CN Tower Climb - April 17, 2010

A few weeks ago, I did my first CN Tower climb in support of the WWF! Like many things in my life, if I've never done it, I can develop a frantic uneasiness about it. Although I can say that I also genuinely look forward to journeying onto new frontiers and exploring new waters, I think that in the back of my head, I'm always wondering, what if I can't???

I think that despite practically playing sports my whole life and trying to be fit by pursuing athletic endeavors, I still feel that nervous panic that seems to grip my psychological sense and confidence of attempting to achieve a new physical feat!

The day of the CN Tower was Saturday, April 17. I had risen out of bed that day at 4:30 am! Growing anticipation was burning in my bones as NK & I registered, checked in our bags, jackets, & went through security. I must say that I was also a bit anxious because this marked the very first time I was going to attempt this challenge. Before the climb, I had set a very humble goal of achieving a time under 1/2 hr. up the 1,778 steps. Then, my competitive side kicked in and I said to myself, I'll aim for under 20 mins.! When Nisha and I began the climb, she said, "feel free to pass me." That was the last thing we said to each other until we reached the top in exhaustion!

The first 10 flights or so were probably the most psychologically challenging! I was trying to stay right behind Nisha but since she just zipped right on ahead, I soon realized that I was losing control of my breathing and there was no consistent rhythm. This out of control breathing alarmed me. I quickly decided to take a little off my strut and began to settle into a more comfortable pace. As a result, my breathing became more stable and controlled which brought me great relief. I maintained this consistent pace. Going around and around with people passing me and me passing others was a tad dizzy! With the sweat dripping off my brow and me checking my watch I knew that I needed to push onwards. With every other level having a paramedic smiling at me, playing his video games, reading his book or newspaper, I said to myself, "I sure could use that oxygen!" that was at the ready should anyone require it's revitalizing powers. HA!. After I passed the 100th level, I knew that I was coming to the home stretch. People had stopped ahead of me to catch their breath, stretch out or just take a break. I was going solo trying to maintain that same rhythm although at that particular point, my lungs were crying out in pain and I was seriously feeling it! Despite the physical rigor, I knew that I couldn't and wouldn't stop and that I could not give up! I was also very encouraged by the children's drawings that were posted on the wall as I made a final push up those last final flights of stairs. They somehow seemed to encourage me along as I kept climbing with heavy legs and burning lungs. As I approached the 140+ level, I could hear voices above me along with people cheering on the finishers. My steps were much more laboured and each step took great conscious effort. I knew that the end was near and that I was almost there. FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT..when I was at level 143, I could hear someone saying, "one more", "one more"...I mustered all the juice I had left and made a final sprint like finish up those final steps! I didn't have the strength to go around people that were in my way or I would have probably shaved a few seconds off my time. FINISH TIME: 18 mins.05 secs.

The CN Tower Climb was a memorable and challenging experience. Another test of a physical feat that can be accomplished when we push our bodies to the max. I exceeded my goal of under 20 and I was so ecstatic in accomplishing that! WooHOO!