Sunday I climbed the annual Hussle up the Hancock sponsored by the Respiratory Health Association. I remember writing about this back in November, I think. Anyway, I climbed 94 flights!
I did not act very wisely in that I did not train for this event, I had a glass of white wine and an awesome Mexican dinner the night before and I went to bed VERY late. If you ever want to do stair climb challenges, don't follow my lead! Thankfully I got up okay and I finished successfully...
I enjoyed the climb, it was a lot of fun and there were LOTS of people (more than 4000 participants). Two people behind me 9 & 11 year old brothers climbing the 94 flights for the second time! One of my classmates climbed twice--once at 8.45am with her Mom for the half-climb (47 flights) and then again at 11am for the full climb! Amazing! There were also quite a few senior there climbing as well. This was encouraging as I plan to continue to participate in races in like this as I enjoy them.
Anyway, my time to the top was about 28 minutes, which is pretty good for someone who didn't train at all and stayed out late the night before. Also, the average time to climb 47 flights is about 12 minutes but once you get to floor 70, especially when you don't train, it's all mental from there and you slow down a bit.
Once I got to the top the view was AMAZING. You could see all of Chicago! No joke. Plus the feeling of accomplishment is exaggerated by the people calling your name and cheering and the balloons and the medal you get and the crowd. It's overwhelming!
I climb again at the end of this month for the American Lung Assoc--95 flights! This time I'm training, going to bed early and eating at a reasonable hour.
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