New Year Fitness: How About Climbing a Skyscraper?

The oft-quoted fitness advice of taking the stairs instead of the elevator takes on a whole new meaning with these two events. Race, climb, or sweat, stagger and pant up one of downtown Minneapolis' skyscrapers to raise money for charity.

On January 31, the American Lung Association presents Race Up the Place at the Accenture Tower in downtown Minneapolis, which has 660 steps to the top.

Consider that a warm-up for the following Saturday. On February 7, the Climb for a Cure race to benefit Cystic Fibrosis research is being held at the IDS tower, the tallest skyscraper in Minnesota with 1,280 steps. The reward for this one? An afterparty and a great view in Windows on Minnesota, the restaurant at the top of the IDS Center.

Participants can take part as individuals, or gather friends or collegues and join in as a team. You'll need to raise a certain amount of money in pledges to take part in these events. What a great way to do something active out of the cold, and raise money for one, or even both, great causes.

_{The IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis. Photo (c) Clara James}