After FitFluential asked readers to share items on their Fitness Bucket Lists on Pinterest and I read about some of the amazing goals the kick-butt ladies over at Fit Bottomed Girls plan to accomplish, I got to thinking about the fitness goals that really define me.
Since it's my job to read and write about fitness, hardly a day goes by that I don't hear about some new routine or class or method. From Kangoo to base jumping, there are a number of activities I know exist that I'd be more than happy to try if I had the gear and the guts. But I also won't be losing any sleep knowing I might never throw myself into a cave I can't see the bottom of.
On the other hand, there are a few things I just have to, have to try. Click through the slideshow below to see what's on my Fitness Bucket List -- plus one fitness adventure I never want to try. Then tell us what's on your list! Tweet your #FitnessBucketList to @HealthyLiving or send us an email at healthyliving@huffingtonpost.com. We'll share some of our favorites!
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Complete A Triathlon
I'm a decent runner, but only an okay swimmer and a one-lap-around-the-park-in-a-sundress biker. Still, there's something about the act of jumping out of the wetsuit onto the bike into the sneakers and across the finish line that calls to me. I even officially proclaimed that finishing a tri would be my 2012 New Year's Resolution, in hopes that I'd put the pedal to the metal -- but I keep stalling. The whole process seems so intimidating to a beginner!
<em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeride/" target="_hplink">bikeride</a></em>
Get Michelle Obama Arms
Leading up to the start of summer, I tried doing <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-klein/summer-shape-up_b_1527589.html" target="_hplink">20 perfect pushups every day</a> in my quest for defined triceps. Well, let's just say I'm still on said quest. It wasn't a complete bust, but I think in the end the Summer Shape Up did more for my core than my guns. Since then, I've stuck with the pushups -- on a less-maniacal schedule -- and added some other arm and shoulder moves to the mix. I know if I really want to chisel my upper arms, I'm going to have to get more serious about my diet. A slice of pizza pales in comparison to triceps glory (sorta)!
Run A Sub-6:30 Mile
Toward the end of my senior year of high school, my track team needed a last-minute entry for the mile race. I was a consistent, middle-of-the-pack 800-meter runner, who could, at the very least, finish a mile. The coach threw me in, and I ran what was then my fastest mile to date, a 6:33. Last year -- seven years later -- I competed in New York City's 5th Avenue Mile, a 20-block sprint along Central Park, with the goal of beating that high school record. I did -- but just by the skin of my teeth, clocking in at 6:32. While I had <em>technically</em> achieved my goal, it didn't feel like much of a win. But with a little more speed training, I think I can shave a few more seconds off.
Run A Long-Distance Relay
Sometimes running feels like my only real opportunity for true me-time, a legitimate excuse to ignore texts and emails and deadlines, at least for a few glorious minutes. But I miss the instant bond of running as part of a team. While spending 36 hours -- <em>sans</em> showers -- running and sleeping (in a van) in shifts may not be everyone's dream weekend, I can't wait to assemble the perfect group of victims -- I mean friends -- to check this one off the list with me.
<em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcsamsom/2322366160/" target="_hplink">Marc - who just moved</a></em>
Work With My Body
As much as I try to stand up as often as possible throughout the day, even if it's just to refill my water bottle, I have this nagging feeling that I'm not using my body to its full potential. And <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/24/sitting-at-work-why-its-dangerous-alternatives_n_1695618.html" target="_hplink">sitting kills</a>!
I have this maybe-a-little-bit-delusional dream of one day working on a farm, an idea I've visualized all the way through to the end result: FLOTUS-style arms, naturally, defined and bronzed from months of picking organic vegetables. Then again, I could just get that personal trainer certification I've been thinking about.
<em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/galant/2745810209/" target="_hplink">thebittenword.com</a></em>
Not On My List: A Marathon
So what's not on my list? Completing a marathon, for one. One of my biggest fitness motivators and closest friends (Hi, Mojo!) now needs two hands to count how many marathons she's run! I'm blown away by her accomplishments and those of other athletes who can test their bodies and minds with not only the grueling race itself, but the seemingly-endless hours of training. I am just not cut from the same cloth.
<em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/buddhakiwi/4573175062/" target="_hplink">Desiree N. Williams</a></em>
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Manning Sumner: Olympics-Inspired Workouts
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Ben Greenfield: 6 Steps to a Perfect Summer Workout
The perfect workout involves more than just heading to the gym, picking up some dumbbells or hopping on a cardio machine, and working up a sweat. If you incorporate these six steps into your workout, your body will respond by becoming fitter faster, with less discomfort for you!
My biggest wish is to run a marathon on 7 continents. One down, six to go!
http://bvmrd.blogspot.com/2012/08/exercise-and-find-your-greatness.html
1. Complete a triathlon (need swimming lessons, I am literally that poor of a swimmer)
2. Complete a 10K (I'm new to running, having only done a 5K for the first time this year)
3. Hold a plank on my elbows for 15 minutes straight
4. Deadlift 200 pounds
5. Do a bicycle century ride (100 miles in one day, and there is a pretty hilly one near my house that is my goal)
6. Be able to do 100 push-ups in a row
7. Be able to do 20 strict pull-ups in a row
8. Do a "muscle up" on the rings at the gym
9. Do a "Tough Mudder" or "Spartan Race"
10. Row a nonstop marathon on the Concept 2 rower
11. Compete in a cyclocross race
12. Compete in a crossfit type of competition
My bucket list includes swimming races and triathlon (biking is my weak point, too). Also intrigued by team rowing.
Let most of the folks stay in the Disneyland part on the South-rim.