Man About Town: The Lure of Tower Climbing

“Made it, Ma! Top of the World!”
James Cagney in White Heat – 1949 Film Noir

Tower climbing is my current athletic obsession and how appropriate that I live in the great city of Chicago, the birthplace of the skyscraper and home to the tallest building in the United States to pursue my latest interest.  The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) ranks Willis Tower as 8th tallest building in the world.

Willis Tower (Photo from www.nataliemwilson.glogster.com)

On a November Sunday last year, I, along with hundreds of other people, attacked the stairs (all 2,109 steps) up to the SkyDeck on the 103rd floor at the Willis Tower for various personal reasons by participating in my first ever Sky Rise Chicago.  My reason for this insanity, a term that several of my friends and family expressed and with a few loudly stating “Are you nuts!!??, was a simple and slightly smart ass “why not” and, oddly, it sounded like a fun time.  Since I had previously completed eighteen marathons with one being the Pikes Peak Marathon (all 14,410 ft. and a tower in its own right) it occurred to me that my “ why not” reasoning was not a completely pie-in-the-sky goal and I was quite confident that I could actually finish.  I had already proven to myself that I can push my body to the extreme to complete a marathon I decided to change up the scenery and go for it.  To make a long story short I came, I saw and I conquered the Willis Tower in 44 minutes.

Indoor Stair Climbers (Photo from www.ctbuh.org)

Sky Rise Chicago is not only the highest indoor stair climb in the world it’s also the first to accommodate participants of all abilities.  There are two ways to participate in this climb.  You can walk/jog up the steps or, for hand participants, you can use hand cycles that are mathematically calibrated to match the resistance and time necessary to ascend to the top.  I chose to walk.  The proceeds of this climb benefit the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s (RIC) world-class patient care and research which helps to advance the possibility of repair, regeneration and recovery for patients who seek this care.  I like to participate in these types of fund raising events for altruistic and personal reasons.  It makes you feel really great about yourself and more importantly you help to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Ok now for the big question, “how do you train for a stair climbing race?”  Of course, first set your realistic goal, plan your training and then begin.  For any stair climbing race, it is important to train in a real stairway as opposed to hopping on the stair climber at the gym although that is what I trained on for the Pikes Peak Marathon with ultimate success.  There is no reason, however, that you can’t mix stair climbing up with an occasional machine-based workout but look out for actual stairs for the majority of your training so you are prepared and feel comfortable being in a stairwell on the day of your climb.  Some athletes dispute this training and actually recommend doing the reverse.  Basically, whatever you feel most comfortable and go that route.  Like I stated earlier, I only trained on the stairmaster and successfully conquered Pikes Peak.  I also like to hit the hills or, in my case, the Montrose hill to add some variety to my training and take a break from the stairwell allowing for much better scenery.  I am lucky that I live in a high rise of 23 floors where I can train every night if I wish and I always take the stairs to my condo unit.

Regarding training:  Two or three times each week it is suggested to perform intervals where you run up several flights of stairs, walk down and repeat.  Depending on your fitness level, start with a minute ascent, repeat for 4-6 reps.  Add 30 seconds to your ascents every week for continual improvement and build up your total time based on the length of your climb.  Stair climbing is one of the most challenging types of physical exercises you can do.  It incorporates several major muscle groups and challenges your body both aerobically and anaerobically.  In your training for a climb it requires you to not only train in the aerobic heart rate zone (50%-80% of your max heart rate) but also in your anaerobic heart rate (80%-90% of your max heart rate).  Additionally, include a good resistance training program for your legs will benefit you as your legs will be used much differently than in running or biking.  Also pay close attention to your breathing as you train.  This is an area that I need to improve as, for some reason, I tend to hold my breath a bit too much.  Listening to your breathing is a key to reaching the top.  Pace yourself and don’t hesitate to stop every few floors to catch your breath.  Check out Fight For Air Climb for excellent training tips and a nine week training calendar and schedule.

If you are looking to participate in a tower climb here are five of the best Chicago has to offer:
- Sky Rise Chicago benefitting Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago – Willis Tower – November 6, 2011
- Fight For Air Climb benefitting American Lung Association – Oakbrook Terrace Tower – February 12, 2012
- Hustle Up The Hancock – John Hancock Center – February 26, 2012
Fight For Air Climb benefitting American Lung Association – Presidential Towers - March 2, 2012
- Step Up For Kids benefitting Children’s Memorial Hospital – Aon Center – Date TBD

John Hancock Center (Photo from www.visitingdc.com)

Why not consider a tower climb and join me this November 6?  You still have the time to get your training started.  Besides getting yourself in better shape you will help some nice folks who could use that helping hand by your participation.  Registration is now open for the Sky Rise Chicago so sign up or consider one of the other climbs that I listed above.  If you are not interested in doing the actual ascent you can participate by making a donation to a friend that will be doing the climb.

Finally you may be wondering what has this article to do with all things bridal?  The simple answer is that both the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Observatory have awesome packages for proposals and weddings.  What a fantastic location to pop the question or to say your I do’s!

And remember don’t forget to tell Ma that we will see her “at the top!!!”  Happy Climbing!

Man About Town has lived in Chicago most of his life, is recently hitched and forgets more than you will ever know about… well, anything!  He is on a weekly search for all things interesting to guys (well, and the ladies too!).

S-E-X Articles ~ Poll Results

We want to thank our fabulous writers for all their amazing S-E-X articles from August 19!  It was a fun and adventurous day of reading for theBrideScoop readers!!!

If you have not read their submissions, please click below for each article:
- Bobby Brooks:  Take Your Sex Game Up A Notch
- From the Editor:  What does sexy look like?
- Gourmet Rambler:  FOOD FRIDAY: Edible Aphrodisiacs = More Sex?
- Jim Knoes:  Farmers Market ~ A Bedtime Noir
- Himmel Ink:  Sex & Love Advice for My Unborn Son
- Man About Town:  Getting a Handle on a Good Time
- Michael Faltum:  The Sex Talk (with my Editor)
- Paul Saini:  Get Sexy! Bridal Boudoir Photography
- TraveLin:  Sexy Sail Haiku
- Travel Messiah:  Spice up your sex life with travel!

Drum roll please!

CONGRATULATIONS to Travel Messiah a/k/a Beth Smith of C’est Beth Personal Travel Assistant.  And close follow ups:  Michael Faltum and Gourmet Rambler!

We look forward to another special day of writings in September.  Stay tuned.

POLL: What was your favorite S-E-X article?

WOW!!!  We were surprised and thrilled with the AMAZING variety of thoughts and actions of S-E-X theBrideScoop writers came up with this Friday!

Please let your friends know about theBrideScoop and vote for your favorite!!!  Voting will be open until next Friday, August 26, 2011, at midnight CST.

Man About Town: Getting a Handle on a Good Time

Masturbation
Can be fun
Join the holy orgy
Kama Sutra
Everyone!
(Lyrics from Hair)

By definition masturbation simply refers to the sexual stimulation of a person’s own genitals to the point of orgasm.  The stimulation can be performed manually, by use of objects or tools or by a combination of these methods thus a common form of auto-eroticism.  Masturbation with a partner is also a common practice and can add some spice to your relationship with your wife, partner, lover or that one night stand you met last night!

Getting a Handle on a Good Time (Photo from www.gev.com)

Although both men and women do it I will focus on what I know best and therefore this post is for all of us guys.  There are so many rather colorful and even comical terms for the act of masturbation such as “choke the chicken”, “diddle the fiddle” , “jerking off” and, of course, the ever popular “spank the monkey”!

Masturbation is a natural act and is not evil, dirty or nasty.  Many of us have heard from the first time as a little boy not to play with it and to never masturbate because you could go blind or even grow hairy palms.  Sounds ridiculous but sadly we have all heard these familiar scoldings as we grew up and matured into healthy sexually active men.  However, many men have been psychologically scared by these parental warnings to the point that it has hindered their adult sex lives.  The simple truth is that most men do masturbate on a regular basis and some much more than others.  It simply depends on the guy and the strength of his libido.

How often do we men think about sex?  According to researchers at the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction at Indiana University, men think about sex ALL THE TIME.  However, what they meant was that 54% of men think about sex several times a day compared with just 19% of women.  Dr. Louann Brizendine, author of “The Female Brain”, writes in her book that men think about sex every 52 seconds, while women think about sex just once a day.  That being said… how in the world can us guys get any work done?  Every 52 seconds is an over the top exaggeration – not to mention we think about a lot of other topics such as sports, work, food, cars, etc.  She goes on to state that this wide disparity between men and women is the result of basic neurological differences and, of course, hormones.  Testosterone rages through our bodies causing us to have sexual thoughts at the drop of a hat.  We are wired for sex.  The issue to remember is not to replace regular sex with your partner for masturbation.

Masturbation is a natural human act and it has been known and performed since time began.  Asking who discovered it is like asking, “Who started breathing?”  Remember there is nothing shameful about the act in itself so go ahead and get a handle on it and let the good times flow!

Man About Town has lived in Chicago most of his life, is recently hitched and forgets more than you will ever know about… well, anything!  He is on a weekly search for all things interesting to guys (well, and the ladies too!).

If You Are Looking For S-E-X, Come Back Tomorrow

If you are looking for S-E-X, well… CONGRATS!  You found the most amazing S-E-X.  But there is always a catch, right?  You must come back Friday, August 19.  Our writers are sharing their thoughts on the fairer sex and some great sexy tips they learned along the way.

S-E-X (Photo from www.123rf.com)

As with all S-E-X, everyone is doing it differently.  Will you be amused?  Probably.  Will you be shocked?  Possibly.  Will you want to check in all day on Friday to see what is next?  ABSOLUTELY!!!

Look up S-E-X in the Dictionary

In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, S-E-X as a noun is defined as:
1)  either of the two major forms of individuals that occur in many species and that are distinguished respectively as female or male especially on the basis of their reproductive organs and structures
2)  the sum of the structural, functional, and behavioral characteristics of organisms that are involved in reproduction marked by the union of gametes and that distinguish males and females
3)  sexually motivated phenomena or behavior

S-E-X as a verb is defined as:
1)  to identify the sex of newborn chicks
2)  to increase the sexual appeal of – often used with up
3)  to arouse the sexual desires of

S-E-X (Photo from www.123rf.com)

As with all S-E-X, everyone is doing it differently.  Will you be amused?  Probably.  Will you be shocked?  Possibly.  Will you want to check in all day on Friday to see what is next?  ABSOLUTELY!!!

Let’s Talk About S-E-X, Baby!!!

Just a little sexy ~ albeit friendly ~ reminder that theBrideScoop writers are taking over FOOD FRIDAY on August 19th and they are all sharing something professional, personal or scandalous about S-E-X!!!

S-E-X (Photo from www.123rf.com)

As with all S-E-X, everyone is doing it differently.  Will you be amused?  Probably.  Will you be shocked?  Possibly.  Will you want to check in all day on Friday to see what is next?  ABSOLUTELY!!!

S-E-X Takes Over FOOD FRIDAY This Week!

Our writers are taking over this Friday and they are talking S-E-X!

S-E-X (Photo from www.123rf.com)

As with all S-E-X, everyone is doing it differently.  Will you be amused?  Probably.  Will you be shocked?  Possibly.  Will you want to check in all day on Friday, September 19, to see what is next?  ABSOLUTELY!!!

Man About Town: Bringing Back the Hat

I personally have always liked hats on both men and women and often wear a hat not only in our brutal, long Chicago winters but also in the summer to shield my head from the sun.

Up until the 1950’s, men were rarely seen out and about without a hat but since then, the wearing of hats took a major decline.  Although it is an urban legend some say it was because JFK did not wear a hat to his inauguration thus branding the wearing of hats as uncool.  However, he did wear a hat en route to the ceremony but removed his hat before his address.  Another example of how a celebrity could have caused the decline of a piece of male clothing was when Clark Gable bared his chest in the movie “It Happened One Night” thus killing the undershirt industry.  More probably than not both examples were simply victims of circumstance.

Justin Timberlake (Photo from www.idknada.wordpress.com)

During the 1960’s, youth ruled and conformity was the enemy and young guys didn’t wear hats as wearing a hat was seen as something “old men” did.  Also the decline of wearing hats simply can be traced to changing styles.  Now possibly due to the suave gentlemen of Mad Men the wearing of hats for men are now due for a full recovery.  A world where everyone looks like Don Draper doesn’t sound so bad to me.

Ne-Yo (Photo from www.openentrance.com)

Just why do we men wear hats?  There are really many reasons as hats are both functional and stylish.  Reasons for wearing hats include everything from covering a bad hair day and the curse of baldness, keeping our heads warm and shading our eyes from the sun.  I think many of us wear hats just to be cool.  Hats do give us a touch of class and an air of sophistication (that is, if we wear the right hat!).  Also, hats can impart personality and add an interesting and unique accent to your outfits.

Johnny Depp (Photo from www.flavorwire.com)

Some men seem to look better in hats than others and the main reason is that they fit the hat to their face type.  For example, a man with a square face should wear a medium full crown hat, which should be rounded rather than square.  A tapered crown would emphasize a jaw, a square crown would make the whole effect too massive , so avoid both.  Knowing your face type be it long and slender, square, pear-shaped or a deep full face this knowledge will help you in deciding what type of hat works best for you.

In closing, consider these points in making your hat selection:
- Pick what’s comfortable and makes you feel confident
- Crown height and brim width should not overwhelm your face and build
- Fit the hat to your personality and personal style
- Please remember and take note there are many hat styles to consider other than your favorite baseball cap

Finally, get out there guys and show the world your personality and style with attitude!

Man About Town has lived in Chicago most of his life, is recently hitched and forgets more than you will ever know about… well, anything!  He is on a weekly search for all things interesting to guys (well, and the ladies too!).

Man About Town: So you think you can dance?!?!

It’s time again for the Chicago Summer Dance series as it presents its most musically diverse lineup ever and will also include a nostalgic evening celebrating Soul Train’s 40th anniversary this Saturday, July 23.  This program is presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events have been promoting 15 years of FREE dancing downtown in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park at 601 South Michigan Avenue.

Additionally, Summer Dance events are presented throughout the city on Wednesdays through September 7.  Dance lessons are from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with live music and dancing from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  For more details and times at the various locations call (312) 742-PLAY or check out Chicago Park District.

Chicago Summer Dance (Photo from www.explorechicago.org)

Be sure to check out Chicago Summer Dance at Navy Pier for dancing and the best view of the Pier’s weekly fireworks on Wednesday, August 24, at 9:30 p.m.  Simply head on down to the Navy Pier Beer Garden to shake your booty.  Take advantage of the free dance lessons to learn some new steps and be the pride of the dance floor.  All types of dance lessons are offered from Swing, Salsa, Cajun, Cha-Cha, various folk dances, Tango, Cumbia, Two-Step and more.

Simply put there is a dance style for everyone to learn and enjoy.  There is a wonderful diverse musical lineup of musicians which include The Flat Cats, Charanga Tropical, The Hoyle Brothers, DJ Casper, the Steve Cooper Orchestra, Por Juana, Bonne Chance, Debo Band, Matuto and more.  For a full listing of musical groups, check out Chicago Summer Dance.

In the event of inclement weather, lessons are canceled.  Check hotline and Twitter for updates and note that the schedule is subject to change.  Always check so not to be disappointed on that particular night you really wanted to learn the Tango.

So what are you waiting for?!?!  Let’s get out on the floor and shake our tail feathers???

Man About Town has lived in Chicago most of his life, is recently hitched and forgets more than you will ever know about… well, anything!  He is on a weekly search for all things interesting to guys (well, and the ladies too!).

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