When our kids are little, we tend to celebrate all their “firsts”: those adorable first steps, the first words, and yes, that unforgettable first tantrum in the grocery store. As our little ones grow, they start reaching milestones that slip through our fingers unnoticed until they’re already in the rearview mirror. These are the “lasts”: the last time they sipped from a sippy cup, the last time they snuggled with us before bed, and (thank goodness!) their final meltdown in the cereal aisle.
During a run the other day, I found myself pondering my own adult “lasts.” After completing seven marathons in my 20s and 30s, I’ve been thinking about training for another. It’s amusing (in a sad way) how life, fatigue, and a little too much wine have derailed my ambitions for over a decade, yet I still cling to the dream of crossing that finish line. I’ve battled injuries too, which have sometimes left me feeling like a racehorse that just can’t run anymore—like the time I had to take what I now call The Subway Ride of Shame during a 10-mile race.
The idea that I might have run my last marathon hit me hard. Would I ever regain the strength and determination to tackle another? This realization made me think of other potential “lasts.” My thoughts spiraled:
- When was the last time I did a cannonball off a diving board? Did I even nail it?
- How long has it been since I swung on a swing set? Have I swung for the last time?
- What about dancing with friends? Have I unknowingly done The Lawnmower for the final time? And if I wanted to go dancing, where would I go? The local YMCA? Applebee’s?
- Speaking of style, I’ve practically abandoned shorts for sundresses. Have I worn my last pair of shorts? Did I at least look cute in them?
- Ice skating! Will I ever glide like Robby Benson in Ice Castles again?
- I skipped watching The Bachelor last season. Is it possible I’ve seen my last episode of that wild ride?
- Most importantly, when was the last time I streaked down the street? (Just kidding—I’ve never done that, but my mind was wandering during that long run!)
I finished my jog feeling that I needed to confront these “lasts” head-on. While some experiences (like overindulging in drinks) I’m glad to leave behind, others are simply too joyful to abandon. So, I decided to create a list—not a bucket list, but something smaller, like a Dixie Cup List or even a Thimble List of enjoyable activities I’m committed to keeping alive. Here are some things I refuse to let be the last time:
- Staying up late laughing and drinking with friends.
- Wearing a bikini (well, a bikini top—I’ve given up on bikini bottoms).
- Riding rollercoasters.
- Attending concerts where the average age isn’t 14.
- Eating an entire bag of Skittles in under five minutes.
- Jumping on trampolines.
- Wearing something designed for a 25-year-old.
- Throwing a football.
- Sledding down a hill.
- Making a close new friend.
- Rocking an outrageous nail polish color.
- Jumping into a pile of leaves.
- Hosting a big party even when I don’t feel like it.
- Planning a girls’ weekend with college pals.
- Building a snowman.
- Pogoing around.
- Bodysurfing.
- Body shots! Just kidding—visiting the Body Shop instead.
- Buying an overpriced lipstick just because.
- Wearing Athleta dresses all summer long.
- Wandering aimlessly around New York City.
- Jumping in puddles during a rainstorm.
And guess what? I haven’t run my last marathon. It’s officially on my Thimble List, so I must do it. And if my not-so-cooperative, mullet-shaped body gives me trouble? Well, there’s always the option of streaking, right?