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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Comments: 17

  1. Angie.S November 25, 2013 at 10:20 am Reply

    Well done Susan for achieving your goal and how very meaningful to cross the finising line hand with hand with your encourager! So proud of you both 🙂

    • Susan November 25, 2013 at 1:05 pm Reply

      Thanks Angeline! Yes, I told my hubby that the couple that races together stays together 🙂 Hope to do this again.

  2. Mabel November 25, 2013 at 10:52 am Reply

    YAY! You did it, Susan! It must be quite a view up there!

    I do wonder how steep and high the steps are, now that you have mentioned it. Is it kind of like take 2 “regular” steps on our overhead bridges?

    • Susan November 25, 2013 at 1:07 pm Reply

      Thanks Mabel. No, not that high some steps are steeper and I think starting from the tenth floor or something. But frankly having to climb 73 storeys, every step felt so steep!

  3. Lynn November 25, 2013 at 10:52 am Reply

    I’m encouraged!

    • Susan November 25, 2013 at 1:08 pm Reply

      Lynn, start with baby steps. I look back at my timings last year and am amazed at the improvement I’ve made. It certainly helps with practice 🙂

  4. pc November 25, 2013 at 12:15 pm Reply

    Well done! Susan;). I’ve just start to jog, short distance for 2 days. It is so short that I can’t believe I am having muscles-ache. I guess i am not old me anymore.

    • Susan November 29, 2013 at 9:29 pm Reply

      Just start slow and you’ll slowly improve. I looked back at my timings and it has improved a lot.

  5. qiu xian November 25, 2013 at 3:39 pm Reply

    WOW!! You’re really awesome! 🙂

    • Susan November 29, 2013 at 9:27 pm Reply

      Thanks Qui Xian. Not awesome on most days, just one very rare days 🙂

  6. Yann November 25, 2013 at 5:27 pm Reply

    Wow you guys rock! Congrats!

    • Susan November 29, 2013 at 9:29 pm Reply

      Thanks!

  7. lyn lee November 25, 2013 at 11:08 pm Reply

    This is so super! And what a testament to your marriage and what a great memory to chalk up as a couple! Climbing stairs is real hardcore – using the muscles we seldom exert! Well done, and jia you!

  8. Debs G @ Owls Well November 26, 2013 at 9:15 pm Reply

    Yay, yay for you! I think it’s awesome that you completed the whole challenge and together with your hubby too! Spurring each other on to love and good deeds, huh?

  9. MummyBean November 27, 2013 at 11:03 pm Reply

    Congrats Susan, and well done! I could never climb stairs you know. Even when I was at my most fit as a school long-distance runner. The fitter and faster I got at distance events, the more painful stair-climbing became. I think they use a different set of muscles! So I really can’t imagine myself climbing 73 floors. Kudos too you! And it’s so wonderful that your hubby was there to do it with you!

  10. Farid 'Cat' Isham May 18, 2015 at 5:35 pm Reply

    Hi Susan. I am Cat from Malaysia. When is the registration usually opened? I just did the Kuala Lumpur Towerthon n now keen to do more of these stair races. Thanks 🙂

    • Susan May 21, 2015 at 8:57 pm Reply

      Hi Cat,
      Registration for the Swissotel Vertical Marathon is not opened yet, but the race is likely in November again. Hope it helps.

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