Here at runladylike.com, Fridays are all about sharing the inspiring stories of fit people who motivate all of us to be better tomorrow than we were yesterday. My Friday FITspiration series profiles runners, triathletes and casual exercisers who are making choices every day to be as healthy as they can be – in both huge ways and through simple, small victories. Their stories are about the journey of transforming from ordinary to extraordinary each and every day.

“I run because it’s who I am. The health benefits, the competitive passion and the chance to take in a golden sunrise on a frosty winter morning are some of the reasons.” ~Matt Verley

Today, I’d like you to meet Matt Verley (@mverley). Once 240 pounds, this new dad is now a coach and runner with a 1:20 half marathon and 2:57 marathon PR (spoiler alert). And he’s gone for a run every single day since July 2011! I’m totally impressed and amazed! Check out my interview with this awesome runner.

How long have you been running, and what inspired you to start?
I had been pretty athletic in high school (I played soccer, basketball, etc.), but by the time I finished a master’s degree, I was up to 240 pounds and had been diagnosed with pre-hypertension. My doctor had me on blood pressure drugs and warned me I might have to take them the rest of my life. At the same time, my dad had started running and even doing a few races. I got a little irritated at the thought that my own dad was in better shape than I was!

So I started running. A fitness challenge at work inspired me to watch my diet, and I found that running was the perfect solution to a busy or stressful day. I had a friend who was about 30 years older than me and had been running for years. He was kind enough to mentor me about shoes, nutrition and racing. I became a morning person and got used to 4 or 5 a.m. wake-up calls so I could work out before the day started. Within 15 months, I had dropped from 240 pounds to my current weight of 170 pounds.

Finish this sentence: I run because _______________________.
There are so many things I could put in that blank, but I guess I’d sum it up by saying that I run because it’s who I am. The health benefits, the competitive passion and the chance to take in a golden sunrise on a frosty winter morning are some of the reasons.

What is your favorite race distance? Why? If you’re comfortable, brag about your race PRs.
My favorite race distance is probably the half marathon. I have done 5 of them in the last 2 years and pushed my PR down from 1:30 to 1:20. I have done three ultras as well. These are totally different animals, of course! On road races, I tend to obsess over mile splits, pace, etc., but on a trail ultra you can just relax, take it slow and enjoy the scenery. It’s a nice change.

What running/racing accomplishment are you most proud of?
Can I mention 3? Like many other runners, one thing I’ll never forget was the first time I qualified for the Boston Marathon. At the Spinx Runfest in Greenville, South Carolina, last October, I needed a 3:04:59 or faster. I really didn’t expect to be able to make that time, simply because my first 3 marathons had all gone badly after the 20-mile mark. I was finally able to put together a complete race and finished with about 30 seconds to spare. [Note from rUnladylike: Matt has since run a 2:57! Wowsers!!!]

Another thing I’m proud of is my current run streak. My last day off was July 1, 2011, and I’ve run at least 1.5 miles every day since then.

And finally, I love being a running coach. One of my athletes ran a huge PR of 3:46 (about 35 minutes better than her previous best) a couple weeks ago, and that was definitely a high point.

What is the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? How did you do it?
I think I’m in the middle of the hardest challenge I’ve ever had to face. My daughter (aged 4 months) has some fairly serious health issues, and we’ve been in the hospital with her for more than 2 weeks. She’s on the mend, and it looks like we will get to go home soon, but still, it has been difficult on my wife and me. I would say that running has been my chance to escape for a few minutes and get some time to reset and focus on what’s really important in life.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it?
I would say that you have to take charge of your life and realize that you are making an investment in yourself, which will make you a better spouse, friend, employee, parent or whatever other roles you play. The time you spend developing your running ability will pay back 10-fold in improved quality of life for you and those close to you. Don’t be afraid of being slow or inexperienced – everyone has to start somewhere, and no matter how fast you may be there’s always someone faster.

What is your running mantra(s)?
I have never really used one. Maybe I should try it sometime. I’m more likely to count down the number of minutes, number of miles or even number of steps left. (I need between 55 and 65 strides to cover a tenth of a mile depending on how fast I’m running. Yes, I’ve counted!)

What running gear do you never run without?
I love my Garmin Forerunner 205. I’ve had 2 different units, and I use them for 5 or 6 of my weekly runs. I also like my cheapo off-brand MP3 player. My Petzl headlamp has been with me for a lot of early-morning runs.

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best (us runners are always looking for the best tips and secrets on nutrition!)?
I drink 90 percent water, though once in a while I’ll drink Powerade Zero. While running, I fuel with GU (espresso and vanilla flavors are my favorites), but usually only on runs of 90 minutes or longer.

What’s on your iPod right now?
Some people may be shocked at this, but I rarely listen to music. If I run with headphones, I listen to NPR, podcasts or books on tape. My favorite podcasts include Bill Simmons, Run Run Live, Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me and Car Talk.

What are you most passionate about? What inspires you the most in life?
I’m passionate about helping people love life. I see so many people who seem depressed, beat up, almost hopeless. But I want to help people turn around and fulfill their potential.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
I love foreign languages. I studied Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic and Spanish in college and spent a summer in Tanzania a few years ago, where I learned enough Swahili to be dangerous. I’d love to live abroad for a few years once we get my daughter’s health issues under control.

What are your 3 favorite running blogs or Web sites?

• www.katierunsthis.com (Katie lives near me and is always an inspiration.)
• www.schnoodlesoffun.com (Corey also lives nearby and is an impressive triathlete.)
• www.theboringrunner.com (Adam is both a very fast runner and certifiably insane, so you never know what you’ll find here.)

What is your favorite cross-training activity?
Playing ultimate frisbee. I started playing with a group on Saturday afternoons 5 or 6 years ago, and we’ve stayed together ever since. It’s great fun.

How can people connect with you?
Hit me up on Twitter: @mverley. I’d love to connect with you!

Thank you Matt for sharing your story with us! I’d love to trade PRs with you! *wink* If you or someone you know would be a great candidate for Friday FITspiration, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

Matt doesn’t listen to music when he runs. Do you? If so, why or why not? If yes, what’s on your iPod right now?