"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 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 (37:22) Making a difference close to home Resources mentioned Down with Running Matt and Lilly's story Cedar Bend Endurance Run — September 5, 2026, in Waverly, Iowa Connect with Matt and Down with Running Down with Running on Instagram Matt Lamos on Instagram Down with Running on Facebook