In one of my previous post where I blogged about my intention to take part in a vertical marathon, I was surprised that a vertical marathon is something unheard of in other parts of the world. Being in a city, we are surrounded by more sky scrappers than greenery so having tall buildings to climb is not surprising. But pretty ironic, considering how Singapore is known as a garden city.
Source: http://www.nparks.gov.sg
So here are 5 things you need to know about a vertical marathon.
1. What is a vertical marathon?
Unlike a conventional marathon, where you run a grueling distance of 10km or 21km. In a vertical marathon, you run up a flight of stairs in a high rise building. The race that I’ve set my sights on, is the one up Swissotel the Stamford Singapore, Singapore’s tallest building with 73 floors or 1,336 steps.
Swissotel hotel, Singapore
2. What are the benefits of a vertical marathon compared to a conventional marathon?
Stairs climbing is the best way to reduce body fat and burn calories.
- You burn approximately 75 calories by climbing stairs for 15-20 mins.
- stair climbing also makes strong muscles of lower portion of body and joints.
- Climbing stairs enhances blood circulation,increases oxygen intake to the heart, reducing the risk of heart disease and deep vein thrombosis
- Stair climbing utilizes the muscles of buttocks, quadriceps and legs.
- In under half an hour, stair climbing provides a free, convenient, time efficient and intensive workout with great benefits for anyone up to the challenge.
3. How can you prepare for a vertical marathon?
Lower-body strength is key. Train with exercises like squats and lunges.
You also need to be a good sprinter. You can improve by running up hills in parks (which requires 40-60 per cent more energy than usual), in bursts of 15 to 20 minutes and with short recovery times.
4. Can you “drop out” of the race?
Well in the FAQ, there is no stipulated cut off time for the race, so you’ve got to be prepared to press on to the end for that breath-taking view at the top (I mean literally breath-taking after climbing to the top!).
5. Where can I find a vertical marathon in my country, if I’m not from Singapore?
There is now a Vertical World Circuit, the “Formula 1 of the tower running world” which includes the Empire State Building in New York, the Taipei 101 in Taiwan, and the Pirelli Tower in Milan, Tower 42 in the City of London.
Sounds like Vertical Marathon is the race to be seen!
Go goggle and you may be surprised where a vertical marathon can be found in your city just waiting for you to join 🙂
So, have I made you think about getting off your butt to climb the stairs today? Do it and you can thank me later.
Tagged: 2012 vertical marathon, climb stairs, exercise, marathon
[…] Update: Since, there were so many who were interested on what a vertical marathon is, I’ve added a new post on “5 things you need to know about a Vertical Marathon“. […]
Actually No. Hehe…cos I am darn lazy. U know I haven’t exercise since…it’s been so long that I cannot remember. Well, the truth is I can’t do a vertical marathon. I probably collapse on the 5th floor or something. But despite not being encouraged to do a vertical marathon, I am very encouraged by your posts to start exercising…soon… All the best for the marathon!
Thanks Rach! Actually the first time I heard that my friend climbed stairs to exercise, I was very surprised. But seeing how she lost weight and got into shape just by climbing stairs made me try it and it’s really not that hard. Guess you got to try it for yourself to be convinced 🙂
I’ve always *thought* (read: Just a good thot, no real action) about doing a VM, primarily cos I didn’t think I would ever be able to do a proper marathon. Hahaha! Good food for thought, this post! 🙂
Sandra, actually a vertical marathon is easier than a 10km marathon anytime. Then again, I have not ran a marathon. Just my guess.
This is very cool! I never heard of an vertical marathon before! Thanks
[…] Singapore 17 June 2013 This post is replicated from Merlion Wayfarer Goes Green : “50 Years Of Greening Singapore” After personally experiencing what 50 years of deforestation can do to the landscape (”Deforestation : Sichuan’s Mountains, Mountains, Mountains”), at the other end of the Asian land mass, Merlion Wayfarer is glad to hear that Greening Singapore is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, had a vision to make Singapore a distinctive and attractive place to live in. In 1963, he planted a Mempat tree at Farrer Circus, signifying the start of Singapore’s greening campaign. (Source : Straits Times File Photo via MyNiceHome,sg) Over the decades, various species of flowering trees and plants were introduced to beautify city Singapore. More parks and park connectors were developed, and they gradually evolved into quality green spaces with a wide range of amenities for the community to enjoy. What’s encouraging is that the parks are not merely cemented gardens with some trees and flowers but green spaces with natural elements woven into their very structures. (Kudos, NParks!) Yesterday, Minister Mentor Lee planted a rain tree at the Holland Village Park, continuing an unbroken 50-year tradition. (Source : Straits Times) This is one such momentous moment that made Merlion Wayfarer proud to be part of Garden City Singapore. (Source : NParks via AJugglingMom.com) […]