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Fear: How Much Should We Have?

Klutzes Unite
Ok seriously, I feel like I need to do a giveaway for bandages and/or helmets. Perhaps a few ER passes as well. Maybe all the klutzes in the world read my blog or everyone is a klutz at heart. Thanks for sharing your..um...missteps in life.

We did indeed enjoy our Pizza Friday as usual. It's such an easy (and yummy) routine. Jason stuck with his BBQ and hot sauce combo and topped with sauteed Quorn, bell peppers, onions, and portobellos. My half included spinach, squash, sundried tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers and Quorn and the whole thing was topped with Daiya Vegan Mozzarella.


Running and Lifting
This morning I was determined to get in a run come hell or high water (or high temperatures). I got started around 8:30 and it was 82 degrees. The kicker was the humidity and dew point levels. The air felt like water. The run itself, 4 miles, felt great. It was seriously and "I can run all day" type of run with the exception of the heat and humidity. I was soaked head to toe and hallucinating about sprinklers. I actually got giddy at one point when I saw someone's sprinkler going and made a zig zag dash through it.

After the run, I did my scheduled chest/back/abs workout. No, I do not recommend weights after cardio, but I did this because the run was more important for me today. I knew my weights wouldn't be super heavy after that run so I stuck with supersets, higher reps, lower weights.


Chest flyes into Chest press - 3x10
Double-arm rows into Band pulldowns - 3x10
Incline chest flyes into Chest press - 3x10
Pullovers into underhand rows - 3x8
Pushups with toes on ball - 24
Y band pulls - 10
T band pulls - 10

And a variety of stability ball and weighted ab work with a long stretch at the end.

Fear - Good or Bad?
I have to talk about something that happened today though that was a bit scary for me. I normally feel very safe running in my area. I stick to a route or routes that I know and that are typically populated with either drivers, other walkers/runners, or lots of homes. Anyway, around mile 2, I noticed this car coming up behind me and then slowing down. They had their windows rolled down (2 men, color does not matter). They proceeded to drive up next to me (meaning they were driving on the wrong side of the road) and were pacing with my speed. I had just passed several people, but I was now on a stretch where no one seemed to be around. I tried not to look nervous and just kept my gaze ahead and my pace steady. I thought it was safer to stick to the route I knew rather than starting to veer off to unknown streets. This went on for almost 3 blocks when they finally sped up and turned off.

Oddly, I wasn't shaken up like I probably should have been. I never felt panicked, but I was very very aware. Not sure if that makes sense. But I will start running with mace now just to be on the safer side. I will admit that perhaps I have let my guard down too much recently and become too comfortable. I had a very dear friend who was murdered coming up on 14 years ago. I was so traumatized that for years a wouldn't even carry a purse. I was always on guard and always afraid. Eventually, I realized I couldn't go through life that way and slowly began to relax. Perhaps I went too far to the other side? Do you think you can either be too fearful or too unafraid? Do you think we should always have our guards up ever so slightly? I don't want to be afraid to run in my neighborhood, afraid of every car that passes or unsavory character stumbling down the road. That's not a life to me. But at the same time, perhaps I should be just a tiny bit more wary.

Have you ever had anything bad happen while out on a run or walk? Are you fearful enough?

Taking it Easy
After the workouts, I opted for some patio and pool time. A girl deserves that right? I love my patio time for just relaxing and reading. I did feel a teensy bit guilty for putting of chores, but they will always be there waiting. I did get some weeds pulled up and some of the rose bushes deadheaded. I swiffered the floors and did a load of laundry so that has to count for something. I am really upset with my garden and yard right now. Everything is dead and what's not dead is very sad looking. This heat we've been having is literally burning everything up. It doesn't matter how much watering you do or don't do at this point. Sigh....

Dinner tonight will be Grilled BBQ Tofu Sandwiches with a Carrot and Cabbage Slaw (Salad) and likely a side of grilled sweet potatoes. I think I have an addiction. I'll be sure to post pictures tomorrow. But for now I am going to log off and enjoy the evening. I hope you all do the same!

Comments

  1. Girl what a story!! So sorry about the murdered friend 14 yrs ago; one never fully gets over those losses I dont believe.

    Anyhoo..YES i have had scary shit like that happen to me. When I was running in Myrtle Beach on a route I ran every day, about the same time, a man in a van did the SAME thing to me. Paced my pace for like 2 miles. I stayed on the sidewalk and didnt vere off into unknown areas, same as you did. And then afterwards, I got mace on my keychain.

    I am the victim of violent crime(s) in my 20s. A few horrible things. Anyway though when shit like this happens to me, I have even HEIGHTENED reactions to it all based on my past. I am sooo sorry this happened to you!!!

    And your comment to me about keeping your blog real...YES you absolutely do...which is why i always love to read it, the good, bad, and real life stuff!

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  2. yea...I have felt that also,fear
    I go with my gut instinct...glad it all turned out okay for you...scary

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  3. Heather,

    Please be careful. I don't think you can be too cautious. I am not suggesting that you should be fearful but you should be aware and safe if that makes any sense.

    I used to be care free until I was raped at knife point by a stranger. Sadly I could have been killed so being raped was minor but it is something that I will never forget but wish it had never happened. If I had been more aware it may not have happened. Just be cautious, please.

    hugs,
    Ali

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  4. OMG scary, always be aware but try not to be scared because being scared doesn't allow you to live your life the way you should!
    Funny you posted about that today. Today I decided to go for a run from the condo we rented here in Orlando. I wasn't sure where to run so I stayed around the complex and just outside of the gates. I made sure to stay very aware of my surroundings especially since I have never run here. Good idea to run with mace and hopefully you will never have to use it!

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  5. Oh my gosh! That just freaked me out. Please be careful! I am so sorry about your friend! That is more than horrible. I don't run, so I have never been in a situation like that. Please be careful!!!

    I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend and stay safe!

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  6. oh wow, yes that is very scary! I carry mase on my keychain just for situations like that.

    I think the fact that you stayed so aware was exactly what you needed to do.

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  7. That's really scary, I would have been very shaken up. Glad you're ok. I think it's definately a good idea to carry mace in future, and a mobile phone maybe, then you could have rung someone and at least told them what was happening.

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  8. That is so scary! Recently when I've been running outside, John has been with me on his bike, which makes both of us feel better. I've had some similar moments, and while I don't carry mace, I do try to stay very aware of my suroundings

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  9. Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga Thanks for sharing your story with me by the way. It just isn't right that we have to live in fear.

    Tanya @ Tanya's Daily Product Reviews Thanks so much - sometimes it's sooo important to be in tune with our instincts.

    Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean I am so sorry something so horrible like that happened to you! I just don't get why people do the things they do to others.

    Bela @ It's Life, Max it Out Good call staying close to the complex since you didn't know the area. Very smart!

    Sarena @ The Non-Dairy Queen Thanks so much for your concern sweetie. It means a lot actually.

    Lisa @ I'm an Okie Even if it's cumbersome, I'm definitely going to start carrying it with me when I run now.

    Laura @ Box Run Eat Yes, a cell phone would be a good idea. Guess I need to get some sort of running "fanny" pack or something like that.

    Madeline @ Greens and Jeans That's great that he rides with you for your runs - especially since you're out there for so long right now!

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  10. good question-are you fearful enough? you are right many times we let our guards down and forget that we could be in harms way because we are getting too comfortable. thank you for writing about this Heather-good reminder. and thank goodness nothing happened to you-sounds scary what happened.

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  11. ive cheated death quite a few times with cars or big trucks. thankfully ive been able to dart out just in time but 99.9% of the time it isnt my fault. It never causes fear tho, but i guess if it got scary-close-to-death im sure it would shake me up pretty bad.

    xoxo <3

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  12. I'm very behind on your blog from this weekend and just caught this. PLEASE be careful girl - I worry about you!! That is a scary incident and I'm proud of you for staying strong and being aware of your surroundings. I agree that being a little extra cautious form now on is good, but avoiding being "afraid" all the time is smart too...

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  13. I am in tears. I am so sorry you had to go through that experience, and an awful loss of a friend. I wish I could just hug you. Trust your instincts, they are so important. Again, I hate you had to go through this!

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  14. I am truly so sorry to hear about your friend.
    I have heard scary running stories before. I am so sorry that you had something scary happen to you. I am so glad nothing happened. I would definitely start bringing mace. It always helps to be prepared.

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  15. Kalli @ Fit and Forty Something You're right, no matter what, this is a reminder for all of us to be just a bit more cautious. So many of you all run and bike and often alone.

    Kelsey @ The Snacking Squirrel Yikes girl - glad nothing major has happened!!

    Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat Thanks sweetie - I promise to be careful. Feel free to move this way of course and we can run together ;-)

    Nichole @ Live For the Run Thanks so much for your kind words! Hugs right back to you.

    Kristen @ The Swanky Dietitian I am really thankful as well, and so thankful that I have not ever had to experience anything worse like some of my readers.

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  16. TOTALLY know how you feel about the safety of running. That is AWFUL about your friend:( Makes me sooo sad.
    I had something similar happen to me while out running a year or so ago- it terrified me- and made me want to start carrying mace or a baton. My dad gave me a baton (like the police) to carry while out running- makes me feel safer.

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  17. Kalli @ Fit and Forty Something You're right, no matter what, this is a reminder for all of us to be just a bit more cautious. So many of you all run and bike and often alone.

    Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel Yikes girl - glad nothing major has happened!!

    Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat Thanks sweetie - I promise to be careful. Feel free to move this way of course and we can run together ;-)

    Nichole @ Live for the Run Thanks so much for your kind words! Hugs right back to you.

    Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian I am really thankful as well, and so thankful that I have not ever had to experience anything worse like some of my readers.

    Holly @ Greek Yogurt and Apple Slices So sorry to hear something similar happened to you too. I think a baton may definitely make someone think twice!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oooh girlie, that IS scary. I'm sorry to hear about your friend too. This world is a crazy, senseless place sometimes.

    You're absolutely right that we cannot live our lives in fear. In my undergrad years, I was once followed home by a cracked-out homeless person. He followed me all the way to my (thankfully secure) apartment door. It made me scared to go out by myself for a long time in fear that he was stalking me. I filed a report, but he didn't mug me or anything, so they couldn't arrest him. That incident forced me to become more aware of my surroundings at all times.

    My current neighborhood has gotten pretty bad about crime in recent months (a number of break-ins and muggings). I still have to take my dogs out every morning at 5:00am, so I just make sure I'm on my guard and carry a small hunting knife with me (my boyfriend insists). You did the smart thing by being aware of the car and not stopping.

    On a lighter note, don't feel bad about your garden. My parents' big garden in SC is doing the same thing--it's just a REALLY hot summer this year!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Kalli @ Fit and Forty Something , Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel , Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat , Nichole @ Live for the Run , Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian ,
    Holly @ Greek Yogurt and Apple Slices , Laura @ B Foxy Fitness : Not sure what is going on, but I have tried to reply to these comments for 2 days now...I just wanted to let you know that I have read them and appreciate your concern more than you know. I am also sorry for those of you who have had really frightening situations as well.

    ReplyDelete

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