I did it. I actually followed through with a New Year’s resolution and ran a half marathon.

It was painful and exhausting, but also exhilarating, and, I can say it now, fun.

When I made this resolution, I wasn’t quite sure if I was going to be able to do it. I had just started running seriously in January, not exactly enjoying it, but as I ran more, I learned to love it.

I continued running, and signed up for the half-marathon in Sioux Falls that was in September. Throughout training, I had to remind myself to think about the good days I had while running, and not the bad. In May, I ran a 10k race in Fargo to keep myself motivated.

On that race day, I was surprised to see tons of people who were not running, out in their yards or on the sidewalks cheering for the racers. Everyone was out to enjoy the day. It was like Nebraskans flocking to Lincoln on a Husker game day, but instead were just there to support the runners.

Almost all too soon, my half-marathon race day approached in September. My dad, one of my sisters, and one of my brother-in-laws were all ready to go at 6 a.m. on a beautiful morning. My nails were painted in rainbow colors (thanks to my nieces) and I was wearing my “will run for ice cream” headband. There’s nothing better than colorful nails and a clever hair accessory to get me excited to run.

I started out really well; the first eight miles were enjoyable as I took in my surroundings and chatted with my family. But then came miles 9 through 13.1.

Those 4.1 miles were brutal. I wanted to quit, cry, swear and throw up. At mile 9.5ish, my sister asked me how I was doing. I was trying to be tough about it, and told her that I wanted to cry, but I was okay. As I said this, a lady about 70 years old passed us, and threw up a high five. This small gesture encouraged me to grit my teeth and push through the pain and exhaustion. I thought to myself if she can do it, so can I.

Later, an elderly gentleman was standing in his yard by himself cheering for every runner as they went by. This guy took time out of his Sunday just to do this. With his encouraging words, I felt empowered to keep going.

By mile 12, I was dead. My thighs were cramping, my mentality was failing and I wanted to be done. Which I hysterically cried out loud in front of some small, very frightened children.

Closing in on mile 13.1, I heard loud cheering and musical instruments. At the finish line there were hundreds of people around, but I searched the crowd for the one person that mattered most. My mom. She is our biggest fan. She goes to most of our races to hold bags and to give moral support. I found her cheering and clapping just as I crossed the finish line.

A feeling of complete exhaustion and victory rushed over me.

Two weeks after, I ran a 15k race to raise money for the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. It was another gorgeous day on the trails at Adam’s Homestead in Sioux City.

My speed demon of a father left me in his dust, only after I told him to go for “the win,” and I was left to enjoy the run alone. I soon found myself running with a woman beside me, who seemed to have a perfect match to my pace.

After a while, she introduced herself. Her name was Abbey. Abbey happens to be one of my best friend’s names, so I took it as a sign that we were meant to run together. We ended up having a lot in common besides our love for running.

One of the best things about running is the people. Those that come out to support and the people I am able to run with. They have encouraged me, and without them I don’t think I could be the runner I am today.