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. Today, I have the great honor of introducing you to American running legend Bill Rodgers.

Bill is best known for winning both the Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon four times each between 1975 and 1980, setting the former American marathon record with a personal best of 2:09:27. During his decorated career, he has run about 60 marathons and numerous other road races, including winning the Gasparilla Distance Classic right here in Tampa during its inaugural year. I am looking forward to being with Bill this weekend during the Fit Foodie Race Weekend in Tampa as I run my first race pregnant.

Bill has some great advice and inspiring words to share with us. Join me in welcoming Bill to the hot seat on runladylike.com.

rUnladylike: You’ve completed 60 marathons, including winning both the Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon four times each. Of all the incredible running experiences and triumphs you’ve enjoyed during the years, what’s the greatest takeaway or lesson running has taught/brought you?
Bill: Running has taught me that we are meant to move. In doing this, especially by walking and running, we gain the fullest ability to live our lives healthfully and with intensity. We also can avoid a lot of the struggles that come with an inactive life. We are happier when we run or walk on a consistent basis. That doesn’t mean you have to do an Ironman or marathon.

rUnladylike: What does your running and fitness routine/training look like these days?
Bill: I was a marathoner for about 23 years and have been a runner since I was 15 years old. I started running a mile or two a day with my brother Charlie to run cross-country. These days, I still like to race some of my favorite races across the USA, such as Falmouth and Bix road races. I’m no longer a marathoner, but I love to cheer them on at the Boston, Philadelphia and NYC Marathons, which I attend every year.

Today, I run about 40 miles a week with my girlfriend Karen as well as friends in my neighborhood. We run trails and roads, although I have always loved running on grass and through the woods the most. I do some cross-training, such as light weights or planks. I like to swim since it’s such a great way to recover from the impact of running on our legs, and it’s a great way to relax by just floating sometimes.

rUnladylike: I qualified for the 2016 Boston Marathon for the first time but was unable to run the race. What advice do you have for those of us who have yet to run Boston when it comes to training and preparation once we get to that start line?
Bill: The key to run your best races are your pre-race preparation and to pace yourself conservatively, though I think weather is a paramount factor. Humidity is hardest on a distance runner’s efforts, so we need to drink our sports drinks, water, orange juice, etc. before and after running in such conditions. Of my 60 marathons, I dropped out of eight due to heat/humidity and not drinking enough. At the Boston Marathon, there are some great downhills. You want to run steady and not too hard in the early parts of that race so you can take advantage of those downhills after about mile 16.

rUnladylike: Finish this sentence: The best running advice I’ve ever received or given is: ________________________________.
Bill: The best advice I ever got about running/racing was from my grandfather Andy who told me to “just try” as I was worrying before a cross-country race.

rUnladylike: As a Tampa resident, we’re so glad you chose to come to our city for the Fit Foodie Race Weekend. What are you most excited about for the race/weekend, and why did you decide to participate in this race?
Bill: I’m happy to join all the Fit Foodie walkers, runners and their friends and family in Tampa. I know Tampa is a big running city, as I won the Gasparilla race in 1978 and have run along Bayshore many times since.

Thank you to the Fit Foodie Race Series for introducing me to Bill through my partnership as a Fit Foodie Tampa Ambassador.

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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 Bill’s running journey and legacy? After a race, are you more excited about the medal or the food?