Last week I announced my new Friday FITspiration blog series. Several Fridays during each month, I’ll be sharing the inspiring stories of ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things to be better tomorrow than they were yesterday. These are people just like you and me who believe in redefining what’s possible. They’re making choices every day to be as fit and healthy as they can be … in both huge ways and through simple, small victories. And they’re sure to help inspire all of us to do the same.

“There is no such thing as can’t. Believe you can and you will. Just get outside and walk around the block. The most difficult step is that first one out the door.” ~Amalia Biro

Today, I’d like you to meet Amalia Biro from Live. Travel. Eat. Run. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is a new runner, a wannabe yogi, an aspiring paramedic, a coffee addict and a family girl. Amalia’s story reminds us that no matter what challenges life puts us through, we all have the power to choose to rise up, to push through and to overcome anything we set our minds to. Check out my interview with this inspiring and awesome runner.

How long have you been running, and what inspired you to start?
Amalia: When I was a teenager, I was a horseback rider with Olympic dreams. A really bad fall derailed me from that aspiration and left my spirits crushed. I mangled my knee to the point where walking was a problem. For the next 8 to 10 years, I used that as a crutch – an excuse for everything. I gave up on exercising because any form of activity reminded me that I could no longer do the sport I loved the most.

But everything changed earlier this year when a good friend and former coworker started dragging me to the gym. I worked with a team of incredibly fit women, and I often felt like I didn’t belong. Not just because I wasn’t fit, but because I definitely wasn’t happy with myself.

After hitting the gym for a few months, I started running because one day my legs just wanted to go. I suddenly had this really strong desire to hit the road. I’m not even close to being super fit now, but because I’m getting out there and working at it, I feel so much better and am incredibly happy.

In February, my good friend challenged me to run a 5K race. I take challenges pretty seriously. They drive me! I decided it was definitely time to take that challenge on. I ran a couple of times around the block, and that’s all it took to be hooked. I finished my first 5K in May and haven’t stopped running since.

Finish this sentence: I run because _____________.
Amalia: I run because … of the way it makes me feel. Because there are people who can’t. Because when I’m done I feel like I’ve conquered something. Because it makes each day more worthwhile. Because it proves to me every day that I am better than I thought I was and that I can get things done. Because I eat a lot of bacon, so I have to do something!

What is your favorite race distance? Feel free to brag about your race PRs.
Amalia: Well, my first PR and race ever was the 5K I ran this past May. It was an epic weekend because I ran with one of my best friends, and we definitely challenged each other. My time for that race was 36:22. But I feel like my favorite race distance will be the half marathon. That’s the next challenge I plan to take on.

What running/racing accomplishment are you most proud of?
Amalia: I am super proud of my 5K race medal. Whenever I have a bad run, I re-read my journal entry or blog post about that race and remember the feeling of just crossing the finish line. Of coming SO far. But on a daily basis, I’m just proud I make it out to the road and that I accomplish what I set out to do. It may seem like an easy thing or small victory for some, but there were days in the past where getting out of bed was the most difficult thing I would do that day. Now I choose to run. It’s an epic feeling.

What is the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? How did you do it?
Amalia: During my junior year of college, I was in a fire. I was the RA at my dorm and was in charge of looking after the first year students. A raging fire burned down the inside of our building, and a student actually passed away. I was already struggling before the fire, but that event pushed me into a full-blown state of depression. I couldn’t get out of bed in the morning. I didn’t want to see my friends or do anything I love. My boyfriend could barely get a conversation out of me and probably saved me by telling my parents. It’s hard when mental illness has such a stigma to stand up and remember that you aren’t alone, but as soon as I talked about it, I had a support team behind me and things started to improve drastically. If you’re ever not feeling like yourself and you can’t figure it out, just talk about it with somebody … things get so much better after you finally say something!

Coming back wasn’t easy and it has taken me a good 3 years to feel better than I ever have in my whole life. I just decided every day to start thinking, “Tomorrow can always be better,” and to write about what I feel and remember all the little things to be thankful for that add up to the big things. And now I feel like I can do anything.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it?
Amalia: There is no such thing as can’t. Believe you can and you will. Just get outside and walk around the block. The most difficult step is that first one out the door.

What is your running mantra(s)?
Amalia: It depends on the day. Usually it’s something like: “At least I’m moving faster than all those people on the couch!” Other times it’s: “Remember, finishing last is better than not finishing at all, which trumps never starting in the first place.” Sometimes I do multiplication tables over and over again in my head until I forget that I’m running at all.
 

What running gear do you never run without?
Amalia: My iPhone and arm band. I use it for the Nike+ app, but also I have it with me for emergencies just in case. Sometimes I listen to music.

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best (us runners are always looking for the best tips and secrets on nutrition)?
Amalia: Water! I want to try Nuun but it doesn’t exist in Canada so I stick with water. After a long run I drink Powerade. Food wise, I love Greek yogurt, and I pretty much have oatmeal every morning.

What’s on your iPod right now?
Amalia: This very moment, it’s a lot of Eminem and Tegan and Sara. I run to Eminem all the time, in particular to his stanza in Airplanes (by B.O.B. and Hayley Williams) and Not Afraid. I could have those 2 on repeat.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
Amalia: I hate rollercoasters. Like, despise them. And I get really car sick really easily (I know, moving fast in an ambulance doesn’t seem like a solution to this problem), so if somebody is driving me somewhere I have to sit in the front. And I often split up couples or people who want to drive together because if I’m not in the front then somebody’s car is getting an awful surprise!

What are your 3 favorite running blogs or Web sites?
Amalia: I’m in love with Runner’s World, so that’s a given. I love Ali on the Run. I think she’s hilarious and was actually my inspiration to start blogging. And I often check out Bex Life.

How can people connect with you?
Blog: http://livetraveleatandrun.wordpress.com
Twitter: @ama_liab
Instagram: amaelibir
Daily Mile: http://www.dailymile.com/people/ama_liab/entries/16928996#ref=notif

Thank you Amalia for sharing your story with us! I’ll be cheering you on as you continue your running journey, and you will keep all of us inspired as we continue ours.

If you or someone you know would be a great candidate for Friday FITspiration, email me at info@runladylike.com.

What inspires you most about Amalia’s story? Has running ever helped you or someone you know recover from a major life challenge?