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.

Today I’m letting Kacie Phipps take over the blog. She lives in Georgia with her husband of 9 years and two children Harrison and Hollis – her 3 biggest cheerleaders. Earlier this month, she ran her first marathon after an incredible journey to choose to be healthier and go after her dreams. She was inspired by one of my BRFs (best running friends) Melissa – and as a result, I feel a special connection to Kacie even though we have never met.

Kacie’s story is one of the things I love most about running: it changes your life in unbelievable ways. It makes you stronger. It makes you better. It makes you awesome.

But don’t take my word for it. Take Kacie’s …

“In October 2010, I had one of those reality check moments. I saw one of my best friends and coworkers, Melissa, who is one of my running heroes, enjoying running and doing an awesome job in her races. I looked in the mirror that evening and I really didn’t like what I saw … a woman who was a former 5K runner (before children) but was now 110 pounds overweight. At that moment, I set several running and weight loss goals that would become incrementally bigger. I also asked my husband to be supportive of me in my endeavors and to hold me accountable in trying to reach my goals. He promised that he would. And so began my running.

“On Thanksgiving Day 2010, I completed a 5K in 41 minutes. It wasn’t my proudest moment for a timed race, but I finished and that was my goal. In December 2010, I completed a 10-mile race (the Carpet Capital 10-Miler). This is one of those races that I wish to never re-live. The race personnel and the race itself were great, but I was very overweight and under-trained, which meant I was slow. It was a crisp day in December, and it was a very small race. Little did I know that I was dead last! I actually had race personnel picking up the cones in the road after I ran by them. Talk about deflating your drive to finish the race! I finished the race in 2:10. Even though it was a tough race, would I take it back? Never. I am a firm believer that our greatest challenges make us stronger.

“In February 2011, I ran my first half marathon, an XTerra trail half marathon at Fort Yargo in Winder. In retrospect, should my first half marathon have been a trail run? Probably not. It was one of those races where you say, “Why did I sign up for this?” Nerves got to me – upset stomach and all – which led me to start the race 15 minutes late. Almost 4 hours later, a skinned up knee, several muddy falls and a couple of face plants into trees, I finished. Looking like “swamp thing,” I proudly stuck my 13.1 sticker on my car right after the race. Proud of myself but vowing never to do another trail race, I pressed onward.

“In March 2011, I completed the ING Half Marathon in Atlanta. The crowd support was awesome, and I really enjoyed this race. I finished in 2:58.

“Later on that year as the weather warmed up, I focused on 10Ks and trying to improve my speed. Little did I realize that when I run fast, I sometimes have a leaky bladder. Black running pants became my “go-to” running wear as a result. It was shortly around this time that I started running with my running partner and a girl that has become one of my best friends, Candy. She and I have been running together for about 18 months. She is the one that talked me into running a marathon this year.

“Starting last November, I began training for my first marathon. I listened intently to my friend Melissa’s advice. Having qualified for the Boston Marathon 3 times and having completed many marathons, I knew she knew her stuff!

“There were many times I really dreaded the training, but it paid off earlier this month when I finished the Albany Marathon in 4:51. I felt strong at the end.

“With many races under my belt, 85 pounds lighter and many close friends gained, I am happy to say that I stuck with my goals that I originally set in the fall of 2010. Am I done? Definitely not. I still have pounds to lose and I am okay with that. Because I know that by doing what I love (running), I will get there one mile at a time.”

Finish this sentence: I run because ____________________.
It clears my head, it helps me be healthy and it’s a stress reliever.

What goal do you most want to accomplish in 2013?
I want to shave some time off of my half marathon PR time (2:15).

What is the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? How did you do it?
The hardest challenge was definitely a half marathon that I completed in October 2011, where I became dehydrated at mile 10. I started out way too fast and didn’t properly hydrate. I was fading out fast. The last 3 miles were awful, but I was determined to finish.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it?
Everyone can run … the key is to set small incremental goals and have an accountability partner.

What is your running mantra(s)?
This Girl Is On Fire!

What running gear do you never run without?
My music (I use Spotify on my Phone), my Garmin and my Mizunos.

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best?
I drink G2/Powerade Zero and I eat Cliff Shot Bloks.

What’s on your iPod right now?
David Guetta, Usher, Pitbull, Rihanna, Britney Spears and Calvin Harris.

What are you most passionate about? What inspires you the most in life?
My children

How can people connect with you?
People can connect with me on Facebook (Kacie Cosby Phipps) and Daily Mile (Kacie Phipps).

Thank you Kacie 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.

Kacie was inspired by her coworker (and my running pal) Melissa to start running and her friend Candy motivated her to sign up for her first marathon. Who inspires you to run and keep pushing yourself?