Ultrarunner and Down with Running founder Matt Lamos shares how his daughter Lilly inspired a mission to help individuals with special needs pursue meaningful physical goals one step, one challenge and one "I did it" at a time.
In this episode, we talk about
Matt's path from soccer and casual fitness to ultrarunning
The surprisingly hilly side of trail running in Iowa
Lilly's birth and the family's first 40 days in the hospital
How Down syndrome can affect muscle tone, development and milestones
Lilly's progression from using a walker to running down the aisle at Matt's wedding
Why the words "I can't" and "I don't want to" are not interchangeable
Rethinking the language we use when talking about a "healthy" child
Matt's honest first emotions after learning that Lilly had Down syndrome
Why Lilly's siblings treat her like their sister—not someone who needs different expectations
The mission behind Down with Running and its focus on instructional encouragement
Why meaningful physical goals can range from walking a mile to running an ultramarathon
Creating access to shoes, race entries, programs and one-on-one support
The Cedar Bend Endurance Run and using local races to fund the mission
Matt's long-term vision for Lilly and Down with Running
Why lasting change often starts close to home
Chapters
(00:00) Meet Matt Lamos and Down with Running
(02:57) From soccer to ultrarunning
(05:20) Lilly's story and understanding Down syndrome
(10:34) From using a walker to running down the aisle
(12:23) "I did it" and the difference between "can't" and "don't want to"
(14:19) Rethinking health and Matt's first emotions as Lilly's dad
(21:59) Raising Lilly alongside her siblings
(24:51) The mission behind Down with Running
(26:56) Why every physical goal deserves support
(30:58) Early wins, current hurdles and the Cedar Bend Endurance Run
(33:42) Matt's 15-year vision for Lilly and Down with Running
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