Why a healthy orchard is the foundation of my training routine
A lot of people look at a 100-acre farm and see a pile of chores. When I look at my orchard in the beautiful town of Ancaster, Ontario, I see the main reason why I can still run 60 kms a week. There is a real connection between the work that I put into the land and the energy I have when I put on my running shoes. Keeping a thriving orchard of apples, pears, plums, and cherries is a year-round commitment, but the health benefits make every hour of pruning worth the effort.
Natural Recovery from the Trees
Long-distance running takes a toll on the body. The cherries and plums from my trees have been some of the most effective tools for my physical recovery. These fruits contain natural properties that help manage the aches that follow after a long run. Choosing to eat what I grow helps me skip the processed and imported options at the grocery stores. Fresh fruit picked right at the peak of the season offers the perfect nutrition that keeps my joints and muscles feeling good.
Quality Through Traditional Methods
In my experience as a farmer, I’ve found that traditional farming methods result in better produce. Healthy soil leads to nutrient-dense fruit. This is an easy path to nutritional wellness. Eating a farm-fresh apple or a pear straight off a tree ensures that I’m getting the best possible fuel for my runs. My diet revolves around these seasonal staples. The complex carbs in the orchard fruit provide the steady energy required to handle difficult terrain.
Focusing on Longevity
Health is a long-term project. I believe that staying active for a long time depends on how often you move your body and eat real food. Working with my hands in the dirt and then using my legs on the gravel roads creates a cycle of sustainable health. This lifestyle keeps my mind clear and my body capable of handling the physical demands of the farm.
A Simple Method of Wellness
Nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. My goal is to stay as close to the source as possible. Taking care of the land ensures that I get exactly what is needed to maintain a long and active life. Every season offers something different to keep the body in sync with nature. Regardless if I’m harvesting a crop or hitting a new best on a trail run, the goal is to always stay moving and stay healthy through simple, natural habits.
