Wayne Hunkins
/Do you go by a nickname? Sam
Birthdate: 30 September 1935
What is your occupation? Attorney in the process of retiring
What/when was your first climb? February 2013: Empire State Building
How many climbs have you completed? More than twenty.
Why/how did you start? Had a problem getting up from the floor. Have a couple of friends my age who are so feeble they have trouble getting in and out of a car. I decided I was just plain not going there.
Do you have a favorite climb? Why? Empire State. First
Least favorite climb? Why? Austin, Tx. Went by myself.
Why do you climb? Because it is the only heavy cardio that does not seem to have some serious negative consequence. [for me]
Are there other sports you’re passionate about? Fishing
Did you have injuries or issues you needed to overcome to climb? Poor lungs from 5 years of smoking.
How do you train? Gym regularly and climbs about 2.5 times a week. I climb several parking structures. Up the stairway and down the elevator. Usually open 24/7. Occaisional tall bldg and the Baldwin Hills Overlook. A typical morning climb would be about 100 floors.
Who inspires you? My mother who was active past 100.
Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? None other than I have found a 10 to 12 floor climb 45 minutes before the climb works wonders.
If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 14
What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Use it or lose it. Med studies show that most elderly persons can improve their mobility and function substantially by simple regular exercise.