having distractions and passions outside of the running community. Ken's message of resilience, perseverance, and the power of choice serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar struggles.
Building Resilience Through Consistency and Prehab
Ken shares his approach to training and highlights the importance of consistency in building resilience for endurance events like the Go Be March. He emphasizes the need to show up and do the work consistently, while also addressing injuries proactively to prevent setbacks. Ken also discusses his nutritional and hydration strategies, including the use of supplements, proper hydration, and fueling during long runs. His focus on recovery and self-care through supplements, hydration, and proactive injury management contributes to his ability to sustain high strain levels and repeat high-performance efforts.
Winning the Boston Marathon at 50+
Ken recalls the experience of winning the Boston Marathon in the over 50 category, a dream come true for the Boston native. He reflects on the VIP treatment and start line experience, including crossing the start line with pros and having access to optimal pre-race conditions. Ken also discusses the mindset he brings to races, focusing on showing up, giving his best effort, and staying mentally strong. He shares the joy and pride of winning major marathons and the desire to continuously improve and push boundaries in his running career.
Parenting and Finding Balance
Ken opens up about his current focus on being a better father and finding balance between supporting and motivating his children without getting overly wrapped up in their performance. He emphasizes the importance of helping his children develop their own passions and drive, while also reminding them that effort and trying their best are essential. Ken acknowledges the challenges of being a parent and resisting the temptation to overly involve oneself in their children's endeavors. He shares his experiences as a parent and the lessons he has learned about supporting and guiding his children's interests.
Lessons from Ken Rideout's Journey
Ken's journey from addiction to marathon success offers valuable insights and lessons. His story highlights the power of choice, resilience, and the ability to come back from adversity. Ken's commitment to consistency, proactive injury management, and self-care contribute to his ability to sustain high strain levels and repeat high-performance efforts. He serves as an inspiration for anyone facing challenges and showcases the transformative power of endurance sports. Ken's message encourages others to believe in their own ability to overcome obstacles and strive for greatness.
On this week’s episode, WHOOP VP of Performance Science, Principal Scientist, Kristen Holmes is joined by one of the world’s top masters runners, Ken Rideout. Ken has been crowned the “World’s Best Marathoner Over 50” by the New York Times. In addition to his running accolades, Ken is known for sharing his story about overcoming opioid addiction. Kristen and Ken will discuss Ken’s backstory and life growing up (3:35), moving to New York and starting in finance (10:40), Ken’s struggle with addiction and seeking help (17:00), seeking extreme experiences as a high (23:35), running the Gobi March in Mongolia (27:30), the power of showing up (38:55), nutrition and hydration practices for maintaining high strains (45:20), running the 6 major marathons (46:35), and what Ken is obsessing over (51:05).
