WHOOP Podcast Finding a Purpose Through Endurance Sports with Ken Rideout
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Aug 30, 2023 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.
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From Inner-City Childhood To New Beginnings
- Ken grew up in a violent, drug-filled household and worked as a prison guard a week after high school to escape his environment.
- That background shaped his drive to leave Boston, attend college, and seek a different life in finance and later endurance sports.
Fast-Paced Finance Fueled Imposter Feelings
- Ken described a rapid rise in finance, moving from a pharmaceutical sales job to a trading desk and then to London despite feeling unprepared.
- The fast lifestyle, travel, and excess contributed to imposter syndrome and later substance use as a coping mechanism.
Opioid Use Escalated Rapidly After Surgery
- Ken began with recreational cocaine in college and later discovered prescription opioids after ankle surgery, which quickly escalated to daily heavy use.
- He described severe withdrawal and a decade-long cycle before deciding to stop when he planned a family and accepted responsibility.