Jill Paha

Name: Jill Paha

Birthdate: 24 January 1981

Do you have a nickname? You can call me whatever you like

What is your occupation? Clinical Chemist

What/when was your first climb?:There are 2.
Oakbrook Terrace circa 2007
Hancock Half-Climb 02/2015

How many climbs have you completed? ~15 that I know of. There are some more I don't remember. You'll see why.

Why/how did you start? Keep scrolling.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? They're ALL my favorite! Just kidding, I don't like Milwaukee that much because the US Bank of America's stairwell reminds me of a fun house. But I run it anyway because it's close by.

My favorite climb is Presidential Towers in Chicago. It has 45 floors that are completely even ALL the way up.

Least favorite climb? Why? See above. Actually, it may be Aon in Chicago, but I've only run it once so maybe I'm just not used to it.

Why do you climb? Climbing is the ultimate drug and mistress all wrapped up as one gigantic euphoric high.

I also like the way climbing makes me look 

Are there other sports you're passionate about? I once was a NCAA D1 track athlete, I was a hammer thrower. Nothing more thrilling than whipping a glorified weapon of war into a field to the awes of spectators. Not only that but in the 2 years of tenure in this sport I had a wonderful coach who laid the foundation of what it means to train as an elite athlete. Not just the physical training but the mental and emotional training. 16 years later I still incorporate my throwing training into my climb training. Such training values should not go to waste.

Do you have injuries or issues you need to overcome to climb? Where do I begin?
Ulcerative Colitis. Diagnosed at 20. Effectively ended my college track career.
Glaucoma. Diagnosed at 30. It's "cured" for all intensive purposes but I am legally blind in my right eye. Effectively ended any event that requires depth deception, but oddly enough I have no problems climbing/training. 
Alcoholic. Diagnosed never. Effectively ended...everything.
Cured 12 May 2014.

How do you train? I consider my training highly experimental but am at a place where I know what works. I stated earlier that I incorporate many elements of my track throwing career into my current career. I train in plyometrics, jumping, bodyweight conditioning, sprinting (flats and hills), stairmill cardio intervals, and for the first time ever, on actual stairs. I train 5/6 days a week for about an hour. My workouts change when a change is required but my basic plan is climbing, endurance and plyos/bw conditioning 2/week each. I throw core work and cycling in the mix as well.

I primarily train for Sprint climbs and Ultimates. It's a personality thing.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? : You're ALL special 

Who inspires you? Dexter Morgan.
JUST KIDDING. 
Mom.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? My lucky charms are magically delicious. 

Actually I really don't have a pre-race superstition. I treat my climbs as if it's regular training, which calms my competition anxiety. However, I must have music. I cannot deal with the sound of my creepy loud breathing on the way up 

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? Skillet, Muse, Drop-Kick Murphy's, Evanescence, Mahler, certain tv show soundtracks, it's a very eclectic mix.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 3

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? I was introduced to the wonderful world of tower racing by a fellow personal training friend/co-trainer at the now extinct Bally Total Fitness. Oakbrook Terrace, 200.....5? Maybe. I did quite well for a newcomer. The only problem was that I was shitfaced-drunk for the occasion.

Such was the routine for most of my climbs prior to 2015. Hungover, still drunk, completely drunk, or planning to get drunk. There are climbs that I don't even remember. Who does that? Apparently I had some descent races, too.  

I'd love to share all of the gory details of my 8 or 9 years of drinking 3-4 bottles of gin or vodka a week almost consecutively. I'd love to brag about how, for a time I was able to train and compete decently, teach kickboxing well (sort of) while drinking before class, start and finish a second college degree and hold stable positions for a time, and generally enjoy my relationship with the people in my life. All while drunk. But I won't; that's a whole other story in my memoir that I shall call "50 Shades of Completely F**ked Up".

I quit climbing because of my habit. Then I quit my habit because my liver failed at 33. I technically shouldn't be here.  

That was May 12, 2014.

When I was was released from ICU I could not walk, talk (intelligently), take care of my basic human needs, and looked like that blueberry girl from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for about a month. I moved in with my parents because I refused inpatient treatment. Glad I did, inpatient addicts are crazy. My apologies in advance if I offend.

And so I relearned everything. EVERYTHING; how to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, drive, walk, talk (intelligently), feel, deal, live. All without my beloved liquor.

It may surprise you to hear that it wasn't that hard; I knew I was done before I quit. I remained home for 4 months, attended IOP, did the AA thing for a time, and eventually got a new job in my career field. And moved home.

As soon as I could walk, I began to do what I could to build up my body. Liver failure is no picnic; I was quite weak for many months. I actually had not eaten in months before I quit. My joints were painful from lack of exercise, my muscles were just atrophied beyond what they were. The week before I was hospitalized I weighed 117 lbs at 5'10". My feet have permanent peripheral neuropathy but luckily it's not and issue. But baby steps pay.

Walking led to skipping. Skipping led to running. Running led to sprinting. Sprinting led to jumping. Jumping led to more jumping, then bounding. Bounding led to Climbing.

I cannot tell you the exact day that I decided to rekindle my relationship with Towerrunning. All I can tell you is how insanely grateful I am that I did.

It's over 3 years later. I have a life, and it's pretty alright. Do I miss alcohol? Yes. I miss the oblivion I could slip into when times were tough. But I simply don't want to drink badly enough to do it again; addiction is like an Ex in many ways. 

I completed 3 climbs the first season back, 5 the second, and 9 in this past season. I'm here when I may not have been, I do things athletically that probably should never have been possible again. I've fallen hard in love with this sport.  

That's why I climb.

Jose' Camacho

Name: Jose Camacho

Birthdate: 15 January 1954

How many climbs have you completed? The tower/stair climbs I have done throughout our great country are AON Tower (twice) and US Bank Tower (three times) both in downtown LA; Columbia (Center) Tower and Space Needle Tower in Seattle; The Towerthon (twice) in San Diego; The Stratosphere Tower (three times) in Las Vegas; Bisbee Stair climb, in Bisbee, Arizona; Renaissance Square, (Two Buildings) in Downtown, Phoenix; Fight For Air Climb in downtown Albuquerque; SkyRise Chicago (Sears/Willis) Tower climb (twice), American Lung Presidential Tower Climb (4 Towers) and John Hancock Building/Tower - all three events in Chicago; Wachovia Financial Center building in downtown Miami; Tampa Fight for Air Climb; Dallas Vertical Mile; Empire State building - ESBRU (three times) and the inaugural 90 floor One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) climb - both in downtown New York City. I am currently training for the full 102-104 stair climb of One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) on June 4, 2017. 

The tower/stair climbs I have done abroad (so far) are The Menara Tower in Kuala, Lumpur Malaysia; The CN Tower in Toronto Ontario, Canada; The Sidney Tower in downtown Sidney, Australia; The ICC (International Commerce Centre) building in downtown Hong Kong; The Millennium Tower (had to run it four times) in Vienna, Austria; and even though this is not a tower/stair climb, this has been the most spiritual and coolest climb yet - running the Andes Mountains for three consecutive days (and camping out at night) and finally running down into Machu Picchu in Peru.

Why/how did you start? I discovered stair/tower running approximately 16 years ago from a famous Jemez Pueblo Indian mountain runner named Al Waquie, who had set a world record running up the Empire State Building. He gave me some stair training ideas and set me on this path of running up buildings and towers.

Do you have a favorite climb? There are really no favorite stair climbs for me.  They each have offered a different challenge and different experience and whether good or bad have made me the climber I am today.

Why do you climb? Why do I choose to do such a grueling sport? Besides the obvious health and fitness benefits, in reality it is "my drug of choice"! Tower running has become a ongoing lesson, representing the challenges I must overcome in life. A way for me to persevere in whatever life has in store.

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? I was born in the Caribbean however was only there for the about the first year of my life before my family relocated to the South Bronx in New York City. I am now very free of the world I grew up in the South Bronx, where, although I came from a loving Puerto Rican family, I was surrounded by an environment of gang violence, drugs and apathy. I was one of the youngest of 10 brothers and sisters living in poverty. My parents were illiterate, but wanted a better world for us, which is why they signed me into the military at 17 years of age. I entered the Vietnam War as a teenage boy where mentally and emotionally grew up with structure and discipline and left as a man. The same discipline that has lead me to participate in dozens of road races, triathlons, duathlons and eventually, into the world of vertical running. I have been living in Albuquerque, New Mexico for over 40 years and training in the surrounding mountain trails for over 20 years. I am now 63 and still pushing it up the stairs throughout our county and abroad! I'm not an elite runner, not setting or breaking any records, but I'm just training to be as competitive, in my age group, as I can be. I consider myself a decent "wanna-be stair runner with a lot of heart." It strengthens my coping mechanism and has become my most effective life-PTSD treatment. For me, a dank, nasty stairwell, with a steep challenge in front, is a place that keeps me strong and ready for anything that life has to throw at me. Where I am now was a long fought effort and is where I want and need to be. Making it to the TOP is a thing of beauty!

Patricia Greenberg-Grunfeld

Birthdate: 2 November 1960

What is your occupation? Food and Nutrition Media

What/when was your first climb? The Empire State Building 2016

How many climbs have you completed? 5! So far having conquered the Empire State Building and The World Trade Center Tower in NYC, The Hancock Tower in Chicago, and the AON and US Bank buildings in Los Angeles.

Why/how did you start? When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. I saw this firsthand, losing several family members to cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Diseases which can be prevented and managed through healthy lifestyle choices. Going forward, I have decided to devote my life, both professionally and personally, to optimizing my health and the health of those around me. 

My mother died in 2010, my brother had a severe heart attack in 2011, he survived, my father had congestive heart failure and diabetes and died in 2014.  5 days later his mother died of old age. 2 weeks later, my father's brother had a heart attack and died. My fathers first cousin died of colon cancer a few months later, and this past year, in January, we found my mother’s sister dead at home, again respiratory failure, and then in February, my sister’s partner died of MS.

Our family business was on the 34th floor of the Empire State building, and our family apartment is across the street on 34th and 3rd. When I saw that there was a competitive climb there,I thought it would be a tremendous tribute to all the surviving members of my family to honor my parents and grandparents through this feat in a place that means so much to all of us.

I have run 20 marathons and 110 half marathons all over the age of 35. I was not an athletic child and now I have accomplished goals beyond my wildest dreams. Not just athletic, but in every area of my life.

My overall goal is to be a role model for women, young and old to get out there and just try to the best you can be.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? Empire State Building, but then again I just got started......

Least favorite climb? Why? None, they are all fabulous!!!

Why do you climb? For my health and happiness, and to show everyone you can do anything you set your mind to.

Are there other sports you're passionate about? Running road races and weight training

Do you have injuries or issues you need to overcome to climb? I have severe panic disorder so when I am in a tight stairwell, I get very claustrophobic. I find that if I focus I the goal, I can stay centered.

How do you train? I mostly climb on the outdoor stairs in Los Angeles.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? All of them!! Since the first climb, I was welcomed into the step family with open arms!!

Who inspires you? Those who are still out there doing great things at any age!

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? I wear a bracelet that my daughter made me.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? no music, too distracting and not safe.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you?  http://thefitnessgourmet.com

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 110260

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Climbing tall buildings can be very frightening. Always know you will have the support of fellow climbers to help you every step of the way. The feeling at the finish line is the greatest reward.

Additional Comments? take life one step at a time, and you will accomplish great things!!!

Sally Kalksma

Birthdate: 19 June 1962

What is your occupation?  I work for the Board of Elections

What/when was your first climb? Empire StateBuilding Run Up (ESBRU) 2012

How many climbs have you completed? Over 50

Why/how did you start?  My love for running brought me to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF).  After my husband passed I went back to work full time, i felt like a caged animal working at a desk in an office for 8 hours a day. Every day at lunch I would run up the stairs in my office building to relieve stress and get exercise. (Something I learned when my late husband had a short lived office job. He later became a commercial diver, salvaging all over the world). The MMRF heard about this and invited me to participate in the prestigious Empire State Building Run Up (ESBRU) to raise awareness for the MMRF. Not only did I immerse myself in my training, but i dedicated my time to raising funds for the MMRF. In the past 5 years over 1.7 million dollars was raised for the MMRF by participants in the ESBRU.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? ESBRU with Top of theRock a close 2nd. However, I love them all because they are all so unique.

Least favorite climb? Why? None

Are there other sports you're passionate about? Running.  My illustrious racing career started when I was 7 years old and continued well pass my college running days. After college I became the race director of one of the largest and most elite races in NJ, all while attracting new runners to the sport with different running programs.

Do you have injuries or issues you need to overcome to climb?  Eight years ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. Like anyone diagnosed with cancer, it changes your life. But this was intensified when 6 months later my husband was diagnosed with melanoma, and 8 months later passed way from the cancer. I was faced with being a widow at the age of 47 with three children, and going back to work full time, all while dealing with having cancer. 

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? One of my best friends, Linda Schlachter, is my climbing partner. She didn't start climbing till my 3rd year of competing when I coaxed her into it. Prior to her climbing, she would sneak me into buildings all over NYC to train and hold my coat while I worked out. I felt so bad about her doing this for me that I begged her to join me, now she's hooked, too!

Who inspires you?  I find inspiration in obstacles.  I don't enjoy them, but I love to overcome them!

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? The 2012 ESBRU was my first stair climb. I was climbing for the MMRF. A coworker I didn't know that well gave me a beautiful angel pin to wear for good luck. Her grandmother, who passed from multiple myeloma, gave it to her daughter. Her daughter died before the age of one. I told her I could not except that pin. She insisted. Since then she has become one of my biggest fans. And I love her dearly. I have pinned it on my shirt in every stair climb since then. I won't climb without her.  Another coworker, a fellow Italian, who is always been one of my favorites, gave me his evil eye for my first climb.  It's an Italian stone that wards off evil spirits. I did so well in my first climb that he kept letting me borrow it for each race after. One time I lost it and went crazy looking for it. After that he got me my own. I keep it in my workout bag and take it to every race.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I don't listen to music while I climb, only when I warm up.  I must listen to the Stones: Live With Me and Stray Cat Blues, before I race.  

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? Not yet

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 1, although my favorite number is 2!

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives?  I appeared on numerous talk shows and radio interviews all while training, working full time, and supporting my 3 children, who are now a college professor, another going off to law school and another at Columbia University Medical School. Within 5 years I became ranked 20th overall in the world and 5th overall in the nation by the World Tower Running Association. 

I now compete in stair climbs all over the world, as well as other races for the MMRF, including a 200 mile relay and a 5K chaired by my oncologist, Dr Edward Staptmauer of the University of Penn Hospital. I continue to help the MMRF as I face my latest challenge: a stem cell transplant. My stair climbing is on hold, as what brought me to climbing is now taking it away: cancer. But I will return, stronger!

Christine Soskins

Birthdate: 19 October 1980

Do you have a nickname? Nope

What is your occupation? Paralegal

What/when was your first climb? In 2008, one of my hiking friends wanted to get a team together for the US Bank climb in LA. I had no idea what to expect, but I was game!

How many climbs have you completed? 16—but I’m just getting started.....

Why/how did you start? I didn’t think much about stairs for a few years after my first climb in 2008. The US Bank race caught my eye again in 2012. After doing only that race for a few years, I wanted to try new races in different places. I’ve been adding on the races since early 2015. I love the work out—it’s a great way to stay in shape for hiking once the cold weather hits.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? So far—Towerthon—I like the power hour aspect of it.

Least favorite climb? Why? Not yet...

Why do you climb? To stay in shape for hiking; to push myself; because of the great people.

Are there other sports you're passionate about? Hiking—it’s all about hiking. (Not sure if that’s a “sport” though.)

Do you have injuries or issues you need to overcome to climb? Nope—I have been very fortunate.

How do you train? in buildings when I can; on the stairmill; running; hiking; strength training; I like mixing it up.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? Not really—everyone has been so friendly and welcoming to the sport.

Who inspires you? Everyday “normal” people who have overcome adversity. I’m always humbled by what people have accomplished--they push me to do more.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? Before my first marathon, my best friend gave me a pair of her favorite brand of socks. I wear these socks for each race as a reminder of her support and strength.

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? Anything fast-loving “Smooth Criminal” “Shut Up and Dance” "Another Night" right now.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? No

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 8675309

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Well—that’s a loaded question. Never stop—just keep moving at whatever pace works for you and you’ll get where and what you want.

Duane Friesen

Birthdate: 16 February 1962

Do you have a nickname? No

What is your occupation? Aircraft Quality Control Inspector for American Airlines

What/when was your first climb? February 2014, ALA Fight For Air Climb Tulsa Oklahoma

How many climbs have you completed? 12

Why/how did you start? I started in the winter of 2013/2014 because the roads were too icy to do much bicycling and that was the sport I had been doing to stay in shape. I didn't want to get out of shape so I started climbing the stairs where I work on my lunch time. It was after I got into the habit of doing the stairs that I heard about a stair race here in Tulsa. I signed up so I would have a goal to work for in my training. I had a great time at the race and visited with Ned Green who invited me to do more climbs and just like that I was hooked.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? I love the Little Willies Triple Dog Dare in OKC. That race is the most exciting and I enjoy the variety of racing up and down and in between the buildings. I also enjoy the festive atmosphere with the Christmas decorations and music at this race held in December each year.

Least favorite climb? Nope, I like them all.

Why do you climb? I climb to stay healthy and strong and I love to compete with the wonderful people I've met doing the races.

Are there other sports you're passionate about? Cycling is the sport that I've loved for almost 15 years. This summer I started running and recently did my first organized race, a 15K.

Do you have injuries or issues you need to overcome to climb? No injuries or issues other than a body that is getting older every year and now that I'm in my mid 50s I feel it. I have to work harder each year to maintain my fitness.

How do you train? I ride my road bike and run and I climb stairs all I can. With limited time because of my work schedule, I find that climbing during my lunch or break time is a great use of time. I've also been able to get some of my coworkers started climbing stairs instead of eating donuts on their break.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? Scott Stanley and I have become good friends. We both work for American Airlines but I work in Tulsa and he is based at DFW so without stair climbing we never would have gotten to know each other.

Who inspires you? Ned Green definitely inspires me. I hope I can be in the shape he is in when I'm his age. I'll never forget that he told me his goal is to die a young man at an old age. Ned will always be a young man no matter what his age.

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

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? 70s and 80s rock n roll for training but no music during races because I like to hear the climbers above me and below me.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? No

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? Find a way to stay active that you really enjoy so that you can have fun while keeping your body healthy and strong. Once you've found what works for you set goals that stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Mike Caviston

Birthdate: 12 May 1961

What is your occupation? Promoting physical fitness in the military.

What/when was your first climb? 2010: Stair Climb to the Top, Los Angeles.

How many climbs have you completed? 50, give or take.

Why/how did you start? Looking for a new challenge. I used to specialize in one sport (rowing), but decided it was time to diversify. Now I fit stair climbs into a busy competition schedule that includes lot of road and trail runs, and the odd triathlon, snowshoe, kayak, or rowing (erg) race.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? I liked Scale the Strat a lot when it was a two-day event. Now, I'm not sure which is my favorite. I like that most climbs are unique and hard to compare.

Least favorite climb? Why? Willis Tower, only because I've never raced well there. It is actually a great climb.

Why do you climb? Because it's there; or, if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand.

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Rowing and running.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? Not especially. As my knees get older and complain more, climbing is less stressful than other sports. I'm asthmatic, but I manage it pretty well.

How do you train? A variety of things - running (lots of hills), rowing (C2 erg), stair climbers, lots of cycling (I don't own a car), some weight lifting. I train 365 days a year, and therer are no "easy" days - just hard in different ways.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? They are all a great bunch of people who I don't see much between races but on race day we pick right up like we've known each other forever.

Who inspires you? Explorers, those who challenged the unknown, especially the polar regions. Trekking across Antarctica for months with no chance of rescue if you fail puts climbing a building for ten minutes into perspective. Same with stories of those who were lost at sea, were POWS, etc.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  I'm not superstitious. I have a pre-race ritual or system - get up early, have a Cliff bar and a cup of coffee, visualize the race, and get a good warm-up. 

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I don't use one in competition. If I listen when I work out, it's a lot of genres, but lots of oldies and classic rock.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? No. I don't use Facebook and barely comprehend the Internet (or cell phones, so don't bother calling, either).

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 40. That was my number when I played basketball 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? Climbing is a good metaphore for all of life's challenges and problems. Even if you're going to climb the tallest building in the world, just take it one step at a time and don't stop till you reach the top. (Okay, I literally climb two stairs at a time, but it's still one step…).

Additional Comments I like to read, and eat. I like to eat while reading.

Michael Carcieri

Do you go by a nickname? Michael works just fine, my first name is John. My father was the only person other than the nuns at school, who called me John. To everyone else I was always Michael or Hey You!

Birthdate: 3 June 1951

What is your occupation? Accountant. 

What/wen was your first climb? US Bank 2008.

How many climbs have you completed? I'm not at work, I've lost count; but no where near enough.

Why/how did you start? In June 2007 a bank vice president from Union Bank came to my office in Pasadena to take me to lunch. My office was at the top of a four floor walk-up, no elevators. I two-stepped up the whole way. She asked if I had ever heard of the US Bank/YMCA stair climb. I replied no. So I later googled it and figured that I could do it that year, then decided that I had a lot of good excuses so I passed on it and thought about it all year. Had to man-up the nextt year though in 2008.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why?  CF climb in November; not many in my age group. I might have a better chance at a medal. I'm vain, OK?

Least favorite climb? Why? Sears Tower, absolute torture, I will have to conquer it before I finally quit stair racing.

Why do you climb? My father was quite ill with advanced type 2 diabetes in 1990 and had a leg amputated and was devastated. This was a man who walked to work when I was young in 50's and early 60's, we didn't have a car for a while. He was so strong, drove a forklift, lifted heavy freight all day. Now he was "out of the game". In 1991 he was advised to have the 2nd leg amputated and he decided that he didn't want to go out 1 limb at a time. He told me he had had enough. He went off dialysis and was dead in 10 days, February 21, 1991. He was 61. I thought about the gift of mobility and how he felt so lost without his ability to move around. I think of him every time I run the stairs. I also think of my mother who died 7 years ago on Mother's day, disabled by a stroke, another one who could walk 5+ miles to work without a peep. My role models are the people who gave me the ability to walk and run. Climbing is difficult, a simple walk around the park might suffice for some but not for me. I feel more alive when I am pushing the grim reaper further into the rear view mirror.

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Used to love scuba diving, was assistant  to an instructor for Barnacle Busters scuba club; then my asthma got the better of me and I couldn't take the chest pressure. So then I started Masters Swimming, was never fast, but I enjoyed exhausting myself at every workout. I never thought I would swim 2-3 miles per training session 3x / week. Now my newest poison is trail running, blame it on Jeff Dinkin.

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? I had to run out of excuses for being too old, too sore, my hips hurt, my asthma blocks my airways, my heart does not pump well enough, I have a murmur, I can't hear it but the doctor can. My heart still has a bad valve, but it works fine enough to keep me going up two steps at a time.

How do you train? I prefer to train with the group, I really missed the AON training this year, only 1x for every other week, vs last year's 2x per week. This is bullshit, and quite honestly not worth my financial commitment. I will reconsider this race for next year. I need to try to keep up with the gazelles, even if only for a few floors. The challenge of practing with stronger runners helps me improve.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? Wow? I feel a connection with you, a no nonsense, you-are-who-you-are kind of person.  You could walk around the park, but you push it at stair races instead. I also admire and very much appreciate the helpful pointers that Lisa Z, Stan S, Veronica and finally, Jeff Dinkin. Jeff has been supportive with contructive pointers, from my great pair of New Balance minimus (most comfortable racing shoes ever) to suggesting that I consider trail running since he and I usually meet up every year at the Tram Road race in Palm Springs. I have met kind people who are always supportive and happy to see me and other "non-rockets" show up for the practices. Feeling included is important. I feel a bit guilty if I don't remember all the names, but I remember the kind faces, between the rivers of sweat.

Who inspires you? Hey they're up above and James Masoner, I always look for him at practice and the races, a guy who could hang it up but doesn't.  Johnny Ravello also, a very gifted guy who needs to stay with it, he has a talent not to waste.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  ALways, always put a wad of Dentyne cinnamon on each side of my upper gum, keeps my mouth from drying out during the races

What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I don't use it. I just a very varied playlist in my head, could be AC/DC or some similar head banger fast beat rock. I leave the country music for mellow times.

Do you have a website or blog for those interested in learning more about you? No.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 51, the year I was born.

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Do Not ever sell your self short, you have more in the tank if tyou're willing to dig deep for it. There is not magic to this, the best runners have strong minds to drive their bodies. Always seek out stronger runners and work to keep up with them, even if for a short burst. You will improve. I would never have imgained feeling as alive as I do after races such as US Bank in September.

Additional Comments Huh?  You want more????

Wayne Hunkins

Do you go by a nickname? Sam

Birthdate: 30 September 1935

What is your occupation? Attorney in the process of retiring

What/when was your first climb? February 2013: Empire State Building

How many climbs have you completed? More than twenty.  

Why/how did you start? Had a problem getting up from the floor.   Have a couple of friends my age who are so feeble they have trouble getting in and out of a car.    I decided I was just plain not going there.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? Empire State.  First

Least favorite climb? Why? Austin, Tx.  Went by myself.

Why do you climb? Because it is the only heavy cardio that does not seem to have some serious negative consequence.  [for me]

Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Fishing

Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? Poor lungs from 5 years of smoking.

How do you train?  Gym regularly and climbs about  2.5 times a week.   I climb several parking structures.  Up the stairway and down the elevator.   Usually open 24/7.  Occaisional tall bldg and the Baldwin Hills Overlook.  A typical morning climb would be about 100 floors.

Who inspires you? My mother who was active past 100.

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals?  None  other than I have found a 10 to 12 floor climb 45 minutes before the climb works wonders.

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 14

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives?    Use it or lose it.   Med studies show that most elderly  persons can improve their mobility and function substantially by simple regular exercise.

John "Oz" Osborn

Birthdate: 18 August 1973

Do you have a nickname? Oz

What is your occupation? Personal trainer, cycling/group fitness instructor,prior to that I was head painter in a production body shop for 25 years

What/when was your first climb? Hilton Springfield, 2010

How many climbs have you completed? Too many to count, when I first started, 10-12 a year, nowadays just a few faves.

Why/how did you start? I tried it at the urging of my Spin instructor, as a way to supplement my training for BMX racing.

Do you have a favorite climb? Why? AON Los Angeles! I love the course, and you just can't beat L.A in the spring. :)

Why do you climb? It's such a unique challenge, the other competitors are almost always down to give advice or help others. It's just a rush to finish a big race.

Are there other sports you're passionate about? BMX racing

Do you have injuries or issues you need to overcome to climb? I was a heavy smoker for a lot of years, I quit 15 years ago, had nasty asthma since age 11. I have zero symptoms now, I credit my climbing. :)

How do you train?: Cycling, running, Jacobs ladder.

Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? If it wasn't for Jeff Dinkin, I wouldn't have met all the WCL people:) Terry Purcell and I train occasionally since we live near each other. Eric Leninger has always propped me up, Bob Toews keeps me smiling with his unique sense of humor:) David Hanley keeps in touch,and puts me up when I in town..and in the beginning I wouldn't have dreamed of going to a race without Brady and Kristin! P.J has rolled out the red carpet in Seattle a few times.. I hope I didn't overlook anyone, I love em all:)

Who inspires you? All of my step-sibs:)

Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? Every climb I wear the very first WCL jersey that Mark gave me.

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

If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 2

What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Go and have fun with it.