Sarah Johnson
/Birthdate: 17 November 1969
What is your occupation? Accounting Supervisor for and Oil and Gas Co.
What/when was your first climb? 3.24.2012, ALA Race, First City Tower, Houston TX
How many climbs have you completed? approximately 15
Why/how did you start? I started climbing stairs at work to lose weight and get in better shape. I did that for about 3 years and then had a memory of a 60 Minutes episode I saw as a kid that was about the Empire State Building Climb. I wondered if this event still happened, and soon discovered the world wide sport of stairclimbing.
Do you have a favorite climb? Why? Willis Tower. I have only climbed it once, but I loved climbing such an iconic building and I felt particularly good the day of that climb. The party and view at the top was also a great payoff.
Least favorite climb? Why? Fountain Place Building in Dallas Texas. The first 4-5 floors are very unusual, irregular steps. I have tended to go out too fast on these and have had pretty rough climbs as a result.
Why do you climb? It's the best cardio conditioning there is.
Are there other sports you’re passionate about? I am very passionate about my overall conditioning and strength. I love my boot camp and I also love trail running.
Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? When I started climbing I had hurt knees from an old running injury. The more I climbed, the stronger my knees got and I now have no knee issues at all. I am currently working through a hip injury.
How do you train? I train with my boot camp regularly, and climb in the 25 floor building I work in. I also do yoga, spinning, and trail running.
Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? I met Scott Stanley and Dan Dill at my first race. They are my Team Texas brothers and inspire me with their passion for life and fitness.
Who inspires you? I am inspired by older athletes, in particular women athletes, who live life with passion and who are forever discovering the depth of their strength.
Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? Wake up super early, have my breakfast and coffee, warm up with a prerace workout, and flood my mind with positive thoughts. Then just relax and have fun.
What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? Music that moves and inspires 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? 17
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 something you can do and reap huge gains regardless of your skill level.