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

by Nick Thompson

Brought to you by Penguin.

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. The Running Ground 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, The Running Ground is an exploration of how and why we age and what putting one foot in front of another can teach us about ourselves.

Nick Thompson 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Audible Audio

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.

[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.

[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

[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!!