I’m your host, Lindsey Hein, and today I’m joined by Keira D’Amato! I’m so proud of her and thrilled that her new book, Don’t Call It a Comeback, is officially out in the world. I had the chance to read an advanced copy this summer and absolutely loved getting a deeper look into how she’s processed her rise to success in our running community. We’ve all watched her story unfold—from breaking the American record in the marathon (2:19:12) in 2022, to setting the half marathon record (1:06:39), to balancing her life as a mom of two and Nike athlete.

Keira is now training in Utah under coach Ed Eyestone, and this conversation is exactly what you’d expect from her—fun, honest, and inspiring. It’s been a while since she’s been on the show, and she always makes it so easy to root for her. I’m so excited for you to hear what’s next in her journey and to celebrate this new chapter as an author.

Topics Discussed:

Book tour feelings & “imposter” author vibes
Working with co-writer Evelyn Spence + keeping Keira’s voice; how the title Don’t Call It a Comeback happened
Handling mainstream attention vs “real-life” mom Keira; separating personas
Early motherhood, loneliness, and how running/community helped
Move to Utah; choosing coach Ed Eyestone; altitude + team culture; big Sunday-off change and training differences
Being 41: masters records, recovery tweaks, and (not yet) perimenopause
Racing update: 69’ half in Copenhagen; choosing Valencia Marathon; taking the kids along
Broadcasting experience (Chicago) and learning from front-row views of elite marathoning
Storytelling/DJ/“life bits”and why telling your own stories matters
Olympic Trials disappointment, lessons, resilience, and modeling that for her kids

Media Mentioned:

Books
- Don’t Call It a Comeback — Keira D’Amato
- My Friends — Fredrik Backman
- A Man Called Ove — Fredrik Backman
- Anxious People — Fredrik Backman
- How to Tell a Story — The Moth
Shows / Film
- Taskmaster (UK comedy series)
- The Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO)
- The Summer I Turned Pretty (Prime Video)
Podcasts
- Relay

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Episode 643: Keira D’Amato – Don’t Call It A Comeback