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

In this episode, we break down how to structure half or full marathon training so we can build fitness without breaking down. We use the idea of three training “levers” — duration, frequency, and effort — and explain why pulling more than one at the same time is where many runners get hurt. We talk about giving ourselves a long enough training runway, spending the first 50–70% of a plan focused on base building and conversation-pace running, and being careful not to overload our weeks with too much speed work too early. The goal isn’t to crush every workout — it’s to stay consistent, avoid injury, and arrive at race day feeling strong and confident.

We also cover smart long-run progression, why big spikes in mileage raise injury risk, and how a simple two-weeks up, one-week down structure helps the body adapt. Along the way, we get into practical topics like adjusting for winter running conditions, practicing race fueling during long runs, improving recovery with carbs plus protein after workouts, and adding efficient strength training to build durability. Whether we’re training for our first marathon or our tenth, this episode is all about making training fit real life, protecting our bodies, and building a sustainable relationship with running for years to come.

Connect with our founder & host:

https://www.instagram.com/stevegonserdpt/

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

Anne shares her journey from a childhood filled with outdoor adventures in Cincinnati to becoming a record-breaking ultramarathon runner. She discusses her experiences in various races, including the Leadville 100 and Tunnel Hill, and how her background as an ER physician influences her approach to running and training. Anne emphasizes the importance of balancing her professional life with her passion for the outdoors and running, and her commitment to fostering a love of nature in her family. With aspirations for future races and a focus on her nonprofit work, Anne's story is one of resilience, adventure, and the joy of running.