Human Performance Outliers Podcast with Zach Bitter Episode 455: Keira D'Amato | Don't Call It A Comeback
Sep 10, 2025
Keira D'Amato, a professional runner and author, discusses her incredible journey from an 8-year hiatus to breaking American marathon records. She shares insights on finding motivation and identity in running, emphasizing resilience through challenges. D'Amato reflects on balancing her real estate career with her athletic ambitions and advocates for the importance of adapting training methods. Humorously, she touches on drug testing as a seasoned athlete, inspiring listeners to embrace aging as a path of continued capability.
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Multiple Roles Build Resilience
- Having identity outside running made Keira handle poor races without letting them define her happiness.
- Roles like mother and other life domains created emotional resilience that improved her performance mindset.
Reframe Failure As Win Or Learn
- Reframe failure as 'win or learn' to collect tools from each shortfall rather than define yourself by outcomes.
- Give yourself permission to fail so you can pursue ambitious goals and find true potential.
Alternate Speed Blocks To Refresh Marathon Training
- Alternate marathon blocks with speed-focused phases to preserve enthusiasm and improve top-end speed.
- Use speed blocks to make marathon pace feel easier and refresh your training scenery.
