Climb Pittsburgh!

The American Lung Association is holding the 2nd Climb Pittsburgh event on Saturday, March 29, at the Gulf Tower.

Individuals and teams will climb the 760 stairs to the top of the Gulf Tower to raise money for heath issues related to asthma, lung cancer and emphysema. The act of climbing all those flights is meant to illustrate the struggle for breath that those with lung disease experience on a daily basis.

I participated in the event last year and had a blast. (See Pictures.) However, I had no idea I was so out of shape at the time. I remember Michelle Wright asking me to participate and thinking “1,000 steps, I can do that no problem.” Little did I know that I would get to the 12th floor (out of 40) and be ready to pass out!

This time, Andrew Stockey and Michelle and myself are acting as team captains and you — our viewers — can sign up to be on one of our teams and participate in the climb. Registration is $45 per person but if you are unable to climb, you can still donate. All you have to do is go to climbpittsburgh.lunginfo.org and click on the bright green Register Now button. Once there, select your WTAE Team (i.e. Ashley’s Ascenders) or register as an individual.

I have been (kind of) trying to practice running stairs, but, let’s be honest, I think I still need a whole lot more work. Last year, I finished among the bottom of the women’s list, but I did finish — that’s the key.

Now, I can’t do it alone, so sign up. It is a great way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday morning.