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Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard: A Memoir
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26From 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 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.
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 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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 10, 2026
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October 25, 2025
I just finished reading "The Other Side of Hard," and I'm still reeling from the experience. This book is more than just a story—it's a raw, unapologetic look at the human condition. With unflinching honesty, the author takes you on a journey through the darkest moments and the most triumphant victories.
The writing is masterful, weaving together vivid imagery, complex characters, and themes that will haunt you long after you turn the last page. You'll laugh, cry, and maybe even scream at the pages. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but the kind that leaves you feeling seen and understood.
The writing is masterful, weaving together vivid imagery, complex characters, and themes that will haunt you long after you turn the last page. You'll laugh, cry, and maybe even scream at the pages. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but the kind that leaves you feeling seen and understood.
Displaying 1 of 1 review