Stratosphere Climb Fund Raiser
February 10th, 2012 at 5:09:27 PM
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Quote: WizardLet me try to catch up.
The Empire State Building is 1454 feet high and 102 floors. The Stratosphere is 1149 feet high. So, using the same ratio of feet to floors, the Stratosphere would be 80.6 floors high. It wouldn't surprise me if the distance from floor to ceiling in the Empire State Building is not as high as modern buildings. It seems old hotels at least tend to have low ceilings.
About the $500 sweatshirt, let's keep the pledges coming! Seriously, I have all the sweatshirts I need. Now that I've got my t-shirt the pressure is off.
Bob, get with it! I take it you haven't been to a gym in a while (said in a joking way).
Maybe one of the science people on the forum can explain why, but I find climbing those machines easier than real stairs. Same with running machines.
That is a good question about people that quit half way. They must have to walk down. Half way up would not be a good place to have a heart attack.
I read in the NY Times yesterday that Thomas Dold of Germany won the competitive stair-climbing event at the Empire State Building running up 86 floors in 10 minutes and 28 seconds. The article says there are 1,576 steps.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
February 10th, 2012 at 8:40:02 PM
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OK. As promised, here's the results:Quote: DJTeddyBearFor the record, it's been years since I've been on a stairmaster, or went the opposite direction on an escalator for any length of time.
As it happens, the venue where my poker league plays tonight has LONG escalators, and I tend to get there extra early. I.E. I'll have time to kill on empty escalators. I'll report back late tonight about it.
There's a reason I haven't been on a stairmaster for a long time. I'm overweight / out of shape.
Even so, I was able to maintain position going down the up escalator LOT longer, and easier, than going up the down escalator.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
February 10th, 2012 at 8:57:55 PM
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Quote: Wizard
The goal I'll set for myself is one tread (step) per second.
Just for going up? I'm thinking on the way down you should be able to squeeze it to 2 steps per second?
Quote:That would be 24 minutes and 25 seconds.
Is THIS the line? I'll take the ....mmmm.....Under.
February 11th, 2012 at 6:57:57 PM
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Quote: 1BBI read in the NY Times yesterday that Thomas Dold of Germany won the competitive stair-climbing event at the Empire State Building running up 86 floors in 10 minutes and 28 seconds. The article says there are 1,576 steps.
I think the time difference may be due to the number of turns and landings in the ESB. Apparently, climbing steps made of concrete is very different than racing on steps made of steel. Each of the Strat's flights cover about 15 ft. of vertical, so you spend less time spinning and crossing landings.
Note that some competitors wear dust masks due to poor air quality in the stairwell. The wizard may also want to consider wearing fingerless gloves to maintain his grip on the handrail (if he chooses to climb that way). Here is an article written by a member of a, "tower running" club, with video of their performance at the Stratosphere last year. Flightclubseattle.com
Please sponsor the Wizard's run here. Let's get him to sweatshirt level!
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
February 14th, 2012 at 6:04:22 PM
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I think a good bet would be if I make the second round on Sunday.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
February 18th, 2012 at 6:51:23 PM
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The odds on you making the final 50 should be 100 to 1 against. 2 years ago there were 125 runners. Last year there were 271
including 4 of the top 10 in the world rankings. I expect the field to be stronger this year.
Not that it need be. 51st last year was 12:35. Sorry MIKE This is not a half marathon. Conditioning has to be even greater. A few
hours training at this late moment will no do it.
But it's for a good cause !
including 4 of the top 10 in the world rankings. I expect the field to be stronger this year.
Not that it need be. 51st last year was 12:35. Sorry MIKE This is not a half marathon. Conditioning has to be even greater. A few
hours training at this late moment will no do it.
But it's for a good cause !
February 19th, 2012 at 12:28:31 PM
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At about the 8 minute inerval and you have not reached the halfway point, you will realize the dream of racing on Sunday is gone. At the 10 minute interval,
you will wonder when the female who just passed you started.
Having finished in the 12% of your age group in the half-marathon will be just a memory. You will realize exactly why 8% of the qualifiers here last year did
not race on Sunday. Only pride and determination will cary you up those last flights of never-ending stairs. And you will realize that next year you will have
to train seriosly for months, not weeks, to have any chance of racing on Sunday.
you will wonder when the female who just passed you started.
Having finished in the 12% of your age group in the half-marathon will be just a memory. You will realize exactly why 8% of the qualifiers here last year did
not race on Sunday. Only pride and determination will cary you up those last flights of never-ending stairs. And you will realize that next year you will have
to train seriosly for months, not weeks, to have any chance of racing on Sunday.
February 19th, 2012 at 2:22:13 PM
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You shattered my hopes with the first post.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
February 19th, 2012 at 2:30:40 PM
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Quote: WizardYou shattered my hopes with the first post.
Sorry about that WIZ. Just thought you ought to know. Tower climbing is brutal But I have no doubts you will finish.
ABSOLUTELY NONE >>>
February 19th, 2012 at 8:20:45 PM
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Expect an even more elite field than last year. This race is one of pnly 18 Master Races in the world.
(3) At every race basic points (for the top 30 ranks) are multplied with the race factor. Masters Races have a
predefined factor of 1.5 or 2.0 or 2.5. Trial races will be awarded a factor of 0.4 or 0.7 or 1.0.
(3) At every race basic points (for the top 30 ranks) are multplied with the race factor. Masters Races have a
predefined factor of 1.5 or 2.0 or 2.5. Trial races will be awarded a factor of 0.4 or 0.7 or 1.0.
February 25th, 2012 at 12:23:57 PM
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Getting closer to D-day !
How's the training going ?
Or should I say stop reading this and go climb
some more steps ?
Good luck. The cool thing here is it is for a
good cause.
How's the training going ?
Or should I say stop reading this and go climb
some more steps ?
Good luck. The cool thing here is it is for a
good cause.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
February 25th, 2012 at 12:35:18 PM
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I climbed 250 flights on the stair machine on Tuesday, however at basically walking speed. Basically I've only been on the stair machine four times in preparation. On my radio show Bob Dancer wanted an over/under number on the floor I would first puke on.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
February 25th, 2012 at 1:38:44 PM
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Just for fun...
How 'bout an over under of 8 minutes for his time
minus your time in 2013 ?
How could he refuse, what with this being for a
good cause and all ?
How 'bout an over under of 8 minutes for his time
minus your time in 2013 ?
How could he refuse, what with this being for a
good cause and all ?
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
February 25th, 2012 at 1:53:00 PM
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Quote: WizardI climbed 250 flights on the stair machine on Tuesday, however at basically walking speed.
1455 steps is the equivalent of 145 flights. (Is this correct, or am I in error?) So you far exceeded the vertical ascent necessary. What was your time for the 250 flights?
February 25th, 2012 at 2:01:58 PM
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Quote: WizardOn my radio show Bob Dancer wanted an over/under number on the floor I would first puke on.
I would say somewhere in the 60's you'll start to feel
fagged out (exhausted: drained of energy or effectiveness;
extremely tired) and you'll drag yourself to the end.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
February 25th, 2012 at 2:25:11 PM
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I have an over/under time of 15:20. However, this before Mike realized his chance of qualifying for Sunday were almost nil.
February 25th, 2012 at 3:47:02 PM
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I would be willing to double my contribution if the WIZ can best that time. Anybody else willing to,or what do you think the over/under should be?
I mean most of us will be sitting on our asses as Mike reached deep inside for the fortitude to finish. This is not a half-marathon. This is self inflicted pain !!!
I mean most of us will be sitting on our asses as Mike reached deep inside for the fortitude to finish. This is not a half-marathon. This is self inflicted pain !!!
February 25th, 2012 at 3:51:34 PM
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Quote: buzzpaffI would be willing to double my contribution if the WIZ can best that time. Anybody else willing to,or what do you think the over/under should be?
I mean most of us will be sitting on our asses as Mike reached deep inside for the fortitude to finish. This is not a half-marathon. This is self inflicted pain !!!
Need more data...
What was the Wiz's time last year ?
Surely the O/U shouldn't be over 2x the time of the winner, right ?
Or maybe it should.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
February 25th, 2012 at 3:54:33 PM
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I don't think Mike ran last year. 2 times a world class tower racer would be a great accomplishment for any 47 year old male. Think about it.
February 25th, 2012 at 6:59:38 PM
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It's Saturday evening in Las Vegas. Is Mike training or eating ice cream ? I wonder!
February 26th, 2012 at 8:14:22 AM
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Less than a week to race day. Anybody know how large the field will be this year ?
February 26th, 2012 at 8:51:09 AM
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Quote: buzzpaff2 times a world class tower racer would be a great accomplishment for any 47 year old male. Think about it.
I wish Mike the best in this and I hope he is happy with
his time, whatever it turns out to be.
I think I could run a mile in under 2x the Olympic record
IF I put my mind to it and trained.
So is the 2x reasonable ? Maybe it's a good stretch
goal.
"AND let's not forget the most important goal, which
is Fund-raising for the American Lung Association", he
said wisely.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
February 26th, 2012 at 9:44:47 AM
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Don't confuse tower racing with running on a flat service. Tower racing is much more demanding. I agree with your charitable sentiments and will double my contribution if he beats my line. Anybody else willing to ??
Ans we are talking about a 47 year old male who is not a professional athlete or an amateur in serious training.
Ans we are talking about a 47 year old male who is not a professional athlete or an amateur in serious training.
February 26th, 2012 at 12:35:00 PM
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Quote: buzzpaffand will double my contribution if he beats my line. Anybody else willing to ??
And we are talking about a 47 year old male who is not a professional athlete or an amateur in serious training.
Hey BP:
As it turns out, I believe your 15:20 O/U is pretty much
going to be right around 2x the elite athlete time.
So we ended up at about the same place, just got
there differently.
"Run ( or Walk ), Wizard, Run !"
I think this will make for an excellent blog post
from the Wiz.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
February 26th, 2012 at 6:14:47 PM
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Double would be 14 and change. Trying to shave that extra minute off my over under would be brutal.
I have always believed the measure of a man is when he faces adversity. Those last 10 flights will push
Mike to his physical limits. For any other regular forum poster , my over/under is 21:00.
I have always believed the measure of a man is when he faces adversity. Those last 10 flights will push
Mike to his physical limits. For any other regular forum poster , my over/under is 21:00.
February 26th, 2012 at 8:18:34 PM
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I did 200 flights on the stair machine today, and then swam 500 meters.
I'm sure I'll get to the top without any difficulty, it is just that I don't have the ability to run up the stairs like some people.
I'm sure I'll get to the top without any difficulty, it is just that I don't have the ability to run up the stairs like some people.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
February 26th, 2012 at 8:39:21 PM
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Quote: Wizard
I don't have the ability to run up the stairs like some people.
You have the ability to run up the stairs. Just
not all of them.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
February 26th, 2012 at 9:04:10 PM
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By the way, $322.08 has been pledged so far by 10 different people. Thanks to all who did.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
February 26th, 2012 at 9:31:44 PM
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Just curious, will you be wearing a watch or any sort of timer ??
February 27th, 2012 at 11:59:48 AM
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Tick Tock Tick Tock 5 days till the big race.
March 3rd, 2012 at 4:49:30 PM
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Here is just a quick report. I plan to write up a blog entry while it is still fresh in my mind.
My time was a lot better than I expected, 12:41. My philosophy is to set expectations low for myself, so that I usually meet them. This time I think will comfortably put me in the top 25%, but won't be good enough to make it to the finals tomorrow. I passed about a dozen people on the way up, and nobody passed me. Climbers started every 30 seconds, I might add.
The event was very well organized and the climbing conditions were ideal. My only complaint was that the staircase was dusty, as evidence by the fact that me and most other climbers were coughing once it was over. I'm also getting over something I had last week (I still don't know what) and a lot of other people in Vegas seem to have, or have had, the same thing recently.
My time was a lot better than I expected, 12:41. My philosophy is to set expectations low for myself, so that I usually meet them. This time I think will comfortably put me in the top 25%, but won't be good enough to make it to the finals tomorrow. I passed about a dozen people on the way up, and nobody passed me. Climbers started every 30 seconds, I might add.
The event was very well organized and the climbing conditions were ideal. My only complaint was that the staircase was dusty, as evidence by the fact that me and most other climbers were coughing once it was over. I'm also getting over something I had last week (I still don't know what) and a lot of other people in Vegas seem to have, or have had, the same thing recently.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 3rd, 2012 at 5:13:09 PM
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I have a dust allergy, it would have killed me. Did you
laugh hysterically when you passed somebody, and
mutter 'slacker' just loud enough so they could hear?
laugh hysterically when you passed somebody, and
mutter 'slacker' just loud enough so they could hear?
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 3rd, 2012 at 6:23:56 PM
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11:50 QUALIFIED FOR sunday
March 3rd, 2012 at 6:30:16 PM
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Quote: WizardMy time was a lot better than I expected, 12:41.
Very impressed ! When I used to do longer distance events,
my quads would be very painful for a number of days. I
hope you don't experience that.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
March 3rd, 2012 at 7:45:45 PM
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Quote: JohnnyQVery impressed ! When I used to do longer distance events,
my quads would be very painful for a number of days. I
hope you don't experience that.
Thanks. Nah, I'm perfectly fine. In fact, I think I'll go hiking tomorrow.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 3rd, 2012 at 7:51:31 PM
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Last year 4 of the top 50 could not compete on sunday.
March 3rd, 2012 at 8:56:11 PM
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Congratulations on that great time.
As someone who would be thinking about the escape hatch after the second or third flight, I hope your blog includes info about the bail-out options.
As someone who would be thinking about the escape hatch after the second or third flight, I hope your blog includes info about the bail-out options.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
March 3rd, 2012 at 9:47:40 PM
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An excellent congratulations to you, Wizard. I've gotta get off my ass.
-----
You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
March 4th, 2012 at 5:45:34 AM
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Do we get a pic of the Wiz in his shirt??
March 4th, 2012 at 7:49:51 AM
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Quote: WizardH
My only complaint was that the staircase was dusty, as evidence by the fact that me and most other climbers were coughing once it was over.
Somewhere Bob Stupak is smiling!
March 4th, 2012 at 7:53:20 AM
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Mr. W.
How did you climb? Were you nearly running? Did you climb multiple steps ever? Did you stop to rest on the way up? Did you pull up with your arm on the rail? Did you learn anything about method from the expert climbers?
I used to climb stairs for exercise, and would try and run up them (I could run up the first 7 or so stories before walking), pulling myself up with my right arm along the rail ...
Curiously,
--Ms. D.
How did you climb? Were you nearly running? Did you climb multiple steps ever? Did you stop to rest on the way up? Did you pull up with your arm on the rail? Did you learn anything about method from the expert climbers?
I used to climb stairs for exercise, and would try and run up them (I could run up the first 7 or so stories before walking), pulling myself up with my right arm along the rail ...
Curiously,
--Ms. D.
"Who would have thought a good little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness!"
March 4th, 2012 at 8:40:55 AM
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I ran up the first 10 flights or so, skipping stairs, which is all I could do. Then I had to drop to a fast walking speed. They rhythm I arrived at was to skip stairs every other flight. I indeed used both handrails, mostly for balance. I'm afraid I didn't come across any expert climbers. While I passed several people, nobody passed me.
There were several places to rest along the way, but I didn't invoke that right at any one of them. It would have been interesting to poke around these platforms along the way, but I'm a competitive SOB and didn't want to waste a single second.
They gave me a picture taken somewhere in route but I can't get my scanner to work with this new computer. Somebody is coming over this morning to hopefully get that working. It isn't the most flattering picture, just to warn you.
There were several places to rest along the way, but I didn't invoke that right at any one of them. It would have been interesting to poke around these platforms along the way, but I'm a competitive SOB and didn't want to waste a single second.
They gave me a picture taken somewhere in route but I can't get my scanner to work with this new computer. Somebody is coming over this morning to hopefully get that working. It isn't the most flattering picture, just to warn you.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 4th, 2012 at 8:42:15 AM
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Isn't that about 2.5 steps per second, if there were
1800 steps? You had to be almost running.
1800 steps? You had to be almost running.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 4th, 2012 at 9:31:55 AM
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I'll admit I underestimated your competitive nature. Was shocked to see you final time. I have no doubt who that man behind the curtain is now.
March 4th, 2012 at 11:30:41 AM
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Quote: EvenBobIsn't that about 2.5 steps per second, if there were
1800 steps? You had to be almost running.
I was somewhere between walking and running. As I wrote before, I was skipping stairs half the time.
Here is the picture. Don't laugh.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 4th, 2012 at 11:32:48 AM
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Not a bad picture at all. You look like you are trying to look over your shoulder to the next landing to see if anyone is trying to pass you!
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
March 4th, 2012 at 11:51:14 AM
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Quote: WizardI was somewhere between walking and running. As I wrote before, I was skipping stairs half the time.
I never even thought of using the railings, you can take half
your body weight off your feet by pulling yourself up on the
railings as you climb.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 4th, 2012 at 12:23:53 PM
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And now add "WizardofSTAIRS".
Well done.
Well done.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
March 4th, 2012 at 3:26:30 PM
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I assume those platforms also had capabilities for a bail-out.Quote: WizardThere were several places to rest along the way, but I didn't invoke that right at any one of them. It would have been interesting to poke around these platforms along the way, but I'm a competitive SOB and didn't want to waste a single second.
Nothing wring with the way you look in that photo.Quote: WizardHere is the picture. Don't laugh.
I'm kinda surprised that the stairwell is that narrow.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
