EVERYTHING YOU WANT IS ON
THE OTHER SIDE OF HARD
A MEMOIR
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.
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About the Book
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.
Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard is for anyone ready to fight for the life they want—because, as Ken has proven, it's possible to turn the impossible into reality.
The Other Side of Hard podcast
Raw, gripping conversations with people who've pushed past the breaking point. Stories of resilience, redemption, and what's waiting on the other side.
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What People Are Saying
"Ken Rideout is the rare motivator whose message is backed by a life of extraordinary experience. Social media is a grossly oversaturated space, filled with hucksters and bullshit artists and pseudo-inspiration. Ken Rideout is the thunderclap that drowns out that noise with essential lessons from his truly unbelievable life of hardship and achievement."
"UNPUTDOWNABLE…one of the most compelling, improbable, and motivating tales of metamorphosis I've ever read."
"Ken Rideout's life story about his time working in a Boston penitentiary to becoming a highly successful investor and broadcaster is the stuff of movies. As the combination of Rich Roll and Dave Goggins, his achievement in marathons and family inspire me."
"A LESSON IN STAYING ALIVE INSIDE AND GROWING—PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY…Ken Rideout's life story is extraordinary not just for what he's achieved, but for how deeply it reflects the struggles we all face."
"When I'm around Ken Rideout, I laugh, I think, and I'm reminded of what's possible. He's truly a one-of-a-kind human being who has the type of no-BS disposition that is exactly what this world is in need of. Strap on your seat belt and enjoy the transformation."
"A GRIPPING MEMOIR OF AWE-INSPIRING DETERMINATION. If I'm walking down a dark alley with my life on the line, I'm picking Ken Rideout as the dude I'm going to war with."
"RAW, RIVETING, AND DEEPLY HUMAN. [This book] will leave you inspired to face and outlast your life battles."
"A CROWD-PLEASING KNOCKOUT. Rideout is that opponent you never want to face, someone who can take immense pain and never, ever gives up….If you want a megadose of inspiration, start turning these pages."
"PROOF THAT THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE…Rideout reminds us that the only thing harder than facing your past is outrunning it—somehow, he does both."
"ENGROSSING, MOVING, ENERGIZING. A book that will inspire you to try something hard."
"UNEXPECTEDLY TOUCHING… an invitation to turn hardship into direction and love into strength, but also, to remember that everything that matters—purpose, peace, connection—lies on the other side of hard."
"WILL GET YOU THINKING ABOUT WHY YOU'RE NOT WORKING HARDER…Ken Rideout is that rare human who can be colossally determined one minute, and the next, reaching down to help a fallen competitor."
"A POWERFUL, UNFLINCHING LOOK at how our hardest moments become our greatest source of strength. Rideout shows us that true toughness isn't about projecting toughness but about stepping directly into the discomfort."
FAQ
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Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard will be released on March 10, 2026.
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The book will be available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. All formats can be pre-ordered now.
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Yes. The book will be available internationally through various retailers. Check the International Retailers section for availability in your country.
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Givington's is your best place to place bulk orders.
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Follow Ken on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can find him on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.
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For all other questions about the book, speaking requests, or anything else, please email [email protected].