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.

Since it is the last Friday of 2013, I’m looking back at some of the most inspiring stories I profiled this year. Here are 5 of my favorites (in no particular order) that really stood out and taught us all something about becoming better people and better athletes.

1. Laura Edwards Finishes a Half Marathon Blindfolded to Honor Her Ailing Sister
Laura Edwards (@TaylorsTale) is a runner and writer who lives in North Carolina and blogs at Write the Happy Ending. In 2006, her younger sister Taylor was diagnosed with a fatal brain-based disorder called Batten disease, which slowly ravages basic functions like sight, swallowing, walking and talking. In 2008, Taylor joined Girls on the Run and ran her first 5K blind with assistance from a friend. Laura was so inspired by her sister’s perseverance, she decided to run the Thunder Road Half Marathon blindfolded this past November in her sister’s honor and to raise money to fight Batten disease through an organization she co-founded called Taylor’s Tale. Since talking with Laura earlier this year, she finished the race in less than 2 hours while running with a blindfold and being tethered to a guide. Incredible. Read more about Laura’s story here.

2. Sam Felsenfeld Ran 105 Marathons (and counting) to Fight Autism for His Son
Sam Felsenfeld (@operationjack) is a dad of 3 whose second son, Jack, was diagnosed with Autism at age 3. In 2010, Sam set out to run at least one marathon a week to raise awareness and funds to fight Autism in his honor. Thus, Operation Jack was born. Sam’s mission was successful. He ran 61 marathons that year and 2 ultra marathons, raising more than $90,000 for Train 4 Autism in Jack’s honor. And that was just the beginning. When I talked to Sam earlier this year, he had completed 105 marathons and 5 ultra marathons, with a marathon PR of 2:57:53. Read more about Sam (and Jack) here.

3. Eric McElvenney Finished His First IRONMAN after Losing Part of His Right Leg in an Explosion in Afghanistan
Eric McElvenney (@ericmcelvenny) lost his right leg below the knee in an explosion during combat operations while serving our country in Afghanistan. Within one year of this tragedy, he completed 3 triathlons. This past fall, he finished his first IRONMAN at Kona in less than 12 hours. Read more about Eric’s story and what has motivated him to keep going in the face of adversity.

4. Kimberly Truesdale Lost 120 Pounds and Became a Marathon Runner
Kimberly Truesdell (@Healthy_Strides) from Healthy Strides is a mom, professional and fitness instructor who has lost 120 pounds and has become a marathon runner. She recalls the turning point being in March 2009 when her mother passed away. At age 50 and 600 pounds, her mom had diabetes and failing kidneys, which eventually caused her lungs to fill with fluid and her heart to stop beating. Kim’s health journey has been truly transformative, and she has even been featured on the TODAY Show. Read more about Kim’s story here.

5. Kristin McQueen Finished her 10^th Ironman during her 10^th Year Fighting Cancer
When anyone asks me about a runner or story that inspires me the most, I always think of Kristin McQueen. Kristin has been battling cancer for the past 10 years. She’s gone through 15 cancer surgeries (including 10 brain surgeries) that have caused her many painful complications. Nevertheless, she finished her 10^th IRONMAN and her umpteenth marathon this past fall. Read more about Kristin’s story here and here and why she continues to tell cancer to “suck it.”

If you or someone you know would make a great candidate for Friday FITspiration in 2014, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

What running, triathlon or fitness story or person most inspired you during 2013? Who do you think I should profile in 2014?