Tell me you’re a runner who gardens without telling me you’re a runner who gardens.
Doing some light weeding after I return from my run has become a sort of cool-down.
Hell, I’m sweaty already, may as well get dirt on myself too before I go in for a shower.
I’ve been at a low ebb lately. I gave blood a few weeks ago, and I am just feeling myself again. My hemoglobin levels were borderline, and I was barely eligible to give blood. I was rejected during my previous visit, so I was determined to give blood this time. I went ahead, and, as expected, felt the impact for days afterward.
Run/ walking has always been my process, but there has been more walking than running lately. I’ve had to work in the garden in 15-minute increments, focusing on small sections at a time. The good news is that I’m finally emerging from the lightheadedness and low energy.
While I’ve complained about the unseasonably cool weather, I’ve been grateful for overcast days in the garden and on my long runs. I will miss these mild days when the heat and humidity take hold in a matter of weeks. These rainy Spring days will give way to long stretches of drought.
I persevered through ‘weed season’. A seemingly endless process of winning back my garden from determined invaders.
My marathon training starts in earnest in a couple of weeks. This year, I’m training for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 19th. I’ll push out my next blood donation until after the marathon. I like to give as often as I can, but I also need to ensure I stay healthy. I will investigate the issue with my doctor in the meantime. I’ll need all the energy I can muster for that effort.
This time, I know what I’m in for. I try to choose an inspiring setting. The honeysuckle is in bloom, emanating a heavenly scent in cool mornings and evenings. It’s also on a migratory flight path for a range of birds who serenade me as I plod along.
The garden is everywhere we look.
What seemingly unrelated activities do you love to combine?
I like the idea of ‘winning back my garden from determined invaders.’ You can take out the word ‘garden’ and insert whatever you like…..ie: winning back my closet from determined invaders; winning back my kitchen sink from determined invaders; winning back the top of my desk…….I could go on….you get the idea…..life is always a process….never a done deal…..Thanks for the visual…..
Reading in my recliner, and pondering people that run long distances! 😬 The cartilage in both knees “took a walk on the wild side” so even short lurches (some call them walks) with Izzie result in not the best after effects for knee pain and quad distress. I hope you’re well east of the path of the southward smoke invasion. That could clobber one’s training regimen! I’m glad to see your words again, Linda McLaughlin. I almost typed “hear your voice.” Hopefully worn out knees don’t result in auditory hallucinations. 🤞🏼