Nicholas Thompson is the CEO of the Atlantic and an avid runner. He holds the American 50 KM record (age 45–49): In 2021, Thompson set an American record for his age group in the 50K (31 miles), finishing in 3:04:36.
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Episode Summary:
Nick’s Current Goals:
Training for the New York City Marathon (November 2 or 3, 2025), coinciding with his book release (October 28, 2025).
At 50, Nick aims to run a 100-miler, considering races like Tunnel Hill or Desert Solstice.
Plans to run at a controlled effort in New York (age group world championships) to save energy for potential ultra races.
Running History:
Nick’s running began at age five, running with his father during the New York City Marathon, planting a seed for the sport.
After being cut from basketball in high school, he joined the track team and excelled, continuing through freshman year of college.
In his 20s, Nick aimed to break a 3-hour marathon, achieving a 2:43 at 30, but was diagnosed with thyroid cancer shortly after.
Post-recovery, he ran consistent 2:42–2:45 marathons for a decade until his 40s, when he dropped to 2:29 and set a 50K American age group record.
A psychological breakthrough (realized while running across the Brooklyn Bridge) helped him overcome a mental block tied to his cancer recovery, allowing significant improvement.
Coaching and Breakthrough:
Nike coaches, particularly Steve Finley, helped Nick improve by understanding his psychology and lifestyle constraints as a busy professional and father.
Increased mileage (50 to 80 miles/week) and added shorter, faster runs (e.g., half-mile repeats) to make marathon pace feel easier, addressing mental barriers.
Ultra Running Journey:
Entered ultra running in 2020 during COVID, initially to pace Des Linden’s 50K world record attempt, then competed for an age group record.
Transitioned to 50-milers, with mixed results at Tunnel Hill (dropped out in 2022 due to Achilles issues and poor conditions, improved in 2023, and had his best race in 2024, missing the record by ~10 minutes).
Ran the Twisted Branch 100K, embracing a less data-driven, more spiritual approach, enjoying the natural environment.
Training Philosophy:
Nick stresses one variable change per week (e.g., mileage or intensity) to avoid injury.
Uses unconventional methods like running dehydrated or hungover to prepare for race-day stressors, reducing fear of discomfort.
Runs to work (4–5 miles each way) in Brooklyn, integrating training into his busy life as CEO of The Atlantic, viewing running as a productivity enhancer.
Ultra Running Culture:
Discusses the growing popularity of ultra running as a counterbalance to short-form digital culture (e.g., TikTok), offering a deeper, more primal experience.
Notes tension between purist trail runners and the professionalization of ultra running (e.g., advanced gear at Western States), but appreciates diverse race options.
Personal Anecdotes:
Shares stories of running with his sons, including track workouts with his middle son and a 10-mile race with his 15-year-old, fostering bonding and competition.
Mentions creating bedtime stories for his kids inspired by mountain runners, featuring “mbus” (half-human, half-antelope creatures).
Shoe Selection:
Tested shoes (e.g., Puma Fast-R 3, Nike Vaporfly, New Balance prototypes) using a power meter and heart rate monitor to find the most efficient pair for races.
Plans to test shoes on appropriate surfaces for future races, considering Vaporfly 4s, On Cloud Boom, or New Balance options.
Future Plans and Challenges:
Upcoming Rim to Rim run in the Grand Canyon and a busy fall with book promotion events in Portugal, California, and Italy.
Manages training during frequent travel by prioritizing sleep adjustments and fitting runs into unpredictable schedules, often running alone due to logistical challenges.
Dreams of running the Appalachian Trail or across America post-retirement, inspired by a love for experiencing the country on foot.
Work-Life Balance:
Views running as enhancing his job performance, drawing parallels between the discipline required for ultras and managing intense work situations.
Shares a lesson from David Remnick at The New Yorker, who pushed him to write about the Boston Marathon bombing, teaching him to seize limited time and focus.
Social Dynamics:
Nick, an extrovert, prefers running with others but often runs alone due to scheduling; Zach, working from home, seeks group runs to avoid isolation.
Discusses the value of in-person interactions, shaped by COVID’s impact, and Nick’s commitment to working in the office for better collaboration.
Fueling Strategy:
Zach plans to test a high-carb fueling strategy (80 grams/hour) at the Equalizer Endurance Run in Des Moines to prepare for Desert Solstice, contrasting with past lower-carb approaches.
Nick used a mix of planned nutrition (gels, ketones) and aid station food (e.g., PB&J) during Twisted Branch, adapting to race conditions.
Race Logistics:
Discusses challenges of track ultras (e.g., navigating lanes, adding distance) and point-to-point courses like Tunnel Hill, where precise measurement is critical for records.
Nick admires the Sri Chinmoy 3,100-mile race for its spiritual focus and logistical simplicity, running laps around a Queens block.
