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.

It seems fitting that the last Friday of 2015 falls on Christmas. It’s a day that is about believing in the impossible and surrounding ourselves with love and inspiration. It’s a day we reflect on the many blessings in our life and all that we’re grateful for. It’s a day we celebrate the past year and look ahead with joy to all the opportunities and possibilities that remain bright and shiny in the year to come. Today, I’m looking back at some of the most inspiring running stories I profiled this year from people who embody all of these things. 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. Selfless Runners and Triathletes Help Individuals with Disabilities Cross Finish Lines

Runner Rebecca Johnson was inspired by her son Gabriel who has Down syndrome to start  myTEAM TRIUMPH Angels of Georgia. The organization matches able-bodied athletes with people living with disabilities to allow them to experience endurance races. “I’ve learned not to allow limits to be placed on someone,” Rebecca says. “Each person has more ability within themselves than they think they have. I’ve learned to take a moment and look beyond a physical limitation and see the possibility. I don’t count myself out anymore and I don’t count my neighbor out. There will always be ‘the wall,’ but with the right support, we can all do more than we give ourselves credit for.” Read the full story.

2. Runner & Triathlete Cycles 2,500 Miles from Florida to Maine after 50

Barbara Blackford, an experienced runner and triathlete, didn’t become an endurance athlete until after age 50. She has since lost 100 pounds, finished too many marathons and half marathons to count and is an Ironman finisher. This year, she completed a 2,500-mile bike ride from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Bangor, Maine. She started the Web site Fitter After 50 to document her cross-country cycling adventure and to inspire and remind everyone that as we age, our dreams can and should keep growing. Read Barbara’s story.

3. Beyond Boston: Runner Collapses within Sight of Her First BQ

New mom, runner and Ironman finisher Nicole Dobransky was ready to finish her fastest and strongest marathon ever at the 2014 California International Marathon. At mile 24, she was still feeling strong and knew she was going to smash her goal, qualifying for the Boston Marathon for the first time. Then, the worst happened. She could see the finish line, but her body stopped moving. “The human body can accomplish amazing feats,” Nicole says. “Just as it can surprise us, it can defy us. My body betrayed me in a way I never imagined.” Read Nicole’s story and how her perspective on running and qualifying for the Boston Marathon has changed since that scary and disappointing day.

4. Stage IV Cancer Fighter Inspires Survivors to Exercise

Yariv Kafri, a dad of two and an avid runner and athlete, found himself in the emergency room after a surfing accident. But he never imagined what the doctors would find. He had a brain tumor caused by Stage IV lung cancer that had spread to his brain and other organs. He and his family were in shock. After brain surgery and chemotherapy, Yariv was still determined to get out on his bike. As he continues to fight, this year he finished the TransRockies Ultramarathon, running 56 miles and ascending 9,000 feet. He has also founded Supportersize, a nonprofit organization designed to empower and motivate people with cancer to be physically active. “Exercise made me feel alive in a situation where each day was a question,” Yariv shares. Read Yariv’s story.

5. A Sister’s Love Defies Limits

Running means more to Laura King Edwards, because it’s how she fights back and honors her younger sister Taylor who has a rare brain-based disorder called Batten disease that slowly ravages basic functions like sight, swallowing, walking and talking. There is no cure. After running a half marathon blindfolded to raise money for Taylor, Laura is now determined to run a race in every state to continue raising money and awareness for her sister’s condition. Read more about her journey, the races she has run so far and how you can help: Read Laura’s story.

If you or someone you know would make a great candidate for Friday FITspiration in 2016, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

What running, triathlon or fitness story or person most inspired you during 2015? Who would you like to see me profile in 2016?