801 Grand Power Climb!

I trained hard for this. My body was ready, but I was nervous. That 41 story building looked pretty daunting the other night. Then I realized my real anxiety was coming from the fact that I have been so public about this event. I feared failing and having to go on the air in the morning and say I couldn't do it.

My fear has been vanquished and my task completed - I climbed the 801 Grand! And in the time I wanted!!!!!! When I saw that, I thought it was a typo - I have checked twice it hasn't changed. My brother Gordon and sister-in-law Annette did the climb as well and they both finished too!

Here's the play-by-play for my climb:
>Started off at 9:11:15 a.m.
>Flew like I was on fire up the first three levels.
>Realized I was crazy and sustaining that would happen for maybe another floor.
>Slowed myself down and ran two more floors.
>Jogged next 3 floors.
>Arrived at 8th floor shocked that I still had wits enough to change song on mp3 player.
>10th floor - When did I let someone pour gasoline down my throat and light a match?
>15th floor - Hey, don't the kids get off on the 18th? Water, YES! Maybe I can put out aforementioned fire.
>18th floor - Damn open door looks far too tempting. Nope would have to concoct cramping story and far too prideful to let that happen.
>30th floor - Dear god, I have been in this stairwell forever. Oh, thank you lord Nickelback has just come on mp3 player, perhaps throbbing beat will help.
>35th floor - Cheering section is so good they should rent themselves out, I feel a slight tug of energy.
>38th floor - Did that stair just do the wave? And the next one? Wait, depth perception is going. No more mentally jamming with Chad Kroeger, must focus on steps.
>41st floor - How the hell did I get here? Oh right, I climbed. Where's a wall to hold me up?
>Top of 801 Grand - Water, towel, desperate attempts to breathe. I did it. Whoo-hoo. Can someone page a fireman to put out the flames in my lungs? Seriously, it's an issue.
>Meet Lori - Did you see, what was my time? "Uh, I think about 14 something?" I am a bit crushed and tell her I hope it was more like 13. Time to find my brother.
>Time passes - I find my brother and Lori notes that results from other people who finished around me are being perused. I head to the window to look.
>The results - I am looking for my name between 13 and 14, but not finding it. I think, maybe 12-something and look there. Hmmm, maybe I am not on the list yet. Lori, "Hey, there you are! And you did good." She points and I follow the line...

9:57!!!

I did it, I met my original goal of 10 minutes. I don't normally get that excited and squeal, but dang it, I was really happy. Despite feeling like I was going to suffocate, I had stayed on my training pace, sort of, and did it. I actually feel more accomplished now then I did after the 5K in October.

I know I normally post a story from somebody else that inspires me on Sunday, but today, I inspire me. And that amazes me even more than finishing the 801 Grand Power Climb.

Yours in fitness, Kate