Two and half years ago MeChelle Lewis was working in advertising in the Big Apple but competitive running was still her passion. It was then that she became the 11th fastest woman in the 100 meter run and made the Olympics team in Beijing.

"It was my first Olympics. I ran the 4 by 100 relay," Lewis said.

Although she has been an athlete throughout her life, she never expected to go this far or train this hard. She now lives and trains in Cary and is encouraging people all over the Triangle to get healthy for life.

"Let's try to look at ourselves from the inside out, let's make our insides pretty by eating right, drinking water and exercising," Lewis said.

Just last week, Lewis talked to a group in Apex about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Indigo Sparks is a 12-year-old runner.

"When I was listening to her speak it was really inspiring and really great and motivating," Sparks said.

For those people who have been athletic their entire lives, Lewis said don't be afraid to move on to the next level, no matter how challenging.

"With any sport or anything you're doing in life, motivating yourself is important," Lewis said.

And that's not just for athletes; it goes for anyone trying to meet their fitness goals.

You can see Lewis on NBC this Saturday running a race at Madison Square Gardens in New York City at 1:30 p.m.