Johnny Ravello

Do you go by a nickname? Beefcake extraordinaire. Jk, ask my “step-siblings” I believe they have one for me. [It's "Johnny Rocket"]

Birthdate: December 1990

What/when was your first climb? YMCA climb for LA 2010

How many climbs have you completed? Who’s counting? Really.

Why/how did you start? I was bored with my cardio workout (cycling) The local gym I am a member of (YMCA) organizes the YMCA climb for LA so I decided to try it.

Do you have a favorite climb? No
 

Why do you climb? For fun / to stay in shape. 
 

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Baseball, Hockey, Climbing, Hiking.

How do you train? I hike a lot. I go to the gym regularly.

Who inspires you? All my friends and family inspire me in different ways I suppose. But if youre asking about athletes I admire; Tommy Caldwell, Alex Honnold and Ueli Steck are a few.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? Not really. Too nervous on race day to focus on anything.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? Shit. I dont have itunes. I guess my most played artist on Spotify currently is TV on the radio. But that changes often.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? I try to stay private for the most part.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? #1 Duh!

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Here’s the deal, I started stairclimbing for fun. Not because I was in poor health and had to choose an activity to live a healthy lifestyle. Not because I had an illness or injury that forced me to change my way of living. I started stairclimbing just for the fun of it. I like to challenge myself physically, It’s a good feeling when you do that and I am glad I chose Stairclimbing because not only did I find something fun and rewarding but I also met an befriended genuinely nice people too. My story isn’t as inspiring as others in the WCL crew but I don’t think you need an inperational story to get motivated to do these kinds of things. You either love being active and challenging yourself or you don’t.   

Tommy Coleman

Birthdate: 10 February 1974

What is your occupation? Motorcycle mechanic, fashion accessories designer, pre-med student.  

What/when was your first climb? 2006 US Bank Tower - Los Angeles. 

How many climbs have you completed? 10

Why/how did you start? I had long-looked for an extreme discipline that required immense suffering; I'd found it

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? US Bank Tower because it is my hometown event, as well as my first.

Least favorite climb? Why? Climbs that don't attract an elite field aren't as fufilling for me. The faster the competition, the more I am motivated to run hard.

Why do you climb?  To help complete my life with the essential physical fitness test/challenge component.  

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? I get excited when I think about cycling up mountains, running on uneven terrain, or swimming in the ocean when the surf is huge.  

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? Two years ago I was diagnosed with a rare spinal disease known as Syringomyelia. This neurologic-based malady can cause myriad symptoms across many body systems. However, notwithstanding MRI evidence collelating Syringomyelia, recent expert opinions have prompted a search for another cause of my symptoms. Due to my condition I just passed the one year mark with no training, so I'm getting more anxious than ever to figure this thing out and get back up into the sky!

How do you train?  Too much to list but I will say that it's all hard, with some of it scary even.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? I tend to feel most connected to those of us who are invested in the analysis of the sporting life and how it relates to diet, injury and disease.

Who inspires you? Any speed-demon, male or female.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  I make my own luck with a proper warm-up and a pole position start.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? Gangster rap or death metal depending on the mood.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? www.tommytuckerjeans.com

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 1

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Through stair sport, and other athletic disciplines, I have procured valuable tools of which I employ in everyday life. From high-level organization strategies, to practices of sacrifice, what I have learned through training and racing I have used to elevate my academic aptitude and proficiency in the workplace.   

Hal Carlson

Birthdate: 21 June 1952

What is your occupation?: Retired Fire Chief of the Aurora IL FD

What/when was your first climb?: Hustle Up the Hancock, 2/23/2003

How many climbs have you completed?: 89 as of February 2015.

Why/how did you start?: Recovering from a running injury, we had a fire in our local high-rise (20 stories) and I was surprised at how hard it was to run up the stairwell. The rest is history.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why?: Empire State Building. Stair layout, international field, history, tradition. And of course, it's New York.

Least favorite climb? Why?: Milwaukee. Something about the air quality and for the spring power hour climb, only one elevator.

Why do you climb? Excellent work out, great cross-training for runners and nice to compete in shorts and a T-shirt in winter.

Are there other sports you're passionate about? Running and basketball.

Do you have injuries or issues you need to overcome to climb? Numerous injuries. The most serious were broken neck, torn Achilles (twice), hernia and torn rotator cuff.

How do you train? Stairs as often as possible, Stairmaster, running, rowing and bicycling.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? : The stair climbing community is a tight group. I have made many good friends along the way.

Who inspires you?: When I first started climbing, there was a man named John who had lost hundreds of pounds and had a website "way too fat." And elites Henry Wigglesworth, Dan Ackerman, Syd Arak and Ned Greene, to name a few.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? No.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 14, the number on my basketball jersey in high school.

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives?: I broke my neck on July 4, 2005, in an Alaska race called "Mt. Marathon." This put me in a neck brace for six months, but i was still able to compete at Sears and Milwaukee in November. 

 

Harish Nambiar

Birthdate: 17 August 1969

What is your occupation? Engineer

What/when was your first climb? ALA Fight For Air Climb - Oakbroom Terrace, 2/13/2011

How many climbs have you completed? More than 40.

Why/how did you start? To motivate a family friend who was fighting lung cancer at that time. 

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? Any power hour climbs, especially in a building with about 30 floors.  I am not fast.  But I like the endurance aspect. And Oakbrook is where it all started for me and is kind of like my hometown event for me and will always have a special place for me.

Least favorite climb? Why? Milwaukee Power Hour. Because it is 47 floors, so the break does not come soon enough between climbs unlike a 30 floor building. Also, the stairs are steep and the air is very dry and stale.

Why do you climb? For fitness, charitable causes and camaraderie.

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Running

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? No, though I am struggling with onset of arthritis in my left ankle, which has cut down my running significantly.

How do you train? Mostly on a stair master for climb. I also like cross training.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? I have got to know several hundred of them in my association with this sport.  I especially get to meet and spend more time with the ones in the midwest. I am amazed at how great an individual each one of them is and how much they genuinely care for each other.

Who inspires you? My family first and foremost. Then the amazing people I meet in every walk of my life (one example is to be Mark Block). I am impressed and honored that my sons (9 & 6) try to follow in my foot steps and l get to be their role model. My older son did two climbs in 2014 and is doing the same two climbs this year [2015] as well. I am getting him involved in running as well. (They both play soccer and basketball and swim). In 2015 at the Oakbrook ALA-FFAC, my whole family climbed for the frist time.  It was the first time for my wife and younger son.  It was an ubelievable experience for us.  This is hopefully just a start.  I would love to see my children be active and strive to be the best they can be in anything they do.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  I do not eat or drink anything before my races (especially since almost all of the run and climb happens almost at 7 AM).

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I do not pay attention to what specifically.  It is more of a zoning out process for me to focus.  Most of the time I couldn't  tell you what is playing in my ears.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? No. Though I post about most of my events on my facebook updates.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 5

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? This is one of the toughest sport. I am glad I stumbled onto this sport. This gives me something to do in the cold winter months in the midwest. It has exposed me to several incredible people.  I consider my life to be richer with the introduction of this sport and the people involved in this sport.

Growing up as a child I was not gifted with any natural athletic talent.  So I was mostly confined to books, drawing and painting, etc. I envied the kids who were so good at athletics and sports. I did play with friends for fun/recreation.  But that was the limit of my athletic talent.

As an adult I did exercise fairly regularly and was in decent shape physically.  When our first child was born Dec 2005, since we did not have help, I had to spend time taking care of the baby.  I did not have time to go to the gym. Also soon after for about 2 years I was travelling a lot for work (4 to 6 weeks at a time). All the restaurant food and no exercise added up quickly.  In 2007 when I went to see my doctor for a physical, I had gained about 40lbs (I weighed 205, the most I ever weighed) and my cholesterol was high (good cholesterol low - 25 and bad cholestrol high) and triglycerides were at 360.  My doctor was ready to put me on a cholesterol medication.  I told him, give me some time and I will come back in 6 months.

I took up running and registered for my first race (5K) ever. It was such a great experience and I was addicted.  The same year I started running longer distances and competed in a half marathon.  The next year I ran the Chicago Marathon (my first Marathon - 2009). I loved the race experiences. I have run 4 Chicago Marathons so far. Besides several half, 5ks and relay races.

I went back to my doctor after a year of running.  He was shocked to see the results.  He could not believe it was really my report.  I had lost 40 lbs. My blood work were all perfect. My good cholesterol had gone up to 45, total cholesterol down to 128, triglycerides down to 80. I was ecstatic and promised myself that I would never let myself get back into that situation ever again.

In 2010 October a dear family friend of ours (who was 67 years old) was diagnosed with 4th stage lung cancer. Within a month of that, I got a post card in the mail for the ALA Fight For Air Climb in Oakbrook. To this day I have no idea how they got my address and I got that post card.  But when I got the postcard in the mail, I thought "what a coincidence. That our friend is fighting lung cancer and I get this opportunity to help with lung diseases and lung health," so I signed up. And that was the beginning of my climbing. Our friend passed away in May 2011.  In 2012, I did the ALA circuit in his honor.  

During this period I got to know the ALA staff all over the upper midwest including the then CEO of upper midwest Harold Wimmer (current national CEO of ALA). I came across several incredible world class athletes and several incredible people who were brave and courageous in the face of adversities.  People from all walks of life. But with one common cause. Lead a healthy and full life and make this place (earth) a better place for ourselves and the generations to come. People who are so humble and caring of each other. It has been such an eye opener. My life is richer with this sport.

PJ Glassey

Birthdate: 17 May 1966

What is your occupation? Owner, X Gyms

What was your first climb? Big Climb Seattle, 2006

How many climbs have you completed? 60 plus

Why/how did you start? Just out of curiosity, then I met Jeff Dinkin who told me there were climbs all around the country. He invited me to Sears, so I went, stayed with Jesse Berg and met Mark T and based on them, plus all the other awesome people, I was hooked!

Do you have a favorite climb?  Strat. Awesome stairwell and great turnout of stair climbing buds.

Least favorite climb?  Sears. Way too long. 

Why do you climb? Mostly because of the awesome people in the sport, but also for proof that my X Gym exercise methods work. 

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Nope.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? My pronation and resulting gait issues prevent me from doing impact sports. 

How do you train? X Gym methods, Incline trainer, Jacob's Ladder and stairs. 

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? Yes! Most! Love them! 

Who inspires you? Jesse Berg. He has the most amazing attitude, phenomenal talent and is one of the most humble people I have ever known.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  Nope. Just prayer. 

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? No music, but I do often use a metronome. 

Do you have a website for those interested in learning more about you? pjfit.com and xgym.com

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 7

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? It's the safest sport, yet also the most challenging because it stretches you in many ways - especially in the areas of strength, endurance and mental toughness. No other sport requires such high levels of all three of those categories at the same time.

Jeff Dinkin

Do you go by a nickname?  Stair Climb Lunatic

Birthdate: 2 October 1965

What is your occupation?  Trading

What/when was your first climb?  September 2007 - US BANK, LA

How many climbs have you completed?  50 plus.

Why/how did you start? I found out about this sport I had never heard of from a cycling buddy.  He had just so happened to post a video on YouTube of his 2006 US Bank climb and I inquired.   Once I got into the sport, I realized there were tons of these climbs around the country and it was kind of a big thing.  Now I'm fully entrenched in this "craze" of climbing the stairwells of tall buildings.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? The Las Vegas Stratosphere - because it's such a unique structure with very long flights and a very open feel to it.

Least favorite climb? Why? The Seattle Big Climb - too many people and I climbed horribly in that building all 3 attempts.

Why do you climb?  Firstly, I climb to push myself to be faster and better than I was the year before.  I'm curious to see how much longer I can do that.  Secondly, I climb because I love the people I meet in this sport.  It's a profoundly kind group of like-minded people - who all seem to enjoy, and even attribute some of their own personal success to - their ability to conquer tall buildings.  It's very empowering, as those who do it understand.  Thirdly, I climb for the competitive aspect.

Are there other sports you’re passionate about?  I really love Trail Racing.  I used to race bicycles, but have replaced that with racing stairs, which is safer, and has much nicer competitors.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb?  For most of 2010, and part of 2011, I had a rather serious back injury that impeded my ability to be very active in any capacity.  I spent a lot of time in bed.  I bounced back from that difficult time in mid to late 2011 - and started doing better than ever before in my races in 2012, with even further improvement in 2013 and 2014. I believe I'm still progressing and improving.

How do you train?  My training is a mix of cycling, trail running, and stair practice.  Being in the Los Angeles area, outdoor training is possible year round.   There are so many fantastic areas to do all 3 of the sports I enjoy.  I'm constantly learning of new places, which also contributes to my enjoyment of training.  I average about 8 to 10 hours of training time per week.  A commitment, but also not an outrageous amount of time.  It's doable when you want it.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings?  I have a special relationship with most of my climbing friends.  Yes, we actually refer to them as our "Step-family" (A pun on steps, or stairs).  We are very close and enjoy each other very much.  We often train together, have meals together and encourage each other.  It's an amazingly tight community of great people that I feel fortunate to be a part of.

Who inspires you?  I'm inspired by a lot of people, not necessarily anyone famous, or even someone who has done something seemingly impossible.  I'm more inspired by people who step outside of their comfort zone and find a way to overcome their own personal challenges, whatever they may be.  There are literally too many to name.

I will also say that I'm inspired by each and every person who accepts the challenge and climbs a building  getting themself to the top. It's a very empowering feeling, and you can see the sense of accomplishment when they do it.  Doing this sport for a long time, it never gets easier, but it's always rewarding, and seeing others share in that feeling - is inspiring in itself….

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?   No superstitions, but I do jump up & down while awaiting my race start, both to warm up, and help calm nerves.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions?  I never use music to train or race. I don't knock people who do, but it doesn't work for me.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you?  No, but I'm on Facebook.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be?  I love the #4

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives?  Strive to be your best self and always try to be having fun and finding joy.  Be passionate about what you love and enjoy, and put your heart into it.  Even when things aren't fun or easy, cultivating a "mindset of fun and joy" makes the difficult times go by easier, and quicker.  

Esteban Calvillo

Birthdate: 29 April 1976

What is your occupation? I work at the J. Paul Getty museum maintaining the security/intrusion system. I work at both locations, the Getty Villa in Malibu and the Getty Center in Westwood. My work title is Senior security technician, I help out with the duties of other technicians such as locksmith, CCTV, radio system and badging office.

What/when was your first climb? My first climb was in 2010 at the age of 34 at the AON center.

How many climbs have you completed? In the past 6 years I continue to do my local climbs, the AON, US Bank , Brooksfield (CFF) and the TOWERthon. In 2015 I added the Hike the Halo climb.

Why/how did you start? Lisa Zeigel manages the gym at my work location (The Getty Center) and she mention the AON climb while I was working out in the gym, I was turning 34 (2010), I had never done anything like it and it sounded like an interesting challenge, so I gave it a try and got hooked.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? My favorite climb is the TOWERthon because it feels more of a challenge and everything about it feels more satisfying. The event personnel make it easier for you to forget the pain you endure going up all of those stairs.

Least favorite climb? Why? I still do it, but my least favorite is the US Bank because it just has too many people climbing it.

Why do you climb? I climb because it helps me keep motivated and use it as a goal to keep me exercising and I also like to tell people about the climbs and try to get new climbers. I like the work that the different charities do for the community and others.

Are there other sports you're passionate about? I have started doing trail runs too, I just did a 14.1 mile trail run in Malibu Creek and felt great.

Do you have injuries or issues you need to overcome to climb? Thankfully I'm healthy, but I do suffer from gout.  I have been pretty good in keeping it under control. I did miss the TOWERthon in 2015 due to a flare up on my ankle/foot, so I was looking forward to the 2016 TOWERthon.

How do you train? I train by running 5-6 miles on the treadmill & 3 miles on the stationary bike on high tension at least 4 times a week and also do trail runs and practice in stair cases at different locations such as Silver Lake.

Who inspires you? Lisa Zeigel at first, then I met other great stories of individuals that got into doing climbs such as David Garcia and Madeleine. And of course JANE! I never suffer from any health issues nor was I ever over weight, I just didn't exercise as much.  When I started doing the climbs I learned so many stories of people dealing with health issue and losing weight that kept them motivated to do the climbs I had no reason to NOT do any climbs. So, I'm mainly inspired by everyone climbing to help the charity cause but also for personal joy and motivation.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? Not really, I just hope that I don't cramp at a climb.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I'm a music free type of person when I workout or do a climb, I like to just focus on my thoughts and be alert of my surroundings.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 10

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? I like to keep to my self and I'm more of a lone ranger. Sometimes I would like to break out and socialize more, but I enjoy alone time.  Since I did my first climb and met people of different back grounds and different challenges I started to open up more and talked to people and tried to motivate them in challenging them selves to try something new and getting out of their comfort zone. I tell people that stair climbing is about self satisfaction of completing a race, but it turns into motivation to do better each time and also motivate others that think they can't.

Sherri Breese

Birthdate: 15 August 1983

What is your occupation? Marketing

What/when was your first climb? Willis Tower 2011

How many climbs have you completed? 13

Why/how did you start? I started because my husband Steve Breese was roommates with Brady Renshaw when we first started dating in 2010.  They did the Willis Tower climb with Brady's girlfriend and powerhouse Kristin Frey.  I got jealous that they got to go downtown and hang out at the top of the Willis Tower.  The next year I signed up so I wouldn't be left out!

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? I like Aon because it is 10 steps, left turns the whole way, so it's easy to find a rythem.  I like Willis because longer events play to my stregnth since I am a marathon runner.

Least favorite climb? Why? 300 N LaSalle building.  I like the relaxed atmosphere, but I don't like the shallow, carpeted stairs and long landings.

Why do you climb? I like the races, climbing with my husband, and seeing my step-siblings.  I also like traveling downtown (Chicago), and I have been to Seattle, Vegas, and New York.

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? I am a runner (12 marathons), and I have done a handful of sprint triathlons and a duathlon.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? I strained my glute muscle which prevented me from climbing the LaSalle building in Chicago in 2011.

How do you train? I train in Steve's old apartment complex, which is a 12-story building.      

Who inspires you? My husband Steve always has a positive attitude and pushes me to be my best.  Thank you to Brady Renshaw and Kristin Frey for showing me proper stair climbing techniques.  Thank you to David Hanley, Mark, and PJ for all the stats and admin work you do.  Madeline Ronk and Mark Block have overcome amazing obsticles to get to where they are today, because they refuse to give up.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  I used to eat pasta the night before a climb like I do for a running race, but found this to be too heavy for a climb.  I now eat a salad the night before a race.  The morning of a race I wake up 4 hours before the race to eat breakfast, which consists of half a banana plus a granola bar, toast, or crackers.  I then go back to bed.  I like to have 4 hours for my food to digest before a climb.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I don't climb with an iPod.  I climb with a watch, but never look at it during the race.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? My number would be 2 because I am currently climbing for 2!  [Sherri submitted this in early 2015]. Baby Breese has been to the top of the Empire State Building and the Hancock building in Chicago.

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Stair climbing is a very challanging sport, because you need both power and endurance.  It is lower-impact than running but a great lower and upper body workout, which makes it great cross-training for other sports.  Plus, the races are fun, and I have met a great group of people!

Jeannie Rasmussen

Birthdate: 9 January 1959

What is your occupation? Print Buyer/Traffic Manager for Trader Joe's

What/when was your first climb? 6 years ago, the AON Climb

How many climbs have you completed? About 20

Why/how did you start? My good friend Mark Trahanovsky

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? The Cystic Fibrosis Climb, the metal steps

Least favorite climb? Why? AON, the concrete steps and left hand turns.

Why do you climb? The physical challenge, competition and West Coast Labels team support.  

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? 5k runs

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? I have issues with my left knee, peroidic right hamstring issues. When I was 21 I was in a mortor cycle accident and broke my pelvis and cracked my helmet (I thank God I was wearing one). I had to recovery peroid of about 8 weeks. I told myself to never take for granted the gift of movement.  

How do you train? I train in the buildings where the stair races are being held, when available. I train at least three times a week in my gym, running, stair climbing machine and or the elliptical trainer (some sort of cardo for a half hour) weights for another half hour, conclude with set ups then stretch for 10 minutes.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? Mark T. and I have had a working relationship and friendship for the last 25 years. He got me into Stair Climbing, I don't know wheather to thank him or hate him, just kidding...

Who inspires you? My twin sister and all my step siblings. I especially admire Madeleine Ronk for her strength while battling breast cancer. She continues to train with such amazing spirit. She gives it her all no matter how difficult it maybe and she's always smiling!

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  Pray

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I train to mostly 70's rock music, I don't race with music, I want to hear myself breath. 

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Since I started stair climbing and racing with the West Coast Labels team. I've had such a wonderful time being apart of a fantastic group of athletes. My 5k racing has also improved by adding stair climbing and racing to my training skill set. In my 50-54 and 55-59 age groups, I've enjoyed metaling in numberious 5k events as a result of stair climbing.

My mother has type 2 diabetes and it also runs in her side of the family. I've always included exercise and eating well as a part of my life to avoid contracting type 2 diabetes myself.   

Steve Stermer

Birthdate: 3 January 1958

What is your occupation? Senior Software Engineer with Lockheed Martin. I develop satellite simulators for government space programs.

What/when was your first climb? 2/22/09, Run The Republic, Denver, Colorado.

How many climbs have you completed? Between 40 - 50.

Why/how did you start? I received an email to join a Lockheed Martin coroporate team for the Denver climb. I figured "how hard could it be; it's just stairs." Ten floors into the race, I realized how hard it could be, and afterwards I was committed to improving my time the following year. I also started looking for other races around the country to pursue right away. I was hooked.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? Scale the Strat in Las Vegas. I loved the original format of a 2-day, where you had to qualify in the top-50 to race up a second time the next day. Recently, they moved to a single day format, but I still enjoy the atmosphere, the views, and the unique stairwell it provides. It is also the US Championship race, so it draws the best climbers from across the country, and usually has some international elites as well. It is a great place to reunite with many friends in the climbing community.

Least favorite climb? Why? Willis (Sears) Tower in Chicago. I've done this race several times and always seem to do much worse than I should. The steps are taller than in most other buildings, and something about the race just crushes my spirit. Someday I hope to go back and finally do well there.

Why do you climb? I climb for the fitness aspect as well as the community of climbers that I've come to know through this sport. I've made friends with athletes from all over the US, and Germany, Mexico, Canada, Denmark, Austria, and other countries. The community is so encouraging and supportive, even though we compete intensively with each other. I've never encountered a sore loser or seen any attitude less than positive. We all rejoice with our step-siblings when they do well, and encourage them when they have an off day.

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? I've played competitive softball and volleyball for many years.

How do you train?  live in Colorado, so am fortunate to have high-elevation training opportunities everywhere I look. I hike 14,000 ft peaks and various trails up local mountains. I also ride many of the area's mountain bike trails. But most of my training is done on the Manitou Incline, a repurposed scenic railroad bed that rises 2000 ft over a 1 mile span. The 2800 railroad crossties form a staircase that climbs straight up the side of a mountain, topping out at 8500 ft elevation. Surrounded by magnificent natural beauty, it offers a heart pounding workout that I try to do at least once every day, regardless of the weather. Climbing it in snow is actually my favorite time.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? I have made so many lasting friendships with my fellow climbers that I would have otherwise missed out on. We are a very tight-knit group that keeps in contact online and at every race we can make. I always look forward to seeing them all at various races around the country.

Who inspires you? I see so many fellow climbers who have faced potentially devastating issues in their life and yet have conquered them to continue competing. From brain injuries and paralysis to cancers to knee injuries, this group is the embodiment of dedication, perseverence, and triumph.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  Not really. Maybe that's what I'm missing to make it to the next level!

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I try to find songs that have beats that are near the step pacing I need to reach my goal. Fast-paced music with very strong beats keep my feet moving.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 13. I've done well with various versions of that number.

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? The old adage of "one step at a time" is nowhere more fitting that in stairclimbing. When faced with a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, the only thing way to attack it is in very small increments. Stair climbing is the ultimate exercise in stepwise refinement. Break the problem down into manageable chunks and then get through each one. Always remember that the pain will end soon. Eventually you will overcome the beast and celebrate your victory. Then start thinking about how you can do it better, faster, and more efficiently next time. The competition is less with your other climbers and more with yourself. Always strive to do better each time. Ultimately, the only one you need to beat is you.