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 for you to meet Mylissa. She went from not having exercised since the eighth grade to running marathons and half marathons. Running has become a part of everyday life for this brave and inspiring cancer survivor. She shares some great perspective and advice with us.

How long have you been running, and what inspired you to start?
I started running in 2004. Not because I wanted to lose weight or live a healthy lifestyle; I was just embarrassed. I went for a lunchtime stroll with an older colleague and came back out of breath, flustered and beat. That evening, I pulled out my sneakers from eighth grade (I never exercised after middle school). I walked around the neighborhood thinking of my colleague who was way older than me and out-walked me. I was mad. My competitive spirit took over. That evening, I jogged for the first time in my life around my neighborhood for barely a few blocks. The next night, I jogged a little more. A few weeks later, I joined a gym. Then, I signed up for my first 5K race. Then, I discovered endorphins and started dropping dress sizes! The rest was history. The endorphins and weight loss led me to a 10K race 2 months later, then a 10-mile race, then a half marathon and finally my first marathon the following year.

I never ran a day in my life until nine years ago. Today, when anyone asks what I do for fun, I’m proud to be able to say ‘I run.’

Finish this sentence: I run because ____________________.
I run because it reminds me how to love myself, others and my community. Having a running lifestyle has taught me how to eat better, compete harder, take naps and enjoy my surroundings. Running gives me a chance to meet amazing competitors of all sizes, shapes and backgrounds.

What is your favorite race distance? Why?
My favorite race distance is the half marathon because it offers a substantial distance worthy of a personally proud moment at the finish line. 13.1 requires effort, training and dedication. It offers just the right amount of torture without the grueling strains of a full marathon training program.

What running/racing accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my entire running experience to date. My first marathon was glorious. My first triathlon made me feel like a bad ass. I’m frankly most proud of the simple 3-mile runs on the morning of my chemotherapy sessions in 2008 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I was sick. I was weak. I was bald. I was in pain. I was tired. I had lost control of everything except for my will to run.

What goal do you most want to accomplish in 2013?
I turn 40 this September, so 2013 is an important year. My goal this year is to feel normal again. I got diagnosed with cancer twice in the past few years. It takes way more effort to train for and complete each race. I have to seek out inspiration everywhere. I need more recovery time. And, because I’m still a girl at heart, I just want to be as fit as I was before I got sick.

What is the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? How did you do it?
While running brings me endless fulfillment, I don’t yearn to run every day. My hardest challenge is finding the energy to run after all my responsibilities are taken care of. I work full time. I live and commute between Boston and New York City. I have a full social calendar. I never let weeks pass without seeing my family. I’m also on the board of Sailing Heals, which puts cancer patients and their loved ones on beautiful boats for healing and respite on the water.

I have overcome this challenge by telling myself that running is now just part of my daily routine. I have to run, just like I have to brush my teeth, eat healthy, go to work and be a responsible citizen.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it?
Pull out your sneakers, go for a walk. Maybe jog a little. Celebrate every distance no matter how small. Then, do it again. Tell everyone how great you feel. Anyone can do it. Run for yourself. There’s nothing more luxurious than to be able to take care of YOU.

What is your running mantra(s)?
Walking is for wuzzies!

The world’s most challenging problems – whether it’s obesity or world peace – could be solved if everyone took up running.

What running gear do you never run without?
My custom shoe orthotics. Staying injury-free is paramount for me.

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best?
Peanut butter and bananas on whole wheat toast before a long run.

What’s on your iPod right now?
All the gorgeous men of hip hop, of course: Usher, Adam Levine, Enrique Iglesias, Justin Timberlake.

What are your favorite running blogs or Web sites?
www.http://nutritionfacts.org/
http://www.richroll.com/blog-2/

How can people connect with you?
Via Twitter @mylissatsai

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

Want more FITspiration? Check out these recent FITspiring stories!
A Runner Who Inspires Daily: 54 Marathons, 9 Ultras and Counting
From Ice Cream to Marathons
Running through a Chronic Disease

In addition to running while fighting cancer, one of Mylissa’s biggest challenges when it comes to running is finding the energy to run after all her responsibilities are taken care of. How do you find the energy to fit in your training with all your other responsibilities? Any tricks or tips that can help us with our running/work/life balance?