"I Did It" - Matt Lamos and the Mission Behind Down with Running

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