100 Miles.
One dad.
One little girl
watching.
My daughter has Usher Syndrome, the leading genetic cause of combined deafness and blindness. So I'm running 100 miles to show her what resilience looks like and that challenges aren't something to run away from, but something to embrace.
Why I am Running a 100 Mile Ultra
My daughter, Lydia, was diagnosed with Usher syndrome as an infant. It affects her hearing and vision, and it will bring about extra challenges in her life. The good news is there is promising research to develop hearing and vision therapies that can make a real difference in the lives of people living with Usher’s Syndrome. Continued research is needed to develop these therapies and make them available to everyone who needs it.
I’m running 100 miles to show Lydia that she doesn't have to run from hard things. I want her to know that when she faces challenges she doesn’t have to be discouraged, but she can embrace life’s challenges with courage.
I have an unreasonable belief in what Lydia can accomplish if she puts her mind to something and
trusts in the Lord. But I want that belief to mean something when she hears it. So I'm doing
something unreasonable myself. When I tell her I believe in her, I want her to know those words are coming from someone in her corner who knows what belief and faith can do.
Taking on something that I don't know if I can finish is scary, but I want Lydia to know she can take
on the unknowns in life and push through discomfort to accomplish her goals. I’m documenting this journey so she has a real example of how to be resilient in the face of challenges.
The Road to 100
March 1
Little Rock Marathon
Finished in 3:19. The base is built. Now
the real work begins. When i finished I
thought 'I just need to do three more of
these'
22
March 22
Training begins
Building toward something
unreasonable. Right now I can’t run 100 miles, but the plan to get there is in place. Now, one step at a time until I cross the finish line.
11
May 16
Big Trail Weekend
Testing the legs on real terrain.
8
August 8
Big Prep Weekend
50 miles. The dress rehearsal.
October 3
Arkansas Traveler 100
The big day. 100 miles. This is what
everything is for.
The Training Journey
March 1, 2026
Little Rock Marathon: The First Rung of The Ladder
Why do I keep running? I don’t run just because it’s good for me or because I like it. I run for deeper reasons. Because it teaches me things about myself, it opens up my mind to new ideas, and it helps me think. Ultra runner Sally McRae summed this up when she said,
Continue Reading
March 20, 2026
Running Analysis: The beginning of the journey
I ran for 4 miles with computers attached to my feet last Friday.
Continue Reading
Check Out The Full Blog
Be there for the miles that
matter
Training updates, honest reflections, and the story as it unfolds. Just real
reflections from my training. If you're interested in following along, I'd genuinely love to
have you join the journey! Don’t want emails? Just check back here to read the same updates.
Run with me
You've been following along. Here's how you can be in the race with me. Every
dollar raises awareness and accelerates research for Usher syndrome. $10 for
every mile on race day. Every dollar counts - help me reach my goal.
Progress to goal
0% funded — 0 miles covered
All donations go to the Usher Syndrome Coalition to fund research. Can't donate?
Sharing the story matters just as much.
About Usher Syndrome
What it is
Usher syndrome is a genetic condition that affects both hearing and vision. It's the leading cause of
combined deafness-blindness. There are different types, each affecting people differently and at
different stages of life.
Why research matters
Real science is happening. Gene therapy research is advancing. Clinical trials are underway.
Organizations like the Usher Syndrome Coalition are funding work that could change the trajectory of
this condition. Every dollar matters.
What it means for Lydia
Lydia is still so young. We don't know exactly what her future holds, but we do know that research
today could shape what's possible for her tomorrow. That's why this matters.
If this journey moved you, pass it on
Sharing costs nothing and means everything. A single share can bring in someone who
ends up at the start line with me in spirit.
Share on Facebook
Copy link
Share via email
Copy and paste:
"My friend Leo is running 100 miles in October for his daughter Lydia.
Worth reading."
Follow Along!
Training updates, honest reflections, and the story as it unfolds. No spam, just real
dispatches from the trail. If you're interested in following along, I'd genuinely love to
have you join the journey.
Leo’s 100 Mile Journey
A father running 100 miles to show his daughter what
resilience looks like.
Embracing Challenges. Building Resilience.
100 Miles.
One dad.
One little girl
watching.
My daughter has Usher Syndrome, the leading genetic cause of combined deafness and blindness. So I'm running 100 miles to show her what resilience looks like and that challenges aren't something to run away from, but something to embrace.
Why I am Running a 100 Mile Ultra
My daughter, Lydia, was diagnosed with Usher syndrome as an infant. It affects her hearing and vision, and it will bring about extra challenges in her life. The good news is there is promising research to develop hearing and vision therapies that can make a real difference in the lives of people living with Usher’s Syndrome. Continued research is needed to develop these therapies and make them available to everyone who needs it.
I’m running 100 miles to show Lydia that she doesn't have to run from hard things. I want her to know that when she faces challenges she doesn’t have to be discouraged, but she can embrace life’s challenges with courage.
I have an unreasonable belief in what Lydia can accomplish if she puts her mind to something and trusts in the Lord. But I want that belief to mean something when she hears it. So I'm doing something unreasonable myself. When I tell her I believe in her, she will know those words are coming from someone in her corner who knows what belief and faith can do.
Taking on something that I don't know if I can finish is scary, but I want Lydia to know she can take on the unknowns in life and push through discomfort to accomplish her goals. I’m documenting this journey so she has a real example of how to be resilient in the face of challenges.
The Road to 100
March 1
Little Rock Marathon
Finished in 3:19. The base is built. Now
the real work begins. When i finished I
thought 'I just need to do three more of
these'
22
March 22
Training begins
Building toward something
unreasonable. Right now I can’t run 100 miles, but the plan to get there is in place. Now, one step at a time until I cross the finish line.
11
May 16
Big Trail Weekend
Testing the legs on real terrain.
8
August 8
Big Prep Weekend
50 miles. The dress rehearsal.
October 3
Arkansas Traveler 100
The big day. 100 miles. This is what
everything is for.
The Training Journey
March 1, 2026
Little Rock Marathon: The First Rung of The Ladder
Why do I keep running? I don’t run just because it’s good for me or because I like it. I run for deeper reasons. Because it teaches me things about myself, it opens up my mind to new ideas, and it helps me think. Ultra runner Sally McRae summed this up when she said,
Continue Reading
March 20, 2026
Running Analysis: The beginning of the journey
I ran for 4 miles with computers attached to my feet last Friday.
Continue Reading
Check Out The Full Blog
Follow Along!
Training updates, honest reflections, and the story as it unfolds. Just real
reflections from my training. If you're interested in following along, I'd genuinely love to
have you join the journey! Don’t want emails? Just check back here to read the same updates.
Run with me
You've been following along. Here's how you can be in the race with me. Every
dollar raises awareness and accelerates research for Usher syndrome. $10 for
every mile on race day. Every dollar counts - help me reach my goal.
Progress to goal
0% funded — 0 miles covered
All donations go to the Usher Syndrome Coalition to fund research. Can't donate?
Sharing the story matters just as much.
About Usher Syndrome
What it is
Usher syndrome is a genetic condition that affects both hearing and vision. It's the leading cause of
combined deafness-blindness. There are different types, each affecting people differently and at
different stages of life.
Why research matters
Real science is happening. Gene therapy research is advancing. Clinical trials are underway.
Organizations like the Usher Syndrome Coalition are funding work that could change the trajectory of
this condition. Every dollar matters.
What it means for Lydia
Lydia is still so young. We don't know exactly what her future holds, but we do know that research
today could shape what's possible for her tomorrow. That's why this matters.
If this journey moved you, pass it on
Sharing costs nothing and means everything. A single share can bring in someone who
ends up at the start line with me in spirit.
Share on Facebook
Copy link
Share via email
Copy and paste:
"My friend Leo is running 100 miles in October for his daughter Lydia.
Worth reading."
Follow Along!
Training updates, honest reflections, and the story as it unfolds. No spam, just real
dispatches from the trail. If you're interested in following along, I'd genuinely love to
have you join the journey.
Leo’s 100 Mile Journey
A father running 100 miles to show his daughter what
resilience looks like.
Embracing Challenges. Building Resilience.
100 Miles.
One dad.
One little girl
watching.
My daughter has Usher Syndrome, the leading genetic cause of combined deafness and blindness. So I'm running 100 miles to show her what resilience looks like and that challenges aren't something to run away from, but something to embrace.
Why I am Running a 100 Mile Ultra
My daughter, Lydia, was diagnosed with Usher syndrome as an infant. It affects her hearing and vision, and it will bring about extra challenges in her life. The good news is there is promising research to develop hearing and vision therapies that can make a real difference in the lives of people living with Usher’s Syndrome. Continued research is needed to develop these therapies and make them available to everyone who needs it.
I’m running 100 miles to show Lydia that she doesn't have to run from hard things. I want her to know that when she faces challenges she doesn’t have to be discouraged, but she can embrace life’s challenges with courage.
I have an unreasonable belief in what Lydia can accomplish if she puts her mind to something and
trusts in the Lord. But I want that belief to mean something when she hears it. So I'm doing
something unreasonable myself. When I tell her I believe in her, I want her to know those words are coming from someone in her corner who knows what belief and faith can do.
Taking on something that I don't know if I can finish is scary, but I want Lydia to know she can take
on the unknowns in life and push through discomfort to accomplish her goals. I’m documenting this journey so she has a real example of how to be resilient in the face of challenges.
The Road to 100
22
March 22
Training begins
Building toward something
unreasonable. Right now I can’t run 100 miles, but the plan to get there is in place. Now, one step at a time until I cross the finish line.
11
May 16
Big Trail Weekend
Testing the legs on real terrain.
8
August 8
Big Prep Weekend
50 miles. The dress rehearsal.
October 3
Arkansas Traveler 100
The big day. 100 miles. This is what
everything is for.
Follow Along!
Training updates, honest reflections, and the story as it unfolds. Just real
reflections from my training. If you're interested in following along, I'd genuinely love to
have you join the journey! Don’t want emails? Just check back here to read the same updates.
March 1, 2026
Little Rock Marathon: The First Rung of The Ladder
Why do I keep running? I don’t run just because it’s good for me or because I like it. I run for deeper reasons. Because it teaches me things about myself, it opens up my mind to new ideas, and it helps me think. Ultra runner Sally McRae summed this up when she said,
Continue Reading
March 20, 2026
Running Analysis: The beginning of the journey
I ran for 4 miles with computers attached to my feet last Friday.
Continue Reading
Check Out The Full Blog
Support Usher’s Syndrome Research
If you've been following along, here's how you can be in the race with me. Every dollar donated raises awareness and accelerates research for Usher syndrome. My goal is to raise $10 for every mile I run on race day! Fund 0.1 miles or 5 miles, every dollar counts!
Progress to goal
0% funded — 0 miles covered
All donations go to the Usher Syndrome Coalition to fund research. Can't donate?
Sharing the story matters just as much.
About Usher Syndrome
What it is
Usher syndrome is a genetic condition that affects both hearing and vision. It's the leading cause of
combined deafness and blindness. There are different types, each affecting people differently and at
different stages of life.
Why research matters
Real science is happening. Gene therapy research is advancing. Clinical trials are underway.
Organizations like the Usher Syndrome Coalition are funding work that could change the trajectory of
this condition. Every dollar matters.
What it means for Lydia
Lydia is still so young. We don't know exactly what her future holds, but we do know that research
today could shape what's possible for her tomorrow. That's why this matters.
Follow Along!
Training updates, honest reflections, and the story as it unfolds. Real
reflections from the trail. If you're interested in following along, I'd genuinely love to
have you join the journey! Don’t want emails? Just check back here to read the same updates.
Leo’s 100 Mile Journey
A father running 100 miles to show his daughter what
resilience looks like.
Resources
Usher Syndrome Coalition
Arkansas Traveler 100
Embracing Challenges. Building Resilience.