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 excited to introduce you to one of my favorite running pals, J.R. Hughes. Although he and I run together in Atlanta (not as often lately as I would like), I never knew his incredible story until just recently. His journey is another example that we can do anything – absolutely anything – we set our minds to with a little hard work and determination.

How long have you been running, and what inspired you to start?
I began running in 2004. I was in my late 20s, weighed close to 265 pounds and was on the verge of being diagnosed with high blood pressure. In December of 2003, I decided that something in my life needed to change. I needed to make a commitment to exercising regularly and to eat right. I needed to make a lifestyle change.

My journey to losing weight and becoming healthy started slowly. I began by walking. At the time, I worked for the Atlanta Braves and would walk on the outfield track or walk on the treadmill in the locker room after work. A few weeks passed, and I got bored with walking. Something told me that I could/should give jogging a try. My first attempt wasn’t very successful, but I stayed with it. As time went on, I was able to run/jog a little further each time. With my running increasing, I started looking at my diet. How I ate needed to change. I started counting calories – making sure I was burning more calories than I was taking in – and I cut my portion sizes. Within 6 months, the combination of running and eating right led me to lose close to 80 pounds.

Losing the weight gave me a sense of confidence. I put even more time into my running. I dedicated 5 days a week to running. Going further and getting faster, I started to think about racing. Being a weirdo, I never thought about doing a 5K or 10K as my first race; I jumped right to a half marathon. Who does that? LOL! I trained myself for the 2005 Silver Comet Half Marathon in Georgia. I finished in 1:54:16 and since then, I’ve been addicted to racing.

Finish this sentence: I run because _______________________.
I run because I love it. I run because it makes me happy. I run because I’m blessed to have the physical ability to do so. I run because it relieves stress. I run because I can challenge myself to do something different every time out. Oh yeah, and I run because I love to eat!

I know you enjoy running with a group. What have you learned from running with a group that has been most helpful in your own running journey?
I definitely enjoy running with a group. I’ve been fortunate to run with a group of people who have made me a better runner. From new techniques, to different philosophies/mantras, to great nutrition tips, I’ve so benefited from running with groups. Building relationships with other runners has made running so much more enjoyable. I’ve met some incredible people that I’m glad to call my friends. The stories, the conversations, the laughs, the bonds that have been built … it’s really priceless. I love being a part of the running community. There are so many different groups to run with, and I enjoy the diversity.

What running/racing accomplishment are you most proud of?
I have a couple of accomplishments that I’m really proud of. First, the 2006 Atlanta Marathon. This was my first marathon. I was super nervous. I didn’t know if I could do a full marathon and didn’t know what to expect. I put all my nerves behind me and just ran. I finished in 4:02:32. Not bad for a first timer. My next moment was the 2011 Albany/Snickers Marathon. For a lot of marathoners, the Holy Grail is the sub-4-hour finish. I’d been chasing that goal since 2006 and had failed several times. I started to think that a sub-4 just wasn’t in the cards for me, but I pushed, stayed consistent, trusted my training and got my sub-4 (3:58:52). I was incredibly happy to accomplish my goal and even happier to have done it with the support of my then girlfriend (now my wife) who was there with me every step of the way.

What goal do you most want to accomplish in 2013?
The goal I want to accomplish most in 2013 is to help my wife cross the finish line of her first full marathon: Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego in June.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it?
YOU CAN DO IT! I would advise them to start slow. Set small attainable goals. Know that there will be hard/tough days, but you can get through them. I’d also advise them to stay consistent. Staying consistent to a routine will help them to see the results.

You just recently went through RRCA training to become a certified running coach (something on my bucket list for this year!). What did you learn through that process that you didn’t know before about running/training?
I learned a lot about the exercise physiology involved in running. It was very insightful to get the scientific backbone of a training program. I learned how to write/create marathon training programs, understanding how to build the proper program.

What is your running mantra(s)?
My running mantra is pretty simple: “Be consistent, be consistent and breathe.” This is something I repeat over and over again to stay calm and focused.

What running gear do you never run without?
I am a running gadget nerd, so I never run without a watch of some sort. I run with various gadgets: Garmin 405, Nike + GPS watch and Motorola Motoactv. I like to track my mileage, see my routes and I’m still trying to perfect negative splits every time out.

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best (us runners are always looking for the best tips and secrets on nutrition!)?
After 9 years of running, I’m still experimenting/making adjustments when it comes to hydration and fueling. Water, mixed with a little Gatorade or Powerade, is what keeps me hydrated on my runs. As far as fueling goes, before long runs, it’s usually a banana or half a bagel w/ some peanut butter. During runs, I’ve settled on using Honey Stinger energy gels. I usually take them every 45 minutes, or every 5 miles, whichever comes first.

What’s on your iPod right now?
I might be strange in that I don’t run with music. But since you asked, on my iPod I have a little New Edition, Michael Jackson, Tupac, Miguel, Beyoncé, Rihanna and Coldplay, just to name a few artists.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
Watching Undercover Boss usually makes me cry … it never fails!

What are some of your favorite running blogs or Web sites?
I like the RRCA coaches’ Facebook page and the National Black Marathoners Association Web site.

How can people connect with you?
Twitter: @runningcoachjr
Facebook: JR Hughes
Instagram: www.instagram.com/marathnsrfun
Email: runningcoachjr@gmail.com

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

J.R. has recently become a certified running coach. Do you have a coach you love? What have you learned most from them as a runner? Do you have a desire to become a certified running coach?