In early March, I registered for the 25th Annual World Wildlife Fund CN Tower Stair Climb.  This fundraising event involves climbing 1,776 steps (144 flights) to the top of the CN tower.
 
Most of my friends and family thought I was crazy for signing up for this event.  I am a fairly active person, but most of this activity is low to moderate in intensity.  I enjoy walking, biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and yoga…not marathon running or stair climbing!  I knew that this was going to be a challenge and that I was going to have to train for this event.
 
I walked up many hills and climbed many stairs.  Since we don’t have very many “tall” buildings in Sudbury, I would train by walking up three flights of stairs and back down two.  I would repeat this until I got to the top.  I also did strength training exercises to help strengthen the muscles in my legs.

On April 25th, I was one of the thousands of people who successfully climbed to the observation deck of the CN Tower.  I was able to make it to the top in less than 25 minutes and I did not have to stop once.  This exceeded my expectations!

“One of the greatest moments in life is realizing that two weeks ago your body couldn’t do what it just did”.

Nothing better describes how I felt when I reached that final step.  

My next big challenge is to complete the Grouse Grind up the Grouse Mountain in Vancouver.
Whatever your fitness and lifestyle goals, I encourage you to challenge yourself to meet these goals.  Even small steps can have great benefit on your mental and physical health.

In good health,
Stephanie