The Model Health Show From Opioid Addiction to Becoming the Fastest Marathon Runner in the World - With Ken Rideout
Mar 11, 2026
Ken Rideout, former prison guard and Wall Street trader who battled a decade-long opioid addiction, became the world’s fastest marathoner over 50 and wrote a memoir. He recounts the arc from addiction to elite endurance racing. He discusses adoption and fatherhood, the mindset shifts that powered his comeback, and how he turned running into purpose and a career.
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Rapid Wall Street Rise And Imposter Syndrome
- Ken got a job as an assistant trader after moving to New York and was rapidly promoted from $40k to making millions within a couple years.
- He describes feeling intense imposter syndrome among Ivy-league peers despite fast career success and lavish lifestyle in London.
Percocet Triggered A Ten Year Opioid Addiction
- After ankle surgery Ken took Percocet and the boosted confidence turned into a decade-long opioid addiction, at times taking 40–50 pills a day.
- He describes repeated attempts to quit, severe withdrawal that felt life-threatening, and the cycle of short sobriety then relapse.
Money Doesn't Fix Internal Problems
- Ken says money didn't solve his problems and that external status items don't change core identity or issues.
- He highlights relationships and community as the true sources of fulfillment beyond material possessions.
