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. Their stories are about the journey of transforming from ordinary to extraordinary each and every day.

It’s the last Friday of 2016. How did that happen so quickly? As I think about planning for the year ahead, I love to channel people who inspire me to dream bigger, believe harder and conquer the impossible. Today, I’m looking back at some of the most inspiring runners I profiled this year. From elite athletes to everyday runners, these stories and individuals embody what it means to find our extraordinary.

1. Working Mom of Three Turned Winning Elite Runner

One of my favorite running moments from 2016 was meeting elite runner Sheri Piers. At age 40, this mom of three was the first American female finisher at the 2012 Boston Marathon. Her list of running accomplishments is long, but her journey to achieve excellence is quite the story. She juggles running more than 100 miles per week while working full time as a medical director in Maine and being a mom to her three kids. Read the full story …

“I truly live by this and BELIEVE that you can have it all if YOU want it all.” ~Sheri Piers

 

2. Hitting the Trails with Ultra Legend Scott Jurek

One of my favorite interviews from the past year was with legendary ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek. His running feats are jaw-dropping (like setting the record for fastest across the Appalachian Trail, averaging nearly 50 miles a day for 46 days). But what I love even more is what a great example and role model he is for the sport of running. Kind. Down-to-Earth. Passionate. Scott makes running so accessible to people of all abilities, and he talks about every aspect of trail running, favorite runs and dreams for the future. Read the full story …

“I’m a huge believer in having an intention for each run …Whether it’s an ill friend or a cause that is important to you, give your run purpose to push through hard times because we all have them.” ~Scott Jurek

 

3. Running 1,500+ Miles to Beat Cancer

Australian friends Christopher (Tofe) Evans and Anthony (Ant) Sedman committed to running thousands of miles and countless races during 2016 to raise money for the Cancer Council Queensland. They call themselves the Wounded Pelicans, and they are using their passion for running to change the world. Read the full story …

“Everyone has their own inspiring story. Whether it’s a single dad who has lost 80 pounds so he can be fitter for his children, or a couple of mums looking at becoming active and being part of the running community, or a man who’s running for his mental health … or even two guys like us who just wanted to get fit and see how far we can push our bodies.” ~Tofe Evans

 

4. From Breaking Records to Cooking Pancakes: Behind the Curtain with Ryan Hall

As one of the most well-recognized elite runners, Ryan Hall is the U.S. record holder in the half marathon and the first U.S. runner to break one hour for 13.1 miles (59:43). Now retired, Ryan spends his time with wife Sara and their four kids, with a new passion for making pancakes and bass fishing. Ryan opens up about his past, present and future, and lends his advice along the way. Read the full story …

“To be the very best runner we can be, we must train hard three days a week, easy three days a week and rest one day.” ~Ryan Hall

If you or someone you know would make a great candidate for Friday FITspiration in 2017, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

What running, triathlon or fitness story or person most inspired you during 2016? Who would you like to see me profile in 2017?