Out & About #888 | CN Tower Climb

I may have responded a bit shortsightedly when a fellow July baby proposed undertaking the CN Tower Climb together. The venture seemed new and exciting, yet I hadn't researched tremendously before giving my approval and relinquishing the non-refundable twenty-five dollar registration fee.

It was only after constant pestering and haunting tales of climbers fainting by the stairwell that I commenced proper training. Frankly, the Stairmaster was the fundamental reason of why I had requested a gym pass to start.
Four training rounds were conducted leading up to the event, with the latter two totalling 27 minutes (at a relatively quick pace) and 34 minutes (while maintaining steady-state cardio).

Prior to the event, I readied myself from user reviews on reddit and blogs. Most had advised going early in the day, as the stairwell only became sweatier and smelling fouler throughout the morning. Alas, I had already booked for the latest slot possible.

​​My climb would not start till 9:30 AM, however we departed around the 7 AM mark in order to obtain parking first, then walk over to MTCC.

​It was only upon reaching Hall C that we realized half-price Sunrise Special tickets were retailed at the CN Tower, not the convention centre grounds. The sleepy polar bear ran back while I slowly prodded behind to conserve energy. A banana was consumed along the way.

​The sleepy polar bear succeeded in procuring the CN Tower ticket with just one minute to spare. Apparently, climbers did not need tickets to access the Observation Deck, for that would be our final destination after the climb.

Heading back to MTCC, we were welcomed and guided within by volunteers in black shirts. Numbers on the floor would lead the way to the check-in desk, where volunteers would issue wristbands, and yellow headbands had enough funds been raised. Any specific inquiries would be deferred to purple shirt-donning staff, as those were WWF employees, rather than event-specific staff.

​Upon completion of check-in process, the numbers led to Coat Check and other booths. A tent had been set up for the Platinum Panda experience for climbers that had successfully fundraised $1000 and up. A table lined with plastic water glasses and sponsor booths were found nearby. Separate booths for t-shirt collection, prize collection, and photobooth service were positioned along the opposite side of hall, across from check-in.

The event was found to be more organized than expected, contrasting against the online user accounts I've read. Constant email communications leading up to the event had been included as part of newsletter subscription content, however concise instructions were sent the day before for clarity on the check-in procedure.

I awaited the arrival of my fellow July baby, then we lined up for the climb. Belongings were handed over to the sleepy polar bear, as opposed to the Coat Check booth, for we would be rejoined at the Observation Deck for celebratory afterwards.

A member of staff provided the group with a briefing; his words were barely audible in the boisterous hall, but, in summary:

• Cell phones were not permitted, under any circumstance; only IDs, medication, and keys were allowed
• All climbers would need to go through a metal detector at the CN Tower prior to commencing
• Additional stairs would await after completion of the 1776 steps, but they would not count towards time.
• Slow climbers were to stay on right to allow fast climbers to pass on left

We were then guided through a sheltered pathway along the edge of MTCC and entered into the reception area at the base of the CN Tower. Climbers were permitted to bypass the general queue, however traversing through the metal detector and bag checks were not omitted as part of the security screening process.

​The rest of the venture unfolded rapidly: We would scan our wristbands to start the timer, then enter into a dimly-lit stairwell with metal grate stairs. The sight of metal stairs was relieving to me, for they assisted in transferring bounce to each step, and were't nearly as tall or absorbative as their concrete counterparts. Each flight comprised of 11 stairs; essentially 2 flights per floor with floors indicated in bold lettering.
Unlike that of commercial and residential buildings, the stairwell was quite narrow, minimizing time needed to round the corner between flights. That said, it also made for a relatively tight space should breaks be needed.

In the first half of the climb, paramedics were spotted on standby at every few floors, essentially where there were access paths out of the stairwell.

​Admittedly, I started to feel the stuffiness within the first three minutes, but I paced myself and continued onwards, allowing myself to articulate the climbing movement from toe to heel to ankle. Keeping myself upright and taking deep breaths also assisted.

Several climbers had passed me in the first half of the climb, only to be overtaken by me towards the last ten flights, including my fellow July baby who had confidently declared "I'll see you at the top!"
I was bracing myself for the worst, but actually completed in less time than both successful gym sessions! I had overheard misinformation about there being 176 floors instead of 146, but continued anyways, reserving energy in case of fatigue. Slow and steady really does yield the best results as it preserves strength and trains endurance. Many people were sweating profusely, myself included, though the air was not as smelly as I expected. But, just to be safe, I had brought along my cycling gloves to provide a barrier between my hands and potentially sweaty railings.

Staff and certain paramedics cheered as climbers rounded each flight, and again when they made it to the top.

​After a few more steps and roughly four more flights of stairs - this time concrete - I arrived at the Observation Deck. There, the sleepy polar bear met my fatigued gaze and cheered. In the vicinity were event staff handing out water bottles to climbers.

​It had been a splendid idea to bring the sleepy polar bear, rather than leaving our belongings at the Coat Check at the convention centre. Within easy access was a change of clothes, protein bar, our phones, and any other items of importance; those that had completed the climb in the absence of friends and family had resolved simply to complimentary bottles for hydration and turning towards us for photos of themselves. (Interestingly, only the female counterpart of couples had asked for this favour.)

Utterly red-faced but decidedly accomplished, we perused the Observation Deck for a short while, observing the waterfront allure of the city from the glass windows.

​Then, we queued for the elevator. Just prior to boarding, a bathroom was discovered! I hurriedly grabbed my things to change, then we queued again, descending into a musty corridor and yet another winding lineup.

​The trip down was exceptionally speedy, leading to mild popping sounds in the ears. The doors opened to reveal liberation from the packed elevator interior and the entrance to the CN Tower gift shop.

I proposed browsing the souvenir shop for items of interest, prompting confusion from the other two members of my party. In my defense, I announced, "How often do we, as locals, come here?"
"That is true." echoed my fellow July baby.
"That's why we might as well!" I repeated.

Just when I thought that the Calgary Tower mascot appeared a tad odd, the CN Tower's rendition revealed itself noticeably more idiotic-looking.

​But, at the very least, there were a number of reasonably-priced magnets and souvenirs in the retail space. The most memorable was a maple leaf plushie that would chime the national anthem upon being pressed.

​Purchases of this visit included a purple baseball cap-and-t-shirt set, pop art-themed CN Tower magnet, rubber stamp magent of Toronto, and an enamel pin.

​Retail therapy completed, we routed back to MTCC to claim our t-shirts and prizes (me).

At the Timing booth, wristband numbers were provided to staff members such that they could write our completion time on the backs of white WWF t-shirts. To my surprise, the lady wrote my time in marker with much finesse, pressing to ensure legibility but with insufficient pressure to bleed through. It was during our brief interaction that I realized the average to be between 30-40 minutes, and that my time of 22 minutes 49 seconds was better than a lot of climbers.

​Navigating over to the prize redemption table, the man informed me of a lower average: 20-30 minutes, with under 20 minutes being "elite". I secured my $200 tier prizes of a mini plush and finisher pennant (felt flag), then were tossed bonus prizes of socks and a sport towel.

In place of a panda keychain, I took to a polar bear plushie instead. Options of wolves, tigers, and a polar bear keychain had also been offered, though the polar bear generally symmetric features and plush body persuaded my decision.

​Overall, the CN Tower Climb wasn't as tiring as I thought!
The training and comprehensive preparations had definitely paid off. I didn't experience any soreness in the legs afterwards, though this may have been owed to adequate warmup prior to the climb. Up to 5000 steps had already been completed traversing between the parking lot, MTCC, CN Tower, and back to MTCC before 9 AM.

​Thankfully, the scene was neither as smelly nor stuffy as I had expected. That said, I will not be looking to engage in another year of the CN Tower Climb. The entire ordeal had contributed unfathomably anxiety, especially since the environment was not one where stopping and stretching could take place if needed. It wasn't nearly as enjoyable as hiking, as there is no view within the stairwell. Lastly, the event entails financial burden: without raising the minimum amount of $125, one would be forced to forfeit the twenty-five dollar registration fee and be unable to partake in the climb.

Nevertheless, the CN Tower Climb had been a fun, energizing first time!

​Prior to retreating to our place of temporary respite, I pointed out the avaiability of a Lavender Cold Foam Matcha Latte at the nearby Second Cup.

The sleepy polar bear started to grow hangry at this point, and argued over my choice of a Regular instead of a Large. Honestly, a Regular would have proved adequate: the drink was very milky with minimal grassiness and only a whiff of lavender perceived upon the first sip.

En route back to the parking lot, I began to hear complaints of the past weekend's pilates session being the culprit behind the return of ankle pain, when, in fact, the sleepy polar bear's issue was likely an old injury resulting from bad form and weak muscles (I've been there.).

A Crispy Chicken Cilantro Lime Loaded Wrap was ordered via the Tim Hortons app, then promptly devoured in under five minutes. Bridging the qualities of a Crispy Chicken McWrap and a burrito, the handheld bite was hearty, gratifying, and not overly saucy, much to my relief.

​I was blessed to have been extended an offer for free shower facilities by a Toronto local. While freshening up, the sleepy polar bear took to a lunch of Roywoods, then appeared visibly more content afterwards.

​The remainder of the day would involve heading to the northeast end of the GTA.

At long last, the results of my tufted Sulley cow print bag would be unveiled!!

Zuozuo was just as busy as it was the previous week. An unfamiliar face greeted us by the door, then notified the man who had conducted the tutorial of a bag pickup. Squeals were unleashed uncontrollably as the bag emerged from the pack, inciting a hushed "Calm down!" from the sleepy polar bear beside me.

I was extremely happy with results - The bag was adorable!
Dimensions were undeniably larger than the measurements I had been told last week, though it didn't matter. Extremely excited I am to use the tote - just as long as I can figure how to prevent it from shedding like crazy.

​Pacific Mall was the final stop of the day.

​We acquired soggy egg waffles from Tung Tung, browsed old favourites, re-familiarized ourselves with new openings, and aimlessly wandered through the aisles for shops of interest. It was, essentially, the sleepy polar bear's favourite pasttime: mindless mall-walking with A/C and slow footsteps.

Ruru Baked's expansion had been made known to me by ochungg, though I hadn't been tremendously curious about their assortment. In contrast, the lineup outside the establishment had intrigued the sleepy polar bear.

A flight of BB Calamnsi, Everything Bagel, and Horlicks would set us back a whopping nine dollars. The scoops were quite sturdy, though the same commentary could not be extended towards the poor pairing of wooden spoons (ugh) and flimsy biodegradable serving dish (despicable).

BB Calamansi, which I had predicted to be zesty and refreshing, emerged sickeningly sweet without much depth. There wasn't a speck of lime to be perceived. My second choice of Everything Bagel had initially been met with skepticism, though the staff had assured us that "You can bring it back if you don't like it. But no one has brough it back so far."
But, truthfully, Everything Bagel was a disaster waiting to happen. Supposedly depicted as a "cream cheese ice cream with a garlic-onion crumble", its profile was more reminiscent of onion- and garlic-loaded bagels turned to croutons and served with ice cream.

"Maybe no one brought it back because they couldn't bring themselves to do it." We mumbled under our breath.
​"It should not exist!" exclaimed the sleepy polar bear.

​Horlicks had been a safe, delicious option - easily the best of the trio, being creamy but not too sweet.

​Across the aisle was Mr. Sun, where I had attempted to convince the staff to permit a Passionfruit Black Tea instead of green tea. Even after I had explicitly dismissed any milky drinks, the man behind the cashier continually suggested that I order the Passionfruit Yakult. Ultimately, I took to the Kumquat Lemonade with Rainbow Tapioca.

​The sleepy polar bear wasn't a fan of the tart, tangy qualities, but I quite enjoyed the profile. The Rainbow Tapioca was soft and chewy, comprising primarily of brown sugar tapioca instead of a uniform blend of strawberry, mango, and brown sugar. The portion was steeply priced at $1.20, yet a substantial portion for lovers of tapioca.

​We concluded the trip with K-Beauty products from CIYO and egg rolls from Tung Tung to take home.