Climbed and Conquered – My 2013 Vertical Marathon Challenge

One of my goals for 2013 was to take part in the Swissotel Vertical Marathon that I missed last year due to a knee injury. And this year, Alexis very gamely signed up with me under the Buddies and Besties Category and it was such a huge encouragement as it goes to show just how supportive he is.

The reason why we even though about it was because I climb stairs as a form of exercise. Now don’t go laughing at me because as a mum, it’s hard to steal time to exercise and I hate to find exercises not to do it. Moreover, it’s the one exercise that I can do rain or shine and even when it’s late at night. And yes, plus it’s absolutely free!

We’ve been training about twice a week for the race leading up to the actual race but honestly, nothing quite prepares you for it because the stairs are steeper and the distance between each flight of steps were further apart. And did I mention, it’s a grueling race up 73 storeys at 1,336 steps!

But I’m proud to say, we came, we climbed and we conquered!

 Still looking shiny at the starting point

 Posing with our well earned medals

The view on top of the Swissotel was literally breathtaking in between huffs and puffs as we tried to catch our breath after we reached the top. And to be sure we crossed the finishing line together, I grabbed Alexis hand and made it across hand in hand.

We didn’t really keep track of our timing because my handphone died on me 😛 (I need a new handphone for Christmas) but it should be between 23-25 mins.

Alexis decided that he’ll sit out next year’s race and bring Sophie along to cheer for me if I’m going to race again next year. And I think I just will. So if you’re game for it, do let me know!

 Glad that this is one huge tick off my list of 2013 goals.

I want to also take this opportunity to thank my friends (both whom I know in person and also online) who have been cheering me on in this journey to get fit and healthy on my Motivational Mondays linky party. Trust me, exercising is still not second nature to me and there are days when I rather laze in front of the TV, surf the internet or sleep than to exercise. Of course, the one person I owe for pushing me to this path of fitness is my husband Alexis. Without his encouragement and also his support to take care of Sophie, I would still be using taking Sophie as an excuse not to exercise. And because actions speaks louder than words, he took his support to the next level by climbing alongside me.

Thank you Alexis for pushing me and believing in me. I would never have asked for a better partner to race alongside today. Remember, we are SPARTANS!!! (inside joke that only hubby understands!)

With just a month to go before the end of the year, have you also accomplished what you set out for 2013?

Do link up every Monday on what motivates you to be better be it a fitness goal, parenting, marriage, etc. Share your recent posts and encourage someone.

Don’t forget to grab my badge and include it in your post after you have linked up and leave me a comment too. I host Motivational Monday every week and I hope that you can join me every Monday. Have a great week ahead!

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Tagged: race, vertical marthon