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Ken Rideout’s Win-Or-Die Mindset: Controlling The Variables, Winning His First Ultra, & Why Discomfort is the Price of Admission To Greatness

By November 13, 2023No Comments
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Episode #793

KEN RIDEOUT

DISCOMFORT IS THE PRICE OF ADMISSION TO GREATNESS

How do you evolve into an unbreakable champion? Never set limits. Welcome pain. And be ready to die to win.

This is the ethos of Ken Rideout, returning to the podcast to arm you with the tools you need to chase huge dreams and transform your life wholesale anytime, and at any age.

An absolute force of nature, Ken overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles—a rough and chaotic childhood and later a battle with opiate addiction—to become one of the world’s pre-eminent master athletes.

He consistently takes the podium at prestigious marathons, including a recent age group world champion title at the Chicago Marathon plus wins in the 50+ division of the New York City, Boston, and Tokyo Marathons.

This summer Ken debuted his ultra career by not only completing the Gobi March, a grueling 155-mile, self-supported, 7-day stage run across the harsh desert terrain of Mongolia, but outright winning it by over 84 minutes.

What’s even more mind-blowing is that before this race, Ken had never slept in a tent, run with a backpack, or had significant experience in the outdoors.

“The reality of the situation doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is what you tell yourself.”

– KEN RIDEOUT

Today we unpack Ken’s extraordinary Gobi March win, his unique strategy in the race, and what motivates his beast-like drive.

We also discuss the mindset tools, discipline, consistency, and humility that fuel his growth and help him get better, faster, and stronger in his 50s.

Ken is one of a kind, bullshit-free, and 100% authentically himself. His vulnerability is refreshing. His perseverance is remarkable. And his message is powerful: nothing good happens when you’re comfortable.

The visually inclined can watch this one on YouTube or Spotify. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts.

Note: For those unfamiliar with the details of Ken’s story, consider RRP#701 a primer to today’s exchange.

A reminder that we are all capable of achieving great things, my hope is that Ken’s example inspires you to aim higher, dig deeper, and work harder.

Peace + Plants,

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Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Blake Curtis & Dan Drake for video, & editing; graphics by Jessica Miranda & Daniel Solis; portraits by Davy Greenberg, Grayson Wilder & Gizelle Peters; video clips for social media are created by AJ Akpodiete; copywriting by Georgia Whaley; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.

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