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 want you to meet Martha Pope, a retired teacher who lives in Florida. Martha has 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She also started running this year … at age 75. About 6 weeks after her daughter Michelle started training for her first half marathon, Martha decided she was going to start running, too. She walked with her husband in the mornings, but she soon started jogging and walking at a local park. She slowly worked her way up to 3 miles. In June, she ran her first 5K and has run 2 more 5Ks since. When she’s not running, Martha stays busy volunteering at a local art museum and Hospice, singing with the local choral group, teaching Sunday School, quilting, gardening and reading.

If you ever think it is too late to start running to or to do something that feels impossible, Martha’s story reminds us all that we are capable of more than we believe we can do.

At age 75, you started running this year. What inspired you to start?
I was motivated to start running for health reasons. My family has a history of diabetes, and I want to avoid it. My daughter also started training for her first half marathon, and her example was also encouraging.

What has been the best part of your new running journey? What has been the most challenging?
The best part of this journey has been realizing that I can run at my age and how much more energy I have. The biggest challenge has been to discipline myself to stick to my schedule.

You ran your first 5K the day after your 75th birthday. Tell us about the experience.
My first 5K was nearly a disaster! Halfway through, I experienced heartburn that was intense and unrelenting. I was determined to finish, and I did. After that experience, I learned what to eat and what not to eat before a run, and I’ve never had that problem again.

What is your next running goal?
My running goal is to make running a habit that I won’t want to break and perhaps someday run a 10K.

A friend told you that “people run so they will live to 75; they don’t live to 75 and then start running.” What do you say to that?
If you want to accomplish something that is a little out of the norm, learn how to do it the safe way. Start slowly and carefully. Stick with it. Realize that your goals must be yours, and understand that reaching those goals may take longer than you think after age 75.

Do you have a mantra or motivational saying that keeps you going?
My mantra is “Just don’t quit!”

Is there anything else people should know about you?
I struggle with a high degree of competition and that’s not always good when you must practice moderation.

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

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What inspires you most about Martha’s story? If you started running later in life, what tips do you have for people just starting out?