Welcome to episode 181 of the Final Surge Podcast. This week we welcome professional runner Keira D'Amato to the show. Keira has an amazing story that ended with her just recently getting a professional contract from Nike. This was the first professional contract she was offered, and she was in her mid 30's. She took the time to share her story with us which we think you are going to find fascinating.
1:00 How she got started in running?
2:42 Were you a soccer player?
3:37 Did you consider yourself more of a cross country or track runner?
4:07 What was it about American University that made you want to run there?
5:10 Did you think about running after college?
7:02 Then for the next decade you were just a hobby jogger?
7:45 Give us an idea how many miles you were running during that decade?
9:20 We have talked to athletes who have taken a year or two off, but not a decade. At what point did you decide to start again?
11:12 Was there a moment where you said ok this is for real and I am going to get serious?
12:42 Did you call Scott right after that race to start working together again?
13:50 The last year you have really put your stamp on the sport, talk about it.
15:44 You have a lot of success in longer distances, what is your focus for this year?
17:10 Are you focusing on the 10k or leaving your options open?
17:54 Talk about what a week looks like for your busy schedule?
20:02 In real estate you control your own schedule, but real estate can be demanding too on your time
20:43 Were you looking for the right deal with a contract or was there reluctance because you were late to the sport?
22:45 How did the process go?
23:28 What is coming next for you?
24:40 Contact and Oreo's!
Resources
Keira on Instagram
Keira on Strava
Keira on Twitter
Keira Website
Final Surge
Final Surge Instagram
Final Surge Twitter
Final Surge Facebook
Final Surge Website
Welcome to episode 180 of the Final Surge Podcast where today we welcome NAU national champion Tyler Day, who recently turned pro and announced he was joining former collegiate teammate Matt Baxter and Coach Ben Rosario with Northern Arizona Elite. We talked a little bit about his rise from a good Arizona high school runner to one of the best in the country in high school. We then talk about what the process was like when he announced he was turning professional. Tyler is always a fun listen and we hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we did.
1:58 How did you get started in running?
3:36 Once you started running did you keep running or was it a season thing?
4:42 Talk about your high school career
6:46 In your senior year in the 3200 you had the 7th best time in the state. That is good, but how does that project to someone who turns into a champion in college?
9:15 What was it about NAU that attracted you to there?
10:34 What were those national champion teams like with that group of guys?
14:10 You had two great college coaches back-to-back, what was that transition like to Smith?
15:47 As far as the coaching part, what did Coach Smith bring that was magic that seems to work wherever he goes?
17:20 When you were coming out of college you achieved a next level, so what type of interest was there from teams?
18:24 What lead you to Hoka NAZ Elite?
20:25 Did Matt being there help motivate you to join them?
21:15 When that decision time came was the focus always the 10k or did you have the marathon on your mind?
22:38 Is the focus the 10k for the Olympics?
23:17 Where are you now with the rehab?
24:30 What has been the thing that surprised you the most about being a professional runner?
25:47 Being the rookie do Fauble and Baxter make you carry their bags?
26:54 Any races on the books you have?
27:27 One thing the NAZ Elite team does to help their athletes is marketing and finding their niche. Talk about your products.
Resources
NAZ Elite Shop
Tyler on IG
Tyler on Twitter
Final Surge
Final Surge Instagram
Final Surge Twitter
Final Surge Facebook
Final Surge Website