The Brian Lehrer Show Marathon Stories
Nov 3, 2025
Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground, shares heartfelt insights about running inspired by his father. He reflects on the importance of discipline amid life's challenges and recounts his racing breakthroughs in his 40s. Thompson offers valuable training tips, emphasizing the strategy of pacing wisely to secure a strong finish. He and listeners discuss the vibrant community spirit of the NYC Marathon, making the experience deeply moving for participants and spectators alike.
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Childhood Marathon Memory
- Nicholas Thompson's father took him running as a child and he watched the New York City Marathon at seven from First Avenue.
- That early memory anchored running as a meaningful connection between father and son and shaped his lifelong commitment.
Running To Hold Life Together
- Nicholas describes his father's later life as chaotic with alcohol and loss of discipline, which motivated him to keep running daily.
- He used running as a personal practice to avoid the kind of spiral he watched in his father's life.
A Public Warning On Turning Forty
- On Nicholas's 40th birthday his father posted a blunt warning that "all men's lives fall apart at this age."
- That public message pushed Nicholas to double down on discipline and avoid repeating his father's trajectory.
