Run the Republic 2009

As I've mentioned before, part of my exercise routine (if you can call it that) is climbing stairs. So I've entertained the notion of doing this event, a fundraiser for the American Lung Association, but never gotten around to it.

Then my friend Maureen said she'd signed up this year but couldn't make it, and did I want to take her place? Before I could think too hard about it, I said yes – despite the crazy start time of 8:15 a.m., immediately after the elite runners.

Here they are, ready to climb fifty-six stories. That's 1,098 steps.
The No. 1 guy, bouncing up and down, is Ricky Gates, who also finished first.

Here's a video of the start:

Now here's me! Standing in line, waiting my turn and thinking, "Wait, why am I doing this? Where's the coffee?"

Because let me tell you, there were a lot of very fit people there, all decked out in their cardio-gear, heart monitors strapped on, calf muscles bulging, ready to kick some ass.

Well, I wasn't about to let my own ass be kicked, dammit. So, here's me at the starting line, about to step onto the blue mat that picks up the signal from a chip tied to my shoe.
And here's me on the 35th floor – more than halfway! – stopping for water. There were three or four water stations along the way. And cheerleaders!
Next thing I knew, I was at the top! I thought there was another flight left, so I didn't have my camera ready. Just got this one crappy shot of grabbing my medal.
I did it! And I didn't even need the barf bucket. (Yes, some people did.)

The view was pretty spectacular, and a photographer was on hand to document the moment. I got her to take a shot with my camera, too.
My face was pretty red!

Now, you maybe wondering what my time was. Ricky Gates, age 27, the No. 1 guy, ran it in 5:51. Cindy O'Neill, age 46, the top female finisher, ran it in 8:05. Me? I walked it in 20:50. Putting me in 26th place, however briefly.
Yes, those are just the preliminary results. Runners were starting every 8 seconds until 1 p.m., so if I stay in the top 1,000, I'll be doing pretty well! I'll find out in a day or two.

Thanks, Maureen, for helping me get my butt in gear!