July
In July Avi and I moved into our own place together – our
first house! We have plenty of space, including a spare bedroom that I’ve
turned into yoga/strength room. Although the neighborhood is nothing like where
I lived in San Francisco – suburban Cleveland Heights is no Inner Sunset – it’s very close
to running buddies, which is quite convenient for group runs with Heidi and Nicole :)
August
In August Avi and I joined my entire extended family in
Quincy, CA to bid my grandmother farewell.
The morning we scattered Gram’s ashes I went out for my
longest run to date. I started out with
my brother and his girlfriend, departing from Main Street in downtown sleepy,
slow Quincy. Then we followed the hilly highway that led us out of town. Our
footfalls took us onto a single-lane road, past cows and creeks and farms that
had seen better days, toward Gram’s country home. An hour into the run, now
alone, I picked up the pace, trying to outrun the waves of sadness. Faster,
faster, the sun beating down relentlessly. Heart racing, lungs burning, legs
and heart aching. I ran til I could not run any further; physically and emotionally spent, I walked the last bit
back to the hotel.
And in the afternoon, on that clear, sun-filled day, my family and I
drove deep into the Plumas National Forest. We scattered her ashes into the
wind, high atop a mountain overlooking miles of trees and lakes. Together, we
tearfully honored this strong yet gentle, patient, independent woman who
instilled in all of us the importance of family.
September
My parents and youngest brother trekked out to Cleveland in
September. I showed them that contrary to popular belief, Cleveland is NOT the
armpit of the Midwest and is in fact a hidden gem! We ate quite well, indulging
in Ohio craft beer and ice cream, and spent time hiking in the CLE Metropark at
South Chagrin and in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. As I showed them my
favorite running trails, my parents quickly saw what I loved about Ohio and why
I run so joyfully here.
2 weeks after their visit I trekked home again to
California. Mom and I went wedding dress shopping and I’m pleased to report
that I found my dream dress! Even better, I paid for the dress entirely with running
prize money! :) I
also found our wedding venue – a beautiful lodge in Lake Tahoe that Avi
and I both love. I’m eagerly awaiting our 2014 wedding!
Just 3 more months of 2013 to recap - stay tuned!