You hear a lot about bucket lists. What are the things you want to do, places you want to visit, adventures you want to take, before you die? Before you kick the bucket. The focus is on what you haven’t done in your life. Yet.
After reading Angela’s post, I realized that if I took a moment to look at it, I have already accomplished a lot of bucket list items in my life. As she said, this isn’t meant to be a brag, a “hey, look at me” shout out, but more as a reflection on life and an appreciation for what I’ve accomplished. It reminds me that I don’t need to feel like I’m missing out on anything, and to be grateful for what I have and what I’ve done in my life.
- I’ve been to Paris. Three times. And run the Paris Marathon twice. That alone will help me die happy.
- On a one day trip to Florence, Italy, I not only got to see Michelangelo’s David, stay in an amazing (and cheap) hotel with amazing views of the city, and to run along the Arno, we also purchased my wedding ring from a gold seller on the Ponte Vechio.
- I made a career change at age 42, and started the job of my dreams.
- At that same age, I also married the man of my dreams. 1999 was a good year.
- I have hiked the Kalalau Trail in Kauai. Two days after my first marathon.
- I’ve ridden about 25 century bike rides.
- I’ve run 35 marathons.
- I’ve hiked Squaw Valley from the Base to High Camp.
- Triple Adventure: Train from Mexicali to Guadalajara, plane from Guadalajara to Mexico City, Cruise ship from Mexico City to Southern California.
- I’ve been to a “Coffee Shop” in Amsterdam.
- I’m getting published in Runner’s World (March issue, on the shelves in February)!
- I have two sons, two stepsons, two daughters-in-law, three grandsons, and one granddaughter.
- I once ran 3:16 in a marathon.
- I’ve been the overall women’s runner several times, including one memorable race when I won both the 5k and the 10k (and I have both clock plaques to prove it!).
- I got married at the finish line of the Tram Road Race (after running the race with my soon to be husband).
- I’ve run over the Seine in Paris, the Arno in Florence, across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and a nameless bridge over the Missouri River from Nebraska to Iowa.
- I’ve sunbathed on Waikiki beach (in the old days when we used to sunbathe).
- I’ve run a speed workout on the Las Vegas Strip.
- I started a blog (5 years ago!).
I’m pretty sure I missed some of the amazing bucket list things that have happened in my life, so I plan to update this post from time to time. I’m also linking up with Angela, at Happy Fit Mama, where you will find many more Reverse Bucket Lists to enjoy. Join the fun and link up your post too! I know I’ll enjoy reading it and see what amazing things you’ve done in your life. Or, if you’re not a blogger, share a reverse bucket list item or two in the comments.
This is an amazing list! I still need to set up my reverse bucket list just so I have something to help me remember all these great things I have experienced.
Do it! I want to read it! I love this stuff 🙂
What a cool idea! There are so many things that I want to do… it’s too easy to lose sight of the neat things I have accomplished/experienced.
Isn’t Italy amazing? 🙂
That’s why I loved this idea for a post. It’s fun to remember.
I unfortunately was only in Italy for 2 days, but I loved it so much. Florence is amazing.
You have done some amazing things! I love this idea!
I hope you’ll write your list too. I love reading about what everybody has done.
My jaw just fell to the floor! A marathon in 3:16?!?!?! Was that also in 1999? 😉
Actually, yes, it was. At the Saint George Marathon. Interestingly, because it was an Olympic Trials qualifier (it’s a fast course with a net elevation loss) I was only 17th in my division in spite of that time. Lots of fast 40 something women there!
You are a walking and running example of one of my mantras: Collect experiences over stuff. No wonder you are so upbeat and interesting
I would LOVE to read your list 🙂
I love it! Thanks for linking up! And please tell us more about your time in a “coffee shop” in Amsterdam. 😉
What happened in Amsterdam stays in Amsterdam (at least until I write a blog post about it). Actually, it was fun. I never cared for pot so I didn’t partake (though I did try a brownie…:-) ).
“Coffee Shop”?? HA HA HA Love it! You have done some pretty awesome things in your life already!
That’s why it’s fun to make this list, just to remember for a little bit.
SO cool that you’ve run the paris marathon!!! i love paris
It’s my favorite city. And I love the marathon, it’s like a tour of the city.
I love how this reframes the bucket list idea! Such a great way to provide perspective on what is important in our life.
I think it is good sometimes to think about what we have already accomplished instead of always worrying about what we haven’t done.
I was just talking about Paris this week. I’d love to go one day. So many amazing things you’ve done. wow.
I would move to Paris if I could. Seriously, my favorite city.
Fun idea! 35 marathons- so awesome and 3:16??? Wow- I am impressed!!
Still resting on my 15 year old laurels :-). I expect my next marathon to be a bit (like at least an hour) slower.
Ummmm…I’m jealous of your reverse list. It reads more like my normal list haha
Of course you need to remember that I’m like twice as old as some of you all :-). My adventurous life really started in my 40s.
Love this!! You have done some amazing things!! I love that you had a career change at 42!! And, you running history is incredible!!
Changing careers was the best thing I ever did for myself. It was scary, but so rewarding in the end.
You have done some seriously awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks. I think if we all took the time to think it out, everyone has done some amazing things in their lives.
Wonderful list of your big achievements and milestones in your life. Thank you for sharing and for inspiring 🙂
What a wonderful idea!! There is a tendency to always look where we’re not measuring up instead of taking stock in what we have accomplished. I’ve heard that when people buy things, most of the time the joy over that purchase decreases rapidly. Soon it’s just another thing that you own. It’s background noise. Our accomplishments can be that way too. Something that at one point was a goal loses its shine. I love the idea of taking stock and celebrating those accomplishments.
Love your reverse bucket list and your picture in Florence! You’ve lead a great life, and here’s to many more “bucket worthy” years!