Rise Up: United Way CN Tower Climb

What do 9000 people racing their way up 1,776 steps flights of the United Way CN Tower Climb have in common? A smile. The funds we’ve raised will improve people’s access to critical social services that support people’s basic needs: food, shelter and employment. So, thanks to everyone who supported a climber this November.

This event is also presented a unique training opportunity because I’ll be chasing altitude next summer. Now, for anyone aiming to summit a mountain, it becomes painfully obvious that Ontario is flat. Then one morning, I watched the sunrise along the skyline of concrete buildings. I realized there were mountains everywhere. I just had to start climbing.

My “what if” has turned into a six-month commitment to take the stairs. Are you up for a challenge? Here’s a list worth considering:

1. Walking shoes.
2. Look at your feet when you get tired.
3. Touch the railing, don’t lean on it.
4. Use your foam roller. Descending is hard on the knees and calves.
5. Descend slowly. It’s easy to become dizzy.

Remember to speak with building security on the stairwells you climb most frequent and always have your keys or phone with you. Stairwells are labyrinths and it’s easy to get locked out. You know there’s a funny story there.