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Don't Call It a Comeback: What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs, and Started Chasing Happiness
A victorious tale of coming back in middle age to topple marathon records, from the running world's most beloved underdog, mom of two, and woman voted "most fun follow" on Strava.
Keira D’Amato was an all-American runner who used to chase success. But after being injured in her early twenties, she assumed her running career was over, and settled into life as a military spouse and mother of two young children. In her early thirties, she found herself overweight, out of shape, and battling postpartum depression. She knew that improving her fitness would make her feel better, and told herself to just get out and run ninety seconds, down her street and back. To her dismay, she couldn’t do it. But two days later she tried again. And six years after that, she broke the American women’s record in the marathon at the age of thirty-seven.
Keira has created a buzz in the world of professional athletics by taking the road less traveled. The normal trajectory for an elite female athlete has been to focus on sport first, then get a "real" job, and finally, have a family. Keira upended she married her high school sweetheart, had two babies in quick succession, began her career in real estate—and only then returned to running. But it’s not just her relatable background that makes Keira so popular amongst fellow runners. We assume that to be successful, one must be serious and humorless, with an all-or-nothing approach to ambition. But what if the opposite were true—that cultivating more fun, and more variety in your life could actually help you reach your biggest goals?
At an age when most athletes consider retirement, Keira is just getting started. And she’s determined to share the secrets of her success to help readers to start chasing their own happiness, to dream a big, scary dream, and ultimately to find their way back to themselves.
Keira D’Amato was an all-American runner who used to chase success. But after being injured in her early twenties, she assumed her running career was over, and settled into life as a military spouse and mother of two young children. In her early thirties, she found herself overweight, out of shape, and battling postpartum depression. She knew that improving her fitness would make her feel better, and told herself to just get out and run ninety seconds, down her street and back. To her dismay, she couldn’t do it. But two days later she tried again. And six years after that, she broke the American women’s record in the marathon at the age of thirty-seven.
Keira has created a buzz in the world of professional athletics by taking the road less traveled. The normal trajectory for an elite female athlete has been to focus on sport first, then get a "real" job, and finally, have a family. Keira upended she married her high school sweetheart, had two babies in quick succession, began her career in real estate—and only then returned to running. But it’s not just her relatable background that makes Keira so popular amongst fellow runners. We assume that to be successful, one must be serious and humorless, with an all-or-nothing approach to ambition. But what if the opposite were true—that cultivating more fun, and more variety in your life could actually help you reach your biggest goals?
At an age when most athletes consider retirement, Keira is just getting started. And she’s determined to share the secrets of her success to help readers to start chasing their own happiness, to dream a big, scary dream, and ultimately to find their way back to themselves.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 9, 2025
341 people are currently reading
7742 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
May 16, 2025
Yes, I’m totally biased—but I read it again this week and was reminded how much I love it. It makes me laugh. It makes me cry. It’s my heartfelt journey of chasing happiness, proving that it was never about a comeback.
In this book, I share the lessons I learned on my path to success—from being a new mom who couldn’t run for three minutes to becoming an American record holder in the marathon. People often ask me: What changed? How did I balance it all? And what do aliens have to do with it?
All that and more—right here in these pages.
In this book, I share the lessons I learned on my path to success—from being a new mom who couldn’t run for three minutes to becoming an American record holder in the marathon. People often ask me: What changed? How did I balance it all? And what do aliens have to do with it?
All that and more—right here in these pages.
July 15, 2025
I received a free copy of, Don't Call it a Comeback, by Keira D'Amato, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Keira D'Amato, is a runner, wife, mother, and daughter. When Keira was injured she thought her running days was over so she got married, started a family and a new career, but running was not done with Keira .I like how Keira reminds people to go easy on themselves, whatever life throws at you.
August 30, 2025
⭐⭐.5
🐈⬛Totes's Review
"Being middle aged means I can't reach my butt, but I'm still young enough to wrangle obnoxious kittens. Don't count yourself out yet, girlie."
👑 Bug’s Review
"Middle age? I wouldn’t know. I’m a queen, and queens don’t age—they just nap louder. If life gets hard, try snoring at it until it goes away."
🐾 Moo Cat’s Review
"If 37 is middle-aged, then I’m basically eternal with all the chaos I’ve lived through. But guess what—I still leap on the bed, still demand pets, still wheating bellies. Life isn’t about breaking and coming back, it’s about bouncing."
"I said this isn’t a book about running. I stand by that— because, at its heart, it’s about prioritizing happiness and figuring out how to seek joy. That’s the journey I want to take you on." p5
I'm not the audience for this. D'Amato is writing to young women who prioritize fitness and have families, which doesn't describe me. But she insists that this book and running are for everyone, so don't let my review (Or my Review Squad) stop you.
However, being in your thirties does not make you "middle aged". Life expectancy for a standard woman in the US is 81 years. Few runners have to worry about premature mortality.
Thank you to Kiera D'Amato, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK. All views are mine.
🐈⬛Totes's Review
"Being middle aged means I can't reach my butt, but I'm still young enough to wrangle obnoxious kittens. Don't count yourself out yet, girlie."
👑 Bug’s Review
"Middle age? I wouldn’t know. I’m a queen, and queens don’t age—they just nap louder. If life gets hard, try snoring at it until it goes away."
🐾 Moo Cat’s Review
"If 37 is middle-aged, then I’m basically eternal with all the chaos I’ve lived through. But guess what—I still leap on the bed, still demand pets, still wheating bellies. Life isn’t about breaking and coming back, it’s about bouncing."
"I said this isn’t a book about running. I stand by that— because, at its heart, it’s about prioritizing happiness and figuring out how to seek joy. That’s the journey I want to take you on." p5
I'm not the audience for this. D'Amato is writing to young women who prioritize fitness and have families, which doesn't describe me. But she insists that this book and running are for everyone, so don't let my review (Or my Review Squad) stop you.
However, being in your thirties does not make you "middle aged". Life expectancy for a standard woman in the US is 81 years. Few runners have to worry about premature mortality.
Thank you to Kiera D'Amato, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK. All views are mine.
September 2, 2025
There's something special about listening to a memoir narrated by the author. The reader feels just a little more connected.
In this runner's memoir, Keira D'Amato shares about her unlikely path to success as a runner. She did so after taking a multi-year break and giving birth to two children. She shared that she was 50 pounds overweight when she decided to return to running. This memoir provided inspiration and belief that whatever ones dreams are, it's possible to achieve at least some degree of success.
In addition to advice about not giving up, it was fascinating to get a peek at some of the details of the life of an elite runner.
Some foul language.
My gratitude to publisher Macmillan Audio for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
In this runner's memoir, Keira D'Amato shares about her unlikely path to success as a runner. She did so after taking a multi-year break and giving birth to two children. She shared that she was 50 pounds overweight when she decided to return to running. This memoir provided inspiration and belief that whatever ones dreams are, it's possible to achieve at least some degree of success.
In addition to advice about not giving up, it was fascinating to get a peek at some of the details of the life of an elite runner.
Some foul language.
My gratitude to publisher Macmillan Audio for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
July 29, 2025
Book Report: Don’t Call it a Comeback
At First Glance: Another book about a female runner?! Give it to me!!!
The Gist: A victorious tale of coming back in middle age to topple marathon records, from the running world's most beloved underdog, mom of two, and woman voted "most fun follow" on Strava.
My Thoughts: I’m entering my…running for pleasure era at the young age of 40 so this book was immediately added to my TBR. I know nothing about the world of running but eager to learn. I’m glad Keira D’Amato’s story was an introduction to my new found act of self care. Inspiring, funny and at times vulnerable Keira’s voice shines in the world of memoirs. This is one I recommend the audio (read by Keira) but a physical copy wouldn’t be a bad idea for revisiting her encouraging words. Though I’m just finding my own strides on the pavement this book felt relatable to any skill level… running isn’t your thing…but curious about athletes, motherhood and marriage this one has it all!
My Question for Keira: I’ll be a bit selfish with this question since this is a new found passion I found later in life. What advice do you have for someone who just started lacing up and hitting the pavement?
Thank you St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
At First Glance: Another book about a female runner?! Give it to me!!!
The Gist: A victorious tale of coming back in middle age to topple marathon records, from the running world's most beloved underdog, mom of two, and woman voted "most fun follow" on Strava.
My Thoughts: I’m entering my…running for pleasure era at the young age of 40 so this book was immediately added to my TBR. I know nothing about the world of running but eager to learn. I’m glad Keira D’Amato’s story was an introduction to my new found act of self care. Inspiring, funny and at times vulnerable Keira’s voice shines in the world of memoirs. This is one I recommend the audio (read by Keira) but a physical copy wouldn’t be a bad idea for revisiting her encouraging words. Though I’m just finding my own strides on the pavement this book felt relatable to any skill level… running isn’t your thing…but curious about athletes, motherhood and marriage this one has it all!
My Question for Keira: I’ll be a bit selfish with this question since this is a new found passion I found later in life. What advice do you have for someone who just started lacing up and hitting the pavement?
Thank you St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
September 26, 2025
Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor has always been my all-time favorite running book—the one I go back to again and again. But after reading Keira D’Amato’s Don’t Call It a Comeback, I have to say it’s now a tie! This book is so full of honesty, grit, and hope. Keira shows that chasing big dreams isn’t limited by age or circumstance, and that message hits especially close to home for me here in Richmond. Just like Kenya has inspired the world with its incredible runners, now Richmond, Virginia, has its own world-class inspiration in Keira. Thank you for reminding us all what’s possible—I hope I get to run into you on the RVA roads or at the St. Chris track one day!
August 12, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan for this ARC. When I first got this book I thought it’d be interesting, informative, but unrelatable. I was so wrong (other than Kiera’s paces which are insane). What a great memoir, not only about her journey becoming an elite runner but about life along the way. Her take on being a wife and becoming a mother is so relatable and her sense of humor is top notch. She’s an excellent reminder to never stop having fun and chasing your dreams.
July 25, 2025
This was a great memoir! I’m absolute a hobby runner and a slow runner at that so while I’d never even dream of running a sub 10 miles let alone a sub 6 I thoroughly enjoyed her story. I don’t have kids but I thinks it’s a great story of finding your life and personality and balancing that with having children and I think that’s inspirational for a lot of moms out there. Whether you’re a runner or not this will pull you in!
August 25, 2025
I know it will appeal to some people but the informal text speak (TBH, OMFG) sprinkled throughout did not appeal to me. It made D’Amato come off as immature and a little lazy. It likewise turned me off early on in the book when D’Amato used not liking Taylor Swift and Beyoncé (notably both stereotypically women’s interests) as examples of how she didn’t follow the pack. It gave the vibe that she’s not like other boring women; she’s a ~cool~ girl.
Overall her story *is* inspiring, and many people will connect to her post-children journey back to competition. The early chapter on that was the best part.
But the book and D’Amato’s alleged sense of humor (I don’t think I found a single one of her “jokes” funny) didn’t really resonate with me.
June 17, 2025
This book was a fun look into Keira’s life as a Professional runner. There is a light heartedness to Keira but we all know to achieve the things she’s achieved in the sport she’s had to be as dedicated as ever and truly go all in. I loved learning more about the times leading up to big events and after them. Highly recommend!
June 10, 2025
Loved every second of reading this!! I laughed, got chills, and was inspired by Keira sharing her journey. Excited to read again when the book officially comes out in September when I’ll be a new Mom and will use Keira’s words as motivation to get me back to running (or maybe bog snorkeling)!
June 12, 2025
I laughed. I cried. I felt seen. I felt inspired. All the feels. What a story. What a story. What a great reminder to never stop having fun and chasing your dreams.
Read
September 23, 2025this was a great memoir! i'm a huge keira d'amato fan and was super invested in her olympic trials run- she does a great job here in emphasizing the great parts of running, not taking life too seriously, and has some really great moments talking about food and body as an athlete. i especially liked the discussions here of aging as an athlete as we see people like her and simone biles and many others becoming even better athletes as they age. i think this is especially interesting considering my dad's focus on ageism in healthcare.
it's hard to imagine clicking off 5:05 miles like her, or setting an american record, or anything in that ballpark, but this memoir was so down to earth it almost makes it feel possible.
it's hard to imagine clicking off 5:05 miles like her, or setting an american record, or anything in that ballpark, but this memoir was so down to earth it almost makes it feel possible.
August 21, 2025
Keira D'Amato is a name that I have heard but I was totally unfamiliar with her story and her resurgence in the sport of running after completely stepping away due to injury. What a powerful story of both a woman and mom reclaiming her love of running and continuing to pivot rather than give up at any point and even when random strangers and doctors kept telling her to stop.
YOU GO GIRL! Cheering for you in everything and everywhere you go!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and MacMillan Audio for the advanced copies! Keira read the audiobook herself and she infuses all of her humor and emotion into the reading! I was completely infuriated on her behalf at everyone who tried to shoot her down. Her story as a mom/athlete/military wife is completely relatable and I think even if you're none of those things you can find gems of wisdom and inspiration!
This does make me want to go out and sign up to run a race (not a marathon!) so keep that in mind. You may now be completely motivated to go do something you swore you would never do again. ;)
YOU GO GIRL! Cheering for you in everything and everywhere you go!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and MacMillan Audio for the advanced copies! Keira read the audiobook herself and she infuses all of her humor and emotion into the reading! I was completely infuriated on her behalf at everyone who tried to shoot her down. Her story as a mom/athlete/military wife is completely relatable and I think even if you're none of those things you can find gems of wisdom and inspiration!
This does make me want to go out and sign up to run a race (not a marathon!) so keep that in mind. You may now be completely motivated to go do something you swore you would never do again. ;)
August 24, 2025
A hilarious, feel-good story about motherhood, running, and chasing joy.
Don’t Call It a Comeback by Keira D’Amato is hands-down the best nonfiction book I’ve ever read. This book had me laughing out loud every single chapter—Keira is genuinely hilarious! At the same time, it’s one of the most motivating, uplifting reads I’ve picked up in ages. Honestly, every time I sat down to read, I wanted to lace up my shoes and head out for a run 😂😂.
Keira’s story is incredible: once an All-American runner, she was sidelined by injuries in her 20s and assumed her racing career was over. She got married, had two kids, and eventually found herself overweight, out of shape, and struggling with postpartum depression. To feel better, she started running again—and six years later, at 37, she broke the American women’s marathon record.
This book is about so much more than running. It’s about finding yourself after motherhood, proving it’s never too late for a second act, breaking records while laughing along the way, and most importantly—choosing joy over perfection.
I’d recommend this book to:
✨ Any mom trying to rediscover who they are or what makes them happy outside of family life (something I personally relate to so much).
✨ Runners of any level (or even non-runners—you don’t need to log miles to love this book).
✨ Moms who run—seriously, YOU NEED TO READ THIS!
It’s equal parts funny, heartfelt, and motivating—a true feel-good book that will leave you inspired to chase your own goals.
Release Date : September 9th 2025
Thank you to the author Keira D'amato and St. Martin's Press for the physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t Call It a Comeback by Keira D’Amato is hands-down the best nonfiction book I’ve ever read. This book had me laughing out loud every single chapter—Keira is genuinely hilarious! At the same time, it’s one of the most motivating, uplifting reads I’ve picked up in ages. Honestly, every time I sat down to read, I wanted to lace up my shoes and head out for a run 😂😂.
Keira’s story is incredible: once an All-American runner, she was sidelined by injuries in her 20s and assumed her racing career was over. She got married, had two kids, and eventually found herself overweight, out of shape, and struggling with postpartum depression. To feel better, she started running again—and six years later, at 37, she broke the American women’s marathon record.
This book is about so much more than running. It’s about finding yourself after motherhood, proving it’s never too late for a second act, breaking records while laughing along the way, and most importantly—choosing joy over perfection.
I’d recommend this book to:
✨ Any mom trying to rediscover who they are or what makes them happy outside of family life (something I personally relate to so much).
✨ Runners of any level (or even non-runners—you don’t need to log miles to love this book).
✨ Moms who run—seriously, YOU NEED TO READ THIS!
It’s equal parts funny, heartfelt, and motivating—a true feel-good book that will leave you inspired to chase your own goals.
Release Date : September 9th 2025
Thank you to the author Keira D'amato and St. Martin's Press for the physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2025
What an inspiration.
I am completely, one hundred percent the target audience for this book (book loving, marathon running mom in her thirties) but I firmly believe it would hold its own for a reader who doesn’t fit one or all of those categories- though you should probably generally enjoy memoirs and inspirational books.
I am completely, one hundred percent the target audience for this book (book loving, marathon running mom in her thirties) but I firmly believe it would hold its own for a reader who doesn’t fit one or all of those categories- though you should probably generally enjoy memoirs and inspirational books.
August 5, 2025
I received an ALC copy of this book from the publisher.
If anyone knows me you know I love running and I am a big Keira fan. Her story is so inspirational and she tells it in such a fun and endearing way. I highly recommend this book. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to go after your goals.
If anyone knows me you know I love running and I am a big Keira fan. Her story is so inspirational and she tells it in such a fun and endearing way. I highly recommend this book. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to go after your goals.
July 24, 2025
I enjoy memoirs from professional runners and this was no exception. Keira D’Amato has an interesting and unique story as a high school and college runner who got injured and quit before she could go pro. After a new career and having kids, she was struggling while her husband was away on military service and started running again.
Relatable in how her return to running was slow and challenging, and inspiring in the way she stuck with it and so quickly improved. Her talent never left her and within a few years she was breaking records.
Her humor shines throughout and while we don’t always share the same sense of humor, I appreciated her outlook on life and her ability to laugh through tough times. Each chapter ends with a “punch line” summary of pretty good advice.
I’m now invested in her career and excited to see what she does next.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Relatable in how her return to running was slow and challenging, and inspiring in the way she stuck with it and so quickly improved. Her talent never left her and within a few years she was breaking records.
Her humor shines throughout and while we don’t always share the same sense of humor, I appreciated her outlook on life and her ability to laugh through tough times. Each chapter ends with a “punch line” summary of pretty good advice.
I’m now invested in her career and excited to see what she does next.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 28, 2025
Thank you @stmartinspress for my early reading and listening copy of @keiradamato ‘s upcoming new release, DON’T CALL IT A COME BACK. This is the perfect read for a long Saturday run and that is just what I did!
I love that Keira narrates her own memoir, DON’T CALL IT A COME BACK, which releases September 9, 2025.
If you are running, this book is for you.
If you need encouragement in the face of a difficult season of life, or a tough decision, this book is for you.
If you want to read about a bad ass woman who defies what the world tells her life should be, this book is for you.
If you love reading memoirs, this book is for you.
I can’t think of a single reason this book wouldn’t be for you.
I listened during a long 13 mile Saturday run and the miles flew by as I absorbed Keira’s witty banter, laughed out loud with her jokes, and even stopped to cry at her pain during the Olympic trials.
I have always followed Keira on @Strava - her jokes are the slaps and she represents so much of what the running community truly is- a runner no matter what.
I loved it, love Keira’s American Record story, and definitely love the fight she’s advocating for in this book!
I love that Keira narrates her own memoir, DON’T CALL IT A COME BACK, which releases September 9, 2025.
If you are running, this book is for you.
If you need encouragement in the face of a difficult season of life, or a tough decision, this book is for you.
If you want to read about a bad ass woman who defies what the world tells her life should be, this book is for you.
If you love reading memoirs, this book is for you.
I can’t think of a single reason this book wouldn’t be for you.
I listened during a long 13 mile Saturday run and the miles flew by as I absorbed Keira’s witty banter, laughed out loud with her jokes, and even stopped to cry at her pain during the Olympic trials.
I have always followed Keira on @Strava - her jokes are the slaps and she represents so much of what the running community truly is- a runner no matter what.
I loved it, love Keira’s American Record story, and definitely love the fight she’s advocating for in this book!
July 11, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for this uncorrected digital ARC of 'Don't Call It A Comeback' by Keira D'Amato - expected release date 09/09/2025
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't know anything about Keira D'Amato or the sport of running before this book but I appreciated reading her life story. She was real, vulnerable, funny and most of all, inspirational. This was a quick, easy read.
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't know anything about Keira D'Amato or the sport of running before this book but I appreciated reading her life story. She was real, vulnerable, funny and most of all, inspirational. This was a quick, easy read.
September 16, 2025
Absolutely loved this! I don’t think I’ve ever related so strongly to an elite runner! As a runner, I jumped at the chance to hear Keira D’Amato tell her story. I knew very little of her background but WOW did this inspire me.
Not just as a runner, not just as a mom, but as a human who is doing their best to take care of myself.
D’Amato tells her story of quitting running early due to injury, only to begin again for mental and physical health reasons after having two kids. She found a way to reclaim herself, her sport, and kept it fun while breaking records with her speed.
As a mother runner myself, I related so strongly to her story of running for mental health. It is so inspiring and validating to hear that it’s ok to take time to take care of yourself. That your own wellness is important. That chasing dreams can be fun.
You don’t have to be perfect, you can be perfectly good enough.
Highly, highly recommend! She reads the audiobook herself and it’s a true treat to hear the story. Don’t sleep on this one if you’re looking for inspiration. You don’t have to be a runner or a parent to walk away inspired.
Not just as a runner, not just as a mom, but as a human who is doing their best to take care of myself.
D’Amato tells her story of quitting running early due to injury, only to begin again for mental and physical health reasons after having two kids. She found a way to reclaim herself, her sport, and kept it fun while breaking records with her speed.
As a mother runner myself, I related so strongly to her story of running for mental health. It is so inspiring and validating to hear that it’s ok to take time to take care of yourself. That your own wellness is important. That chasing dreams can be fun.
You don’t have to be perfect, you can be perfectly good enough.
Highly, highly recommend! She reads the audiobook herself and it’s a true treat to hear the story. Don’t sleep on this one if you’re looking for inspiration. You don’t have to be a runner or a parent to walk away inspired.
Read
September 10, 2025I enjoyed this motivating memoir! Keira D’Amato ran for American University in the early to mid 2000’s as a distance runner. In her early twenties after encountering injuries and burnout she felt she had lost her motivation for running and stopped. In Keira’s early thirties and retired from running she got married and had two children. During her second post partum recovery she decided to go out and try to run 90 secs without stopping. She found it too difficult! She took this as a challenge and slowly but surely started to increase her runs and realized she had regained her passion for running. Then her running career really started to take off. Keira has achieved some of her biggest goals and is still running in her early forties. She has broken and still holds some amazing distance running records and results. Her running trajectory has been amazing! Keira subscribes to the theory to set small goals and increase them as long as your happiness is paramount in the equation. Her immediate family and extended family have been supportive and pivotal in helping with her running career. Overall this is an inspiring memoir which I really enjoyed.
September 25, 2025
This is a Non-Fiction book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook while I was walking, and I loved it. This book made me want to keep walking and keep going. My go to type of book is not normally non-fiction, but I have been reading more non fiction books this year because of a reading challenge I am doing. I normally have trouble getting through non-fiction books, but this book I did not want to put down. I love how this book was written, and I felt connected to the author. My daughter is in high school she has been running long distance since middle school, and now my son is following her footsteps. I personally have never been a runner, but when I was told I was in heart failure I started walking. My daughter pushed me to keep going, and now I walk about 5 to 6 miles a day. This book is about so much more than just running. If you are trying to push through something you should pick this book up. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
August 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the Arc of this book. I’ve been trying to sprinkle some more non-fiction into my reading and this one sounded intriguing.
I used to be an avid runner with a goal to run a marathon one day but bad genetics (knee issues) caused me to hang it up. Now, I lift and cycle but as I’m approaching 50 have been struggling with various setbacks and have felt pretty down about it. This book definitely made me feel like I needed to pull my big girl pants up and keep working. It also made me secretly miss running because long distance was my jam but I digress. Keira definitely went through her share of stuff led but her outlook was inspiring and her little tidbits at the end of the chapters can be applied to any area of life. As a mom of four who works a full time job while trying to keep a sense of self, reading how Keira balanced her passion of running, working as a real estate agent and being a mom made it very relatable.
Reading her book made me feel like I was sitting with a friend, talking about their passion in life. Despite me taking forever to read it (thank you busy life), it was an easy going writing style to read.
My only negative of the book was as the book went on and I read about more of the races, my mind started to wander a bit. If I had continued running, that may not have been the case but because it’s not something I partake in anymore I couldn’t get into some of that. That is totally on me and not the quality of the book. This is an easy to read memoir with self help tidbit thrown in. Solid 3.5 stars.
I used to be an avid runner with a goal to run a marathon one day but bad genetics (knee issues) caused me to hang it up. Now, I lift and cycle but as I’m approaching 50 have been struggling with various setbacks and have felt pretty down about it. This book definitely made me feel like I needed to pull my big girl pants up and keep working. It also made me secretly miss running because long distance was my jam but I digress. Keira definitely went through her share of stuff led but her outlook was inspiring and her little tidbits at the end of the chapters can be applied to any area of life. As a mom of four who works a full time job while trying to keep a sense of self, reading how Keira balanced her passion of running, working as a real estate agent and being a mom made it very relatable.
Reading her book made me feel like I was sitting with a friend, talking about their passion in life. Despite me taking forever to read it (thank you busy life), it was an easy going writing style to read.
My only negative of the book was as the book went on and I read about more of the races, my mind started to wander a bit. If I had continued running, that may not have been the case but because it’s not something I partake in anymore I couldn’t get into some of that. That is totally on me and not the quality of the book. This is an easy to read memoir with self help tidbit thrown in. Solid 3.5 stars.
September 18, 2025
Loved this! Listened to the audiobook with Keira narrating. Great for runners and non runners, affirming the path in life isnt linear, it's never too late, and you are good enough.
October 13, 2025
I appreciated how this is just fun and funny storytelling and now a trauma-dump.
October 15, 2025
Loved loved loved loved. Audiobook. Kiera is amazing and it was everything I needed to hear as a runner and now mom.
August 22, 2025
Really enjoyed hearing about her running journey. Great to hear the realistic life of a runner...the ups and downs and the 'sometimes it just isn't my day'. Such a great attitude on life and running. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
August 4, 2025
I feel so lucky to have read this book at a significant transition point in my life. Although I’m not a mom, I am a 30-something year old that returned to running after thinking I’d peaked in my 20s. I related to so many things that Keira talks about, like learning to enjoy the training itself rather than the outcome and feeling surprised by my own strength as I age. I find her story inspiring and it motivates me to keep pushing to see how far I can go. Thank you, Keira, for telling your story. And thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-ARC.
July 29, 2025
Don’t Call it a Comeback: What Happened When I Stopped Chasing Happiness
by Keira D’Amato with Evelyn Spence
Five stars are not enough for this memoir. This is probably one of the most uplifting books I have read in a long time. Written so conversationally that it is like chatting with a friend over coffee. Don’t Call It a Comeback is entertaining, motivating, and fast-moving. It is also one of those books that readers will want to keep around so that they can reread it and revisit the messages communicated by the author.
Keira D’Amato is a professional runner who can count among her accomplishments breaking a 16-year American record in the Marathon, breaking the American record in the Half-Marathon, and holding the world best time in the women’s-only ten-mile. She is also a mother of two. In her own way, she is like all of us; it’s just that her story centers on running. She takes the reader on a journey through her career as a runner, but don’t be mistaken, this is NOT a book about running per se. She ran track in school, and she was a recreational runner in adulthood, until she began to make discoveries about herself and the importance of goals and how to handle them. That’s when things began to change for her. How she deals with adversity and the challenges she faces throughout her career is a parable for life in general and how everyone can live a more rewarding life. From the book’s start, where Ms. D’Amato explains why everyone is a runner in one sense or another, to the final pages, readers of all ages and backgrounds will surely be able to garner some wisdom from her story. This is a must-read for anyone who has met challenges in their career or life in general (and who hasn’t?). Don’t Call It a Comeback is one of the most feel-good, uplifting books I have read in a very long time. This is a book about mental health with messages everyone can relate to. Thank you, Keira, for sharing your story.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this advance reader copy. Planned publication 9 September 2025.
by Keira D’Amato with Evelyn Spence
Five stars are not enough for this memoir. This is probably one of the most uplifting books I have read in a long time. Written so conversationally that it is like chatting with a friend over coffee. Don’t Call It a Comeback is entertaining, motivating, and fast-moving. It is also one of those books that readers will want to keep around so that they can reread it and revisit the messages communicated by the author.
Keira D’Amato is a professional runner who can count among her accomplishments breaking a 16-year American record in the Marathon, breaking the American record in the Half-Marathon, and holding the world best time in the women’s-only ten-mile. She is also a mother of two. In her own way, she is like all of us; it’s just that her story centers on running. She takes the reader on a journey through her career as a runner, but don’t be mistaken, this is NOT a book about running per se. She ran track in school, and she was a recreational runner in adulthood, until she began to make discoveries about herself and the importance of goals and how to handle them. That’s when things began to change for her. How she deals with adversity and the challenges she faces throughout her career is a parable for life in general and how everyone can live a more rewarding life. From the book’s start, where Ms. D’Amato explains why everyone is a runner in one sense or another, to the final pages, readers of all ages and backgrounds will surely be able to garner some wisdom from her story. This is a must-read for anyone who has met challenges in their career or life in general (and who hasn’t?). Don’t Call It a Comeback is one of the most feel-good, uplifting books I have read in a very long time. This is a book about mental health with messages everyone can relate to. Thank you, Keira, for sharing your story.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this advance reader copy. Planned publication 9 September 2025.
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