Ryan Reynolds ran the NYC Marathon for quite a noble cause. He wanted to raise awareness of the Parkinson's Disease. I found that truly motivating, but what got me off the couch today was the story of 37-year-old Cris Dopher.

Dopher was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) when he was only four. Classified as a a genetic disease, cystic fibrosis causes a steady decline in lung function where mucus builds up in the lungs. CF generally leads to a shortened life span. Exercise has been part of his a major part of his treatment, but due to the disease, Cris's lungs work 30 percent less than normal lungs. Even with his diminished lung capacity, he ran 26.2 miles in five hours, fifty minutes and 12 seconds. From someone who has only stood on the sidelines of marathons, I am beyond impressed.

On his decision to run the marathon, Dopher said, "Maybe my body isn't built for marathon distance. But to me, I need a goal." Motivated by the memories of his friends that have lost their battle with CF, he was able to keep moving through the duration of the race. He hopes to do more marathons and to just keep breathing.