A Climb Like No Other
At 74 years old, I conquered the Empire State Building Run-Up for the third time, achieving a personal best of 25 minutes and 54 seconds. The climb covers 86 floors and 1,576 steps — a test of both physical endurance and mental fortitude.
Training Year-Round
Preparation for the Empire State Building Run-Up is a year-round commitment. My training regimen includes stair climbing sessions of 3,190 steps (equivalent to two Empire State Building climbs) completed in 58 minutes. The physical preparation is essential, but the mental game is what separates finishers from everyone else.
The Mental Aspect
Endurance challenges are won between the ears. When your legs are burning on floor 50 and your lungs are on fire, it is your mindset that carries you forward. Every step is a choice to keep going. This same mentality applies to business — when the market gets tough, when a client says no, when a project seems impossible — it is mental toughness that gets you through.
Giving Back Through CAF
The Empire State Building Run-Up raises money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), which empowers individuals with physical disabilities through sports. Being the top fundraiser for CAF adds purpose to the physical challenge. When you climb for something bigger than yourself, every step has meaning.
I was placed fourth in my age group and was recognized as the top fundraiser for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.