The Running Ground: A Father, A Son and the Simplest of Sports

by Nick Thompson

How much does our speed and our decline depend on our minds, not our bodies?

In this thought-provoking and inspiring book, top 25 Master marathoner Nick Thompson invites readers to defy the inevitable decline that comes with age. After setting the American record in the 50km for the 45-49 age group, Thompson is on a mission to explore how pain, endurance and talent exist in the mind of a runner.

Inspired to run by his father as a young child, Nick Thompson began setting school records in high school and has never looked back since. Running for your Life is the story of Thompson's ambition to break down the physiology of running and reveals how we can power through psychological barriers and get faster with age.

Guaranteed to make you rethink what it means to get older, Running for your Life is an exploration of how and why we age and what putting one foot in front of another can teach us about ourselves.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2025

Reviews

[Will Ortmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. A unique combination of a great running book along with candid and thoughtful stories about his relationship with his father and sons. Also loved the cameo stories about various runners throughout the book. Must read for runners but it reads easily and I think would keep anyone engaged.

[Amanda Cuturrufo · Rating 5 out of 5]

*listened* started as a recommendation from a friend who ran the NY marathon, and I was locked in and learned a lot!!

[Andrew Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book about running I’ve ever read.

[Jesse Nieman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be the fastest read of the year for me, and not because the book was particularly short. Aside from the meditations on running (which I love), there are so many great nuggets and takeaways to think about from this book. Nick is, of course, a great writer and storyteller so I found it easy to sink into the stories he told about his love of running, parenting, and his relationship with his father. Must read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader/subscriber to the New Yorker, and most of the other publications he's worked at, plus a marathoner (10 x NYC marathon, going for 15 to get lifetime entry!) I absolutely loved and cherished every page of this book. I highlighted many passages, not only for future reference about running and maintaining/improving speed as I age, but more so the insights about life and how running transaltes to other pursuits. It's astounding Nick emerged from his early life and childhood to become incredibly successful and as self-motivated as he is. Or maybe that's what shaped him in this way. Even if you're not a runner, this book is such a well-written, poignant, unfiltered, raw, really satisfying and enjoyable read. Could not put it down! Thank you, Nick.

[Bjorn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Running Ground is one of the best books I’ve read all year. As a lifelong runner, it naturally appealed to my taste, but this is so much more than a book about running. It is a courageous, deeply honest memoir that confronts life’s most meaningful relationships: those we have with our family and ourselves. I filled my copy with tabs to mark a number of poignant sections, knowing I’ll need to return to them later. Nick Thompson compellingly illustrates how the discipline, grit, patience, and confidence learned through years of running can help one navigate the most difficult times and then find meaning in the struggle.

[Andreas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether running is a coping-mechanism, stress-relief, an obsession, a breath of fresh air, or a way to help you think clearly. It keeps you young and going; both mentally and physically.

Never stop running!

[Della Sihite · Rating 4 out of 5]

my return to goodreads 😎

[Lauren A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.. I chose to listen to it which I feel was the best option.He's a good storyteller and a very pleasing voice

[Doug McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Running is simple , relationships are not. Great to be able to read a book by a fine runner and author.

[Jon Dague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one and listened to a lot of it while running. Ton of good mantras and parallels between running and life