I made a New Year’s Resolution this year. I am determined to not quit this one after a few months like many others in the past.

I have been working hard to not only make it a resolution, but also a new way of life. My plan is to run a half marathon sometime this year.

In high school, I hated track. Running in front of people, making a fool out of myself, wasn’t for me. Not to mention, I was terrible at everything.

I tried jumping, throwing, sprints, long distance, nothing I could say I excelled in at all. Out of high school, I tried to like running. I needed to do something to keep away the Freshman 15. It didn’t work. I not only gained weight, but I also started all wrong.

I thought that I would still have some athletic abilities and went at it head on. I hated that I was “slow” and suffering through a mile wasn’t fun for me, so I never kept at it.

The summer of 2013, I decided I needed to make a change. I spent the summer working slowly to get to six miles.

I followed a plan, realized that walking through a run and being slow IS okay, and found running to be enjoyable. Going on a run was where I could find peace and alone time. It made me a happier, healthier person.

Then school started up again. Eighteen credits, a part-time job and a wanted social life made it hard to keep running a priority. I left running behind and focused on everything else. My health and my mentality suffered.

That is why I made this resolution for 2014. I need the benefits of running in my life.

So I found an excellent running partner, my dad, and decided to make time to run. I allow myself around 40 minutes a day during the week to train.

If I can’t do that, I don’t stress over it. On the weekends, I make time for a longer run. This last week, I am proud to say that I ran eight miles, something I never thought I would be able to do.
Finding a good running partner is definitely essential.

Thankfully when my dad turned 50, he had a mid-life crisis where he decided to make a healthy change and started running.

Over ten years, he has run many marathons and other races. My dad pushes me just to my extent, and he encourages me every day.

He is also turning 60 this year, which is another reason I made this resolution.

My three sisters have been able to run half-marathons and marathons with him, so it’s my turn this year. Maybe I can even talk my brother into running with us.

Making a resolution and sticking to it isn’t easy, but finding ways to make it easier for you is important.

Whether it’s a person to help you along or just 40 minutes a day, you can do it.