FAQ

I thought I would get in a page or two of Frequently Asked Questions that Brian and I get from friends and family when they learn of our quest to climb the Columbia Center Tower.

Why would you do that?  (climb 69 floors)

The climb is for a great charity.  It is an event for firefighters.   We didn't have anything else planned for March 11, 2012.  We are honoring some great relatives and friends by making the climb.

How long will it take you to climb the 69 floors?

We estimate that Brian could break twenty minutes if he has a good day.  His target is to complete the climb in less than 30.   I haven't set a time goal.  I want to finish able to walk on my own power and to enjoy the view from the observation deck. 

Do all the firefighters start at the same time?

No.  A firefighter is started every 15 seconds.  Each carries a timer chip that tracks their progress up the building.  This allows each participant to have a personal time when they complete the event.

What is the current record for the Stair Climb?

The current record was set in 2011 and the time for 69 floors was 10:53.

How are you getting to Seattle WA?

We are flying to Seattle.  We are very thankful as the Airline tickets and the Hotel rooms were donated so we saved a lot of travel costs.  This means all the money given as our sponsors can go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

 I will added a few more pages of FAQs as we go.

Training today was OK.  I am on the road so you get a hotel gym.  I rode a stationary bike for 45 mins.  I then used the hotel stairwell to train.   I did 40 sets of 4 floors.   Up then down.  Down was the hardest on my knees.  I got some funny looks from the cleaning staff.  I think they thought I was lost.

See you at the Top!

John