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!!!