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.

It was 2013. I was immersed in training for Beach2Battleship – my second half iron distance triathlon. I was determined to get faster on the bike that year. My least favorite sport was what I was going to do the most until I conquered it.

A man named John Stanton started showing up with our training group for long weekend rides. He was training for Ironman Florida, and we both needed lots of miles on flat, windy roads to prepare for our respective races. I could typically hang with him for the first 30 miles, but then he would leave me in the dust. We started getting to know each other during those long Sunday morning rides, and I looked forward to having him out there training with me.

We both killed our races – me in North Carolina and him in Florida. Shortly after, we both took a break from triathlon and would often meet up to run together with our group. We ran a very similar pace and were good training partners. As we were mid-way through a long run one Saturday morning, John casually told me he used to smoke, weighed 200 pounds and was unhealthy. Um, excuse me … what!?! I couldn’t believe this. I made him tell me his story. Honestly, I probably made him tell me his story several times on different runs.

As John says, he is “living proof that with will power and determination, the human body can do anything.” Today, I’m excited to introduce you to my Atlanta-based friend John Stanton. Check out his awesome journey.

When did you start running and what inspired you to start?
I started running again in August of 2009. After four years of being divorced and making many unhealthy lifestyle choices, I stepped on the scale and was surprised to see I was 200 pounds. I have always been in good shape and weighed between 140 to 150 pounds for most of my adult life. It was time for a change.

Running and triathlon have given me a new and fulfilling life … and it only seems to get better.

Tell us how you went from being an overweight smoker to a fit and fast Ironman finisher and marathon runner. Was there a moment when everything clicked?
I quit smoking in my late twenties. I was on a mission to become a healthier and better person. Marathons and triathlons weren’t on my radar yet. All through my late twenties to mid-thirties, I ate healthy and exercised, predominantly lifting weights. Running – at the time – was only a necessary evil for cardio. However, the more I ran, the more I wanted to do. A friend told me about a short sprint triathlon he was doing. I bought a new, cheap hybrid bike and I started training. Unfortunately, I had a work conflict by the time the race came around, was getting a divorce and ultimately the triathlon dream died.

Fast forward to that day in August 2009. I decided I needed to do something for my health and my life before it became too late. I immediately re-joined the gym and signed up for a 10K – my first ever race. The U.S. 10K Classic – 6.2 miles of crazy hills. I had one month to get ready. And I did it. I was on my way.

The running and racing became more and more addictive. After a few more 5K and 10K races, I remembered the unfinished business of the triathlon. In 2010, I completed a few sprint triathlons as well as a half marathon. The addiction and the miles became stronger and longer. 2011 brought an international distance triathlon and my first marathon. I had suddenly become unstoppable.

In 2012, I ran the San Antonio Marathon and finished my first half Ironman. Now, suddenly, what had seemed like an insurmountable goal was attainable. In 2013, I trained like a machine. It is necessary to train insane to complete a full Ironman but I am here to tell you that it is completely doable! On November 2, 2013, I became an Ironman in Florida.

What running/triathlon accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
Becoming an Ironman is certainly a great accomplishment. But more importantly, I had taken control of my life and changed for the better. I am living proof that with will power and determination, the human body can do anything. From quiting smoking cold turkey when I was younger to pushing my body 140.6 miles on my own power. That being said, I really believe the best take-away for me has been all of the great people and relationships I have made along the way. The endurance community is really amazing – from accepting the newbie runner who has to walk/run a 5K to helping push the seasoned athlete to new PRs.

You recently graduated from massage school to become a licensed massage therapist. What inspired you to do that and what do you think are the biggest benefits of sports massage for runners?
During my wife’s training, she tore her plantar fascia, and suffered from runners knee, IT Band Syndrome and hamstring tendonosis. She would come home after physical therapy and show me what the therapists were working on and the different techniques. This was fascinating to me, and I wanted to learn more about the human body as well as how to treat injuries. But I didn’t want to be limited to treating injuries. I also wanted to be able to help athletes prevent injury.

Massage is helpful to athletes in that it speeds recovery time after tough workouts, it keeps muscles in better condition to be worked out, and, with consistent treatment, the therapist will notice slight changes in the athlete which may need more attention before an injury gets out of control.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start running or get in better shape but doesn’t know where to start?
Stay consistent. It sounds cliche because it is said often, but it’s true. Also, immerse yourself in the running community. Sign up for a race so you will have a goal to work toward. Join a running club where you will meet people who will hold you accountable for the goals you’ve set for yourself. Meet up socially with running friends to talk about goals, achievements and set-backs you’re having. And lastly, volunteer at a race. Nothing makes you feel more connected to a community as giving back to the community.

What is your running mantra or piece of inspiration you use to keep you going when the miles get tough?
I want to be healthy, but being in shape is a great side effect! Some days are harder than others, but sometimes you just have to “get up and go!” I find that even if I don’t feel like working out, if I just “get up and go,” five to 10 minutes into it I’m so happy I did and by the end of the work out, I don’t even remember why I didn’t want to do it earlier.

What running/triathlon goals do you most want to accomplish in 2016? 
I want to finish the 2016 Ironman Chattanooga. Most of the year will be spent training, but the tough part will be striking a healthy balance between training, family, running a business and my new-found hobby of massage therapy.

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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 inspires you most about John Stanton’s story? Who would you like to see featured on Friday FITspiration in 2016?