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.

“[People] can do whatever they set their mind to. Nothing is too difficult.” ~Katie

Today, I’d like you to meet Katie who blogs at From Ice Cream to Marathon. Last year, Katie decided she was tired of being what she calls “fat and unhealthy.” She started running and changed her way of eating. Since then, she has finished 2 half marathons and numerous 5Ks. She’s lost 40 pounds and just signed up for her first marathon in April! Check out my interview with this fit chick who has transformed her life through running.

How long have you been running, and what inspired you to start?
I’ve been running off and on for 2 years, but I got serious about it 6 months ago. I was overweight and miserable, and I decided to start running to help with my weight loss.

Finish this sentence: I run because ____________________.
I run because it makes me happy!

What is your favorite race distance?
My favorite distance so far is the half marathon. It’s the perfect distance for me. I’ve run 2 half marathons, and I got an 18-minute PR in my second race!

What running/racing accomplishment are you most proud of?
It would have to be my first half marathon. I’ve run a lot of 5K races, but after each one I would tell myself there was no way I could possibly run 10 more miles on top of that! But I proved myself wrong. I followed a training plan, and when race day got here, I completed it and had an awesome time!

What goal do you most want to accomplish in 2013?
My goals for this year are to run a 5K in less than 30 minutes, to run 13 half marathons this year and to finish my first marathon!

What is the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? How did you do it?
Just telling myself that I could be a runner! I would see other runners and think to myself that I could never do that. I could barely run from my house to the end of the driveway without being out of breath! I made all the excuses in the world as to why it wasn’t possible for me. I finally quit making excuses and just DID IT. I changed my way of thinking. I told myself that I can do anything. And I did it.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it?
Exactly what I had to do: Change your way of thinking. Push out the negative thoughts, and replace them with positive ones. It sounds easy to do, but I know it’s not. Start out slow. Walk if you have to. If I can do it, you can too!

What is your running mantra(s)?
Don’t stop believing!

What running gear do you never run without?
My Garmin watch. It helps keep me on pace.

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best (us runners are always looking for the best tips and secrets on nutrition!)?
For my long runs (more than 10 miles), I take some GU gels. Those give me energy and help a lot! I also drink Nuun.

What’s on your iPod right now?
Group One Crew, DC Talk, Lecrae and Toby Mac.

We know you love ice cream from the name of your blog. What’s your favorite flavor?
Well, I have a favorite flavor in every brand, so this could be a very long list! Probably my favorite overall flavor would be cookies and cream.

What are you most passionate about? What inspires you the most in life?
I’m passionate about helping others see that they can do whatever they set their mind to. Nothing is too difficult. Hearing about other people’s weight loss and fitness stories really inspires me and keeps me going.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a twin sister, and I have 8 brothers and sisters!

How can people connect with you?
Blog: From Ice Cream to Marathon
Twitter: @kda1114
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fromicecreamtomarathon
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fromicecreamtomarathon

Thank you Katie for sharing your story with us! If you or someone you know would be a great candidate for Friday FITspiration, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

Katie has pledged to run 13 half marathons this year! (Way to go Katie!) Do you like to race a lot, or do you prefer to target just several races throughout the year? Also, Katie’s favorite indulgence is ice cream. What is your favorite food to eat after a long run or race?