I’m in Training

I know the Boston Marathon is coming up in a few weeks but that’s not the kind of training I am talking about. In fact, the last time I ran I think I was chasing the ice cream truck! I have a special kind of training because I am an Industrial Athlete. If you are unfamiliar with the term I can explain. The term industrial athlete refers to anyone who makes a living using mental and physical talents to perform jobs that require skill, strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance—just like an athlete. In the gardening business I would pretty much guess that defines all of us. It could also refer to those who garden regularly. I would propose that, like an athlete training for an event, we would be more successful if we “trained” so to speak. If we do, the approaching spring days, with their hours of weeding, mulching, pushing wheelbarrows won’t kick our butts.

If, like me, you have spent a good portion of the winter sitting on the couch binge watching HGTV, a full day back in the garden can really wreak havoc with your back, your knees, your fingers…..Best to start training now. Many exercises mimic what we naturally do in the garden. Dead lifts, squats, pushups are all motions we use when lifting bags of compost, weeding, pushing a wheelbarrow. By starting to do a few exercises now we can make sure we are ready for the big day. A list of great gardening exercises can be found on Northwest Edible.

Another important element in training is to make sure we are eating right. While it is tempting to grab a super-sized whatever at the drive-thru in between jobs, or skip lunch altogether, neither is the right approach. As Industrial Athletes our bodies require fuel, especially on those days when the compost needs spreading! The right fuel will keep us going longer than a Dunkin Donuts coffee and donut. Sugar will provide a quick pick-me-up but the crash afterwards is inevitable. My brother, who is also an Industrial Athlete, swears by a Jolly Rancher candy mid-afternoon but a better option is eating something with protein which will give longer lasting energy. I can get so focused on work I sometimes forget to eat so I am grateful for a wonderful co-worker who will often prod me to eat a clementine or cheese stick. Hard boiled eggs and almonds are other great snack options. And out in the garden always have a large bottle of water handy. It’s easy to forget and even easier to get dehydrated.

Those of us who work outside need to make sure to pay attention to the elements. Environmental dangers – whether, ticks, mosquitos or sun exposure -can sideline the best Industrial Athlete. Wearing the appropriate sunscreen and even a hat will help prevent skin cancer. Using a tick and mosquito spray, especially in wooded areas, is a no-brainer.

Athletes have gear to help them perform better so too do the Industrial Athletes. The right clothing can help you avoid getting overheated; a hat can protect your skin from the sun.  Gardening gloves were not a part of my gear until I was bit by a spider while weeding. My finger swelled so quickly I was afraid my wedding ring would have to be cut off. I now wear gloves. My most valuable tool… sunglasses.  Those hot sunny days are brutal on our eyes and I cannot imagine spending a day in the garden without a good pair. These are not “fashion” glasses, in fact my daughter will say they are “Terminator-esque” but they protect my eyes.

By focusing on the right training I am giving myself the best chance for a successful gardening run this year. Care to join me?

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