Charity 'Climb'

[Catrin]

This morning was a lot of fun...in a slightly masochistic kind of way. I decided that I should have a substantial breakfast at least a couple of hours in advance, so I made pumpkin/banana "pancakes" and a couple slices of fresh side. I ate the whole thing I love those things, and it is amazing how close they are to actual pancakes even if they are just egg, pumpkin, banana, baking soda and spices. In retrospect I may have over-eaten a bit. I was concerned about my asthma after having problems when we did the test climb in that same building a few weeks back, so I used my inhaler liberally before the event.

Most of my team showed, we were only missing one climber. I had signed up to climb the stairs twice, but after a few minutes rest after my second ascent I decided to climb them a THIRD time. It was a personal challenge to myself and I did it! 105 flights of stairs, 2,304 steps. I found that it was a lot easier on my legs to take the steps two at a time while grabbing both guardrails so my quads didn't have to do all of the work.

I am still waiting on my final times:

1st Climb = 10:12 minutes (ranked 158 out of 706 climbers)
2nd Climb = 12:05 (ranked 52 of those who climbed twice)
3rd??? Still waiting on this one. I am sure it was slower than my second climb, though it was in some ways a little easier. Probably because I was slower

This afternoon my IT bands are both a bit sore. I was naseaus after the 3rd climb and ditched the banana I grabbed after eating half of it. I STILL have some nausea and can't figure out why. I liberally salted my lunch (chicken breast, lettuce, mashed cauliflower) and can't think of what else I might need to do. Electrolyte problem? Wondering if I need to break open an old package of Shot Blocks, though I don't want the sugar...

I managed to raise an even $500, which I am very pleased with, it is the most I've ever raised I AM surprised, however, that amount put me in the "top fundraiser" category.

Attachment 16063

Afterwards a few of us went to an "after climb" party where I gave my token for a free beer to someone who would use it. I wanted water I might, however, have a beer this evening. Got a free massage as well. I wanted to ride my bike this afternoon, even for a short time, but my legs are voting against that. I've not been on the bike since just before Christmas so it doesn't seem the best day to get back on, sadly.

[indysteel]

Way to go, Catrin! I bow at your stair climbing feet!!!

[OakLeaf]

Very nice!

[Catrin]

Bummer, they didn't add my 3rd climb to the results. Oh well, I came in 13th quickest in my age group out of 53 women so I can't complain - it doesn't actually matter what the time for that 3rd climb was - it was more of a personal challenge because I knew I could do it. Considering this is the first time I've EVER done anything like this, I am pretty pleased that I landed in the middle of the pack - in the top 1/3 of the overall pack and right in the middle of my team.

I will be foam rolling before bed I think, and no alarm will be set!

[Owlie]

Way to go!

I think you deserve the alarm clock-less rest.

[Catrin]

Final results are in, and I got my third time Overall, for those who climbed 3 times I was pretty far down the list at 55 out of 61 with a total cumulative time of 35:43 and 14th out of 53 in my age group. It was all for a great cause & I am very glad that I did this.

[indysteel]

Impressive, Catrin! You inspired me to take the stairs today by the way!