"You don't let it define you. A bad day is a bad day. You just suck it up, learn what you've gotta learn, and move on."

Keira D'Amato is perhaps best known as "The Running Realtor." She is a mom of two who works full-time as a real estate agent in Virginia — and she's a 2:34 marathoner. Though racing as we knew it was canceled in 2020, Keira's running this year has never been better or faster. In February, she ran a personal best at the Olympic Marathon Trials, and this summer, she ran a 5K time trial on the track in 15:04, beating her lifetime best by a full minute. Most recently, Keira won the Michigan Pro Half Marathon in 1:08.57, a 64-second personal best. And now: Keira wants to break the American 10-mile record in a women's-only race, which she'll attempt to do on November 23. On this episode, Keira reflects on her stellar year on the run, talks about being an unsponsored elite runner, and shares some spelling bee stories and Mamma Mia hot takes.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• On running for fun (6:30)
• What it's like being a realtor right now (8:10)
• On mental toughness (12:00)
• Keira reflects on her 2:34 finish at the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials (15:15)
• How Keira found her way back to running after college (19:00)
• Keira talks about her win at the Michigan Pro Half and about that 15:04 5K on the track this summer (28:00)
• Why Keira wants to break the American 10-mile record (44:00)
• How much is 2021 on Keira's mind right now? (54:15)
• On competing at such a high level — but being unsponsored (55:00)

What we mention on this episode:

Ali's "Birthday: Chill" playlist on Spotify

Ali's "Birthday: Fun & Upbeat" playlist on Spotify

Follow Keira:

• Instagram @keiradamato
• Twitter @KeiraDAmato

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play