Today I went to a local amphitheater to climb stairs with my friend (and trainer). We are preparing for a stair climb next Saturday to benefit cystic fibrosis. As we were climbing up and down (6 times each, 388 steps each way, for a total of over 4,600 steps), we got to talking about how much we both like to do stairs. We did a stair climb in February for the American Lung Association as well and this is what got it all started for me. Kristin had already done the stair climb for a few years.
We both agreed that it was a challenge but not such a daunting challenge that it was impossible. You just put one foot in front of the other and move. If you get worn out, you rest or slow down. Personally, I love the feeling of accomplishment and of doing something others may not even consider.
When we were leaving, there was a truck pulling up to the parking lot. On the front it said, "You have everything it takes, but it will take everything you got." I LOVE this and can apply it to these stair climb challenges. The first one did take everything I had. I was terrified that I wouldn't finish. I was near tears before the start just thinking about the chance I would have to give up part way through the climb. But I swallowed my fears and I started the climb. It was hard but I did it.
The stair climb next week will be another big challenge and I know it will take a lot to finish it. BUT I will do it. I will give it everything I got and I will finish it. I have another one in September, which looks to be the biggest challenge yet. It is in the same location as we climbed today but a total of 9 times up and around (not sure what the "around" is but I assume we go down a similar course that we took today). It is on September 11th and the steps we will be doing are to memorialize the steps taken by those brave firefighters on that day in NYC. There will be many local firefighters doing the climb....in full gear mind you. These men and women amaze me. I get such inspiration from them.
So, although I enjoy the fitness benefits of stair climbing (google it and you can find lots of articles about the benefits), I think the thing that keeps me going is the challenge. At first when we determined this morning that we were going to climb up and down 6 times, I thought that it was going to be impossible...but it wasn't. In fact, I think our last "up" leg was one of the fastest legs. I so ready to get done but also to prove to myself that I could and would do it.
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| Just the top portion of the 388 steps |
Wow, that looks intimidating. I bet it's even scarier when viewed from the other direction. You continue to impress and amaze me.
ReplyDeletethanks as always, Heather!
DeleteStair climbing is fun, in fact when I think about it, it's probably the only form of exercise that I would consider "fun". Especially if it's a good view at the top. Sadly, my city is on the flat, so no stairs anywhere close.
ReplyDeleteI guess it is a benefit of living near Rocky Mountains...we have plenty of places to climb stairs...
DeleteThanks for the comment!
Just saying hi to fellow Coloradoan. Hi! :) I used to do step aerobics, because I was too afraid of falling on my face and beating myself senseless rolling down the stairs, lol. I should see if I can conquer that weird phobia, because getting to the top does kind of seem like a fn accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteHI! I am quite frighten of falling my face as well...but I manage to do okay with stairs. I am not sure why.
DeleteThanks for the comment!
Ohh I used to love doing stairs too. My knees aren't too well at the moment, but I will do it again once they are better. It's always a great challenge!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I hate the stairs, but force myself to take them all the time just to get extra exercise in. My friend wants me to do the CN Tower stair climb in the fall, but I could never be in such an enclosed space with so many people. Would make me crazy!
ReplyDelete