Maybe Running Will Help: A Conversation with Keira D’Amato

Interview with Keira D’Amato, elite marathoner from “Maybe Running Will Help Podcast” with Nicky Tamberrino

Running is more than just a sport; it’s a journey, a mindset, and for many, a lifeline. In a recent conversation with elite marathoner Keira D’Amato, we explored the intersection of running, resilience, and the permission to redefine success at any stage of life.

Embracing Individuality: Nails, Rituals, and Small Joys

Before we dove into running, we talked about something surprisingly symbolic – nail color. Keira shared a story about how, years ago, a stranger in a bar bathroom told her to stick to neutral nail colors. Instead of letting that moment dim her confidence, it fueled her to embrace bold, bright colors ever since. “Every time I look down at my nails and see a wild color, it makes me happy,” she said, reminding us how the little things can be powerful affirmations of self-expression.

This idea of small joys extended to our pre-race rituals. For me, nails are part of setting my race persona, while shopping and grabbing a seasonal Starbucks drink are little pick-me-ups that boost my mental wellness. Keira also shared how something as simple as wandering aimlessly through a CVS can be a moment of solitude and self-care.

Running as a Journey, Not a Comeback

One of the most compelling parts of our conversation was about Keira’s book available for preorder now, Don’t Call It a Comeback: What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs, and Started Chasing Happiness. The title alone resonated deeply with me because it challenges the pressure we put on ourselves to “return” to something rather than embracing the present version of who we are. “I was never aiming for a comeback,” Keira explained. “I was just chasing happiness.”

Keira’s story is a testament to perseverance. After taking nearly a decade away from competitive running, she returned to the sport not to reclaim past glory but to find joy and balance. What started as a postpartum fitness routine after having two children eventually led her to break the American record in the marathon. “It was six years between my first 90-second run back and breaking that record,” she shared. “I failed over and over, but I just kept starting again.”

Navigating Expectations and Finding Fun in Running

We talked about the pressure that comes with competing, especially at an elite level. Surprisingly, Keira doesn’t let external expectations dictate her experience. “No one thought I’d get this far—not even me—so I have nothing to prove,” she said. Her focus? Enjoying the process and showing others that their best days might still be ahead.

One of her strategies for keeping the joy alive is what she calls the fun shield. “My top goal for running is to have fun. If I finish a race and didn’t hit my goal but still had fun, that’s a win.” This perspective shift is something I needed to hear. Often, we get so caught up in numbers, times, and comparison that we forget why we started running in the first place. Keira’s advice to younger runners and those struggling with pressure was simple: “Detach your happiness from success. You’re going to go home the same person, whether you win or lose.”

Aging, Running, and Breaking Barriers

At 40, Keira is still setting ambitious goals and proving that age doesn’t have to be a limitation. “People love to label me as an older runner, but I refuse to accept that as a barrier,” she said. She acknowledged that she needs more recovery time and self-care than in her 20s, but she believes her best races may still be ahead.

This was a conversation I deeply related to. As we get older, our relationship with running evolves. There are moments of frustration when things don’t look or feel the same as they once did. But Keira is redefining what it means to be an athlete at every stage of life, and in doing so, she’s giving others permission to do the same.

Lessons from Racing (and Running Untrained!)

We also talked about racing highs and lows. Keira shared that one of her toughest races was the Chicago Marathon in 2021. At mile 13, she felt like she had already hit the wall, yet she gritted through and finished strong. Her resilience in moments like that is a testament to how running is just as much mental as it is physical.

Speaking of tough races, I admitted that I might be running an upcoming marathon untrained. Keira’s advice? Be conservative, focus on nutrition, and know that your body will feel the lack of endurance. (She also casually mentioned that after one such race, she ended up in the hospital from pushing her body too hard—so noted!)

Family, Future Goals, and What’s Next

Keira also shared a glimpse into her family life. Her kids, ages 8 and 10, aren’t particularly into running yet, which is a relatable experience for many runner-parents. “I think I might have ruined it for them by making it look too intense,” she joked.

Looking ahead, Keira is gearing up for the Boston Marathon, though her primary goal is to show up healthy. “Right now, my main win would be getting to the starting line uninjured and making it to the finish. I’m taking it slow and being patient.”

In addition to Boston, she’ll be at the River City Half in Richmond this March, doing a live podcast with Ali on the Run. (If you’re in the area, consider checking it out!)

Maybe Running Will Help… Everything?

As we wrapped up, I asked Keira to finish the sentence: Maybe running will help…?

Her answer: “Maybe running will help me be happier.”

For me, running has always been about sanity. And for each person I ask, the answer is different—because running means something unique to everyone. Whether it’s chasing happiness, finding community, or simply proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you imagined, running has a way of helping in ways we never expect.

Thank you, Keira, for the inspiration, the laughs, and the permission to let go of pressure and simply run for the joy of it. I cannot wait to read Don’t Call It a Comeback: What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs, and Started Chasing Happiness and continue following your incredible journey.