I turned 50 a couple weeks ago. I started practicing saying I was 50 when I turned 48 – it just seemed easier, but now it’s officially official. I’ve spent the summer thinking about the previous 10 years and what sort of goals I wanted to set for the upcoming decade. The year I turned 40 is when I jumped in to triathlon with no experience or significant training. The fast-moving open water swim in that first sprint almost took me out, literally and figuratively.
In the spirit of learning from my own mistakes, I’d like to embrace the next decade by welcoming new experiences but also preparing for those experiences, at least a little bit. I’ve been bit (again) by the travel bug, so I’m spending a lot of time researching new (to me) places to visit and thinking about the types of experiences that would be enjoyable in each place. I’ve never been on a “big boat” cruise ship (I’ve spent a few nights on a windjammer sailboat in Maine), been in a helicopter (not sure that’s really on my bucket list), or swam in an ocean that wasn’t the Atlantic.
Photo by John Torcasio on Unsplash
Then there’s the combo of being partnered with an avid cyclist and Sam (hi Sam) posting great articles like this to the blog facebook page: Here Are the Best Rail Trails in the United States for Cycling Bliss.
How am I going to resist some sort of long-distance cycling adventure? I sent this article to my partner to make a joke about how we’ve already conquered one of these trails (the Minuteman is very close to home) and he responded with a link to a 300+ mile route from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington DC! I guess I just added some cycling vacations to my ever-growing bucket list.
I’m still adding to that bucket list, but I know I’ll keep strength training for functional fitness and bone density. And while I wouldn’t say it’s a bucket list item, I expect I’ll be in line for at least one replacement knee before the next -0 birthday, which will come with a lot of pre-hab and rehab. I’d like to go on more adventures with friends, continue to expand my sewing skills, and develop a stronger contemplative practice.
I’m sure I’ll continue to add to the list as the months turn into years. I’ve had too many loved ones not make it out of their 50s to watch the time pass without adding more adventures. And I’m happy to have the FIFI bloggers and readers to regularly inspire me to check out new and interesting opportunities.
Amy Smith is a professor of Media & Communication and a communication consultant who lives north of Boston. Her research interests include gender communication and community building. Amy spends her movement time riding the basement bicycle to nowhere, walking her two dogs, and waiting for it to get warm enough for outdoor swimming in New England.