#5 Don't Call It a Comeback: Keira D'Amato episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 13, 2026 · 1H 35M

#5 Don't Call It a Comeback: Keira D'Amato

from Early Miles with Steve Gonser · host RunSmart

Keira D'Amato joins Early Miles to unpack one of the most unconventional journeys in American distance running. From five-time Virginia state champion to collegiate All-American at American University, her early trajectory pointed toward elite competition—until injuries, burnout, and an insurance-denied surgery led her to step away from the sport entirely. Nearly a decade later, after marriage, motherhood, and a full professional career, she returned to running with a 90-second effort that would ultimately evolve into an American record in the marathon.In this conversation, she details the mindset shift that fueled her second chapter: embracing failure, prioritizing long-term consistency, rebuilding strength after injury, and redefining success beyond results. She discusses Olympic Trials disappointment, racing strategy, aging as an elite athlete, training adaptations in her 40s, and the value of structured development over chasing quick gains. For runners at any level, this episode reinforces a core principle—progress is built through patience, resilience, and the courage to start again.Don’t Call It a Comeback by Keira D'Amato Official Purchase Link: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/dont-call-it-9781250344946 Connect with our founder & host:⁠https://www.instagram.com/stevegonserdpt/ ⁠Connect with our guest:Website: https://keiradamato.com/hello/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keiradamato/ If you’d like to learn more about runsmart. Personalized running, strength, and recovery plans designed by Physical Therapists. Check us out at:⁠https://runsmartonline.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/runsmartofficial⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/runsmartofficial ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@runsmartofficial

Keira D'Amato joins Early Miles to unpack one of the most unconventional journeys in American distance running. From five-time Virginia state champion to collegiate All-American at American University, her early trajectory pointed toward elite competition—until injuries, burnout, and an insurance-denied surgery led her to step away from the sport entirely. Nearly a decade later, after marriage, motherhood, and a full professional career, she returned to running with a 90-second effort that would ultimately evolve into an American record in the marathon.In this conversation, she details the mindset shift that fueled her second chapter: embracing failure, prioritizing long-term consistency, rebuilding strength after injury, and redefining success beyond results. She discusses Olympic Trials disappointment, racing strategy, aging as an elite athlete, training adaptations in her 40s, and the value of structured development over chasing quick gains. For runners at any level, this episode reinforces a core principle—progress is built through patience, resilience, and the courage to start again.Don’t Call It a Comeback by Keira D'Amato Official Purchase Link: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/dont-call-it-9781250344946 Connect with our founder & host:⁠https://www.instagram.com/stevegonserdpt/ ⁠Connect with our guest:Website: https://keiradamato.com/hello/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keiradamato/ If you’d like to learn more about runsmart. Personalized running, strength, and recovery plans designed by Physical Therapists. Check us out at:⁠https://runsmartonline.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/runsmartofficial⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/runsmartofficial ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@runsmartofficial

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#5 Don't Call It a Comeback: Keira D'Amato

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This episode is 1 hour and 35 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 13, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Keira D'Amato joins Early Miles to unpack one of the most unconventional journeys in American distance running. From five-time Virginia state champion to collegiate All-American at American University, her early trajectory pointed toward elite...

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