28 Feb: 30 storeys in 7 mins and 21 sec.
I have started my official training for the 2012 vertical marathon last evening. To give myself a guage on my competition, I went to check out last year’s results.
Last year’s top contestant for the Swissotel Vertical Marathon clocked in at an amazing 8 mins 23 sec for the women’s open category. How on earth did she even do that? Meanwhile, the top lady in the women’s 30-39 category clocked in at 11m 04s for 73 storeys. With my kind of timing, I think I will do better than the last contestant in the race, whose’s timing was 44m 36s.
Based on my performance yesterday, and mind you this was after a jog plus a 20 mins work out, I would say that my results are fairly decent as a starting point but definitely with much room for improvement.
My block of flats is only 30 storeys high so perhaps I should look for other places to train. Besides the Duxton, any idea where else I can explore?
If you’re keen to take part in the vertical marathon, do drop me a note. It would be great to have someone who can remind me to train and perhaps even train with.
Tagged: 2012 vertical marathon, climb stairs, exercise, training
I’m hoping to get into running, my husband and I are going to start when the weather gets nicer.. we’re going to try the format from couch to 5k.
vorrei tanto avere la passione di correre, purtroppo la mia passione è la pigrizia ma piano piano la sconfiggerò.
Juggling Mom,
My hat is off to you because my mind nor my body would allow me to participate. I look forward to hearing your finish time after the event.
Have fun!
Pamela
Still Dating My Spouse
http://www.stilldatingmyspouse.com
I have never even heard of a vertical marathon. Looks pretty tough. I think I will stick with my yoga!
Some of the yoga poses are tough too. I’m contemplating picking that up to improve my flexibility.
heyo, my brothers are avid vertical marathoners. in fact, the youngest one came in second or third for his youth category last year. 🙂 you can try the flats at toa payoh, just a street away from the hub at the 40 storey flats! i trained there for my mountain adventure to climb mt rinjani previously. there’s also bukit timah nature reserve just to condition yourself for the increase in altitude when you climb. jiayou! :))
Wow, how old are they? Thanks for the suggestion. I haven’t been to Bukit Timah Reserve for a long time. I should get in touch with nature soon.
17 and the other, turning 20 this year. all the best! but do remember to take the elevator down. going down the stairs are bad for knees!
Wow; good luck on the marathon! I wish I could give you options of where to train at but I haven’t been outside of but two states (except for this year, anyway) but the best of luck to you!
Have a good morning!
Thanks Amanda!
I never heard of a vertical marathon til now. But the idea caught my attention since my husband is training for his 2nd marathon, and I am starting to walk/run again, trying to get in shape! Thanks for the info.
It’s not as common as the conventional marathon. It will be held in Singapore’s tallest hotel where there is 73 storeys, so that’s going to be a tough one.
They recently did one of these for charity in the city that I live in. One of my friends competed, I think it sounds fun, but I am clumsy, I can see slipping on the way up and tumbling down about 4 flights of stairs!
Good luck on the training! I’ll be interested in seeing you post your results.
Yikes, I hope that doesn’t happen to me 😛
I haven’t ever heard of Virtual Marathon. I think you are doing great! I need to get on an exercise program. I think it would help if I had someone to do it with, someone to go walking with, you know? Thanks for the post because it got me thinking, maybe I should find someone to go walking with virtually? 🙂 Hope you have a great day!
Ruth
Visiting form the Blogelina Event.
I cant agree more with you that having company to exercise together can make all the different. Hope you find your virtual exercise buddy soon 🙂
Wow! I never heard of a vertical marathon before this! I’m tired just reading about it. I’ve been trying to do a better job with walking the hills in my area. I guess that would be a rural vertical marathon?! Good luck in your endeavors!
Walking the hills is no walk in the park either. So yeah, that would be quite a vertical marathon as well.
Hi! I have not heard of vertical marathon until I read this. Anyways, I might give it a try after I give birth if time permits me. Good luck!
Thanks After birth, you can try walking then progress to jogging and running.
Yowza! Good luck on your marathon. I used to run years ago and I loved it. But I can’t imagine doing a vertical marathon. I’d be like MJ and trip and fall. Here’s hoping you set a new record!
Not so ambitious to set a new record! I just hope I survive it 🙂
I too have never heard of a vertical marathon. I’m in awe of women who run marathons. Give me pilates any day and I can handle that, but not running. Best wishes for your continued success!
Best regards,
Donna
Award-winning Children’s Author
The Golden Pathway Story book Blog
Write What Inspires You Blog
Thanks Donna.
Like many other commenters – I have never head of a vertical marathon. What exactly is it? What is the goal? Where do you live? I don’t think they do these here (as we live on sea-level with no hills and in a suburban area). I can’t think of a place where I could climb up so many stories!
Thanks for sharing! And good luck!!
Wow I have never heard of a vertical marathon before!! Sounds tough!!! I’m currently pregnant but have been already thinking of my plan of attack for getting back into shape after baby!!! I will keep this is mind for the future, once I get my basic fitness level back!! I haven’t been as good about keeping up my workout routine this pregnancy like I was with the others. I know I will regret that when I start working out again and it’s going to be rough!!
Thank you for the inspiration!
Wow…I’ve never heard of a vertical marathon before, and I’m not sure how well I’d do! I might have to try it on the stair stepper some time!
Whew! Sounds tiring! Steps are my downfall for sure. I love to do running intervals and spin class, but a vertical marathon? Good luck!
You should definitely try a bit of daily yoga – I’m sure that training on stairs tightens up your hip flexors, and yoga will really help you loosen that up – it’s a crucial part of my overall well being – I just don’t start the day off well without my twenty minutes of morning yoga.
I’m a runner, but never heard of a vertical marathon…I don’t know if my middle age knees are up to it, but it is interesting. Recently my 11 year-old son became my running coach and training partner. We’re planning to complete a 5, an 8, and a 10k by year’s end.
Best of luck with your training and your marathon.
Peace and good.
Until your post, I’d never heard of a vertical marathon (guess you really do learn something new every day!). In fact, the only one I’d ever participate in, is my own personal marathon to get “vertical” and out of bed after being up with kids all night! 🙂
I admire your tenacity. Good luck to you in your marathon.
Wow, wishing you the best of luck with your training and marathon.
I have been meaning to get in shape , you have inspired me to get going. I can’t promise you that I will be running a marathon anytime soon, but I definitely will commit to something.
Getting back into shape after having my two little ones is a priority for me this year. I have never been a big runner (due to an accident as a child) but really admire those who are. It takes a lot of dedication and motivation.
The vertical marathons sound cool. Like many other commenters, do explain for those of us that have never heard of them! I wish you great success!
Way to go! All I can think of is how my knees would feel! I need to do something.
Hope you do great! I absolutely can not get into running at all. 🙂 I walk most every day, though.
I have never heard of a vertical marathon in my life! Props to you honey because I could never…nor desire to even try.
I commend you for preparing this vertical marathon. I did a vertical hike and I thought I was going to die, so there’s no way I have the cardio to run! LOL
I’ve never heard of this before! Next thing I will be doing is googling vertical marathons. Is it just a City thing? I live in the south, no buildings terribly close that have that many stories! and I live in a ranch so no stairs to climb. What an intriguing idea.
I thought a vertical marathon was what I did each day. I sit vertically in an office chair, and wonder why I’m growing horizontal.
Just treat each day as if it’s your first day and you will never tire. It’s amazing how excited we get to do something new, but then as time goes on, we can forget why we wanted to do it in the first place!
Praying you “FIRST PLACE!”
Onward by Faith!
Gina
Good luck with that. I am not in any sort of shape to join you but I would cheer you on!! You must be in great shape to do that!
I have never heard of a vertical marathon before. Sounds tough but good for you.
I have never even heard of a vertical marathon! Sounds like a great challenge that would fit my fitness preferences. My family are standard marathon runners (including my husband) and after witnessing what their body endures, it has never been appealling to me to run 26.2 miles! But, a vertical marathon- sounds like fun! I’ll have to look into that!
Whew! Just reading about this exhausts me! I am not a runner, due to scoliosis in my lower back, but I do love to swim since it puts no stress on my spine. I admire your bravery so much and good luck in your training!
I have never heard of a vertical marathon. Good Luck! It reminds me of the days I used to spend running up and down the bleachers while the coaches yelled at us. (I was a volleyball player)
I played soccer and it was the same thing… nothing harder!!
I have never heard of a vertical marathon. What exactly is it? I do my 20-30 minutes on the treadmill 5 days a week and don’t think I could make it on the stairs without killing my knees! You go, girl!
I’ve never heard of a Vertical Marathon before. That is interesting. Wishing you luck on your training.
I’m here via the Blogelina 100 comment event :). I am so impressed by your conviction and stamina. Can’t wait to see how you do!
I wish you the best in your endeavor. My daughter has recently started running too (she hated it before) and is hoping to run in her first half marathon.
Wow, you are motivated! Good luck with your training. I have never enjoyed running, only while playing soccer or basketball in high school and college. Walking or swimming is my preferred way to exercise, which is pretty much non existent right now.
I remember when I was running track in high school, we ran bleachers and that was the hardest workout ever!!
I’ve never heard of a vertical marathon either. It sounds interesting. I wish I had that much ambition when it came to exercising. Right now my ambition is just to exercise regularly. Good luck!
Hi Susan, that’s amazing your running already, in Canada it’s still so cold we are all in doors. Best of luck with the training and it’s a pleasure connecting with you.
Wow! At first I thought a vertical marathon was a joke or something. I’m guessing it’s like climbing a ton of stairs as fast as you can? I love to run up and down our stairs to help stay in shape, but 70+ stories worth?! Wow!! Good luck!!
Wow! You are really courageous! I’d never heard of a vertical marathon before. Your calf muscles are going to be made of steel after that event! Good luck, you can do it!
I just picked up running again and registered in a few races for this spring. Better get my legs moving.
I have not heard about vertical marathon before. I wish you the best of luck! I keep saying I need to start walking or do some kind of exercise. But I seem to lose my ambition. Train hard and Good Luck!
I’ve also never heard of a vertical marathon before but I wish you the best. Good luck!
Pretty impressive! I could never do that. No where near prepared. I do plan to start walking again this spring. Like any day now!
Wow! I admire your determination and I wish you lots of luck! I prefer to walk, but I’m building myself up to start running. Keep up the good work and continue to be encouraged!
Never heard of a vertical marathon. What is that? Anyway, good luck with it!
Oh, my goodness! You make me feel lazy and tired, all at the same time. Maybe if you would put a video on here, I could watch it and lose weight! I wish. Deb
This may sound silly, but I’ve never even herd of a Vertical Marathon! You learn something new every day! I commend you on taking on this challenge and I hope that you succeed in all the ways that you would want to! My mom and brother do Mini Marathons here in the US, but I’ve never been a fan of running, or any means of normal exercise for that matter, lol. Good luck and I hope you reach your goals!
Wow, I’m impressed that you looked up the top times in your event to try and compete with that! When I do a sporting event like running a race, I’ve never even dreamed of trying to place. Good job for setting your sights high! I’ll keep you posted on my athletic adventures too!
Wow! You are awesome! I could never do this. Keep up the great work!
Wow! You are both amazing and inspiring! I have ran both a 5k and 10k. My goal is to run a half marathon this year and a marathon next year. I have never heard of a vertical marathon! I will have to look that up. Best wishes on your goals.
So inspiring! I have good intentions to start running but never actually do it.
Great for you, keep it up! I have always wanted to do a marathon but have no yet. This gives me motivation to get going and start training!
Sounds fun, thank you for sharing how it works. Learned something new.
I’ve seen athletes train by running up and down bleachers but never realized there are marathons for it. I wish you all the luck with your training.
This sounds interesting and fun all at the same time. Keep up the great work!
Oh my gosh! I give it to you! I ran a 5K one time and came in very last place. I was mortified but everyone waited and waited until I finally finished and it was the greatest feeling to cross the finish line with people cheering me on! GOOD luck to you!
Wow, that sounds pretty cool. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard of a “vertical marathon. Good luck with all of your training!
Wow! What a great way to stay healthy and energetic for your kids!
Are you crazy? OMGosh – my hat’s off to you, as I don’t think I could climb two flights of stairs. Good Luck!
I have never heard of a vertical marathon. My two sisters do marathons all the time. I don’t know how they do it!!
My racing bib is off to you! I have never heard of a vertical marathon and I’m kind of glad. Man that seems hardcore. I’ve only done 5Ks and plan on a 10K and a 1/2 marathon this year but none of them will be vertical. My knees would fall off. You go!!!
I had never heard of a vertical marathon, very interesting. I like the idea but know it would take me all day to complete one :). The best of luck to you, please keep us posted on your progress.
Stephanie
http://www.royalmajestea.com
Huh- I’ve never even heard of Verical Marathons before. How long are they? 73 stories? How many km is that?
I don’t enjoy running myself, or exercising for that matter. But over the last month, I’ve been going through the video exercise “30 Day Shred”. When I’m done with that and complete it sucessfully, my reward is for my husband and I to do the Couch 2 5K program together. I’m so excited to train for a 5K with him! It’s so much more fun to run with someone else.
Good luck on your journey!!
I’ve missed running so much. I hope to start running again.
Wow. I have never heard of a vertical marathon. I did see recently on the news where they have a race to the top of the Empire State Building. I guess that would be similar. What a great achievement that will be to complete. Good luck on your training.
Wow. I’m a runner and I train regularly, but I’ve NEVER done a vertical marathon. It looks a little crazy. The tallest building in my entire town is probably three stories tall. Best of luck.
I have heard of people doing this for charity, but never had a name to go with it. Such a wonderful idea. I run horizontally, but maybe next time around I’ll take it up a notch! 🙂
I’ve never heard of a vertical marathon either, but it looks tough! Good luck to you–I’m sure you’ll do great! As for me, I’m just now trying to get back into the habit of walking to get into shape. I can’t even imagine doing more than a couple of miles at this point and that’s just with walking/jogging. You’re certainly inspiring!
I have never heard of a vertical marathon – but I am off to google it now 🙂 I would love to run a 5K and I currently working on getting in better shape with that being one of my goals. Good luck!!
I guess you are educating a lot of us – I haven’t heard of a vertical marathon either, but it sounds like quite a challenge. When I was training for triathlons, it helped me to keep a training log – I was a lot less likely to miss! Good luck with the training!
This is the first time I’ve heard of a vertical marathon. I’m sure you have to be in really good shape to do that. Unfortunately I’m not. Good luck to you!
I”ve never heard of a vertical marathon – wow!
[…] about a Vertical Marathon Posted on March 3, 2012 by Susan Leave a comment In one of my previous post where I blogged about my intention to take part in a vertical marathon, I was surprised that a […]
I have heard of these before and they sound really cool! I bet it makes your muscles just BURN!? I have done a 1/2 marathon before, and it was awesome… however, there were barely any hills so I don’t know if I could do a VERTICAL marathon! 🙂 Good luck to you!!
Wow! Kudos to you. I’m nowhere near a horizontal marathon prep status forget vertical!
I *do* love learning something new! Thank you for teaching me; I’d never heard of a vertical marathon. But what a wonderful accomplishment for you. Good luck!
Good luck reaching your goal.
Good for you! Sounds tough. As a weight-loss blogger, I am continually participating in fitness challenges. My latest one if called “100 Mile March” and the basic idea is to walk/jog/run 100 miles in March, which averages out to a little more than a 5K a day. It’s been fun so far!
Fantastic! I would love to have a jogging buddy…
Best of luck!
I’ve never heard of a vertical marathon before so I really enjoyed your follow-up post, as well. It sounds grueling but I think I would enjoy it- if I was doing it alone. The idea of running up a flight of stair with a bunch of other people makes me feel claustrophobic. Are their problems with people falling (getting pushed?) down stairs??
This is fantastic! I’ve never heard of vertical marathons and my knees are aching at the mere idea. I would have once had the perfect training place, as I lived and worked in a university dorm with 13 floors. We had to walk the 13 floors in the north and south tower!
I run, too, but don’t think that I have the coordination to run a vertical marathon! All the best to you on this exciting adventure!
Best,
Emily from Nap Time Is My Time
I had never heard of a vertical marathon before now. Good luck to you!
Great job!!! I hope you reach your goals… Vertical marathon sounds hard, but I am sure that it is worth it! 🙂 Visiting you from bubblynaturecreations.com
-Rachel
I have never been a runner. I do walk most mornings! I know that I could not run a vertical marathon nor a horizontal one. 🙂 Well I might could if I trained for it. I admire you for doing this. Best wishes to you with the marathon! I would like to know how it turns out.
This is the first time I’ve ever heard of a vertical marathon, but it definitely sounds interesting and intense. I wish you best of luck in your success!
Wow! I wish you all the best. I had never heard of vertical marathon before. It sounds like it’s pretty difficult, but you can do it! 🙂
I told my kiddos I’d participate in the 5K Run this year, even if I had to walk my first time. Any suggestions on how to get ready for it? (I currently walk 2 miles and quit.)
Where do you normally walk? How about having a change of scenery to keep things fresh? I take different jogging routes and being curious keeps me running to explore a new area.
WOW! I am impressed! Visiting from Blogelina’s 100 comment event.
I had never heard of a vertical marathon…I love learning new things. 🙂
My son has done the Boston and Chicago marathons…I am more into hiking and walking…but I did go skydiving with him last year. 🙂
Keep motivated…you are awesome!
Im impressed! I’m working toward becoming healthier. Maybe one day!
Wow! This is such a great idea! I’ve never heard of vertical marathons. I don’t suppose with all of my knee issues (overuse from teaching the dame format of fitness classes for 4 years:( that I’d be capable of keeping up with anyone at all, but I think I would find it more interesting than just flat out running. Well written post, btw:)
I have never heard about vertical marathons but I commend you for doing this. I have been wanting to become a runner.
I’ll admit, I’m one of those who have never heard of vertical marathons! What an interesting concept. I can’t imaging running over 1000 stairs in 7 mins, or 11 for that matter! It’s made me think though, can you pass people while running? I know when I’m running I just go around those at a slower pace than I, how does that work in such a race? Do u all start at the same time or go in waves? Thank for teaching me about something new!
Thanks for the info! I had never even heard of a vertical marathon before this post!
I just wish I could find the time to be more physically active! I feel like I’m so unhealthy because I never really walk or jog. I can’t really do a vertical marathon since we don’t have buildings near the house (just 2-storey apartments).
Coming by from Blogelina’s place. First of all kudos to you, I am leery of heights and climbing even enclosed staircases can send me into a whirl, so I cannot imagine doing something of this magnitude.. Good luck hun
I would love to jog but my body just won’t let me any more. But it seems like a lot of fun to do a vertical marathon.
Man you must be really buff! Lol good luck!
When I read the title of your post, I wondered what a vertical marathon was. Wow! I could not imagine the workout of a marathon on stairs. Amazing, and inspiring. Good luck to you in your training. I can’t wait to hear your results!
Wow! Firstly, I am so glad you linked to the “5 Things You Need To KNOW” since I had NO idea about what a vertical marathon entails. I wasn’t off that much, but your other post helped put it all together. 🙂 I’m in NYC… so I SHOULD KNOW! LOL!
That sounds like a great goal and I hope you succeed much more than you’ve anticipated! Best of luck!!!
~ Nicole @ MamaNYC 🙂
So, not knowing what a vertical marathon is, I had to click on your more recent post explaining it. It sounds very challenging, but a great form of exercise. One of my sons has run a marathon and my daughter a half marathon. They trained quite a while before the event. I admire your commitment to this challenge. Good luck!
I love working out myself but this is the first time I heard of vertical marathon seems pretty tough. Good luck and hope to try it also soon 🙂
Very cool idea! Never heard of this before. Of course, I live in FL which does not have much in the way of stairs because of the high winds with storms around here. Most homes and buildings are only 1 story. Good for you though hitting up the vertical marathon for a fitness boost. I’m all for improving my own fitness routine, so if you want a accountability partner…I’m more than happy to pair up. I’ll have to do my own fitness routine on a flatter level though, Lol! 🙂 Best of luck to you with both your marathon and the future of your blog. Blessings, Rebecca @ Love2EncourageYou
Firstly, I love the name of our blog. And yes, I would love some encouragement and pair up to remind each other of our fitness goals. It’s so easy to slip especially when we get all tired and unmotivated.
[…] in February when I first started training for the race, I took 7 mins 22 seconds to scale my flat of 30 storeys. Fast forward to April, my […]