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.

“For 20 years, I doubted that I could ever run, much less did I want to run. But with hard work and dedication, I did it, so anybody can do it.” ~Dave Nemetz

Today, I’d like you to meet Dave Nemetz. He is a dad, husband, aspiring guitarist and the blogger behind Running is My Addiction. After losing 75 pounds, he went for his first run in 2008. This year, he will run his first marathon. Check out my interview with this inspiring runner.

How long have you been running, and what inspired you to start?
My first run was on September 1, 2008. After my doctor advised me that I needed to lose weight, I dropped 75 pounds in a year and a half. That summer, I decided I wanted to train for a 5K. The guy who ran with me for that first time 4 years ago made me go 4 miles instead of the 2 miles I wanted to do. And just like that, I was hooked.

Finish this sentence: I run because _______________________.
I still can, and because I get a sense of accomplishment after I finish a particularly challenging run.

What is your favorite race distance? Why? If you’re comfortable, brag about your race PRs.
I love the 10-mile distance. I find it much easier to train for a 10-miler than for a half or a full marathon, while still getting the benefit of a double-digit distance. I set my 10-mile PR this past March with a time of 1:29:03.

What running/racing accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of breaking 2 hours at the Shamrock Half-Marathon in Virginia Beach in March 2010. It was cold (30 degrees Fahrenheit at the start) and windy (30+ mph winds), and I really thought it was going to be miserable, especially after I had a bad first mile. But I got into a great groove. As I was making the final turn onto the boardwalk, I passed the 2:00 pace group and knew I was going to break 2 hours.

What is the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? How did you do it?
Fitting my runs in while helping care for a young child. My son was only 2 years old when I started running, and I wanted to make sure that I was around to help my wife. I decided to get up and get my runs in during the early morning hours so I could be there when he woke up and as my wife was getting ready for work. This meant about 2 years of 4 a.m. wake-up calls 3 to 4 times a week to be home by 5:30 a.m. There were many days when I wanted to just stop.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it?
In 1988, I was in the Navy, and I failed my Physical Readiness Test because I couldn’t complete a 1.5-mile run in 18 minutes. For 20 years, I doubted that I could ever run, much less did I want to run. But with hard work and dedication, I did it, so anybody can do it.

What is your running mantra(s)?
I’ve run a lot of races for the Team McGraw charity for brain cancer awareness. Their motto is “Ya Gotta Believe.” I’ve adopted that as mine (it’s even on my Road ID). Ya gotta believe that you can do whatever you put your mind to doing, because if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

What running gear do you never run without?
My Road ID, without a doubt. Because I take off on some long runs from my doorstep, I want the peace of mind to know that if something happens to me, my family will be notified.

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best (us runners are always looking for the best tips and secrets on nutrition!)?
On runs longer than 6 miles, I like to drink Nuun and supplement with GU. I’m using Gatorade right now because that’s the drink of choice for the Marine Corps Marathon, but I’m a Nuun lover.

What’s on your iPod right now?
Foo Fighters, Black Keys, The Gaslight Anthem, The Killers, Pearl Jam, a ton of Beatles, and obscure blues rock. I just love music.

What are you most passionate about? What inspires you the most in life?
Being the best father I can be to my son. He is my inspiration. I waited 40 years to be a dad, and I want him to experience a lot of things that I didn’t.

If applicable, what are your 3 favorite running blogs or Web sites?
In addition to rUnladylike, I like RunWiki, Racing Tales and Can’t Stop Endurance.

How can people connect with you?
Blog: Running is My Addiction
On Twitter: @RunnerDave20194
On Daily Mile: http://www.dailymile.com/people/DaveN9

Thank you Dave for sharing your story with us! Your weight-loss and running journey gives us all extra inspiration. We’ll be cheering for you to do well at Marine Corp Marathon. Hopefully I’ll get to meet you in Washington, D.C.! If you or someone you know would be a great candidate for Friday FITspiration, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

What inspires you most about Dave’s story? Dave’s biggest challenge is fitting in his runs while caring for his son. What are your biggest challenges to training and how do you overcome them?