The Not-So-Constant Gardener

I really like the idea of gardening fresh, organic produce.  However, as much as I try to enjoy the process, it is a struggle.  I usually start out strong with the physical one-time actions (like rototilling and planting), but then my motivation, patience, and excitement somehow disappear.  I end up haphazardly attending to my poor plants and spending my time thinking about the many other things I’d rather be doing than gardening.  In short, I’d like to leave it to the professionals. 

It has also been a bit traumatic.  Last year, some crazy bug laid its eggs in my snow peas, causing me to bite into little green larvae crawling around in the pods (and I call myself a vegetarian!).  These insects were soon replaced by slugs in the rainy months.   In fact, most people I know refused to eat any product that came from my garden-- treating it all with great skepticism and distrust. 

Yesterday, I decided that I am going to overcome my gardening shortcomings.   I felt a bit guilty as I looked at my overgrown, flowering kale that had been abandoned for several months. But I was happy to see that they were still alive and had not given up on their negligent caretaker.  Perhaps there’s some symbolism there.

Furthermore, I discovered that “overwintered” kale flowers are edible and was able to sauté them into a nice stir-fry.  I also had enough bug-free kale to make a couple bags of kale chips.  It’s always nice to realize that I’m not a complete failure! 

I am hopeful that I will keep building momentum as I attempt to hone my gardening skills.  I could be a bit too optimistic, but maybe I’ll even learn to enjoy/appreciate the wonders of gardening.

Marathon #1, Here I Come!

I would like to officially announce that I have registered for the Portland Marathon!!  Since I’ve forked out the $145 and now formally proclaimed it online, there’s no turning back now.  If my hamstrings, ankles, knees, and feet cooperate (fingers crossed), I will be running 26.2 miles in precisely 5 months, 18 days, and 19 hours from now.  I can’t wait!

I have purchased an 18-week training plan.  Yesterday, my Physical Therapist made me come to the realization that I had been overly optimistic about my pulled hamstring recovery time and reminded me that resuming intense physical activity prematurely may cause this pesky injury to linger indefinitely.  Therefore, I’m trying to slowly ease my way back into things  -- hopefully at a faster pace than the PT has predicted. 

One other note: The Portland Marathon will be dedicated all those who were impacted by the tragic Boston Marathon bombing, as part of a “Speak with Your Feet” campaign.  This adds new meaning to this endeavor.  My heart aches for the folks in Boston.

I am not a couch potato.  I’ve done a long assortment of 5K’s, 10K’s, 12K’s, and half-marathons throughout the past several years.  However, a full marathon seems daunting.   Positive messaging starts now: I think I can, I think I can…

Setback #1

This blog represents my newfound commitment to living a full life, and I reckon that a lot of its posts will focus on my pursuit to reach new levels of physical fitness. Yet, there’s one small problem: I recently ended up with a Grade 3 pulled hamstring. No fun!

This life development has meant that I’ve spent the last few weeks going to/from multiple ongoing appointments (a primary care physician, a chiropractor, and a physical therapist), as well as maintaining a strict regimen of icing, heating, stretching, monitoring pain levels, and completing hamstring exercises. I had no idea that being injured was a full-time commitment!

Being out of commission also has allowed me to over-estimate the great feats that I’d be accomplishing if I weren’t injured. I tell myself, “If I weren’t hurt, I’d be training for an Ironman, breaking some world records, or taking on body building…” This is entirely not true. In reality, I’d probably be spending the same amount of time finding reasons not to go running or to the gym… But at least now I have a convenient excuse!

I am trying to be patient with the healing process. I think I’m just about to the point at which I can resume strenuous physical activity, and I’m busy planning all of the great things I will do. I certainly will not undertake an Ironman, break any world records, or take up body building, but I’m ready for some serious movement. Put me in, Coach-- I’m ready to play!

The “New” Hilary

I’m going to become a better person -- eating better, living better, exercising better, and making the world better. Change starts now!