Canada Life CN Tower Climb For WWF- Canada
Saturday, April 26, 2003Climb report from Jane...
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2003
Subject: Re: How was the CN Tower climb today?
Hi guys, I too did the climb, shortly after 8a.m.! I've never done it before and didn't know what to expect. I kind of hoped to have signs along the way to know where you were within the 1769 steps!
Anyway, I originally had 20 minutes in my head as a probable time goal. Before even coming to the stairs, someone handed us cards without telling what it was or where the stairs were yet, and didn't tell us that was the start. It wasn't too many seconds of a waste, I just like to know when a time is officially starting!
I tried the first eight or so flights in a jog, and quickly decided that was a mistake as I figured I would get dizzy very soon. I was surprised how dark the staircase was, and crowded at the beginning. It was hard to pass anyone. I didn't start my watch, and literally forgot to check it, so never knew how I was doing.
At one point a security guard told us we were half way done, and about 10 flights later saw a sign stating that THEN we were half way done! I remember at the 127th floor I started trying to do the math in my head, to figure out how many flights could be left. Soon after a couple of young girls started counting down from 16 flights which gave me hope that we were close. It turned out to be 11, and I only saw one other sign, for 10 flights to go. At that point I tried to go considerably faster, which proved to work for only about 6 flights! When we only had 2 flights left, I heard the volunteers cheering us on. It was great to finish!!
I took a quick peek down the glass bottom floor, but didn't take in the view as I was in a hurry somewhere else, and I had just been to the tower with the family last month. The elevator trip down was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. I was thrilled to get a shirt, and with our times written on it too.
My official time was 22:15. Not bad for my first, I hope of many, attempts! Considering I completely forgot about goal time, it was a true reflection of my ability. I'm not in my best shape now, so expect to be under 20 minutes next time. I actually am happy I didn't watch the time, as I tried to take in the experience instead. I counted every step in each flight, so repeatedly counted to 11 or 12 (ok, I'm weird!), and looked at every poster made by school kids on each flight. They were fun to look at, and encouraging too.
It wasn't as hard as I expected, as I expected burning quad muscles. Instead it just felt like the last 20 minutes of a VERY long walk. I had a full day, ending with dancing and staying out till 2:30a.m. and then had to be up at 6:30a.m. to do the final things before my son's First Communion mass and Party. OK, that wasn't the best planning, but I wasn't too tired. I keep planning too much on weekends involving races/events! Why do I do that????
Next weekend I'm going to a buffet lunch on Saturday, and racing the Sporting Life 10km Sunday morning. I better not over indulge! Will going be a mistake?? I hope not! :-)
All the best,
Jane
Home About Us Calendar T.O. FAQ Photos Links Page last updated: Apr 30/03