I have always made a point of being the first on the stairs at the Public Climb every year. But that does not mean I’m the first one to the top! In fact, last year I set a “personal best” record–my slowest time ever.

There was  time when I climbed the Tower in 14 minutes, but now I’m happy to just reach the top. So my advice to first-timers, and others is:

• Enjoy the day. The CN Tower really DOES become “the place to be” during the WWF Climbs, so relax and feel at home with all the other people there, of every shape, size, age etc. The one thing that binds us all together is those 1776 stairs, and a shared concern for the planet.
• You CAN do this, and I’m betting that when it’s over you’ll be surprised “how easy it was.” But  you may not feel that way while on the stairs!
• Shorts and t-shirts are best, even if it feels cold as you walk outside to get to the Tower base. You’ll heat up plenty once you’re on the stairs.
• Please take note of what you can NOT take on the stairs, including loose water bottles, backpacks, cell phones, cameras etc. There are good safety reasons for all that.
• Slow and steady wins this race. Even if you’re trying for a good time, don’t start off too fast, because it will really catch up to you in the end. Better to put the pedal down for the last 25% than the first. Two-stairs-at-a-time is only for the super-fit.
• Use the handrail to help pull yourself up, while you’re putting your legs through their paces.
• If, like me after all these years, you’re not out to break a world record, stop and rest every few flights. Chat with the paramedics if you want. Or watch all those people go by who you’ll be passing later on.
• Please be patient with WWF. It takes over 400 volunteers and our entire staff, all of whom show up around 4 AM, to pull this thing off. And we are now maxing out on the number of climbers we can manage in the five hours that the Tower is available to us for the Public Climb. If you want to avoid the line-ups, show up before 7 AM. Otherwise, just go with the flow–we’re doing our best, and ours is the best-run climb every year.
• Take pride in your accomplishment, wear that t-shirt with your time on it as a souvenir, and bring more friends next year!

I’ll be there after you climb, to offer congratulations. That’s the other thing I do every year. And oh yes… THANK YOU!

President Emeritus Monte Hummel, Panda mascot and CEO Gerald Butts at the 2009 Canada Life CN Tower Climb for WWF-Canada © WWF-Canada/Ken Mak

Tags: Canada, CN Tower Climb, fundraising

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