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.

“It’s the little successes that motivate me and keep me heading out the door.” ~Larissa

Today, I’d like you to meet Larissa Stephanoff from Piloting Paper Airplanes. Larissa is a newlywed and works as a Web and social media administrator at a major university. She describes herself as having a “too-slow metabolism” and an ongoing battle to be fit. Although she’s been running for a while, she only recently fell in love with our sport and today is extremely passionate about living a healthy and responsible lifestyle. Check out my interview with this rockin’ runner.

How long have you been running, and what inspired you to start?
I’d been active in sports and dance as a kid through high school, but had never learned how to be responsible for my own fitness. When I went off to college, a maxed-out class load and working 2 or 3 jobs meant I didn’t make time to workout.

After I graduated, I decided it was finally time to take control of my health. It started with a short jog around my neighborhood. The first time I ran a full mile was so exciting! I ran nearly every day those first few months. The next step was incorporating strength training and yoga. Then I realized I needed to change my eating habits. I lost nearly 30 pounds that first year! I was finally starting to learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Finish this sentence: I run because _______________________.
When I first started running, I ran to lose weight. During the last few years, I ran to be fit. Now, I run because I really enjoy it. Sure, staying healthy is still a major reason, but it’s no longer the only reason. It’s about the challenge of running longer or going faster. It’s about measurable improvement. It’s about getting outside in the fresh air and having time to myself. I also run to relieve stress.

What is your favorite race distance? Why?
I’ve only completed one race: an 8K. I enjoyed it with a good friend, but I don’t love competition, so I haven’t done another since. I’ve completed one half marathon training program just to improve my distance, and I’m in the middle of one again for the same reason. I think I’m getting to the point with my running that I want to start racing. The race I really want to do is a 10K. And maybe next year I can be talked into actually running a half. Triathlons have also recently caught my attention! I love swimming, and I’m good at it. I also enjoy biking.

What running/racing accomplishment are you most proud of?
Two things come to mind: learning to be consistent and improving my breathing. I’m successfully balancing how many days I run each week with other workouts (like HITT, easier yoga days or rest days). I used to have a terrible time breathing well. I read a lot of articles and really focused on that for months, and it has paid off. It’s these little successes that motivate me and keep me heading out the door.

What is the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? How did you do it?
I have circulation problems in my legs, particularly below my knees. My feet and legs literally go numb. After many days in medical offices and various tests, I was told that I just needed to stretch my calves more. Getting compression socks has helped, and I’ve been stretching more, but there are still days that the tingling/muscle spasms/numbness gets so bad I can’t finish a run. I can’t express how incredibly frustrating it is to feel like I can’t improve because my body is consistently working against me. As a whole, it’s gotten better, and I need to hold onto that. On the bad days, I just need to take it as a loss and move on. There’s always tomorrow.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it?
I can relate 100 percent. I never thought I could run. Never. Sure, as a kid and teenager I played soccer, swam competitively and took dance classes. But a teacher or coach always dictated my activity. I didn’t know anything about running or working out in a gym or how to manage my fitness on my own.

To those just starting out – or thinking about it – my advice is just to do it. Try going around the block or just completing 1 lap at a track. Start with some jog/walk intervals. I think you’ll be surprised at what your body can actually do! Plus, one of the greatest things about running is the ability to see tangible progress. The first time you run a full mile … the first time you run 3 … that first double-digit mile run – those are big milestones and are so motivating.

I would also say it’s important to remember that running isn’t for everyone. Some people just flat out don’t enjoy it. Others have health concerns. If it turns out running isn’t your thing, don’t stress about it. There are so many other great activities you can do to be active and fit! Biking, swimming, hiking, tennis, rock climbing, Zumba, HIIT or dance classes, just to name a few. Start with something you enjoy, and work to improve.

What is your running mantra(s)?
There are two that I literally say to myself every single day:
“This is about the journey, not just the destination.”
“Moving forward is easier than starting over.”

What running gear do you never run without?
My Timex watch. I don’t have a GPS watch yet as it’s just not in this newlywed’s budget right now. But I do have an active watch that allows me to track laps. I know the mile points for my neighborhood runs, and the local trail for my long runs has mile markers. For now, that works just fine. I don’t usually watch the time during a run, but I do track everything afterward.

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best (us runners are always looking for the best tips and secrets on nutrition!)?
I usually drink water with protein powder before a run and then have some protein afterwards. Peanut butter with a banana, yogurt or a scrambled egg are a few of my favorites.

What’s on your iPod right now?
My current favorites are The Lumineers, The Civil Wars and Mumford and Sons’ new album Babel. I really don’t like music while running, but if I do have music while working out, it’s usually a club dance mix of some sort.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
My parents live in Brazil as missionaries. We moved as a family right after I graduated high school, but my brother and I came back to the United States for college.

If applicable, what are your 3 favorite running blogs or Web sites?

• Dorothy Beal at Mile Posts
• Katie at MisFit Runner
• Ali from Ali On the Run

Bex Boruki at BexLife and Cassey from Blogilates are my go-to fitness bloggers. I always like what they have to say, and the workouts are great to mix in with my running. And of course, Zuzka Light and BodyRock.TV are always great places to find tough workouts when it’s me in my living room.

How can people connect with you?
Blog: Piloting Paper Airplanes
Twitter: @LarissaDaltonS 
Pinterest: Larissa Dalton Stephanoff
Wellsphere: Larissa D. Stephanoff 

Thank you Larissa for sharing your story with us! If you or someone you know would be a great candidate for Friday FITspiration, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

Larissa does a lot of cross-training along with her running schedule, including strength training and yoga. What is your favorite cross-training activity? Has it helped you become a stronger runner?