Here at runladylike.com, Fridays are 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. 

Just when I think I’ve read every inspiring running story there is to read, another ordinary person amazes me by doing something absolutely extraordinary. Whether you’re gearing up for a long run or race this weekend or are simply looking for some extra motivation, these four stories will remind you that we are all stronger than we think. And a few will also require you to pull out some tissues.

Woman Qualifies for Boston in All 50 States
Qualifying for the Boston Marathon at any age is tough, but how about doing it in all 50 states? That’s exactly what runner Julie Musselman, 49, accomplished last month. Julie started her running journey after her husband, NBA coach Bill Musselman, passed away in 2000. What started as an activity to help her cope has turned into an inspiring journey, including 58 completed marathons, achieving an outstanding personal marathon best of 3:00:40 and qualifying for the Boston Marathon in all 50 states. Read her story on Runner’s World here.

8-Year-Old with Cerebral Palsy Finishes Triathlon
This story hit the airwaves back in July, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since the moment I saw it. When I reflect on what it means to not be defined by limits we place on ourselves, I think of Bailey Matthews. Baily, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 18 month old and whose mobility is severely limited, finished a 100-meter lake swim, 4K bike and 1.3K run as part of the Castle Triathlon in Yorkshire, England. This included finishing the last few meters of the race without his walker. He falls several times but never gives up. There are so many lessons we can all learn from this brave little boy. If you only do one thing today, watch this video. You can see more photos and info about Bailey and his inspiring dad in this article on today.com.

Elite Runner Fernando Cabada Overcomes Odds and Inspires Others
Fernando Cabada is an elite runner who grew up in Fresno, California. He was the son of first and second generation immigrants and had a father who was in and out of prison. Despite a challenging childhood, he discovered running in elementary school and recalls that it made him feel like he was “somebody.”

And what a “somebody” he has become as a runner. In high school, he was ranked among the top 10 fastest boys in the United States in the 3,200. In college – after dropping out to take a low-paying job and then finding his way back again – he won 7 NAIA titles. After college, he ran his marathon debut in 2:12:27 at the Fukuoka Marathon (the seventh-fastest debut by an American) and set the American record of 1:14:21 in the 25K at the National Championships in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fernando placed 10^th at last weekend’s 2015 Chicago Marathon. Check out this podcast from Runner’s Connect and hear him tell his inspiring story.

100 Amazing Ways People Cross the Finish Line
There’s nothing quite like standing at a finish line and watching people accomplish something they once thought was impossible. I love this photo slide show from the Minneapolis-St. Paul NBC affiliate of people crossing the finish line at the Twin Cities Marathon earlier this month.

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Do you know someone with an inspiring story that should be featured on Friday FITspiration? If so, email runladylike@gmail.com.

What inspiring running stories have you heard or read lately? Feel free to share a link to some of your favorites.