So this week the Supreme Court further enshrined our right to bear arms, decided that women can be forced to bear children, and put other Constitutional protections in jeopardy. To add injury to insult, my foot did not get better. It all has left me digging deep to find hope and motivation.
I promise, I’m not going to say a lot about Dobbs,
but bear with me for a minute, or skip to my Weekly Run Down.
Digging Deep
I’m tempted to re-use last week’s blog’s title (It Was Fun While It Lasted) and bemoan the huge setback to women’s rights. The Supreme Court decision leaves this issue to the whim’s of state legislatures. Unless a state’s Constitution confers a right, any legal protections–or prohibitions–are subject to change with each election.
Our Nation’s historical understanding of ordered liberty does not prevent the people’s elected representatives from deciding how abortion should be regulated.
Also concerning is the “historical” basis of the decision. The majority found “no support for such a constitutional right [to an abortion] until shortly before Roe,” and noted that abortion had “been a crime in every single State.” How many other rights we think are protected by the Constitution relate to activity that was illegal before the Supreme Court held otherwise? Justice Thomas shared his ideas in his concurring opinion:
[I]n future cases, we should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold [(right of married persons to obtain contraceptives)], Lawrence [(right
to engage in private, consensual sexual acts)], and Obergefell [(right to same-sex marriage)]. Because any substantive due process decision is “demonstrably erroneous.
This means Justice Thomas does not believe the Constitution protects any of those rights, which means he believes state laws could prohibit or criminalize them.
(He didn’t mention the Loving decision that prohibited bans on interracial marriage—that ruling was based on the Equal Protection Clause as well as substantive due process, and so should stand even if the Supreme Court eviscerates substantive due process.)
The current conservative Justices take a strict view of the Constitution. Rights that are specifically mentioned—like the right to bear arms—are protected, but rights that have been found to flow from other language or to be inherently embodied in the Constitution are up for reining in or eliminating.
At least Dobbs gives clear direction on what to do next: Vote in all elections. Help others register and vote. Support state candidates who will vote for/against state laws and state constitutional amendments that matter to you–including laws that make it convenient to vote.
Weekly Run Down
So, about my foot. My main symptom is intermittent sharp pain that seems to emanate from the inside ankle bone on my right leg, and radiate up from there. It’s worse going down stairs, but hardly noticeable going up. It’s sporadic and bearable when walking, and non-existent on my bike (thank goodness for that). The podiatrist couldn’t see a stress fracture on my x-rays, but did see inflammation around my distal tibia. So, he ordered an MRI to rule out a stress fracture, but the first appointment I could get is July 15–three weeks away.
I tried to mix things up by taking different types of Peloton cycling classes, but I really had to dig deep to find motivation. I thrive on the variety in my workout routine and struggle when I lose a favorite option and have to be careful which strength classes I take.
I did take my 250th stretch class–proof that I am being more consistent with stretching. 😉
Monday: FB Strength + 20 min Funk Ride
I added a cul-de-sac to our route to stretch my morning Scooby walk to 1+ miles, which is the perfect distance for the 20 min Peloton walks. Denis’s Funk ride was a fun start to my week.
Tuesday: 10 min Core + 45 min Bike Bootcamp
After a summer solstice walk with Scooby, I did a core class and Jess Sims’ bike bootcamp class that is a tribute to Kobe Bryant with basketball-inspired exercises. It was inspirational, but the 7 min EMOM at the end was a bit excessive!
Wednesday: 45 min FB Strength + 10 min Strength for Runners
Thursday: Core + 30 min Intervals + Arms ride + 10 min Arms
I loved the programming in Hannah’s Intervals + Arms ride. There were three interval blocks, each 6 min long with an EMOM ladder, with 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 sec work each minute (and the rest recovery). The ~3 min “arms” blocks in between the first and second interval blocks did double duty as recovery for my legs.
Friday: 20 min Core + 30 min Strength
I took the day off from my bike and did a 20 min core class, which I rarely do. JJ’s chest + back class was a good one, and I bookmarked Selena’s glutes and legs class for the next time I want a hip bridge/clam shell/deadlift combo.
Saturday: Core + 44 mile bike ride
We took “the long way” to the W&OD trail, and ended up riding 44 miles! It was warmer than last weekend, but thankfully less windy.
Sunday: 20 min bodyweight + 32 mile bike ride
Now that I know Matty’s bodyweight classes have a lot of core exercises, I chose one for my core workout. He did this class on Valentine’s Day and the “salty” mood was that of a jilted girlfriend/boyfriend vibe—so in the warm-up we did front kicks to bash the door down, etc. He chose exercises that spelled SALTY-squats, alternating lunges, lateral oblique crunches, tabletop crunches, and Y-crunches. Yup, lots of core,
After church we went for a bike ride through Old Town and then south along the Mt. Vernon to visit my Mom.(And, yes, my church supports a woman’s right to choose, birth control, same sex marriage—and homosexual priests—even though it didn’t 200–or 20– years ago.)
Now I’ve got to dig deep as I face another week without running. ~sigh~ I’ll tell you how it went at the July Ultimate Coffee Date link up on Friday.
A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I can’t get my head around what’s going on politically.
Unfortunately stress fractures don’t show in X-rays. You are smart to lay low. At least you can enjoy biking. That will keep you in shape.
Hope things improve quickly.
Apparently they only show once they’ve started to heal — if ever. I do enjoy biking, but not as much. 😉
Definitely smart to take off running until you see what is going on w your ankle. That is absurd to have to wait 3 weeks for an MRI.Looks like it’s a hot one at home today
I was surprised at the wait. I checked several locations too.
I am sorry that you’re back on the no-run list. I hope you won’t be staying there as long as you fear. Hugs.
The Supreme Court’s decision really does not come as a surprise. Trump is unfortunately the gift that keeps on giving. :(I think I got out of TX at the right time — now where to choose for our last state.
I hope that the pain in your foot starts improving quickly!
I wasn’t surprised, but now that the decision is out I’m concerned about its repercussions.
Many are concerned. And rightfully so.
It’s not a happy time to live here, but I try to remain hopeful for the future. Dark clouds always give way to the Sun — but it takes time. 🙁
Ha ha… Judy’s comment about Trump.
That sucks so much about your foot! And SCOTUS. But also your foot. I think it would be too early to see a stress fracture on on x-ray, so an MRI is a good idea. But three weeks???? That’s crazy! At least you’re keeping busy in the meantime… but I know. A life without running is a sad life. Hopefully this will be resolved soon.
I am hoping by the time it’s time for my appointment I can run to the hospital for my MRI — it’s on my 3 mile running loop. 😉
Well, you’re doing a fabulous job at digging deep, Coco!
Biking and strength training are great alternatives. Today I did my triathlon and I swear I’ve never been overtaken by so many bikes in my life! It made me wish that I spent more time on bike training!
You’re on to a good thing with your bike.
Oh, I can’t wait to hear more about it. I’d be passed by bikes in a race too — especially on the descents because I am so chicken.
3 weeks to wait for an MRI seems a bit much! I’m sorry you’re in pain again and really hope you can get some answers soon.
Between SCOTUS and the Jan 6 hearings I’m coming out of my skin! I’m not surprised by the Roe decision, but so very concerned about Thomas’ concurring opinion.
I’m so sorry about your foot/ankle injury. I hope it’s not a stress fracture and that the time off heals whatever is going on.
I was just feeling so optimistic this week after watching the Jan 6 hearings, but the SCOTUS decision knocked me off my happy place. WOW. I mean, I knew it was coming, but I guess I didn’t believe it. And Clarence Thomas can take his wacky wife and go away. Shame on HW for nominating him and Biden for letting it happen.
I am so sorry about your foot. I hope you get answers soon. Your biking this weekend was awesome. Glad you have another outlet for your exercise.
It will be interesting to see how he rules if Loving comes up since he is married to a white woman. It’s a scary time politically.
Total bummer on the foot issues. At least you have numerous other fitness options, though I completely understand your frustration (been there, done that…twice, in recent years). We just got back from our 32-mile ride…did you have 19mph wind (and hills) to fight, as well, on the first half? At least those conditions made for a much more favorable return trip after the turn-around 😉
That was our ride last weekend! Today was nice!
Kudos to you for sharing your thoughts on the devastating news of the week. I know I’m moving to a different country, but its not about me. I just can’t believe we are moving so far backwards. I respect freedom of religion. Everyone can have their personal views on abortion but those personal views are not law. I’m so disappointed.
At my age, it’s not about me either. 😉 But it’s about our country and its future. I hope this is a wake up call about what can happen if we don’t stop it.
These are crazy times we live in. If nothing else this should encourage us all to pay more attention and VOTE! I wish I was leaving the country like Jessie is. How sad is that? Sorry your foot pain continues!
It was definitely a hard week! I did try to stay away from the news this weekend because I was just so upset on Friday. And Justice Thomas literally makes my blood boil – every time I hear his name I think my blood pressure goes up. I am really sad for the state of this country, but in times like these I am happy to have exercise as a stress releaser.
Really sorry about the foot issue 🙁 Because it only hurts when you do certain things, do you think it might be tendinitis? Really hope that it starts to feel better soon.
Uurggh!! So sorry to hear about your foot and being off running – not fair and not easy. But happy you’re continuing to engage in other fitness activities. I really hope you’re able to run soon as I know the gap that leaves.
Clarence Thomas. There are not enough curse words
The man and his wife are a raving loony toon. But thanks for the explanation on why Loving should stand. Frightening to think that could pass even with him dissenting though
All the love to your foot