Larry Hennis

Birthdate: 6 September 1956

What is your occupation? Support Staff at MN State University Mankato

What/when was your first climb? ALA Minneapolis – Feb.22, 2014

How many climbs have you completed? 10

Why/how did you start? When playing Facebook games people pick up friends from all over the world. In the fall of 2013 a post appeared in my news feed from an Australian friend telling the world that she was about to do the Eureka Tower stair climb. She said there would be a photo link for the start and finish of the race and we could watch the climbers. I clicked the live link to the finish line and watched young and old, skinny and fat, male and female – well, you name it, and that was the person crossing the finish line. I posted some (smart-ass) comment like “I would do that.” Miraculously a post appeared in my feed and she said “Here’s one in your area – go do it!”

The climb was the ALA Fight For Air Minneapolis. Always up for a challenge, I accepted. The date was February 22, 2014 – which just happened to be two years to the day from the date of my wife Brandi’s death. I would do it to honor her memory. I had a button made with Brandi’s photo on it and wore it the day of the climb so she and I could do the climb together. The first year I did the climb with very little actual stair training and finished the 682 steps in 7:44. I did it the next year in 5:42; this year my time was 5:09.

I have since made some changes to my diet, kept up the climbing, dropped almost 25 pounds, and am happier and healthier for doing it. I plan to continue the ALA Minneapolis climb as a way to honor my wife’s memory until, for whatever reason, I am no longer able to do it.

I climb in memory of my wife Brandi, who died of cancer in 2012

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? ALA Minneapolis to honor my wife’s memory

Least favorite climb? Why? No real least favorite, but Willis (pronounced “Sears”) Tower is grueling.

Why do you climb? It’s a great way to keep cardio fit and keep in general overall good shape

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Not really, but I’m now in High Intensity Interval Training classes at my gym and I’m loving that because it works other parts of the body that stairs alone do not.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? Years ago I did running/triathlons but cartilage tears in both knees forced me to give up running of any kind. The low impact aspect of stair climbing is a godsend for a former runner.

How do you train? I live in the middle of nowhere where a three or four story building is a tall building so I train by doing many reps on short stairwells and by attacking the stair machine at my gym.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings?  I don't really have any special relationships with my step family because I live in a rural area and only see my step sibs in person at events. I do message with a few regularly via the FB stair climbing pages, but that's about it.

Who inspires you? My late wife – in probably more ways than anyone knows.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  Nope – just go do it!

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I don’t use one – I like to hear what’s going on around me.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? Just a FB page – send friend request if interested.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? A low number is good, but any number means I’m registered and able to do the climb!

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? It’s a great workout and the people you meet are fantastic. It becomes like an extension of your family and people very supportive, friendly, and helpful.

Alex Workman

Do you go by a nickname? I've been given the nickname "The Schenectady Express" and "Calf Man".

Birthdate: 1 July 1976

What is your occupation? Engineer

What/when was your first climb? Albany Corning Tower

How many climbs have you completed? 30 and counting

Why/how did you start? A coworker climbed the Corning Tower in 2006 came in 2nd. It piqued my interest since it seemed like it would be something I'd be good at. But it wasn’t until 2011 until I found the time and courage to try it. My goal was to try and beat my coworker's time from 2006. At the end of the race, I came in 4th overall with a time of 5:23, which was just a few seconds slower than my coworker (5:18) but still really competitive. However, I was totally blown away by the 1st and 2nd place climbers; the winner, David Tromp, was nearly a minute ahead of me (4:30) and 2nd place Tim Van Orden wasn't too far behind (4:38). Afterward, I looked them both up online and found out they were two of the top climbers in the US. I also realized that I had gone to colleged with David at Clarkson University. I knew he looked familiar… only 70 pounds lighter - no joke!

At that moment, my stairclimbing quest had begun.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? City Place in Hartford, CT. It is a short race (3+ minutes) which plays to my strengths. Plus, the stairwell is perfectly configured (11 step flights & double rails) which makes this a FAST race.

Least favorite climb? Why? The Empire State Building Run-up is the most difficult climb for me. It has a mass start (which screws up my rhythym), lots of flats with running (I'm not a runner), and is the 2nd tallest climb in the US (I'm a sprinter). Basically this race plays to all of my weaknesses.

Why do you climb? I'm super competitive. I want to be #1.

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? No sport compares with climbing stairs, although I have newfound respect for rowers.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? I have nerve damage in my foot (Morton's Neuroma) which prevents me from running long distances. Fortunately, climbing stairs doesn't agrevate it. I also have a pretty severe case of asthma. If I didn't take lung medication (Advair 250/50) I couldn't  climb competitively.

How do you train? Lots of lunges & stairwell sprints. I also spend a lot of time on my stepper machine (Precor C776I). For cross training, I prefer rowing and cycling which both mimic certain aspects of stair climbing.On my rest days, I like using the elipical machine.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? Two Davids come to mind. The 1st David is David Tromp (who I already mentioned). We have a lot in common besides stairclimbing. Believe it or not when we run into each other we rarely even talk about racing! The 2nd David is David Hanley. He has great sense of humor and is passionate about stairclimbing. We get along quite well. Last but not least, I have to give a shout out to my Tower Masters teammates; we're the East Coast's preeminant stair climbing squad.

Who inspires you? Sproule Love. He is a climbing legend.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  Burpees. They are great way to warmup.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? LOL. I prefer to listen to music in my leisure time where it can be enjoyed… there is nothing enjoyable about climbing stairs. No pain no gain, right?

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

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? #1 (Race me for it)

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? If a heavyset 38 year old asthmatic with bum feet can climb stairs competitively…so can you. I was just average at endurance sports when I started climbing competitively (at age 35).

Additional Comments: Mantra, "A steady pace wins the race".

Linda Viner

Birthdate:  28 September 1967

What is your occupation?    I’m fortunate as I have the opportunity to do a lot of things, all which center around health & fitness.  One on one personal training, spin instructor, wellness coordinator at my husband’s automotive dealership.  My main goal is to empower others to  be the best they can be! 

What/when was your first climb?     Duke Race To The Top, April 20, 2013 

How many climbs have you completed?   13   

Why/how did you start?  Looking for something different to do and was inspired by Stephanie Hucko.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why?  Empire!  Finishing outside at the observatory was surreal.  Also because I’m a native New Yorker.

Least favorite climb? Why?  Chicago Skyrise…..   One. Tough. Building.

Why do you climb?      I love everything about it, mostly pushing myself past my comfort zone.  It’s empowering.  I love the training more than the competitions, and I love the competition!

Are there other sports you’re passionate about?  Is strength training a sport?  Equestrian, but I’m not currently riding. 

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb?      No, but, I am asthmatic.  

How do you train? A combination of spinning, climbing stairs, and strength training.  Also yoga once a week.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings?     Well, I consider myself so fortunate to have met such amazing men & women in this sport.   Fortunately for me, my closest circle are my best of friends.

Who inspires you?  Stephanie Hucko…..my husband, Jeff Viner, my Grandma Elsie.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  Hmmm, mostly pre-race rituals which are basically how I prep a week out, the night before, etc.    

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions?      Upbeat and motivation music.  Work Your Body, Let Your Love Flow, Holding Out For a Hero.  I probably need to do some updating!

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you?   Embracing a Full Life, and I have a FB Group Page, A Full Life!

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be?      Luck of the draw!

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives?  Ahhh, check out the following link!  It says it all!  

http://www.choicesdomatter.org/if-they-could-see-her-now/

Ned Greene

Birthdate:  30 May 1944

Occupation:  Dentist at Lincoln VA

First Climb:  2009, Trek Up The Tower, Omaha.  Have done this every year since (8 times).

How many climbs have you completed? About 30.

Why/how did you start?  I started stair climbing in earnest when I had to stop running because of extensive back problems.  I used to run one marathon per year, plus Boston several times.  Stair climbing does not bother by poor back...

Do you have a favorite climb? Why?  Willis Tower is my favorite because it is long.  Older people due better at endurance events, rather than shorter sprint type events.

Least favorite climb?  Why?  So far it is the Stratosphere, because I didn't know how to pace myself very well,  and I didn't like waiting in that wind tunnel for 30 min.

Why do you climb?  What is the one thing everyone needs?  A purpose!  Stair climbing gives me a purpose...a purpose to train hard, and a purpose to be good at something.  I want to be good at something that is athletic and health related.

Are there other sports you're passionate about? I love road biking!  Especially biking uphill.  Biking and stair climbing go very well together.  My most important event every year is the Mt. Evans Hill Climb in  Colorado.  Stair climbing makes me a better uphill biker, which in turn...makes me a better stair climbing...another purpose!   Like stairs, biking (cycling) is great for lower back problems!

How do you train?  Running real stairs (16 flights) 2-3 times a week, and StairMaster stair stepper at the health club, 2-3 times a week.  Harder on the week-ends because of more time.  Starting about now, I am slowly transitioning to more biking, and will start training for the Willis Tower in Early September.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  I guess is my special energy drink that I mix-up!

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions?  I like to listen to Eminem.

Terry Purcell

Do you go by a nickname? No, just Terry.

Birthdate: 2 January 1971

What is your occupation? Lead designer for the DB2 for z/OS Optimizer for IBM.

What/when was your first climb? Sydney (Australia) Centerpoint Tower 1993

How many climbs have you completed? Approx 50 - from 1993 - 2011.

Why/how did you start? In 1993, 3-time Empire State Building winner Geoff Case taunted me saying that I wasn't tough enough for stair climbing.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? Too many favorties. It starts with Sydney Tower - because in 1995 I went 24 sec faster than Geoff Case's old record. Empire State Building is another favorite - winning it in 1998 was a proud moment. Hustle up the Hancock in Chicago - won 9 times from 9 starts. Step up for Kids (Aon Center) in Chicago - because it is a consistent stairwell (which suits my style), I won it 5 times from 5 starts and my race record of 9:26 still stands as of 2016.

Least favorite climb? Why? Also a few - Menara Tower in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia - because you have an 800m uphill run before you then ascend 100 floors. Willis Tower - even though I won 3 times - its a tough stairwell and one year Eric Leninger and I decided to stick together, but I took us through 1/2 way too fast in about 6 min.........and crawled the last 10 floors and won by 1 sec, but spent 45 min on a stretcher with an oxygen mask.

Why do you climb? I climbed because it challenged me to go beyond what I thought was my limit. And the sense of accomplishment kept me going.

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Stair climbing is the only sport that I ever gave everything to.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? No. Before stair climbing I had knee and shin injuries from running - but no injuries in stair climbing.

How do you train? Too much to share, and not enough space. I was fortunate to learn a lot about how best to train during my 18 years of climbing, but found that getting into good physical shape was the easy part. The most important part of my race preparation was having confidence that I was mentally ready.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? Eric Leninger and I have a great friendship, and he often asks me for advice and to bounce ideas off for training and racing. He was the 1st USA climber to beat me in a stair climb @ Oakbrook Terrace in mid-late 2000s. John Osborn and I are great friends also - since we live in the same town and sometimes get to train together.

Who inspires you? 10 years ago I would say 1 or 2 Tour De France cyclists - but unfortunately events unfolded that ruined that. Now my youngest son Liam inspires me because he faces so many challenges in life, but smiles every day.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  The night before a race I would write on a note pad (next to my bed) a very simple race plan, and especially what I would tell myself during the race when I needed to push through the pain barrier that would hit about 3/4 of the way through the race.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I never listened to music in the stairs - but on my spinning bike or running I would listen to some current hits and some older favorites including the Cure.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? No. I am pretty private. Unless you ask me directly, and then I can't shut up.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? I always liked #1 :-).

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? When I began in stair climbing, I never dreamed that I would accomplish what I did. But when I started racing, I found that my limitations were mostly self imposed. I began to think logically about where I was losing the most time in a race. Most of it was common sense and came down to understanding that I needed to push myself at an uncomfortable pace for several minutes in training so that I was prepared to do that in the race - there was no coasting or settling into a comfortable pace as there was in running or cycling. What was unique to stair climbing but also common sense was technique. It is all about consistency and efficiency - most people go out too fast such that their 2nd half is much slower than the 1st half, and are also wasting too much energy lifting their feet up too far above each step and taking too many steps on the landings. On the psychological side, it is about focusing on the task at hand - the consistent pace and efficient technique, and deferring your recognition of the physical pain until the end. I was also able to take this common sense approach to stair climbing and apply it to other aspects of my life. I learned that I could succeed in whatever I wanted to, provided I thought through the most logical way to approach the task and was confident in my ability to achieve the goal that I had set out. Too often we limit our own achievement by not challenging ourselves to accomplish more.

Luis Cesar Altamirano Shebab

Birthdate:  20 de noviembre de 1950 Mexico DF

What is your occupation?  Licenciado en administracion de empresas y empresa propia de Bienes raices y construccion.

Why/how did you start?  Comencé a correr carreras en calle desde el Año de 1979 pero lo que mas me gusta ahora es subir escaleras de edificios.

What/when was your first climb?  La torre mayor en mexico DF 54 pisos en 2007

How many climbs have you completed?  Total de torres subidas en competencia 40.

Do you have a favorite climb? Willis Tower en Chicago.

Least favorite climb?  Las presidencial Towers 4 en Chicago.

Why do you climb?  Por mantener mi cuerpo sano y saludable y una mejor calidad de vida futura.  Yo inspiro mucho a mi familia mi esposa y mis hijos a mis amigos me ponen de ejemplo.

Did you have any injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb?  Cuando corría en calle a veces me lesionaba un poco las rodillas pero siempre corrí con buenos zapatos deportivos y plantillas para mis pies.

How do you train?  El martes subo 100 pisos suave de uno en uno escalones.  El miércoles y viernes igual que lunes y el martes igual jueves y sábados el domingo descanso a veces si el tiempo me permite me fusta hacer unas dos veces bicicleta de ruta 35. Kilometros por vez.

Do you have a good luck charm any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  Rato de concentrarme dias antes en lo que voy ha hacer y uso siempre un corredor. En mi cuello que imelda me regalo cuando cumplí 50 años y nunca me lo he quitado.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? No no me gusta escuchar música cuando compito o cuando entreno por me distraigo en lo que estoy haciendo.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be?  No tengo ningún numero en especial pero me gusta el 7 y el 20.

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives?  Si pues la gente que me conoce me pone de ejemplo y eso me motiva mucho para seguir adelante.  Comentarios comencé a correr plano el 1979 he corrido mas 400 competencias entre ellas 38 marathones completos 102 medios marathones dos ultra marathones de 50 kilometros y las demas carreras de 5 y 10 kilometros pero ya en 2009 decidí dedicarme solamente a subir torres en este deporte de run up nunca me he lesionado de nada asi que lo recomiendo 100%.

Kourtney Dexter

Birthdate: 25 June 1980

What is your occupation? Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant

What/when was your first climb? 2008 Columbia Tower in Seattle

How many climbs have you completed? 25

Why/how did you start? PJ asked me to race Columbia Tower in 2008 and I won, so he encouraged me to do more. Thanks Peej!

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? Benningon Monument Building in Vermont. Short, sweet sprint in a rad building!

Least favorite climb? Why? Presidential Towers. 4 buildings with a sprint between each one is so not up my alley.

Why do you climb? I’m retired now ;) But before, I climbed to raise funds for various charities...and, of course, overcome self-imposed limitations.

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

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? Broken back; arthritis in hips; and torn meniscus, rotator cuff, and TFL are the injuries that still yell at me today.

How do you train? Anything but climb stairs. Or run. Or elliptical.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? PJ is my brother from another step-mother, for sure. He got me into climbing, encouraged my training, and believed in me when I could not. He teaches me something new with every conversation. Nelson is my step-bestie, and the male version of me. Roxanne kills it at life...she totally inspires me.

Who inspires you? My boyfriend. He is kind to everyone, including me.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? Nope. I made it a point from the beginning not to.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? Workouts, hip hop or audiobooks. Competitions, classic slow rock

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 34

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Don’t take it so seriously. Moderation is healthy :) No excuses or big talk. Just go out and do your thing!  

Troy R Alston

Do you go by a nickname?  I was given the nickname “Stair Master Flex” at work lol It’s kinda cool I guess..lol

Birthdate: 15 March 1987

What is your occupation? Graphic Designer / Marketing Specialist

What/when was your first climb? 2010 Orlando Fight for Air Climb (25 Floors / 513 Steps)

How many climbs have you completed? As of April 23rd I have climbed in a total of 60 Climbs.

Why/how did you start? I started competing as a method of alternative training for the 400meter hurdles. As I kept competing I noticed how well I was doing and thought to myself just how far can I go? Since then I have been hooked on the sport (hint the number of climbs I have done thus far).

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? I would have to say the former Ft. Lauderdale Fight for Air Climb. That was the first climb I won and first course record I set. That race is my favorite because it opened my eyes to what I can do on the stairs. I tend to love short fast climbs just as I like short fast events on the track. Although I’m capable of running the distance, long events like the 5k and 10k are not my cup of tea, like wise long climbs are not either. However in the near future that may change. Only time will tell.  

Least favorite climb? Why?  Probably the Willis Tower, the primary reason is the fact you only have one rail for about 90 floors and when you finally get to use two rails, three floors equal one. But I love climbing so I would do that race again, just for kicks.

Why do you climb?  I climb to inspire the hearts and minds of those I encounter at climbs and through my social media channels. I want people to look at my successes on the stairs, the track and life and push themselves to reach for new heights. Greatness is something that we are all capable of; it’s not just reserved for some. I also climb because competition makes me feel alive!  

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Track and Field, I will always be a hurdler at heart. I also love boxing and cycling.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb?       Climb related injuries? No, Track and Field? Yes! I strained my hamstring two times in the same season my senior year. Tough times, but thankfully tough times don’t come to stay, only to help shape us for the future.

How do you train?      Training for me is very wide scale, I train on the stairs, lift weights, cycle, track intervals and of course I spend about two days a week at a boxing gym (some occasional sparring).

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings?      Scott Stanley is at the top of the list. When I was first starting out in the sport I climbed primarily here in Florida. Most of the other climbers in other states and on the west coast I knew of via the Internet and Towerrunning.com results. But it was Scott that introduced me to the group on Facebook and extended the first invitation to Texas and other climbs as well. Over the years our friendship has grown. Sue Gasser is the next one on the list; I met her at a Florida climb as well. Just the sweetest lady and very supportive of my endeavors and the progression of the sport as well, over the years we have developed a tight knit as well. Since I started to venture out the list has doubled over the years! That’s one of the things I love about this sport is the people and relationships you build along the way.

Who inspires you? My mom is a huge inspiration and motivation to me and my sister. She set an excellent example of what hard work looks like and how to keep going even when the going gets tough which it typically does in the stairwell. I also find Floyd Mayweathers’s work ethic to inspiring. He spends as much time as possible honing his craft and talents, which is ideal not only for success in sports but in life as well! I also find the words of Ray Lewis, Les Brown and Eric Thomas very moving!

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  Not really, I tend to bring a lot of habits from Track and Field to Stair Climbing. I watch what I eat the day before a climb, and the day of I typically have a pack of Gatorade Chews. Which probably does absolutely nothing…It’s habit, and so far the results have been pretty good.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions?      Since I converted over to racing in spandex I no longer race with an IPOD, at the moment at least. However, when I’m working out I do and it really depends on the workout

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you?      Yes I do actually - my Facebook Page.

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives?      There is nothing to hard if you approach it with prayer, hardwork and an unshakable determination! Don’t be afraid to fail, that’s life and it’s apart of the process. We are going to have shortcomings, however when we fail it’s an opportunity to begin again more intelligently.   

Charles Bower

Do you go by a nickname? Chuck, but some of my friends call me "doc."

Birthdate: 3 September 1966

What is your occupation? Physician

What/when was your first climb? February 2014, John Hancock, Chicago

How many climbs have you completed? about 50 [In two years! Charles is a maniac!]

Why/how did you start? One of my friends challenged me to do the Hancock as I was getting into better shape.  I started training, did the event, and the rest is history.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? I have several.  I like the Willis Tower as an iconic building, the Cincinnati Vertical Mile for the sheer challenge, but my all time favorite was the European Grand Prix: 3 climbs in 3 days in 3 countries!  They were very well run events with great post race parties, and the participants were like family!

Least favorite climb? Why? Even though it was my first, I don't like Hustle up the Hancock because it is too much of a cattle drive.  

Why do you climb? Because it feels so good when you reach the top!  It's also a great way to stay in shape, and a great social experience.  I've made a lot of friends around the world!

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Scuba diving, although it's really an activity.  I like to do triathons and running events as well.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? I was severely overweight and severely out of shape.  It was a scuba diving accident that motivated me to get into better shape.  After losing 100 pounds, I found out first hand that what everyone else has said was true:  the hardest part of weight loss is keeping it off!  Staying active with stair climbing helps me keep the weight off. I also had to deal with several running related injuries, mostly from doing too much, too soon.

How do you train? I live in a 23 floor building and work in a 15 floor building, so I train in the stairs there.  I also run regularly, and during the summer, swin and bike ride for triathlon training.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? None in particular, but I've developed a lot of great friendships and they're all like extended family.

Who inspires you? Syd [Arak].  He is in the shape I'd like to be in when I'm in my 70's!

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  I like to "corral" the building by running around the outside to warm up.  Also, if escalators are available, I like to warm up by running up the down escalator.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I don't use one.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? Send me a facebook friend request.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 7 for good luck!

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Just do it!  Try to take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.  Even a few floors a day will make a big heath difference.  The hardest part of any activity is getting started, and making the routine a habit.  When you don't feel like working out, try to at least do something, no matter how small.  It helps maintain the habit, and besides, after getting started, you may feel like doing more.  If you're short of time, a high intensity interval workout can be done in as little as 10 minutes.

Nelson Quong

Birthdate: 16 October 1966

What is your occupation? Fatal Accidents Analyst for the California Higway Patrol

What/when was your first climb? November 2009

How many climbs have you completed? Approximately 24

Why/how did you start? I saw a short blurb about the Empire State Building RunUp years ago in Runner's World, and I promised myself if we ever had a climb in Sacramento, I would do it (never expecting we would have one!).  I also thought it would be great cross training for my bike racing.  I ended up loving it so much, I instead used my cycling to train for stair racing!

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? Yes, my favorite climb is still my Sacramento climb because it was my 1st stair race, and I was surprised how well I did despite how horrible I felt!  A close 2nd favorite would be AON because that's where I first nervously approached Mark to wish him luck and tell him I had seen him in climbing videos.  That is also the first race I did with you, Jane!!!

Least favorite climb? Why? I don't really have a least favorite, but since my knee injury after only one year of climbing, every race I've done has been slower for me.  It's very humbling.

Why do you climb? At first, it was to crosstrain for cycling and because I loved the extreme mental and physical challenge of it.  That's still true, but now I also climb for the wonderful bonds I've formed with my teammates.  They are truly bonds formed by mutual suffering!

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Yes.  Before my knee injury, I was an amateur bike racer for 17 years.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? Yes. Originally, I had pretty severe social anxiety.  Bike racing was pretty insular activity.  I did meet some good friends through it, but there really wasn't the same comeraderie or closeness that there is in stair climbing.

How do you train? Before my knee injury, my main form of training was cycling.  I also trained with weights at the gym and climbed at a local college parking structure.  Since the injury, I haven't been able to cycle, but I still do restricted workouts in the gym and climb the parking structure when the pain level is down.  The structure is only 5 floors, but it is the tallest staircase I have access to, so it has special meaning to me.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? It's funny, but I feel like I have a special relationship with all of them (of course you know I think the world of you, Jane!).  We really do have a special climbing family.

Who inspires you? That's a great and a tough question.  You know that you inspire me!!  Also, many of our step sibs inspire me for so many different reasons.  We've all had such different challenges to overcome.  I honestly believe that’s one of the reasons we're drawn to the sport and to each other.  In stair climbing, everyone suffers, but we are the ones that always get up and fight.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  I try not to adopt any superstitions or rituals because I travel for most of my races, so I don't want to adopt anything that I can't easily replicate in another city.  I don't want it to throw off my race.  That being said, I do tend to look up to the sky at the moon the night before a race.  I was very close to my grandmother when I was little, and when she would babysit me, we would sit on a step and look at the moon together before bedtime.  She's been gone for many years, but this still comforts me to this day.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? Anything fast or inspirational.  Hard rock is always good.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 8 or 13.  8 is good luck in Chinese, and 13 because it represents overcoming challenges or "bad luck" while racing.

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Stair climbing has helped me live outside the box.  I've had pretty severe social anxiety most of my life (I used to have a very hard time leaving my house, and even used to go running at night, so no one would see me), so I never would have imagined I'd be flying all over the country and have great friends from all over the world.  Stair climbing opened up the world for me.

Climbing means even more to me now with my injury than it did before.  Although I'm climbing much slower now, I actually think I'm pushing myself mentally more than when I was healthy.  Before, I knew if I slowed down the pain would eventually go away.  Now, even if I slow down, I know the pain will only drop back to the same level it's at every day when I'm not climbing.  I use this knowledge to keep pushing myself.  In stair climbing, we all suffer and push ourselves despite our circumstances.  To me, that's both the challenge and the beauty of the sport!