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 today is the last Friday of 2014, I’m looking back at some of the most inspiring running 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. Triathlete Overcomes All Odds to Finish IRONMAN, Rides 112 Miles without Cycling Shoes
Jessica Van Orden overcame all odds to finish IRONMAN Cozumel. After realizing her cycling shoes were not in her transition area, she chose to ride the 112-mile bike course barefoot. Mid-way through the race, she found some cardboard she was able to strap to the bottom of her feet. “I made it through one of the hardest days of my life, without taking the easy route. I could barely run but I tried to lift each foot off the ground to not be walking across the finish. I don’t know if it was anything more than a shuffle, but it took all my strength. I did it. I overcame insurmountable odds that day and I knew it.” Read the full story here.

2. Ultra Runner Runs Nearly 3,400 Miles across the U.S., Runs 2 Marathons a Day for 90 Days
Jessica Goldman ran across the United States – from California to New York City this year – running nearly 3,400 miles in 90 days, which amounts to running about 2 marathons per day. And she did it all self-supported, meaning no van driving behind her giving her food and water when she needed it. No medical personnel to massage her sore legs and check her vitals. She also raised more than $27,000 for the Brain Injury Association in the process. Read the full story here.

3. Sisters Run First Marathon to Honor Their Mother Who Died from ALS
Jillaine and Jodi VanEssen lost their mother to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gerig’s disease) 5 years ago – a devastating disease of the nervous system that results in muscle weakness. Jillaine and her sister Jodi decided to run the Chicago Marathon (their first marathon) to honor their mother Dawn by raising money to fight ALS. Read the full story here.

4. Grandma Starts Running at Age 75
Martha Pope, a retired teacher who has 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren 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. 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. Read the full story here.

5. Mom of Triplets Beats MS with Running
If you met Allison “Allie” Brantley, you’d never know this fun-loving mother runner of identical triplet girls who works part-time and was training for her first marathon has multiple sclerosis (MS) and has overcome serious health issues. Despite the adversity she has faced, this headstrong mama never lets anything stop her. This year, she ran the New York City Marathon, her first marathon, to fight the disease she lives with personally. “Running a marathon was never on my bucket list because I never thought I could actually do it … Running with a purpose is what got me to finally commit!” Read the full story here.

If you or someone you know would make a great candidate for Friday FITspiration in 2015, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

What running, triathlon or fitness story or person most inspired you during 2014? Who do you think I should profile in 2015?