Fearing Fear Itself

Fear has been a common topic around here lately. The fear that’s on my mind this week doesn’t have to do with cycling–or even relate to my first time trying indoor climbing–but is a more troubling fear brought on by spending too many hours watching the Republican National Convention. I’m not going to get into it here, but I need to get this much off my chest: A presidency based on anger, hatred and fear will not make this country great–no matter who is in the Oval Office. President Roosevelt got it right when he said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” 

Fighting Off Fear
I know all politics are ugly and I think one reason I’m so stressed out is because I am actually watching the political debates and conventions this year. I’d like to think the Democratic National Convention will take the high road and rise above the fray but I know it will have its share of ugliness. ~sigh~

 ~~Deep Cleansing Breath~~

Weekly Wrap

I was back at home this week and back to my usual workout routine. Here’s my recap for the Weekly Wrap Link Up hosted by Holly and Tricia, including a look at some of the fun things I ate:

Monday: Orange Theory Fitness

Orange Theory Fitness

I think this was my fewest splat points ever! Our treadmill segments were too short to get my heart rate up even though I was running a 2% incline and pushing my pace.

Tuesday: 5.25 mile run

July Run

Wednesday: 45 minute RealRide indoor cycling class at Revolve.

Thursday: 4 X 800s at the track.
I was tired, but wanted to get a run in before the heatwave hit, so I opted to run at the neighborhood track.

Track Workout

I wasn’t trying to hit a particular pace and the variation in my lap times shows it!  

Friday: 45 min strength routine at home

National Hot Dog Day

We celebrated National Hot Dog Day at work!

Saturday: 8.25 mile run (1:19:50; 9:40 pace)
I got out for my run at 6:00 am, before the worst of the heat, but it was still very warm. Midway through my run I decided I would make myself a tropical soft-serve when I got home.

Coconut Mango Soft Serve

I blended Chobani coconut yogurt with frozen mango chunks–yum!

Sunday: 32 mile ride (1:19:50; 9:40 pace)
We started our ride at 8:30 and chose a mostly shady route towards Mt. Vernon. The bike path was surprisingly busy for a hot summer day, but except for one stretch where we were stuck behind a family of five for over a mile, it wasn’t too congested. I

cycling

On Saturday my Mom had given me some tomatoes and cumbers from her garden, so I made a batch of gazpacho for lunch. It’s so delicious and refreshing! 

Gazpacho

Check out my favorite gazpacho recipes here!

Did you celebrate National Hot Dog Day?

Does anyone else start planning their recovery meal while they’re still running?

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21 Responses to Fearing Fear Itself

  1. HoHo Runs says:

    That’s a very impressive bike ride! Don’t you have a bike race coming up? Thinking about my post-race treat is the only thing that gets me through the last few miles of a run! Today, I chose a salted caramel english muffin with honey pecan cream cheese and a banana. And coffee with peppermint mocha creamer. I’ve never had gazpacho but it sounds delicious. Thanks for linking, Coco.

    • Coco says:

      I’ve never heard of salted caramel English muffins! That’s my favorite flavor of everything. We are doing a 60+ mile ride with the Fork to Farm Fondo in 2 weeks!

  2. Ooh I like gazpacho but I only get it when I go on cruises! I will have to check out your recipes! I agree that the political climate in this country is sad. I especially dislike when people post their opinions on social media and expect that all their friends or family should feel the same way. I really hope this election does not divide friendships!

    • Coco says:

      Gazpacho is really easy to make – dice a few veggies, toss in a blender, add a bit of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper and blend!

  3. Total agreement….the political stuff is especially ugly this year. I’m really scared as to what’s gonna happen in November…..

  4. Marcia says:

    Great variety of workouts this week! Yes to gazpacho. I don’t think I have any cukes ready in the garden yet. Hopefully soon!

  5. Chaitali says:

    I couldn’t even watch the RNC coverage. And given the news from the weekend, it looks like the convention this week may not be much better. That gazpacho looks great, and perfect for these hot days! I haven’t made any yet this Summer but this is a great reminder 🙂

  6. Christine says:

    Oh gazpacho! Love it.

    And I agree with your sentiments on the current political state of things. It’s so disheartening and has really exposed the racist and fearful underbelly of this country. The RNC was like a reality TV show, which really shouldn’t be that surprising given who the ring leader is at this point. Sigh.

  7. Most of the time I’ve actually planned my recovery meal BEFORE I run. Yes, I am very food motivated. Sometimes I completely change my mind when I get home, too.

    Sometimes that treat after a run is all that gets me through it!

  8. Right there with you on the political scene. I am quite sure that has contributed to my overall stress level as well. I can’t even watch any of it–the news coverage is enough to do me in.

    Just keep moving and burning off that stress!

  9. National Hot Dog Day came and went and I didn’t even get my Hot Dog Tree up! I think those holidays let you celebrate retroactively. At least I hope so.

    I just started again on Couch to 5K, but for sure, when I step foot on the ‘mill, I’m thinking about the recovery meal!

  10. Cassi says:

    So many holidays, so little knowledge of when they are! I haven’t had hot dogs in quite a while.

  11. I missed National Hot Dog day, my bad!!! But I am one to think about what I’m going to eat even before my run is over! I guess I live the “Run to Eat” phrase!

  12. Fear – you should come talk to my 9/10 year olds. This age group has never cared so much about an election. I teach in a predominately African American/Hispanic school and they are all worried that Trump will send them and their families away somewhere. It is sad to see kids so young so worried about politics.

    • Coco says:

      It breaks my heart to hear that, but it’s perfectly understandable. On the other hand, my 22 yr old son has finally registered to vote, so there’s that.

  13. Pingback: 5 Ways to Keep Going . . . | Chocolaterunsjudy

  14. Learning to face the fear itself is only the answer. Learn to overcome it even it cause you so much pain.

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