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 like the quiet reminder – each time I tie my running shoes – that training is about more than physical strength.” ~Melissa

Today, I’d like you to meet Melissa from Marrying the Army. It’s easy for many of us runners to take for granted that the people we love the most, like our husbands, partners, kids or other family members, will be waiting at home for us when we return from a long run. Or will be waving to us as spectators along the course of all our big races.

But Melissa knows what it’s like to have the person she loves most half-way across the world. And she used running to find strength during the days apart. Melissa’s husband served in Afghanistan for 9 months. To get her through this challenging time, she ran 19 races – that’s right. 19! Her story is touching and inspiring, and it reminds us that – especially during the holiday season – how much our loved ones mean and how grateful we are for the many blessings in life. Check out my interview with this incredibly inspiring runner!

 How long have you been running, and what inspired you to start?
I started running about 2.5 years ago. I’d written a “30 Year Bucket List” of things I wanted to accomplish before my 30th birthday, and a half marathon was on that list. At the time, I was living in the middle of Mark Twain National Forest (home of the well-known Berryman Trail and the Berryman 100 Trail Race). I did most of my training runs on private roads in the national forest, and the solitary time in nature was unforgettable.

Finish this sentence: I run because _______________________.
I run because it empowers me, gives me confidence, and is something that no one else can do for me or take credit for. I’ve earned every mile I’ve run.

What is your favorite race distance? Why? If you’re comfortable, brag about your race PRs :).
My favorite distances are 10Ks and half marathons, but my PRs aren’t fast. I’d like to break 1 hour in the 10K at some point, and I’d be thrilled to hit 2:20 on a half marathon. For now, I’m just glad that I have the motivation, the time and the good health to run like I do.

What running/racing accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’ve run some great races during the last few years. I’m proudest of taking 9 of the most challenging months of my life – while my husband was serving in Afghanistan – and turning them into 9 months that were filled with incredible moments shared with friends and family. I ran 19 races while he was gone. 7 of those were half marathons, and every destination race I ran was with friends and/or family. In October, I was even able to do a Grand Canyon hike (North Rim to South Rim) with my husband’s family.

What is the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? How did you do it?
My husband’s deployment is the obvious challenge, but I faced a different kind of challenge in 2011 when my foot was run over by a hayride wagon filled with 30 people and dozens of bales of hay. Remarkably, no bones were broken, but I spent more than a year seeing physical therapists, orthopedists and podiatrists in my attempt to heal soft tissue damage. Unfortunately, that foot will never be 100 percent again.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it?
I never thought I could do it, either. I used to say that I had the utmost respect for runners because they could do something I couldn’t. Then I started running. For me, the key was following a training plan that matched my ability level and my time to train (4 to 5 days/week in my case). By following a training plan, I worked my way gradually up to distances I’d never run before (I still distinctly remember where I was when I ran 4 miles for the first time!), and I also had peace of mind on race day that I could trust my training.

What is your running mantra(s)?
My Road ID says, “Endurance Character Hope,” a shortened version of Romans 5:4, “Endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” I’m not an overtly religious person, but my faith is important to me. I like the quiet reminder – each time I tie my running shoes – that training is about more than physical strength.

What running gear do you never run without?
I swear by Moving Comfort sports bras, and I always run in good socks (either SmartWool or Experia). I usually use a Garmin Forerunner 110, but sometimes it’s nice to run without worrying about time or pace. When I run alone, I carry pepper spray that straps into my hand. I have more fun running when I feel safe.

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best (us runners are always looking for the best tips and secrets on nutrition!)?
Great question! I have a sensitive stomach and some food allergies that prevent me from being able to eat some of the more popular energy snacks and protein supplements. I try to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and carry water on my long runs. Nuun tabs are my favorite electrolytes, especially for destination races when I know I’ll be flying (no need to worry about liquids!). I’ve found that steel cut oats or oatmeal are good fuel on long runs or race mornings, and that salted peanuts and raisins help get me through my long runs. I try to drink whey protein or kefir (also high in protein) after my runs, and I eat several servings of whole fruits and veggies each day.

What’s on your iPod right now?
You name it! I have everything from orchestral music to country; heavy metal to pop. I like to mix it up.

What are you most passionate about? What inspires you the most in life?
I love being outdoors, and I have a passion for the arts.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
I grew up in a very rural area, and spent weekends as a young girl on my grandparents’ cattle farm.

What are your favorite running blogs or Web sites?
I use Runner’s World’s Web site and Livestrong.org when I’m looking for articles on specific subjects. I use Garmin Connect to track my mileage and Sparkpeople to monitor my nutrition.

How can people connect with you?

• www.marryingthearmy.com (current blog)
• www.smalltowngirlsguide.com (this blog is better established than Marrying the Army, but hasn’t been updated recently)
• Twitter: @MilliGFunk
• Facebook: facebook.com/marryingthearmy and facebook.com/smalltowngirlsguide

Thank you Melissa 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.

Melissa ran 19 races in 19 months! How many races do you typically run in a year? What was your favorite race?