Ned Greene
/Birthdate: 30 May 1944
Occupation: Dentist at Lincoln VA
First Climb: 2009, Trek Up The Tower, Omaha. Have done this every year since (8 times).
How many climbs have you completed? About 30.
Why/how did you start? I started stair climbing in earnest when I had to stop running because of extensive back problems. I used to run one marathon per year, plus Boston several times. Stair climbing does not bother by poor back...
Do you have a favorite climb? Why? Willis Tower is my favorite because it is long. Older people due better at endurance events, rather than shorter sprint type events.
Least favorite climb? Why? So far it is the Stratosphere, because I didn't know how to pace myself very well, and I didn't like waiting in that wind tunnel for 30 min.
Why do you climb? What is the one thing everyone needs? A purpose! Stair climbing gives me a purpose...a purpose to train hard, and a purpose to be good at something. I want to be good at something that is athletic and health related.
Are there other sports you're passionate about? I love road biking! Especially biking uphill. Biking and stair climbing go very well together. My most important event every year is the Mt. Evans Hill Climb in Colorado. Stair climbing makes me a better uphill biker, which in turn...makes me a better stair climbing...another purpose! Like stairs, biking (cycling) is great for lower back problems!
How do you train? Running real stairs (16 flights) 2-3 times a week, and StairMaster stair stepper at the health club, 2-3 times a week. Harder on the week-ends because of more time. Starting about now, I am slowly transitioning to more biking, and will start training for the Willis Tower in Early September.
Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? I guess is my special energy drink that I mix-up!
What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I like to listen to Eminem.