celebration out west

Ryan graduated from college last Thursday, so I took that opportunity to spend a week out West. It was awesome.

I flew into Las Vegas on Saturday, and checked into Treasure Island in time for dinner and a couple slot games before bed.

Sunday I slept in, lazed about, and then went to the spa! I haven't had a massage since my aunt got me one for my high school graduation, but I treated myself to a 50-minute therapeutic massage. In addition to the massage, I enjoyed the dry sauna, the wet sauna, the hot tub, and the relaxation room. It was just what I needed.

Shortly after I was done Ryan showed up! We enjoyed some happy hour drinks and snacks at the fancy restaurant in TI, and while there we saw Wayne Newton walk in. No joke. Then we walked down the strip, stopping occasionally to see ice skating or to enjoy a drink. Finally we ended up at the Todd English Pub for dinner.

Monday we had pho in the casino for lunch, then stopped by the outlet mall on our way out of town. From Las Vegas we drove a little over 4 hours to where Ryan lives, in Big Water, Utah. It's a tiny place in the middle of nowhere. Ryan made dinner and we watched a movie.

Tuesday morning we made our family's special rolls and took them to a work potluck at the fancy resort where Ryan works. After the potluck he attended a meeting while I hung out with some guy who told me all about the resort. Then Ryan took me for a tour. Ah, how the other half lives. After the tour we hiked out to a cave on the property. The cave has petroglyphs and lots of old Native American archaeological finds, including a bunch of petrified human poop all over the place. I'm confused about why they pooped all over the place. We also hiked all the way around the cave. Ryan is all "same ol' same ol'" about the desert, but after spending so long out East I think it's beautiful.

Ryan at the resort

The view guests see at the main entrance

the Cave!

Cairns mark all the trails. I like them.

Paintbrush Graveyard

Inside, checking out some artifacts.

Ryan spotted a real tree! Possibly the only natural one on the property?

The neat rock mountain we hiked the next day.

Siblings at Sunset

After our hike we headed to Page, Arizona (just over the border) for dinner, then it was back to his place for another movie.

His truck, his trailer, and his dog.

Wednesday morning we were back on the resort property for a guided via ferrata hike. It was probably the most fun hike I've ever done. We had harnesses and helmets and used steel cables and rungs to get up the rocks.

the via ferrata, or "iron way"

Geared up and ready to go!

This part was scary coming down.

I couldn't quite bring myself to no hands.

At the top! Next we'll go across that bridge.

I named that pile of rocks over there the Big Chief when I saw it from below the day before.

On top of the world and the guy still has to check his phone. Ugh.

Cautiously getting on the bridge...

Our guide sat down.

So I sat down, too. I also lied down.

Ryan could only bring himself to take a knee.

I accidentally dropped a glove from the bridge, and it waved to us as it floated down.

Getting brave with no hands!

After the via ferrata we went back to Ryan's place to pack up, then drove to Page. We grabbed some lunch, then visited Horseshoe Bend.

Ryan was too scared to get near the edge. And too busy with his phone, apparently.

Next we tried to tour a slot canyon, but we pulled up right as they were shutting the gate. Bummer. So we drove on another two hours to Flagstaff, Arizona. That's where we met up with my parents and our good friend Cynthia, who drove over from New Mexico. With Ryan's girlfriend Lauren in tow, we all went out to dinner at a local brewery. Then I went to bed exhausted.

Thursday was the big graduation day. Dad and Cynthia and I walked the short distance from our hotel to the skydome, while the others drove. We met up with Ryan just before the ceremony.

A sighting on our walk to the campus!

Ryan was second to last, and hamming it up as usual.

After the ceremony we went to the Hospitality and Restaurant Management building for a reception. Then we went shopping downtown. After an afternoon nap, it was time for a nice graduation dinner with a couple of Ryan's good friends. The food was delicious. We followed that up with some champagne back in our parents' hotel room. Then I joined Ryan and his friends for a drink downtown.

 Friday we said our goodbyes, and I drove back to New Mexico with my parents. Immediately I missed Ryan. I'm so grateful I got to spend an awesome week with him and be there to watch him graduate.

Winter Break!

I finished my semester up on Wednesday, and I am super excited about having a break from school. Since I took a summer course, I haven't had any time at all without reading or projects looming over my head since January. I will still need to do some work to get ready for next semester, but I'm taking the rest of December off for sure. Now I can move on to some different reading...

a Santa Fe Thanksgiving

I went to Santa Fe for Thanksgiving this year. It was a short but fun trip.

I got into Albuquerque Wednesday evening, just in time to eat Mexican for dinner with Dad, Ryan, and his girlfriend Lauren. Back in Santa Fe we topped off the night with two episodes of Duck Dynasty.

Thursday morning I dragged everyone but Mom (who was busy making pies) out to the Turkey Trot 5k. The temperature was in the high 20s, but didn't feel bad at all. There were 330 participants. Lauren and I ran together, with a few walking breaks (mostly because of my knee pain, but also because the course was hilly, we were at elevation, and my new running gait wears me out quickly). We still managed to finish in just over 31 minutes. Dad and Ryan walked, with a couple jogging breaks.

Ready to go!

Chatting while we wait to start.

My two favorite guys.

That New Mexican sun sure makes things seem warmer than they really are.

Showing off at the finish.

After the race it was time to get ready to head to Albuquerque for the big Thanksgiving meal. It was delicious, and nice to see friends and family.

Granddad and me. In matching sweaters.

Three generations.

Ah mush.

Grandmother loves hugs.

Thursday evening back in Santa Fe we topped off the night with more Duck Dynasty. Friday Mom made a good breakfast, then we stopped by the outlet mall quickly before visiting the Santa Fe Brewing Company.

Ryan loves New Mexico, and he loves beer. 

Four of us split the two tastings.

After our beer tastings Ryan and Dad took Jackson to the vet, while us ladies went downtown for some fancy hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate cheers

Then Dad and Ryan met up with us, and we walked around downtown. I accidentally stepped in a giant mud puddle which everyone thought was sooo funny, but resulted in a sweet new pair of socks for me. We continued on, visiting a few art galleries and enjoying some of the lighting of the plaza festivities.

Santa arrives!

For dinner we went to Cafe Pasqual's. It was really really good. Then we walked back to the plaza to see it all lit up. I love Santa Fe at Christmastime. And all the time.

Parents on the plaza.

We finished off the night...wait for it...with more Duck Dynasty. That show is hilarious. This morning I got up and went for another 3-mile run, which was hard (again, the gait! It is hard to get used to!) and required a couple walking breaks because there is still some IT band pain in the knee. Now Ryan is making me one of his breakfast sandwiches, and in an hour I head to the airport and back to Virginia.

improvements and breakthroughs!

Last week I had my follow-up appointment with the running doctor. He gave me a new medication and said to keep going to physical therapy. I've been out of commission for over two months.

But today was great! I ran three miles this morning without taking walking breaks, and the knee pain never came! That's a huge improvement, since it was the first time I've run at all without pain since this whole thing started.

However, it was really hard. Yesterday at physical therapy we worked on my running form, to get me to stop striking with my heel. Now I'm supposed to kick my legs back more, and man oh man it wears me out. I'm told it's better and will make me stronger and faster, but so far it feels like it takes a ton more energy and intensifies the cardio aspect. I didn't have to walk this morning because of any knee pain, but I actually did take a short walking break just to catch my breath. It was frustrating. But I'm still stoked to think the pain might be leaving (or gone), which might be thanks to the new meds.

In other news, I've been swimming more. And I've recently had a breakthrough and can actually swim longer than ten minutes! In fact, get this, I just swam for thirty minutes without stopping! I went 900 meters, and I think I could have kept going but the pool was about to close.

Project 2014 Triathlon is well underway.

highlights of a good good week

This past week has been full of good things you guys.

Last Wednesday after my class in Fairfax I went into DC and met up with Keith for dinner! He's a friend from college and we hadn't seen each other in five years. We ate at Farmers Fishers Bakers and our appetizer included kettle corn, beer nuts, and candied bacon.

Thursday for Halloween I dressed as Rebecca the Raccoon. Who is Rebecca, you ask? She was the pet raccoon of Mrs. Coolidge in the White House during the 1920s. Now you know.

Friday I went back to DC for a weekend with my grandparents and the crew that rolls with them. That night we had a great Chinese meal at Meiwah, followed by a smaller group hangout back at the hotel in which I got to hear the epic true story of a houseboat trip to Canada gone wrong.

Saturday night I hung out with Keith again. Kind of funny to go from five years apart to two nights in the same week. We enjoyed drinks and more catching up at Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe and at the Tabard Inn.

Sunday I went for a run from our hotel along the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, around the Lincoln Memorial, past the George Mason memorial (that I never knew existed), and to the Jefferson Memorial, with a stop in the visitor center below. This "run" was 6.75 miles but included quite a bit of walking, since I'm still injured. I've wanted to run by the river and tidal basin in DC for so long though, and it was a beautiful day.

Sunday evening I went with Grandpa and my aunt to the National Cathedral for the All Soul's Mass, which included the men and boys choir singing Faure's Requiem. It was amazing. We sat up in the choir area, which reminded me of sitting in the choir during services at Westminster Abbey in London. Only this time we didn't have to pray for the queen.

Sunday night I was in pajamas ready to play a game of Scrabble, but was instead called away by my aunt to go out on the town for dinner and drinks. I reluctantly agreed, and ended up having a great time on what will go down as a random but memorable night at Clyde's.

And to top off my A+ week, tonight in Charlottesville I went to see Gordon Lightfoot in concert! I used to enjoy listening to my dad's "best of" CD, and he played most of those songs tonight.

running (or not!) updates

So...I'm still not better. And I'm still going to physical therapy. But I'm getting better, don't worry. I'm also starting to swim and bike, in an effort to cross train and with thoughts of maybe doing a triathlon next year. We'll see. So far I still can't swim much without getting completely winded. And also, today I attempted another run but took a run-walk approach (run 3 minutes, walk 1), and I went 5.5 miles! I haven't been that far since the first week of September! Exciting stuff.

In other running-related news, I went to Baltimore a couple weekends ago to cheer on my friend S as she ran a marathon. (I deferred my own marathon registration until next year.) We had a good time. Her dad was there too, and so was her fiance and his dad. We drove up Friday, ate out Friday night, got up early the next morning for breakfast together before the marathon, watched her run (by mile markers 1, 8, 13, 22, and the finish), rested the rest of the day, went out for a fun dinner and gelato and walking around, and then spent Sunday morning at the aquarium before driving back.

Ready to go at Camden Yards!

A crowd at Mile 1.

Do you see what I see?

Mile 13. Halfway there!

Yum.

An old boat! (the USS Constellation)

"wonky biomechanics"

That's what the doctor said I have. Gee, thanks.

Last Wednesday I was able to get an appointment with a doctor in town who specializes in running. He confirmed that I have Iliotibial band syndrome. (And after looking at an x-ray he said my knee is "pristine.") He prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication, an IT band wrap to wear above my knee while running, and physical therapy. He also said I can keep running with pain, as long as it stays within the 0-3 out of 10 range.

I left pretty encouraged.

The next day I had my first physical therapy session (ever in my life). My homework is to do squats, do more squats on one foot, hold my big toe down but lift my other toes (which is so weird, and also impossible on my right foot), stretch my hip flexors, and stretch my IT band. And of course more foam rolling.

Right after my appointment I ran three miles. I had some mild pain, but it was okay.

Saturday I tried to run again, but had to stop at 1.3 miles. I walked a little, tried running again, and stopped at 1.5. I kept asking myself "is the pain above a 3? Is this a 3? Am I a wimp? Am I too tough?" But I knew if I kept going I would start to change my gait, and that's no good.

After the run I iced my knee and then went downtown to read, but I was limping while walking. I was also limping, or at least wanting to limp but not letting myself, today. Ugh. I think maybe the physical therapy homework is aggravating my leg. I'm hoping that's not really a problem. The whole point of the exercises is to strengthen my hips and feet/ankles so they don't wobble around while I run and make my IT band strain too much (which apparently is what's happening with my "wonky biomechanics").

So that's my news. I'm not better. I even feel a little worse. But I trust I will get better eventually, and I'm hopeful that physical therapy will help soon.

I won't be running a marathon in two weeks as planned, or even a half marathon. I'm holding out hope for a race in November though. And if that fails, there's always this local marathon/half in December. We'll see.

Woe is me: ailments of a runner

Throughout the summer I kept meaning to blog about how great my summer running was going. I was feeling fast(er). I saw lots of sunrises and serene foggy mornings. I got to run in beautiful places in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I made a new running friend. I was looking forward to an October marathon. I may have been despairing about my oppressive readings for school and my lack of sleep, but I always looked forward to my next run.

And then? Ugh.

A toenail turned purple, and I'll probably lose it.

I felt some knee pain a couple weeks ago and haven't been able to run since. (I've made it through test runs but before hitting two miles the knee pain comes back so I stop. It's not bad pain, I just know it means I shouldn't keep running.)

My coach said it's probably my IT band, and the main culprit is probably my not foam rolling enough. So now I'm foam rolling twice a day. What a pain. (Sometimes literally.)

Foam rolling on my carpet has given me rug burns on my elbows. I can't even remember the last time I had rug burns on my elbows.

Foam rolling with scabby elbows means they keep cracking and bleeding a little. It makes me feel ridiculous.

I'm also having to rub Bengay on my knee every morning, and ice every night. Trying to run, and not even getting to run, is sure taking a lot of work.

So that's that. I thought I was getting better, but now I'm not so sure. I'm going to try and see a running specialist doctor. For a while I didn't really think I should bother, since I'm sure time will heal me, but if seeing a doctor can get me running safely again sooner, I'm willing to go. I'm hopeful I can still run a marathon this fall, but the October race I've already registered for isn't looking realistic. That's a bummer, but overall I'm okay with it. Some runners go crazy when they are injured and can't run, but I'm doing fine so far. Probably because school, work, running, and trying to have a social life has all been wearing me a little thin recently. My body wanted a break, and now it's getting it.

But I still look forward to getting back out there, purple toenails and early mornings and foam rolling and all.

family moves

Growing up, my mom's side of the family lived six hours away in Texas. Then they lived a lot farther away in Virginia. We only got to see those grandparents and aunts and cousins a couple times a year.

And then I moved to Virginia. I lived with my grandparents, and those aunts and cousins were around all the time. I'd see them every week, or multiple times a week. All holidays and birthdays were spent with the same crew. Sure we could all get on each other's nerves sometimes, but it was kind of nice knowing everyone was around and everyone could be counted on to show up for a family meal or celebration. Even after I moved to Raleigh for grad school, or later when I moved to Charlottesville for work, I could still see them all often. And us "kids" could hang out if we wanted, which was especially nice when my brother was also in town. All the cousins were together.

But now that's changed. My aunt Caryn, plus my cousin Jay and his family, just moved away. To Portland, Oregon. Five people just left, which is a pretty big chunk of our Richmond family. Birthdays and holidays aren't going to be the same. Maybe slightly less stressful, but maybe not nearly as fun. It makes me kind of sad.

As a last "hurrah" for the whole family and to celebrate a birthday, we all got together for dinner a couple weekends ago. The meal was great. The company was great. And I got to meet my cousin's new son for the first time, which was extra great.

Jay presenting a birthday cake to Bobby, who turned five.

Birthday boy with his aunt Leslie.

Meeting Corbin for the first time. (The shot's a little fuzzy but his eyes are open!)

Showin' off our eyeballs.

Baby Corbin!

Gonna miss those boys.

Things in Richmond just aren't going to be the same. I'm going to miss them all.