I got up a little later than usual and fixed a huge breakfast. (Hash browns, a slice of Ezekiel bread and an egg) and soaked in epsom salts. I got my warrior gear on and Raj snapped a quick picture.
I thought the shot was cute enough to warrant sharing here. It's not particularly often that I am pleased with a picture of me. My hard work is really starting to show. I've lost 20 lbs, but I LOOK like I have lost more like 30.
My family and I finished getting our gear around and headed to Milwaukee for the big climb. It was about a 90 minute drive over, so I had plenty of time to stoke the fires of my nervousness. I saw it in the horizon as we approached downtown Milwaukee. At 12:25, I was to go to the top of this building.
Approaching it, I swallowed hard. 47 flights is kind of an abstract idea until you are standing at the bottom of it. My stomach, already fluttery with nerves consistent with doing an activity for the first time dropped. I thought I was going to be sick. This is what I saw as I approached the building.
I mean, who does that? Apparently LOTS of people. When we got there, the place was PACKED and it was chaos. It was a huge event. There were probably 20 people to a wave and we were in wave 55. We weren't the last wave. Firemen were racing to the top in full gear in a separate stairwell. I'm really impressed at the athleticism of those ladies and gentlemen.
We came in, got settled and I did some people watching while I worked on calming my nerves. My team arrived and we grouped up. Raj and Deven retreated to a cafe to chill and watch Avengers. I wasn't going to be terribly long. I had about 30 minutes until wave time and everyone told me that given the tough workouts our trainer puts on, I will be fine. I've got my doubts. Sara and Kelly, ladies I met in January when we starting working out together, start helping me with a strategy- Sara offers to pace with me. I don't want her to do that because I am afraid of holding her back. I want her to have her shot at PR. I've decided to go on my own. Kelly also offers. I say that I am not sure what I will need because I've never done anything like that before.
We go down and warm up. We worry over our trainer who has been extremely ill with food poisoning. I'm not convinced she should go. She's stubborn. We put our timing chips on and head down to the very bottom of the building.
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I didn't take that medal off until I got home and ready for a shower. I've never pushed myself quite so far out of my comfort zone. Life is good. A quick check in with the results table and I have my finish time. 18:33. I climbed 1034 stairs in 18 minutes and 33 seconds. So much faster than a 5K, yet somehow, so much HARDER.
And my trainer? I am in AWE of her. She was really struggling, very sick, but she persevered and made it to the top. I sincerely hope she's resting today because no one has ever earned a rest more than her. I'm glad she's leading me to fitness because she's an amazing example. I'm so proud to be a Mojo Warrior.
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3 comments:
I love this post Emily! Congratulations!! You did an amazing job. Wow stairs are challenging. I take 5 flights up to my floor at work and I feel it; much harder than running. I can't believe how quickly you made it up there. I am really proud of you. You look incredible too. Whatever you're doing, keep it up because you have certainly hit your stride.
Woohoo!!!! Is that building still called First Wisconsin? I'm originally from MKE and remember it well. Very impressed by your accomplishment!
Carina- I think it's called US Bank building now :)
It was hard but it was fun!
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