I’d like to take a little pause from the usual running and triathlon content and just show you my other passion in life, which is gardening.
Most of my plant maintenance I do on weekends to center myself and slow down, because running and triathlon (as well as my day job) are relentlessly moving forward. I like to do other things to balance out that sort of energy, like yoga and gardening.
This vlog is on the surface just about repotting a neon pothos and a juvenile Monstera deliciosa. But also there’s a subtext about plant care that can also apply to my athletic pursuits.
I repot plants when they’ve outgrown their pots. I add fresh soil mix with lots of nutrients to support growth, and the added space from a larger pot means the plant will also be able to grow bigger.
This year has been a mixed bag of ups and downs. While some of it has gone according to expectations (still no mass participation sports events here in the Philippines), the other parts have been pleasant surprises (vaccines and better protection against COVID-19) as well as a bit of a stumble (getting injured).
Recovering from my injury is my number 1 priority, and that’s been going great although I’m still supporting it with a home exercise program and weekly consults at PACE Prehab. The next step is to build my run fitness, which I’ve been encouraging along with virtual runs like Run 7-Eleven which I completed last week. (I’m also already signed up for a few virtual runs and rides in the new year.)
All this is to say that if you’ve been feeling lethargic and uninspired, you might just need to be repotted, metaphorically speaking. Just as I put my plants in the right conditions to grow lush, we also need to put ourselves in the right position and situation to succeed in 2021. Look for new challenges and ways to branch out, but also don’t forget to give yourself the kind of support you need whether it’s to pick up a hobby or pastime, sleep more, or eat better.
