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’m not done until I’m finished.” ~Kat

Today, I’d like you to meet Kat from Sneakers and Fingerpaints. Kat is a newlywed, artist and working professional who has fallen in love with fitness and what it has done for her life. As a fellow runner, blogger and Brooks Running ambassador, I’ve gotten to know Kat on Twitter and through the blogosphere. But I was lucky enough to meet Kat in person last December in Tampa for a fun run before her second half marathon. Check out my interview with this cool running chick who is inspiring others with her passion for health.

How long have you been running, and what inspired you to start?
I started running in 2007, participating in 5Ks after being introduced to the world of racing by friends. I fell off the wagon and got back on again in 2010. Running gives me the best workout by far, especially when it comes to total body toning! Being told my whole life I’d be dependent on an inhaler due to asthma made me apprehensive at first, but I continue to surprise myself the better I get, and I want to show others that anything is possible!

Finish this sentence: I run because _______________________.
It shows what I’m capable of!

What is your favorite race distance? Why? If you’re comfortable, brag about your race PRs.
I’ve enjoyed the half marathon distance! It’s funny that as you become accustomed to longer distances once you train to go that far, the shorter distances then become harder to PR at! My half marathon PR is from my first half, and it was a sub-2-hour finish. My good friend and pacer knew I’d be running 6 half marathons in 6 months – a crazy goal I’d formulated – so we worked to achieve a secret goal of finishing in less than 2 hours on the first shot so I’d have that down 😉

What running/racing accomplishment are you most proud of?
My first half marathon finish in less than 2 hours! I hope to make one of my upcoming half marathons a PR though (fingers crossed)!

What goal do you most want to accomplish in 2013?
I’m running my first full marathon at Marine Corps Marathon in October! I planned to register and was then given the opportunity to run for a wonderful charity that helps cancer patients and their families! See my full story and read more details here: http://www.ir4c.com/Athlete/Story/240.

Additionaly, I’ve started doing Crossfit! I’ve been better at strength training than running. I picked it up quicker, but I was always afraid to start Crossfit. I’ve watched the games, have tons of friends who do it, but was scared! I decided to give it a shot and have been immediately hooked! When you find a Box (aka Crossfit gym) that works to show you form and allows you to build on your skills little by little, it works out perfectly! I never want to be too afraid to try something that can be good for me and help me be better in all areas of fitness! Do work!

What is the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? How did you do it?
I’ve had asthma since I was a child. Over the years, I improved but picked up bad habits – smoking being one. When I started to run, it actually helped, and I was on the road to breathing better. Recently, my asthma took a bad turn. I’d always used allergy medicine but started feeling it was harder to breathe. After seeing a specialist, I found out I was at 76% lung capacity! I learned I’d become allergic to just about everything airborne. Nevertheless, I’m on the upswing of new treatment and looking forward to better runs down the road! I never want to use it as an excuse, but it is a challenge. I just always have to be conscious of it and adjust my goals accordingly.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it?
Start out slow! Running takes time to build the body up to certain levels. Don’t do too much too fast or injuries can set you back.

What is your running mantra(s)?
I’m not done until I’m finished!

What running gear do you never run without?
My inhaler and my Brooks Pure Cadence 2 sneaks!

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best (us runners are always looking for the best tips and secrets on nutrition!)?
I use Nuun to keep me hydrated and Clif Shot Bloks and Gels to keep me fueled.

What’s on your iPod right now?
David Guetta and Swiss House Mafia (dance dance!)

Are you a morning or an evening runner? If you’re a morning person, what’s your secret to not hitting snooze?
Morning! We beat the heat early in Florida! I’d rather get up than be in the thick of it.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
I love ZOMBIE movies. All of them!

What are your 3 favorite running blogs or Web sites?
I have too many favorite running blogs to list them all here. When it comes to shopping for running, I like Amazon.com & BrooksRunning.com. For reading and learning more about running, RunnersWorld.com is my go-to source.

What else should we know about you?
I love meeting blog friends aka blends in real life (blend = blogger friends).
I’m great at giving advice but not at taking my own.
I love traveling and look forward to taking racecations with my hubby!
I met my hubby in the gym of all places.

How can people connect with you?

• Twitter: @KatSnF
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sneakersandfingerpaints?ref=hl
• Dailymile: http://www.dailymile.com/people/KatSnF
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/KatSnF
• Instagram: http://Instagram.com/katsnf
• Email: katwilsonart@gmail.com

Thank you Kat for sharing your story with us! We’ll be cheering you on as you train for your first marathon this year! If you or someone you know would be a great candidate for Friday FITspiration, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

Kat struggles with asthma, which can sometimes affect her runs. Do you struggle with any health issues that affect your running? What do you do to make sure you are running safe, and how do you readjust your goals?