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Walker Webcast: US Marathon Record-Holder Kiera D’Amato on Getting Back on Track
There’s something about someone with a passion. Put two of those someones with a shared interest in the same zoom, and you have the makings of a very lively conversation!
Such was the February 2 episode of the Walker Webcast, when host and running-enthusiast Willy Walker spent an hour rhapsodizing with newly minted (at age 38) US marathon record-holder Keira D’Amato. The two explored her early history as a professional runner along with the physical and philosophical approaches she has now adopted since getting back into the sport following a stint in life: education, career (she’s now a REALTOR), marriage, children.
The former All-American and professional athlete returned to the treadmill as a way of losing a few pounds after the birth of her second child. “At first, I could not even make my goal of running for three minutes; I had to adjust to 1.5 minutes,” explains D’Amato. “The difference this time around, however, is that I have the maturity to know adjusting goals is a viable path to success, not a failure.”
D’Amato’s outlook on what it takes to achieve her objectives as a runner easily transfers to achieving objectives in any arena. When faced with literal headwinds, she tells herself to show up and work through adverse conditions and challenges. When her mind starts telling her body it can’t be done, she tells it to sit down and be quiet. And her more-mature self now offers permission to fail. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be perfect,” says D’Amato. “Take the pressure off yourself; if you reach for something but don’t get there, it’s all ok because it’s just one area of your life.”
Walker and D’Amato ended their conversation discussing her new opportunities to encourage others as a Nike-sponsored athlete, and her shot at making the US team and even being part of the next Olympics. “I’m dreaming big and seeing where it goes,” said D’Amato. “It’s all about the journey, and even if I don’t make it all the way I’m still making the daily, weekly, and monthly goals that keep me going.”
There’s no doubt that Walker will be cheering D’Amato on in whatever race she chooses to enter. And judging from the obvious delight in an invite from D’Amato to go for a run together, there’s no doubt he’s going to take her up on it.
On-demand replays of the Feb. 2 webcast are available by clicking here and through Walker & Dunlop’s Driven by Insight podcast series.
- ◦People
