Sometimes an ultramarathon is about much more than the finish line.
In this episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, I sit down with ultrarunner Matt Lamos to talk about how running became the catalyst for rebuilding his life after a difficult season, why suffering on the trail teaches lessons that carry into everyday life, and how his daughter inspired him to create a nonprofit that's changing lives.
Matt shares how he went from never wanting to run a marathon to chasing 100-mile races, backyard ultras, and mountain adventures. Along the way he discovered that the hardest miles often reveal the strongest parts of who we are.
One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation centers around Down With Running, a nonprofit created to help individuals with special needs pursue physical goals that many people assume are impossible.
Whether you're training for your first ultramarathon, preparing for your next 100-miler, or simply looking for encouragement to keep moving forward in life, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration.
In This Episode
Matt's unexpected path into ultrarunning
How 75 Hard introduced him to endurance sports
Lessons learned from his first 50K and first 100-mile race
Why every ultrarunner needs a powerful "why"
What backyard ultras teach about perseverance
Running through suffering—and choosing to continue
How ultrarunning translates into everyday life
The inspiration behind Down With Running
Parenting a daughter with Down syndrome
Creating opportunities for athletes with special needs
Why community matters more than finishing times
Matt's upcoming Superior 100 and future fundraising adventures
One Quote That Stuck With Me
"You always have more left in the tank than you think."
That simple idea comes up throughout this conversation. Running has a way of proving that our limits are often farther away than we imagine.
Connect with Matt
Website:https://www.downwithrunning.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mlamos
https://www.instagram.com/downwithrunning
Facebook:
Down With Running
Matt Lamos
Learn More About Run the Riot Coaching
If you're training for your first ultramarathon or chasing a new personal best, I'd love to help.
Coaching:https://www.theriot.run/coaching
Website:https://www.theriot.run
Listen & Subscribe
If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another runner who could use the reminder that big goals are built one step at a time.
