"I’m taking it really seriously, but I also am having more fun than I’ve ever had in my whole life.”
~ Keira D'Amato, Runner's World
She works full time as a realtor. She's a mom of two little ones. She's 37 years old. And she's an American record holder. Because she also happens to be a pro-runner for Nike. Small detail. Today I could not be more excited to introduce you to the fierce, funny and feisty Keira D'Amato. Holy crap this woman is on fire right now and she is just getting started. Literally. She signed her contract with Nike last year at age 36. After, mind you, she set the American record for the Women's only 10 miler and ran the seventh fastest marathon on the All-time Americans list in a blazing 2:22:56. Keira ran for American University where she was both an All-American and a Patriot League Champion; multiple times for each. She attempted to compete after college but struggled with stress fractures. After having ankle surgery in 2009, she sadly hung up her shoes and focused on life beyond running as she assumed her ability to run professionally was no longer an option. Fast forward seven years. Her husband is on deployment with the National Guard, she's taking care of two toddlers by herself and her life is nuts. So she starts using running as a reward to get through these long and arduous days. Her love for the sport along with her college speed comes back almost instantly. And that, my friends, is all she wrote. Since then she has been training like a beast, racing her brains out and shattering records all while her husband and kids drive alongside her blasting Miley Cyrus from the car. Because, honestly, if it's not fun, what is the point? I can not recommend highly enough that you follow along on Keira's journey. Yes, she's an amazing athlete but she's also funny as hell and just so incredibly real. We've talked a few times via social and email but she makes it seems as though I've known her for years. Which is so damn cool. She and her husband danced to 'Hey Ya' by Outkast for their first spin around the floor at their wedding. Honestly, that pretty much says it all right there. Now let's hear more about Keira and why she is a RUNNER WHO ROCKS.
RWR:MEET KEIRA D'AMATO
Name: Keira D’Amato
Where you're from: Oakton, VA
Where you reside now: Midlothian, VA
Age: 37
Occupation: Realtor + Pro Runner for Nike
Blog/website: https://keiradamato.com
Where you're from: Oakton, VA
Where you reside now: Midlothian, VA
Age: 37
Occupation: Realtor + Pro Runner for Nike
Blog/website: https://keiradamato.com
ON RUNNING & MUSIC
What do you love most about running?
The freedom, the clear space, the community, and the great metaphor for life: you get what you put into it.
What do you love most about music?
It transforms your mood.
What do you love most about running?
The freedom, the clear space, the community, and the great metaphor for life: you get what you put into it.
What do you love most about music?
It transforms your mood.
Photo credit: Justin Britton
KEIRA'S FAVORITES:
Band (current, all time or both): Fleetwood Mac
Album (current, all time or both): Tom Petty - Greatest Hits
Race venue: Just show me a starting line
Music venue: Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
Race distance: 26.2
Show you've seen live: Tom Petty
Ice cream flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Album (current, all time or both): Tom Petty - Greatest Hits
Race venue: Just show me a starting line
Music venue: Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
Race distance: 26.2
Show you've seen live: Tom Petty
Ice cream flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
THIS OR THAT:
Sweet or salty? Sweet
Live or recorded? RecordedCoffee or tea? Coffee
Summer or winter? Winter
Summer or winter? Winter
Cup or Cone? Cup
MORE MUSIC INFO:
Which band or artist would you go see tonight if you could? Fleetwood Mac
Which band or artist (wait...but no longer alive or playing together) would you go see tonight if you could? The Beatles
Which band or artist would you like to have dinner with tonight if you could? Miley Cyrus
Which band or artist would you like to be playing alongside you during your next race (or long run)? Mixed tape of favorite jams….my husband as the DJ
The great FLEETWOOD MAC
LAST ONE:
Today, I feel like...(fill in the blank)
“I know what to doooo”
Top 5 Songs for running, dancing or both:
Hey Ya! - Outkast (Wedding Song - First Dance)
In Bloom - Sturgill Simpson
Wolf Like Me - TV on the Radio
Shake It - Metro Station
Electric Love - B0RNS or Electric Feel - MGMT
In Bloom - Sturgill Simpson
Wolf Like Me - TV on the Radio
Shake It - Metro Station
Electric Love - B0RNS or Electric Feel - MGMT
Last 5 Songs you listened to today:
Edge of Midnight - Miley Cyrus
Oh My God - Adele
Stay - The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
Beggin’ - Maneskin
Dynamite - The GoNoddle version… lol (kids favorite right now)
Oh My God - Adele
Stay - The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
Beggin’ - Maneskin
Dynamite - The GoNoddle version… lol (kids favorite right now)
Listen to this:
Hey Ya - Miley Cyrus (Outkast Cover)
