[I had way too much fun with Photoshop yesterday.]
Recently on Twitter, Fit Bottomed Girls posted a link to this article by Steve Ruiz on his compilation of a fitness bucket list. If you have seen the movie Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, you know what I’m talking about.
A bucket list is essentially a list of all the things you want to accomplish before you, ahem, kick the bucket.
Some of the things Steve wrote on his fitness bucket list were bench pressing 300 pounds, hiking to the summit of a mountain, and running a marathon in Greece.
The best part of this list is that it can be as crazy and as ‘out there’ as you want to make it. It is your list and you can write any crazy fitness goal you have ever dreamed of!
Of course, I was super, super excited to make my own fitness bucket list!!
Being a visual person, I knew I wanted something I could put up on the wall to motivate and inspire me.
I printed off this image of a bucket onto cardstock. Click image for the full size and you can save it to your desktop. Print away.
After printing on cardstock, I took a pair of scissors and made a slit in the top of the bucket going horizontally. After that, I taped a piece of paper on the backside of the bucket. The paper will catch the list item that you stick through the slit.
Then I typed up and printed off the list items and I cut them up into long strips. Finally, I printed a title for my bucket and taped that on.
Voila…my very own real life fitness bucket list:
Here are the fitness things I want to do before I kick the bucket!! 
My list:
- Run half marathon
- Run sub 2hr half marathon
- Climb Canadian Rockies
- Take yoga class in yoga studio
- Indoor rock climbing
- Run marathon
- Outdoor rock climbing
- Sky dive
- 25 regular push-ups without stopping
- Sail on a catamaran
- Learn how to scuba dive
- Run a race in a foreign country
- Organize a huge charity run with bloggers/readers
Once I accomplish goals on my list, I am going to pull out the strip and staple/tape it to the side of the bucket.
I put it on beside my desk so I can see it each and every day to motivate me to stay on the right fitness track. I think this will be especially motivating once winter hits! It puts a big smile on my face when I look at it and imagine myself doing all of those things.
What would your fitness bucket list say? In other words, if you knew you could NOT fail, what would you do?
Practice hope. As hopefulness becomes a habit, you can achieve a permanently happy spirit.
~Norman Vincent Peale
August 28th, 2009 at 7:27 am
I saw that article – great idea!! I’ve actually thought about this before:
- Run a marathon
- Swim the Northumberland Straight
- Do a trail race
- Finish a century bike ride
- Squat my bodyweight
- Do 50 push-ups
- Run a 5k in 25 minutes or less
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August 28th, 2009 at 7:30 am
-do yoga (which I will from september)
-do not beat yourself up when skipping cardio
-more strength training
-running without stopping for an hour (I can’t run at all)
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August 28th, 2009 at 7:39 am
I just wanted to throw it out there that I think you have the capability to cross two of those off when you finish your half marathon. I predict you’ll be able to run the sub 2 hour this first try…
Here are a few of my bucket list fitness goals:
-Run a sub 2 hour half marathon
-Run a marathon
-Do a triathlon
-Run a sub 50-minute 10K
-Do 50 push ups
-Run a 5 K in under 23:30 (maybe even lower, but I’ll go with this one for now)
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Angela (Oh She Glows) Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Wow thank you for the vote of confidence.
Goodluck with all your goals too!
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August 28th, 2009 at 7:46 am
I’ve made my list before, but never thought to print it on an actual BUCKET… haha very creative! I love the idea of having the visual. Although I wish I had an “office” space in our condo, the hubby might not want that on our fridge haha.
My goals are very similar to yours…. I was just saying yesterday how I really want to organize my own race for charity!
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August 28th, 2009 at 7:53 am
mine would be
- attend a yoga class
- do a triathlon
- do a marathon
- learn how to surf
- learn how to snowboard
- run a 5K in 21 mins or less
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August 28th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Awesome idea and I love how creative you were with bucket picture! I’m going to make my own fitness bucket list tonight!
I had a favor to ask too…I’ve recently started running and as fall/winter approaches, I’m getting nervous about running outside and battling the cold/snow. I live in New Hampshire, so it gets in the teens(farenheit) here and lots of snow! How do you cope with running in the winter, staying warm and breathing in that painful cold air? Thanks and my apologies if you’ve already done a post about this! = )
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Kristen Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Hey- I’m sure Ange will comment too, but I’ve done a lot of winter running (and I’m just a bit north of New Hampshire in eastern Ontario) and one of my first suggestions would be to invest in some good winter running gear. You’ll pay a little more for it, but it will keep you warm. Start with a good set of wicking long underwear, and go from there with your layers. (Make sure your outer layer is wind proof)
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Angela (Oh She Glows) Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 8:52 am
I must admit I haven’t done much running in the winter. Since I have my treadmill, I tend to stick to that in the winter (total chicken here!). Actualy though, one of my goals is to get outside more this winter so I will probably look at investing in some winter gear to motivate me. has anyone used those runner’s cleets? The grip things you attach onto your sneakers for ice?
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Kristen Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 9:11 am
I’ve used “Yak Tracks” and they are good for ice, annoying for deep snow.
I’ve heard that the screw shoes are really good AND it is cheap because you do it yourself: http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
Jess Reply:
August 31st, 2009 at 5:37 am
I live in the prairies and aside from maybe a week of -30C I ran all last winter. It’s actually one of my favourite times to run.
If you keep an easy and consistent pace you usually won’t slip on the ice that much so I never thought cleets were necessary. I have taken a few spills but snow is pretty soft to land on. I also didn’t buy much official running gear and did just fine. I ran in my biking pants (knee-length) with a pair of sweatpants over top, a long-sleeve sweat-wicking jacket (sometimes another wind-resistant jacket over top if it was really cold) and those cheap gloves you can get at the grocery store for a buck a piece. I might invest in some better running pants this winter, but if you’re not too serious I don’t think it’s necessary.
Also, make sure you find routes with nice homeowners who shovel their walks early in the morning
August 28th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Mine would be:
Run a half marathon in
- Paris
- New York or San Francisco
Run the London marathon, or A marathon anywhere else (maybe Marathon itself, that would be cool!)
Learn how to surf
Take kickboxing
Swim 1km
Do a hike or mountain climb in Peru or Nepal
Do a yoga retreat somewhere exotic, preferably with Shiva Rea!
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August 28th, 2009 at 8:12 am
i love this! mine would be:
join a yoga studio (i will do this when i can afford it!)
complete a 30 day bikram challenge
run a half marathon
run or walk (more realistic for me) a race for charity
hike in the andes mountains
go on a yoga retreat
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August 28th, 2009 at 8:30 am
We share some of the same ones . ..
Sub-2 hr half marathon
Finish a half marathon (umm, that should probably be first!)
Do several foreign half marathons in different continents (but NOT the one in Antartica – that’s impressive, but not one for me!)
Run through an entire pregnancy (when it actually happens, which isn’t for a bit).
Run a post-baby marathon.
Try Pilates – everyone I know who does it raves about it.
Lower my 5K race time.
That’s a good idea though for long and short term – I am sure there will be more added to all our lists!!
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August 28th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Ok lady, you are waaaaay too creative! How cute!
1. Run a marathon (12/18/09!!!!)
2. Do a triathalon
3. Run the Boston Marathon
4. Run a sub 20 5k
Just a few of mine.
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August 28th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I would do another series of sprint-distance tri’s. And MAYBE do a figure competition. I said maybe.
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August 28th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Thats adorable!
I’d have to put in “learn to like running” and “not dread exercise”
If I start there, the other stuff will follow.
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August 28th, 2009 at 9:16 am
I love this idea! My list includes:
Start Doing Yoga
Do at least 3 unassisted pull-up’s
Squat 150lbs
Learn to like running
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August 28th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Love this! Just wanted to share that I have my own “List” going, although it’s not for things to do before I ‘kick the bucket’ it’s a list of things to do BEFORE I TURN 30 next year (I do have some fitness and food goals on there, too). I started a blog about this project to track my progress and, of course, hold me to my word. Lists are incredible tools and I’ve made one on my birthday for years, but none as significant as the one I’m working on right now. Making up a list for fitness is a great idea and a healthy one at that. The key is, I’m finding, not to become overwhelmed by the List – keep positive and set some smaller goals to get to the big ones that sit on a list. Sky diving is on there for me, too, Angela. First step, research a good company, get moral support from friends/family, then book it! As for the yoga (I’m a teacher) there are tons of yoga studios who offer FREE classes for first timers. Take advantage of that opportunity and shop around for a class that’s right for you. The right fit will make all the difference. All the best with your LIST!
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August 28th, 2009 at 9:21 am
what a great idea!
- run a half marathon
- hike as much of the AT as I can in my lifetime
- be able to do 25 REAL pushups
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Definately learn to scuba dive- most relaxing thing you could ever do! If you ever have the opportunity, do it in the Cayman Islands…AMAZING!
I love your Bucket (and the list that goes with it!) I’m a total list maker and never though to do a Fitness Bucket List…I may have to try it!
A couple I thought of:
- Run the 1/2 (or maybe full) Las Vegas marathon (I <3 Vegas!)
- Get a team together and do the Jasper to Banff relay
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Ang you are so inspiring..
Megan’s bucket list
*Run a 1/2 Marathon.. Hopefully Disney Princess Half In march
*Practice more yoga
*Do 25 real push ups
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:19 am
What a great topic!
Here is what I came up with on the top of my head. If I think about it more I am sure I can come up with a ton of stuff. I definitely am going to put together a fitness bucket list!
-Run another marathon
-Run a sub 2 hour 1/2 marathon
-Do a triathlon
-Rock climb
-scuba dive
-ski with confidence and tackle a black diamond.
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Love this idea!!!
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Things I’ve done: become a yoga teacher 9 years ago, run in over 100 races including 5 & 10k’s, half marathons, and a marathon. I’ve learned to scuba dive, I’ve rock climbed, I’ve spent a month in the Costa Rican rain forest, I’ve gone on yoga teacher trainings in the Yucatan, I’ve scuba dove in nothing but a teeny tiny bikini-no wetsuit, umm I’ve learned to run while pushing 60 lbs of toddler + jogging stroller…I’ve done lots of stuff and I am super proud but I always want to do more!!!!
The new things I am loving and want to do more of in the future: my blog, go to raw culinary academy, start doing more with my yoga/private client business, do more remote hikes, get on the show Survivor, be a great mom and inspire my hubs and daughter to stay healthy.
Whew..that was alot
Oh, and cut down on my coffee intake. But I love it…
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:24 am
This is such a great idea! Let me know when you plan that charity run. Would love to be involved!
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Ange,
I see rock climbing on your list! Fantastic. If you’re ever in Philly, you’ve got a free pass to my gym coming to ya!
~Run a marathon with my best friend and little bro (my running inspirations)
~Ride the full MS city to shore ride with my biking pal
~Climb a 5.12 indoors and outdoors
~Learn to lead climb indoors and outdoors
~Complete the “Heart of Darkness Uncut” and “SpringMountain Warrior” courses at http://springmountainadventures.com/canopytours.php
~Learn trapeze
~Bench 110#
Small goal for the fall – get my 5k down to 25 min!
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Oh I love this. I am totally going to do this. I have already completed a lot of things on my list like a triathlon, half marathon, sub 2hr half, century ride. I would add a marathon, hike the Grand Canyon, bike the California Coast. I will have to brainstorm others. How inspirational – thank you!
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:41 am
I love this, Angela!!! What a brilliant, cute, FUN idea. Mine would say:
-run a marathon
-run a half marathon
-(honestly) enjoy running
-learn to mountain bike
-give rock climbing a try
…those are just a few.
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August 28th, 2009 at 11:06 am
This is the CUTEST and greatest idea! Wow!
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August 28th, 2009 at 11:12 am
What an awesome (and cute) idea!
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August 28th, 2009 at 11:25 am
That’s so awesome! I would do a triathlon maybe — I just learned how to ride a bike a few weeks ago!
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August 28th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Great idea!
A few of mine would be…
-run a half marathon
-do a trail run
-learn to mountain bike
-get back in shape after my lazy summer!
-get up to 20 lb free weights
-learn to do 30 perfect pushups (again!)
-get back into martial arts
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August 28th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Wow — this is great (and I enjoyed your “visual” presentation. I have just a few:
1. 100 push-ups (yes, I lost a bet to my husband, and am now on a 100 push-up plan he completed a few months ago)
2. Learn to use Russian Kettlebells
3. Take dance classes
4. Learn to play golf
I think I might consider stealing Susan’s: squat my own body weight.
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August 28th, 2009 at 11:41 am
I feel like I’ve done so much on my fitness bucket list, but there is still so much to do!
-qualify for the Boston Marathon (so close I can taste it!)
-run an ultra marathon
-complete an Iron Man
-summit the 7 highest peaks in the world
-Crew at Badwater
-hike the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu
-start cross-country skiing
-perfect my ice climbing.
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August 28th, 2009 at 11:44 am
I love this idea … I really want to think on this some more, but off the top of my head:
1. Make yoga a part of my daily life
2. Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef
3. Hike the Great Wall of China (or at least part of it)
4. maybe run a marathon … maybe.
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August 28th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Wow, great idea. There’s so much I’d love to complete athletically at some point in my life…
- complete a marathon
- do an Ironman
- take a yoga class
- improve my flexibility
- do 15 + REGULAR pushups
- do 5 + pull ups (unassisted!)
- take a pilates class
- become a personal trainer
- hike the Klondike trail
- hike the westcoast trail
- sky dive
- scuba dive
- bungee jump
(I’m not sure the last three count as “exercise” bucket list goals…)
Anyway that’s a start, it’ll grow I’m sure as time goes on.
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August 28th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
What a fun idea! I want to run a marathon and triathlon.
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August 28th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Ooh! I love setting goals, making lists, AND doing crafts!! Great project, Angela!
My goals:
-Do an unsupported (ie. not against a wall) handstand
-Do a yoga class somewhere tropical
-Do a multiple-day bike tour somewhere in Europe
-Loosen up my hip flexors, glutes, and hamstrings
-Start an early morning practice of either yoga or meditative walks
-Work on an organic farm (does that count? I imagine it would be hard work!)
-Go back to South America to CLIMB SOME MORE MOUNTAINS!!!
-Try not to ever lose my flexibility (physical AND mental) with age (this one is a PROCESS and not a GOAL!)
Thanks for the thought-provoker!!
Have a good weekend
Alex
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August 28th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
it looks like a few folks mentioned it, but try the hundred push-up challenge. i’m starting in sept! i did the first few weeks and got distracted, but it was ridiculously motivating and satisfying.
http://www.hundredpushups.com/
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August 28th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
WOW! Good Question! Mine would be:
- Run a half marathon
- Learn to swim
- Do a mini Triathlon
- Be able to do yoga on my own without needing a teacher to tell me what to do.
I wrote these down for myself…
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August 28th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
i LOVE this idea, and i loved reading all the comments, other poeple had some great ideas as well!
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August 28th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
My way out there idea would be to complete an Ironman. I think the feeling of accomplishment would be like nothing else.
My short term idea is to do an unassisted pull up (or 10).
So fun to read everyone else’s lists and get some great ideas!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
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August 28th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Hello. First off, I just want to say that I love your blog. You really have the whole inspiring thing down! Secondly, the bucket list idea is awesome. I think I’ll have to make one myself. Also, I like the blog makeover. The orange color is dreamy.
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August 28th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
I LOVE this!! This is why you and I get along – we both love to be creative like this! The bucket is so cute I can’t even tell you.
My bucket list for fitness would be pretty simple:
* Run a half marathon
* Run a marathon
* Become a trained yoga instructor
That’s all! So simple, yet so hard to accomplish with a full time job! Haha
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August 28th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
what an interesting idea.. I have an overall life list, but never thought of just fitness wise.. hmm I will have to really think about this to give a good answer!
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August 28th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Love this idea!! I would like to qualify for the Boston Marathon (and then run it!) and ride my bike across the country.
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August 28th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
LOVE THIS SO MUCH ANGELA!
Mine include:
- Run a marathon (on October 4th, woowoo!)
- Complete a triathlon
- Become a certified yoga teacher
- Do 10 pull-ups
- Hike one of the major trails in the world (Appalachian, Inca, Machu Picchu, Camino de Santiago in Spain)
- Keep up a lifelong love of fitness
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August 28th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Running in another country is one of mine. There is the Connemarathon in my hubbie’s native Ireland which has been on my list for awhile.
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Love this idea!
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August 28th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I love how creative you are with your bucket list! Here’s mine:
-Run a half marathon
-Learn to scuba dive
-Practice yoga consistently
-Complete a sprint triathlon
-Horseback ride across another country
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August 29th, 2009 at 1:08 am
Fun! I’ll pick FIVE:
-Already scuba certified but would like to go in dives in as many places as possible, especially Belize, Mauritius, and Greece!
-Do a handstand
-Go on a yoga retreat in a tropical setting, perhaps Costa Rica!
-Run a half marathon, one that is for a charity for women or for animals.
-Finish a triathlon in CA and CO
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August 29th, 2009 at 1:09 am
Fun! I’ll pick FIVE:
-Already scuba certified but would like to go on dives in as many places as possible, especially Belize, Mauritius, and Greece!
-Do a handstand!
-Go on a yoga retreat in at least one tropical setting, my top pick is Costa Rica!
-Run a half marathon, one that is for a charity for women or for animals.
-Finish a triathlon in CA and CO
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August 29th, 2009 at 9:53 am
[...] August 29, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized — modernation @ 6:29 am In response to Angela’s fitness bucket list post, I wanted to do my own. The idea was brought up in a recent article and is [...]
August 29th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Hello Angela!
I just came across your blog and love it! This is such a fun post (and yes, isn’t photoshop so wonderful – the things you can do?!)
A couple I can think of for my fitness “bucket”:
- Rock climbing
- A fitness/spa getaway, maybe for my 40th w/ girlfriends?
- This one is crazy but walk the Great Wall of China w/ my mom (her dream is to see it)
Have a great weekend!
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August 29th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
[...] My Fitness Bucket List [...]
August 29th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Wow! what a lovely idea!
1) Get injury free!
2) Learn how to swim
3) Learn how to ballroom dance ( Dancing with the Stars)
4) Run a 1/2 marathon!
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August 30th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Oh how inspiring!!
1. Run a marathon in every state (HA! This is if I could not fail at all).
2. Climb Half Dome
3. Run a sub 4 hr marathon
4. Complete a triathalon.
5. Run a long relay race
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August 30th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Love this and I have already made mine and put it in my fitness journal.
Some of mine are
Run 1st 5K
Run 1st 10K
Run 1/2 marathon in fall 2010
Have “Runner Legs”
Do 20 “Real” push ups
Learn to dive:)
Learn to do cartwheel
Love your blog:)
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August 31st, 2009 at 5:50 am
There’s really too many possibilities to name, but these are the big ones on my list for the next two years:
- Run a marathon
- Run a sub-4hr marathon
- Complete a half-Ironman
- Complete the Canadian Death Race
- Trek through Nepal to Everest Base Camp
- Complete a full Ironman
- Do a cross-country bike trip (that country might not be Canada)
- Golf a sub-100 18-hole game (pathetic, I know)
- Run with little to no knee pain
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September 2nd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
[...] If you want to do your bucket list, you better start running. Please tell me you’re going [...]
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Heyya! I think this fitness bucket list is an excellent idea.
And also i think you’re more than capable of achieving everything you have on your list
For mine it would be something like this:
1. Start doing weights regularly at the gym.
2. Take up boxing
3. Learn to surf
4. Do yoga everyday for at least 30 minutes
5. Win school cross country
6. Scuba dive
7. Run a half marathon
8. Run a full marathon
9. Do a triathlon
10. At some stage in my life, become a yoga instructor.
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September 7th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
[...] last month a few of my favorite fitness/foodie bloggers (Angela and Caitlin) created their own fitness-specific bucket lists. Being that I’m currently [...]
September 18th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I am so with you on this list! You can totally do it! Except the scuba diving..I’m scared on water creatures. :o)
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September 28th, 2009 at 10:05 am
[...] doing my half yesterday, I got to check off two things off of my fitness bucket list. I was chomping at the bit to check something [...]
September 28th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
[...] and think to myself “man I wish I could do that!” So, with a little inspiration from Oh She Glows I decided to make my own fitness bucket list to keep track of all of the fitness-related things I [...]
October 4th, 2009 at 8:55 am
[...] of a mouse. 3.1 miles. 35 days. That is what separates me from checking off something on my fitness bucket list. I haven’t registered yet though. Why? Because I’m scared. What if I physically [...]
December 19th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Great Entry! Having a bucket list has changed my life and made me experience so many new things. I even started blogging about it!http://mslistologist.com/
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December 31st, 2009 at 10:19 am
[...] My Fitness Bucket List [...]
March 16th, 2010 at 12:13 am
What an outstanding idea. I love it!
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